Private Pilot Private Exam

When is floating due to ground effect most realized during landing?

1. At the moment of touchdown

2. When the aircraft is less than the wingspan above the surface

3. At any altitude before landing

4. When banking into a turn

The correct answer is: When the aircraft is less than the wingspan above the surface

Floating due to ground effect is most pronounced when the aircraft is within one wingspan of the surface, which aligns with the reasoning for the correct answer. Ground effect occurs when an aircraft is close to the ground, specifically when the wings are in a position to experience a reduction in induced drag and an increase in lift. This phenomenon pushes the aircraft back upward while descending, potentially causing it to float or delay touchdown. As the aircraft descends and gets closer to the ground, particularly within that critical height of less than one wingspan, the effects become significantly more noticeable. This is primarily because the airflow around the wings is altered due to the proximity of the ground, allowing the aircraft to maintain lift longer than it would at a higher altitude. This is why pilots need to be aware of ground effect during the landing phase to ensure proper descent and touchdown. The moment of touchdown does not maximize floating, as that is the point where the tires contact the runway and the ground effect diminishes. Similarly, the phenomenon does not actively occur at any altitude before landing, as its effects are significantly reduced at higher altitudes. Banking into a turn affects lift distribution but is not directly related to ground effect during landing. Therefore, the most critical moment for floating due to ground