Aerodynamics of Flight

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Questions and Answers

What occurs when lift and weight are equal in an aircraft during straight and level flight?

The aircraft will accelerate.

The aircraft will neither gain nor lose altitude. (correct)

The aircraft will descend.

The aircraft will climb.

Which action will result in an increase of thrust in an aircraft?

Decreasing throttle.

Reducing airspeed.

Applying more throttle. (correct)

Increasing drag.

What happens when drag exceeds thrust in straight and level flight?

The aircraft will descend. (correct)

The aircraft will stall.

The aircraft maintains a constant speed.

The aircraft will climb.

Which atmospheric condition is likely to affect an aircraft's performance?

Temperature variations. Signup and view all the answers

What typically occurs when the thrust of the propeller momentarily exceeds drag?

The airspeed will increase. Signup and view all the answers

If an aircraft's weight increases while lift remains constant, what is the likely outcome?

The aircraft will descend. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is controlled via the throttle in an aircraft?

Thrust. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario does the airspeed of an aircraft stabilize?

When thrust equals drag. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three rotational axes of an aircraft?

Tilt Signup and view all the answers

What movement does the ailerons control in an aircraft?

Roll Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary control surface that influences the pitch of an aircraft?

Elevator Signup and view all the answers

During a turn, what is the typical effect of adverse yaw?

The nose moves in the opposite direction of the turn Signup and view all the answers

What type of surface is typically used to control yaw in an aircraft?

Rudder Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about ailerons is true?

They rotate the aircraft around the longitudinal axis. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is used to control ailerons in flight?

Control yoke Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the stabilator in some aircraft?

Combines the functions of a horizontal stabilizer and elevator Signup and view all the answers

What effect does an increase in altitude have on takeoff roll?

It increases the takeoff roll distance. Signup and view all the answers

How does temperature affect engine power output on a hot day compared to a cold day?

Engine power output is decreased. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of increased humidity on aircraft performance?

Longer takeoff roll. Signup and view all the answers

At high elevation airfields under hot and humid conditions, what can be expected regarding aircraft performance?

Aircraft performance will be poor. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to landing speed on a hot day compared to a cold day?

Landing speed will be faster. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the effect of altitude on an aircraft's climb performance?

Climb performance diminishes with altitude. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does a cold winter day have on atmospheric density compared to a hot summer day?

Cold air has higher density than warm air. Signup and view all the answers

How does increased humidity specifically affect the performance of an aircraft?

It increases density altitude, negatively impacting performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of extending flaps on an aircraft?

To increase lift and lower stall speed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT used to adjust flaps?

Mechanically Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the wing area when flaps are extended?

It increases on some aircraft Signup and view all the answers

In which phase of flight are flaps mostly utilized?

Takeoff and landing Signup and view all the answers

Which of these forces does NOT act on a helicopter during flight?

Friction Signup and view all the answers

What role does the collective control play in helicopter operations?

Controls the pitch of the rotor blades Signup and view all the answers

How do rotor blades generate lift in a helicopter?

By changing the angle of attack Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship of lift and weight during a hover in a helicopter?

Lift equals weight Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of carburetor ice formation?

Complete engine failure Signup and view all the answers

Under what environmental conditions is carburetor icing most likely to occur?

Between 20-70° F with high humidity Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary action to take for combating carburetor ice?

Add carburetor heat Signup and view all the answers

Which type of failure might result in a loss of flaps on some aircraft?

Electrical failure Signup and view all the answers

What type of failure would most likely affect landing gear operations?

Hydraulic failure Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible result of engine failure in an aircraft?

Forced landing Signup and view all the answers

What typically indicates an engine fire to the pilot?

Fire warning light Signup and view all the answers

What should air traffic controllers prioritize in the event of a complete electrical failure?

Providing priority handling to affected aircraft Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lift and Weight

In straight and level flight, lift and weight are balanced.
If lift is greater than weight, the aircraft will climb.
If weight is greater than lift, the aircraft will descend.

Thrust and Drag

In straight and level flight, thrust and drag are equal in magnitude.
Thrust is controlled by the throttle.
Increasing the throttle increases thrust.
When thrust exceeds drag, airspeed will increase.
As airspeed increases, drag rapidly increases, until thrust and drag become equal, and airspeed becomes constant.

