Aerotime

APRIL 3, 2025

The automatic pilot (autopilot) has to be one of aviations finest technological inventions. Largely gone are the days when pilots had to manually control their aircraft from engine start-up to shut down by keeping their hands rigidly fixed on the controls at all times. What is an autopilot?

Weight-Shift-Control 301

Weight-Shift-Control Cockpit Pilot Stability 301

Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

How does it turn or climb without the usual control surfaces? Despite their lack of horizontal control surfaces, tailless aircraft are designed to be stable. With this type of aircraft, the functions of longitudinal stability and control are incorporated into the main wing. Ever wondered how it stays balanced?

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

Vintage Aviation News

JANUARY 5, 2025

During the First World War, many companies that produced peacetime products shifted towards contributing to the war effort. To lead Sage’s aeronautical department, the company hired gliding pioneer and test pilot Eric Gordon England, and designer Clifford Tinson. England and Tinson responded with the Sage Type 3.

Weight-Shift-Control 98

Weight-Shift-Control Tail Airplanes Rudder 98

Plane and Pilot

MAY 3, 2025

Lets go back to that time in postwar GA when the sands shifted quickly. Fearsome metal airplanes helped win a global conflict, yet pilots came home to variations on prewar designs of tube-and-fabric construction and modest performance. Oregon pilot Randy Widell agrees. The rich can dream of jets and warbirds.

Approach 73

Approach Airplanes Stability Weight-Shift-Control 73

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. Have you ever wondered how pilots keep control at high speeds, during stalls, or even when systems fail? Key Takeaways Ailerons control the aircrafts roll by adjusting lift on each wing.

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Even the best of pilots can mess up sometimes. But for new pilots, it can be tough to figure out where it all went wrong. Watch out for some common mistakes, such as over-controlling and reacting incorrectly to visual cues. Your aircraft may have recommended V-ref speeds for different aircraft weights.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Short field landings are a true test of a pilot’s skill. They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Whether you’re new to short field landings or a pilot needing a refresher, this essential guide is for you. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent 52