Explore airplane flying techniques, flight training procedures, and practical aircraft operations. Learn about basic flight maneuvers, flight controls, ground operations, takeoffs, approaches and landings, performance maneuvers, night operations, emergency procedures, and upset prevention and recovery. Discover the operating characteristics of different airplane types, including complex, multiengine, tailwheel, turbopropeller-powered, and jet-powered aircraft. These resources provide pilots and student pilots with essential knowledge and practical guidance for developing flying skills, improving aircraft handling, and conducting safe and efficient flight operations.
The turbopropeller-powered airplane flies and handles just like any other airplane of comparable size and weight, since the aerodynamics are the same. The major differences between flying a turboprop and other non-turbine-powered airplanes are found in the handling of the airplane’s powerplant and its associated systems, which are unique to gas turbine engines. The turbopropellerpowered … Read more
Due to their design and structure, tailwheel airplanes (tailwheels) exhibit operational and handling characteristics different from those of tricycle-gear airplanes (nose-wheels). [Figure 1] A few aircraft, primarily antique and experimental, may have a tailskid instead of a tailwheel. The same principles discussed in this section usually apply to tailskid. In general, tailwheels are less forgiving … Read more
Slow Flight There is nothing unusual about maneuvering during slow flight in a multiengine airplane. Slow flight may be conducted in straightand-level flight, turns, climbs, or descents. It can also be conducted in the clean configuration, landing configuration, or at any other combination of landing gear and flaps. Slow flight in a multiengine airplane should … Read more
There are two main considerations for OEI operations—performance and control. Multiengine pilots learn to operate the airplane for maximum rate of climb performance at the blue radial indicated airspeed by training to fly without sideslip. Pilots also learn to recognize and recover from loss of directional control associated with the red radial indicated airspeed by … Read more
Low Altitude Engine Failure Scenarios In OEI flight at low altitudes and airspeeds such as the initial climb after takeoff, pilots should operate the airplane so as to guard against the three major accident factors: (1) loss of directional control, (2) loss of performance, and (3) loss of flying speed. All have equal potential to … Read more
Go-Around When the decision to go around is made, the throttles should be advanced to takeoff power. With adequate airspeed, the airplane should be placed in a climb pitch attitude. These actions, which are accomplished simultaneously, arrest the sink rate and place the airplane in the proper attitude for transition to a climb. The initial … Read more
Short-Field Takeoff and Climb The short-field takeoff and climb differs from the normal takeoff and climb in the airspeeds and initial climb profile. Some AFM/POHs give separate short-field takeoff procedures and performance charts that recommend specific flap settings and airspeeds. Other AFM/POHs do not provide separate short-field procedures. In the absence of such specific procedures, … Read more
The multiengine airplane is often easier to land in a crosswind than a single-engine airplane due to its higher approach and landing speed. In any event, the principles are no different between singles and twins. Prior to touchdown, the longitudinal axis must be aligned with the runway centerline to avoid landing gear side loads. The … Read more
Given the higher cruising speed (and frequently altitude) of multiengine airplanes over most single-engine airplanes, the descent needs to be planned in advance. A hurried, last minute descent with power at or near idle is inefficient and can cause excessive engine cooling. It may also lead to passenger discomfort, particularly if the airplane is unpressurized. … Read more
After completing the before takeoff checklist and pre-takeoff safety brief, and after receiving an air traffic control (ATC) clearance (if applicable), the pilot should check for approaching aircraft and line up on the runway centerline. If departing from an airport without an operating control tower, the pilot should listen on the appropriate frequency, make a … Read more