Effects of Altitude

An increase in altitude decreases atmospheric pressure, increasing density altitude.
Increased density altitude results in:
- Longer takeoff roll
- Reduced climb performance
- Longer landing roll
- Decreased engine power

Effects of Temperature

Hot air is less dense than cold air
On a hot day, compared to a cold day:
- Takeoff roll is longer
- Rate of climb is slower
- Landing speed is faster
- Engine power output is decreased

Effects of Humidity

Humid air is less dense than dry air.
On a humid day, compared to a dry day:
- Takeoff roll is longer
- Rate of climb is slower
- Landing speed is faster
- Engine power output is decreased

Aircraft Rotational Axes

An aircraft has three rotational axes:
- Roll
- Pitch
- Yaw

Primary Control Surfaces

Control of the aircraft about its three axes of rotation is affected by the primary control surfaces:
- Ailerons control roll.
- Elevator controls pitch.
- Rudder controls yaw.

Ailerons

Ailerons are hinged surfaces mounted on the outboard trailing edge of the wings. They rotate the aircraft around the longitudinal axis.
Left and right ailerons move simultaneously but in opposite directions.
Moving ailerons induces adverse yaw, which is the tendency of the nose to yaw in the opposite direction of the turn.
Adverse yaw is caused by the drag of the "down" aileron.

Elevator

The elevator is a hinged surface located on the rear of the horizontal stabilizer.
The elevator rotates the aircraft around the lateral axis.
The elevator controls the pitch and angle of attack of the aircraft.
On some aircraft, the entire horizontal tail surface moves, known as a stabilator.

Flaps

Flaps extend on both wings simultaneously.
Flaps increase camber, and on some aircraft, increase wing area, which:
- Increases lift
- Increases drag
- Lowers stall speed
- Allows steeper approach to runway without increased speed

Helicopter Aerodynamics

The forces acting on helicopters are the same as fixed-wing aircraft:
- Lift
- Thrust
- Weight
- Drag
Lift is provided by the rotor blades, which are shaped like an airfoil.
- Bernoulli’s Principle applies.
When rotor blades are in motion, they act as a wing.
RPMs and blade pitch control:
- Vertical ascent (lift > weight)
- Hovering (lift = weight)
- Vertical descent (weight > lift)

Helicopter Controls

Throttle controls the RPMs
Collective controls the pitch of the rotor blade, which affects lift.

Carburetor Ice

Carburetor ice can form between 20-70° F in conditions of high humidity.
Lowered pressure and vaporization in the carburetor lowers the temperature of the fuel/air mixture, causing water vapor or moisture to freeze.

Aircraft System Failures

Aircraft system failures can occur due to:
- Electrical failures
- Mechanical failures
- Hydraulic failure
- Engine failure
- Engine fire

Electrical Failure

Partial electrical failure affects some instruments and systems.
Complete electrical failure results in a loss of:
- Some instruments
- Flaps on some aircraft
- Radios and navigation and transponder equipment
- Lights

Mechanical Failure

Mechanical failures can occur in:
- Landing gear
- Tires
- Wheels
- Panels
- Flight controls
- Windshield

Hydraulic Failure

Hydraulic failure affects landing gear, flaps, and brakes on some aircraft.

Engine Failure

Engine failure may affect:
- Engine-driven vacuum system for instruments
- Hydraulic power
- Electrical power
- Pressurization
Engine failure can result in:
- Loss of altitude
- Forced landing

Engine Fire

An engine fire is usually controllable.
Indication to the pilot of an engine fire is via the fire warning light.
Cabin/cockpit fires are extremely serious.
Air traffic controllers should assist pilots with any of these situations by:
- Providing information about the nearest suitable airport for landing.
- Providing priority handling and clearing conflicting traffic.
- Alerting emergency equipment.
- Informing the pilot of any available resources.
- Notifying their supervisor of the situation.

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Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts in aerodynamics, including the relationship between lift and weight, thrust and drag, and how altitude and temperature affect aircraft performance. Test your understanding of these principles and their practical implications for flight.