Plane and Pilot

MAY 3, 2025

Lets go back to that time in postwar GA when the sands shifted quickly. The Ercoupe was designed with only two controls, roll and pitch, so it couldnt be kicked out in a crosswindit had to withstand landing in a crab. There were 23 runway loss of control (RLOC) events. The rich can dream of jets and warbirds.

Approach 71

Approach Airplanes Stability Weight-Shift-Control 71

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights. Smaller aircraft may only have short field landing distances for maximum gross weight. This is because there is less airflow over the control surfaces.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 12, 2025

He has always loved aviation, noting there are pictures of him as a toddler with a toy aircraft, and he grew up flying line-controlled models. I am happy to report I didnt need a back cushion to reach the rudders, but I took care not to get anywhere near the brakes or let the toes of my sneakers compromise control cables.

Weight-Shift-Control 90

Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Airplanes Gross Weight 90