Why You Should Not HATE Ground Effect! 

I guess the issue is, when you have a bit of extra speed, what should be done then to break out of floating half the runway, as drag is reduced on the airplane due to ground effect

ground effect just makes my landing unpredictable LOL (sometimes)

Great video!!! Getting the wheels low (almost skimming) during the roundout is one of the best pieces of advice anyone could give to use ground effect to get a smooth touchdown. I'm a basic instructor from Australia, but I have a healthy respect for a consistency when performing all circuits. A bad circuit resulting in a poor finals setup will not be conducive to a good landing. I love this topic. There is so much to learn.

Good topic, Josh, and good lesson. Ground effect is not only our friend, it can be our savior. Ground effect is energy. When managed well, both on takeoff and landing, it can be our salvation. Vso is an out of ground effect number that has nothing to do with takeoff or landing. The airplane will fly level in low ground effect well below Vso. If the basic acceleration level in low ground effect takeoff is default, that extra free energy can make a poorly planned takeoff followed by engine failure survivable. That is why I had the extra (Vcc or more) airspeed for maneuverability during eleven engine failures either on takeoff or coming out of the crop field after a spray run level in low ground effect. So, yes, the airplane will also fly level in low ground effect well below Vso during the deceleration and hold off phase of landing. What you demonstrated here, Josh, is a big advantage from using ground effect wisely. We can realize even more from ground effect during the deceleration without round out and hold off, as taught by Wolfgang Langewiesche in "Stick and Rudder" on page 302. "The 'stall-down' landing requires that you blend the approach glide, the flare-out, and the slowing up of the airplane all into one maneuver so that, when you arrive at ground level, you arrive in three-point attitude, all slowed up and ready to squat." So how can Wolfgang decelerate enough to arrive at ground level in a three point attitude, all slowed up (below Vso) and ready to squat? He is using high ground effect to begin flare, middle ground effect to increase pitch attitude, and low ground effect to pitch to a three point attitude. And he is not even using the engine. Bad carbs in those days caused the engine to cough and then run again but scary. Using deceleration on short final to achieve sink and power to manage that sink brings the throttle into dynamic play as an extremely accurate glide angle and rate of descent control so that we arrive at the desired touchdown spot below Vso and thus having the ability to land. Ah, but ACS. What you are teaching will manage ground effect well, Josh, and also meet standards. Wolfgang's will meet those standards as well, but the DPE will freak because he is watching the airspeed that neither Wolfgang nor I ever used in that phase of landing. We are actually looking outside at the spot and down the runway. If we or the DPE demand 1.3 Vso to the fence, we cannot land on the beginning of the runway which was normal before PTS. Also there were fewer LOC from messed up go around in those days. Again, ground effect is our friend. It allows us to decelerate before flying well down the runway. And it exists out in the grass before the beginning of the runway. Again, good topic and lesson. Don't let the grumpy old crop duster mess with your mind. Also try dynamic proactive rudder only rather than dynamic proactive (little Dutch rolls) little coordinated turns to nail runway alignment. I guarantee you will like it, especially in gusty winds.

Ok Captain, in that case I can't hardly wait. Cheers,

So happy to see 48X still around. As one of the previous owners it was an amazing bird. Brought it down south from Indianapolis. ☺️

You are our master pilot, sir, thank you for teaching us the science of aviation.😊😊😊 

Josh IdK how much to thank you ! I passed my PPL today ! Trust me your channels helped me a lot ! I have been studying for the oral through your videos , I watched all of your 60 ground course videos on repeat ! And thanks ! Cant wait for your instrument series😁

Outstanding!

Hi Josh!! I have been watching your channel since October last year when I began studying for my PPL. I left a comment about a month ago that I just soloed for the first time. Today I am so happy to let you know I passed my written on Sunday and my CHECKRIDE on Wednesday!!!! I am a private pilot now! I am leaving this comment so you know you’re making a huge impact on the next generation of pilots. You have been such an amazing resource! Thank you for all you do.

Awesome video..🤛

Great tips, Josh! Always love seeing the math as it really helps to make the point.

Love your videos! As a student pilot your videos have made a lot of topics so easy to understand. Thanks again!

Excellent video Josh. Short and to the point. Keep up the excellent work. Safe skies my friend 🇺🇸🛩️

I think I have a bunch of video ideas. What do I do if I need to deviate from my flight plan to use the restroom. How does parking work? How much does parking cost? Plane reviews Ground school reviews Cost of plane fuel. How to do a cross country flight What to do if you have kids? How to refuel a plane How to find a mechanic I think these topics are some of the questions that new or potential new pilots get intimidated about. The what’s ifs, what to dos and processes for trips and maybe a walk through how to do the things that are unknown or intimidating. Feedback?

Great video Josh! I actually like having ground effect. I don't mind floating so long as there is sufficient runway. I do not like plopping in. One of the biggest struggles here is having a good sense of how close you are to the ground and flaring at just the right moment.

🛫📖🛬 Happy Thanksgiving Josh. Always enjoy everything you upload. 📖🛐✈️

Nice share

Hi thanks for a great informational video!!! BTW what type of aircraft do you have on your hat in this video. I am a flexing pilot and that is what it the aircraft looks like on your hat .

Can you apply a ceramic coating to your plane? Do you detail or clean the plane regularly? What plane would I need for my 3 sons and wife? What websites do I go to to find a plane? What’s a good maintenance budget? What maintenances can I do and how to perform them

I wasn't referring to your father in law. I was speaking of big dark and Hairy. LOL Captain. I am a retired CMBTC.Have I missed your training on T Routes? 😢

Wanted to ask what you thought about 7348j after the engine upgrade. From passing my check ride it’s gone from scary low climb rate to a climbing monster

I have a quick question, I'm currently on the path to become an airline pilot but I'm 26 and have the extreme urge to join the air force and try to fly fighters while I'm still of the age to do it. How hard is it to be selected as a fighter pilot in flight training and is the pay really that low compared to the airlines? Also are there even that many slots available for fighter pilots because if its way more likely that I would fly the C-130's (although its a great plane) i would rather just go to the airlines.

👍

Ok Captain, Let's talk about the elephant 🐘 or rather your co-pilot with the deep voice. Check 6

Hello! I want to be an Airline Pilot, but I recently read that pilots are exposed to large amounts of Radiation. Is this something that I, and other pilots should be concerned about?

Happy holidays - went to donate to you on PayPal and your link is broken!

Ground effect = Law of gravity? 😂