Advanced Ground Instructor Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your AGI Certification!

Ground effect in aviation refers to the aerodynamic phenomenon that occurs when an aircraft is close to the ground, typically within a wingspan's height. In this situation, the airflow around the wings is altered due to the proximity of the surface, leading to an increase in lift and a decrease in drag. This is primarily because the ground interferes with the wingtip vortices, which are the spiraling patterns of rotating air that form behind the wings of an aircraft. When flying near the ground, these vortices are compressed, enhancing lift and allowing the aircraft to achieve a higher effective angle of attack without stalling.

This increased lift can make the aircraft feel like it's floating, allowing for shorter landing distances and takeoff roll requirements. Additionally, the reduction in drag allows the aircraft to maintain speed more efficiently when close to the runway. Understanding ground effect is crucial for pilots when making takeoff and landing decisions, as it can significantly impact the aircraft's performance and handling characteristics during these critical phases of flight.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of ground effect. For instance, an increase in altitude when flying does not directly relate to ground effect, as this phenomenon is specifically about the interactions close to the ground rather than changes in altitude. The