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What is Adverse Yaw and How Does it Affect Flying?

Adverse Yaw - California Aeronautical University

Adverse yaw is a reality of flying that each pilot must learn to combat in order to successfully fly safely and effectively. [lwptoc skipHeadingLevel=”h3″] Adverse yaw is the tendency of an airplane, when turning and banked, to go the opposite direction. The way an airplane banks is by deflecting its ailerons. The ailerons are the hinged part …

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The Basics of Aircraft Axes: Pitch, Yaw and Roll

Aircraft Axes Pitch Yaw and Roll - California Aeronautical University

While in the process of accomplishing a private certificate, pilots delve into the intricacies of aeronautics throughout ground school. It is crucial to learn about and understand aircraft axes, specifically pitch, yaw, roll, and the basic forces imposing themselves on an aircraft, along with how to work with them, rather than against them. Pilots who do so …

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The Airplane Transponder

Airplane Transponder - CAU

Beyond the amazing aeronautical and thrust design developments we have pursued since the Wright brothers, arguably the next greatest development in aviation has been in electronic communications, including nonverbal communication such as the transponder.  The privilege of talking over a radio or transponder keys and speaking directly and instantaneously with air traffic control (ATC) or …

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The Basics of the Cockpit Of a Plane

Basics of the Cockpit - CAU

The cockpit of even the smallest and simplest airplane can be an overwhelming place. Fortunately, the most “hands-on” elements of the cockpit—those which enable the pilot to direct the airplane’s actual movement from taxiing to landing—are usually similar from one cockpit design to another. Even if a new single-engine student pilot had never seen the …

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5 Types of Altitude in Aviation

5 Types of Altitude in Aviation - CAU

Altitude is a critical aspect of aviation, as it refers to the height of an aircraft above sea level. Pilots must understand and use different types of altitude to navigate the skies safely and efficiently. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of altitude in aviation and their importance for pilots. By …

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AIRMET vs SIGMET: What You Need to Know

AIRMET vs SIGMET - California Aeronautical University

When flying, it’s important to know the difference between AIRMET vs SIGMET, and what to do when alerted of one. Here’s what each pilot should know. [lwptoc title=”CONTENTS:” labelHide=”hide” float=”none” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”18px” skipHeadingLevel=”h3,h4″] One of the first aspects about aviation that student pilots usually learn is that weather awareness is a massive aspect of flight. …

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Everything You Need to Know About the Mode C Veil 

mode c veil - CAU

The transponders that you find on aircraft can have a few variances based on who manufactured them and how they are installed. However, they should all have a few basic settings that are standard – and necessary.    One such setting is a special mode that will let air traffic control and other aircraft in the …

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Wing Flaps: How Do They Function and What Is Their Purpose?

Wing Flaps Function and Purpose - cau

The first step to growing as a safe and competent pilot is to fully understand how an aircraft works. This includes understanding every part of an airplane, especially its control surfaces and how they affect performance. Fully comprehending the ways in which various sections of the airplane affect aerodynamics, as well as how the laws …

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What Are Aviation V-Speeds?

What Are Aviation V-Speeds? - CAU

Many English-speaking people think that “V” stands for Velocity, which is generally correct. But another French aviation phrase, “Vitesse” – which means “speed” – is represented by the letter “V” in V-Speed.  The FAA requires that aircraft manufacturers provide certain V-speeds to ensure the safest and most efficient flow of air traffic. They are standard …

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Pressure Altitude vs. Density Altitude: What’s the Difference?

Pressure Altitude vs. Density Altitude - California Aeronautical University

Understanding pressure altitude vs. density altitude is an important factor in becoming a safe, well-rounded pilot. [lwptoc skipHeadingLevel=”h4″] Many student pilots are confused by the difference between pressure altitude and density altitude.  Understanding which is which will help you better understand the forces acting upon your aircraft; a well-educated pilot can then adjust accordingly, especially …

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How High Do Commercial Planes Fly?  

How high do commercial planes fly - CAU

As an aviation student, you will learn a lot about the significant role that altitude plays in flying an aircraft. There are, after all, different altitudes and different reasons why you would choose to fly within each one.   The FAA and ATC officials plan carefully to make sure that every aircraft takes off, lands, and …

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How to Read an Altimeter

how to read an altimeter - CAU

Pilots have a lot of different types of equipment they have to learn about – especially when it comes to the instruments on their dash. Knowing what everything is and how to utilize it properly allows them to safely handle their aircraft. To prepare you for a future in aviation, there are many things you are …

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What is a Turboprop?

what is a turboprop - california aeronautical university

Turboprops play a significant role in aviation, often used for regional or short-haul flights. The power behind these small to mid-sized aircraft may seem a bit basic, but it is actually quite complex and note-worthy.   Here we will take a closer look at turboprops, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and why they continuously …

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