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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

Pilots avoid vortices by maintaining safe separation and adjusting flight paths. Vortex size is also affected by proximity to the ground. If youre flying low enough to be in ground effect, the vortex isnt able to fully develop. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence.

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Let’s Play it Safe

Plane and Pilot

A pilot friend and I decided to fly my 1976 Cardinal over to Sedona Airport (KZEZ) for a late lunch. First, the runway had a marked upslope after the intersection, and second, my trusty Cardinal was not climbing away from the ground like I planned. So, what was a pilot new to the high and hot world of density altitude flying to do?

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Comprehensive List of Trainer Aircraft for Student Aviators

Pilot's Life Blog

Let’s walk through the planes that help shape great pilots. At Leopard Aviation, we look for a few key traits in any aircraft we use to train new pilots. Primary Trainer Aircraft (Used in Private Pilot Training) Cessna 172 Skyhawk The most widely used aircraft in pilot training, the Cessna 172 is a staple in our fleet.

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Jeju Air flight 2216

Fear of Landing

This was done early in the program (737-100/200) because it was discovered the 737 was prone to float in ground effect enough that it could prevent WoW from going true after touchdown – same with wheel speed. In other words, it’s highly unlikely that pilots were attempting a go-around after touchdown.

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Accident Briefs—July 2025

Plane and Pilot

The pilot said he refueled the airplane the day before the accident and checked the fuel level during his preflight inspection the following morning. The pilot made a forced landing in the ocean just offshore of the beach, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Probable cause(s): A loss of power due to fuel exhaustion.

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Los Angeles City Fire Dept Air Operations

Professional Pilot

By Justin Marchand Contributing Writer Standing ready to support a full range of missions are (L–R) Pilot Kyle Brantner, Aeromedic Dave Hernandez, Section Commander Brett Willis, Pilot Johnny Romero, Chief Pilot Dan Child, Lead Pilot Jorge Arevalo, and Aeromedic Dominic Marquis with a Leonardo AW139 and a Bell 505.

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Convair F-106 Delta Dart

Vintage Aviation News

On December 26, 1956, Convair’s chief test pilot Richard Lowe Johnson took in 56-451 for the F-106’s maiden flight. On December 15, 1959, Air Force test pilot Major Joseph W. At that point, the third pilot in the air, Major James Jim Lowe, called out to Foust over the radio, “Gary, youd better get back in it.”