P factor. Relative wind in a climb…
Asked by: dmatthewp 2478 views Aerodynamics, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, Private Pilot, Student Pilot
Very confused. P factor is always described as if during a climb the relative wind is no longer parallel to the forward movement of the aircraft. A steady climb or descent has the same relative wind as straight and level. So how is P factor even possible? I would agree that during the initial change from straight and level to a climb there is a change in relative wind. But once established it is no different than straight and level. So is p factor only an issue for a few seconds? It is taught as though during the entire climb it’s an issue. If so how is this possible if it all depends on the relative wind change?
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