Aerodynamics and Flight Control Quiz

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What is the primary function of trim tabs on an aircraft?

To reduce drag during cruise

To control the yaw of the aircraft

To correct undesirable flight attitudes (correct)

To enhance the lift during takeoff

Which type of control surface is primarily responsible for lateral control in an aircraft?

Rudder

Ailerons (correct)

Flaps

Elevator

What distinguishes servo tabs from other types of tabs?

They are used only on small aircraft.

They primarily assist in controlling yaw.

They are fixed to the fuselage.

They move independently from the primary control surface. (correct)

Which of the following devices is classified as a lift-decreasing device?

Spoilers Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of balance tabs in flight control surfaces?

To move in the opposite direction of the primary control surface. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly categorizes wing flaps?

Auxiliary lift devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of motion?

The act of changing position or place. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of spring tabs in flight control systems?

To mechanically assist the pilot in moving primary surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What movement is controlled by the elevator in an aircraft?

Climb or dive Signup and view all the answers

What allows an object to be considered in motion with respect to one object but at rest with another?

The reference point used for comparison. Signup and view all the answers

How do speed and velocity differ?

Velocity is speed in a particular direction. Signup and view all the answers

If an aircraft travels 10 hours at a speed of 260 mph without a specified direction, what is being referred to?

Its speed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Newton's first law of motion also known as?

The law of inertia. Signup and view all the answers

What does acceleration refer to?

The rate of change of velocity. Signup and view all the answers

If an airplane is said to experience negative acceleration, what does that indicate?

The airplane is decelerating. Signup and view all the answers

When is the force of air most apparent?

When air is in motion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of aerodynamics in relation to aircraft?

The interaction between moving objects and the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

How does the compressibility of air differ from water in the context of aerodynamics?

Air is compressible while water is incompressible Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an A&P mechanic to understand aerodynamics?

To understand aircraft performance and control systems Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the study of forces that affect an object in motion through air?

Aerodynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the laws of flight is true?

They are proven facts that explain why airplanes fly Signup and view all the answers

What kind of knowledge does an A&P mechanic need about aerodynamics compared to an aeronautical engineer?

A focus on practical applications relating to aircraft performance Signup and view all the answers

Why must aircraft surfaces be aerodynamically smooth?

To minimize drag and improve flight efficiency Signup and view all the answers

Where do nautical terms like rudder and keel beam primarily originate from?

Nautical terminology used in maritime contexts Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the center of pressure (CP) as the angle of attack increases?

The CP moves forward Signup and view all the answers

Which force acts perpendicular to the relative wind?

Lift Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the unstable travel of the center of pressure (CP)?

It varies with angle of attack Signup and view all the answers

When does the aircraft neither gain nor lose altitude?

When lift equals weight Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between weight and lift?

Lift must counteract weight for steady flight Signup and view all the answers

How does drag relate to thrust during flight?

Thrust must equal drag for level flight Signup and view all the answers

What is the boundary layer in relation to an aircraft?

The layer of fluid between air and wing surface Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors contributes to minimizing drag in high-performance aircraft design?

Controlling the boundary layer behavior Signup and view all the answers

What primarily complicates the reduction of skin friction drag on an aircraft?

The uneven nature of all surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to induced drag on an aircraft?

Creation of lift by the airfoil Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increasing the angle of attack (AOA) on induced drag?

Induced drag increases with AOA Signup and view all the answers

Which type of drag is specifically associated with the shape and components of the airfoil?

Profile drag Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the formation of a vortex at the wingtip?

Low pressure above the wing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method to reduce parasite drag on an aircraft?

Reducing the number of exposed surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs at the trailing edge of the wing that contributes to drag?

Formation of wingtip vortices Signup and view all the answers

Which surface condition is most effective in minimizing skin friction drag?

Glossy smooth finishes Signup and view all the answers