Posts | Flight-Study

Drift and Ground Track Control – Airplane Ground Reference Maneuver

Wind direction and velocity variations create the need for flightpath corrections during a ground reference maneuver. In a similar way that water currents affect the progress of a boat or ship, wind directly influences the path that the airplane travels in reference to the ground. Whenever the airplane is in flight, the movement of the […]

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Ground Reference Maneuvers

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

During initial training, pilots learn how various flight control pressure inputs affect the airplane. After achieving a sufficient level of competence, the pilot is ready to apply this skill and maintain the airplane, not only at the correct attitude and power configuration, but also along an appropriate course relative to objects on the ground. This

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Ground Reference Maneuvers

Maneuvering by Reference to Ground Objects

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

Ground reference maneuvers train the pilot to accurately place the airplane in relationship to specific references and maintain a desired ground track. While vision is the most utilized sense, other senses are actively involved at different levels. For example, the amount of pressure needed to overcome flight control surface forces provides tactile feedback as to

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Ground Reference Maneuvers

Airplane Rejected Takeoff/Engine Failure and Noise Abatement

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

Rejected Takeoff/Engine Failure Emergency or abnormal situations can occur during a takeoff that require a pilot to reject the takeoff while still on the runway. Circumstances such as a malfunctioning powerplant, inadequate acceleration, runway incursion, or air traffic conflict may be reasons for a rejected takeoff. Prior to takeoff, the pilot should identify a point

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Takeoffs and Departure Climbs

Airplane Soft/Rough-Field Takeoff and Climb

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

Takeoffs and climbs from soft fields require the use of operational techniques for getting the airplane airborne as quickly as possible to eliminate the drag caused by tall grass, soft sand, mud, and snow and may require climbing over an obstacle. The technique makes judicious use of ground effect to reduce landing gear drag and

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Takeoffs and Departure Climbs

Airplane Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

When performing takeoffs and climbs from fields where the takeoff area is short or the available takeoff area is restricted by obstructions, the pilot should operate the airplane at the maximum limit of its takeoff performance capabilities. To depart from such an area safely, the pilot needs to exercise positive and precise control of airplane

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Takeoffs and Departure Climbs

Ground Effect on Takeoff

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

Ground effect is a condition of improved performance encountered when the airplane is operating very close to the ground. Ground effect can be detected and normally occurs up to an altitude equal to one wingspan above the surface. [Figure] Ground effect is most significant when the airplane maintains a constant attitude at low airspeed at

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Takeoffs and Departure Climbs

Airplane Crosswind Takeoff

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

While it is usually preferable to take off directly into the wind whenever possible or practical, there are many instances when circumstances or judgment indicate otherwise. Therefore, the pilot must be familiar with the principles and techniques involved in crosswind takeoffs, as well as those for normal takeoffs. A crosswind affects the airplane during takeoff

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Takeoffs and Departure Climbs

Airplane initial roll and takeoff attitude

Airplane Normal Takeoff

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

A normal takeoff is one in which the airplane is headed into the wind; there are times that a takeoff with a tail wind is necessary. However, the pilot should consult the POH/AFM to ensure the aircraft is approved for a takeoff with a tail wind and that there is sufficient performance and runway length

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Takeoffs and Departure Climbs

Checks Prior to Takeoff an Airplane

Airplane Flying, Flying Training

Before going to the airplane, the pilot should check the POH/AFM performance charts to determine the predicted performance and decide if the airplane is capable of a safe takeoff and climb for the conditions and location. [Figure] High density altitudes reduce engine and propeller performance, increase takeoff rolls, and decrease climb performance. A more detailed

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Takeoffs and Departure Climbs