***Definition*** :: Ground effect is a condition of improved performance encountered when the airplane is operating very close to the ground. Ground effect can be detected and normally occurs up to an altitude equal to one wingspan above the surface. ***Additional Info:*** When the wing is under the influence of ground effect, there is a reduction in upwash, downwash, and wingtip vortices. As a result of the reduced wingtip vortices, [[induced drag]] is reduced. ***Source*** :: [[PHAK Ch5]] ![[Ground Effect on Airflow.svg]] ![[Ground Effect on Drag and Lift.svg]] #glossary