AerodynamicsQuestion 444 of 934

What causes ground effect?

  1. Heat from the engine warming the surface air
  2. Rising outside air temperature near the surface
  3. A change in engine power near the surface
  4. Ground or water interferes with the airflow
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Correct answer: Ground or water interferes with the airflow

The surface restricts the airflow around the wing. This changes the upwash, downwash, and wingtip vortices.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Ground Effect, page 108

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026