Category Archives: Flight Instructing

More on G and the Envelope

Yesterday, in G-Loads and the Envelope, I explained the basics of the Vgn diagram and the limits of the operational categories. Today we’ll discuss more about what it means to operate within the envelope. First, its all about what the wing … Continue reading

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G-Loads and the Envelope

When I learned how to fly in 1971, I was a kid who really did not know much about anything, but thought I knew everything.  When it came to airplanes and flying, I knew even less than I realized.  When … Continue reading

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Learning How to Land

This one is for all the students trying to master the technique of bringing an airplane back to earth.  This is from the notes I kept when I was trying to learn how to land. ———————– Now, how does one … Continue reading

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Takeoffs and Climbs

Yesterday I touched on the theory of the different kinds of climbs.  I discussed the best-rate of climb (Vy) and the best-angle of climb (Vx).  Today, let’s talk about how we use the appropriate climb speed for given situations. Most … Continue reading

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Climb Speeds

Aircraft have different climbing speeds.  One is appropriate for getting the aircraft up to altitude as quickly as possible and the other is for gaining the most altitude in the least amount of lateral distance.  There is another speed, referred … Continue reading

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Misconceptions About Landing

Wednesday, I wrote about a pilot flying a light twin who made a hot approach and floated down the runway.  I think there are many pilots who carry misconceptions about flying into the cockpit with them when they learn how … Continue reading

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Crosswind Landings

We were leaving school about 6:30 in the evening.  I was with my wife and one of our authors—they had been working on a book while I was teaching school and we agreed to give him a lift home afterward.  … Continue reading

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Back in the Old Days

The old days.  What is the definition of “the old days?”  It depends on your point of view, that point of view being age.  If you are young, the old days were back in kindergarten, perhaps.  If you are in … Continue reading

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Why Should You Teach?

Why is it important for new pilots to teach younger pilots?  Many young pilots question why they should teach others how to fly.  For whatever reason, they fail to understand the concept that in teaching others, what you are really … Continue reading

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The Aeronca Champ

The Aeronca Champ is one of the most classic of airplanes from the 1940s. As with most of the old airplanes from that era, the Champ was able to fly based on a very fine balance between large wing area … Continue reading

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