COPY: Aerospace Engineering: Flaps and Control Surfaces

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What is the primary function of a balance tab?

To directly control the flight surface without assistance

To provide aerodynamic lift during takeoff

To enhance the sensitivity of flight controls

To assist the pilot in overcoming control surface movement forces (correct)

How does a servo tab differ from a balance tab?

It increases the control forces needed to reposition surfaces

It is linked to the control surface with no flight input device

It is used solely for maintaining static balance during flight

It operates the primary flight control surface directly (correct)

What function do trim tabs perform when adjustable from the cockpit?

They provide stability only during slow flight conditions

They can balance the aircraft in flight and assist with control (correct)

They completely replace the need for manual control inputs

They increase the aerodynamic drag during high-speed flight

Which tab type requires direct linkage to the flight control input device?

Servo tab Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an anti-balance or anti-servo tab?

To increase the force needed by the pilot to change positions Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a spring tab during slow flight?

It is inactive and does not assist the pilot Signup and view all the answers

What type of tab is geared to deflect proportionally to the control deflection?

Lift tab Signup and view all the answers

Which flight tab is specifically designed to assist pilots with excessive control forces?

Spring tab Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of gap seals in aircraft?

They promote smooth airflow over gaps. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishing feature does tricycle landing gear have?

It includes a nose wheel for shock absorption. Signup and view all the answers

Why do tail wheel aircraft require the pilot to lean out to see ahead during ground operations?

The fuselage slope blocks forward visibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which landing gear configuration is most commonly used in modern aviation?

Tricycle gear. Signup and view all the answers

What issue can arise from the design of tail wheel aircraft when taking off?

Ground looping due to tail being off the ground. Signup and view all the answers

How does the center of gravity affect the stability of tricycle gear aircraft?

It is positioned in line with the main wheels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge faced by pilots of aircraft with tail wheel gear?

Obstruction of vision when the tail is low. Signup and view all the answers

What aerodynamic advantage do retractable landing wheels provide in amphibious aircraft?

They enhance the smooth flow of air. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a reduction in speed have on rotating blades in a helicopter?

The blades will begin to lead the main rotor hub. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the feathering hinge in a rotor system?

To allow rotation about the spanwise axis for pitch changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rotor system features a single forged rigid titanium hub?

Hingeless (rigid) rotor system Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the dissymmetry of lift in helicopter blades?

It results in one side of the rotor generating more lift than the other. Signup and view all the answers

Why are elastomeric bearings increasingly used in helicopter main rotor systems?

They can absorb vibration and do not need regular lubrication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of horizontal hinges in a fully articulated rotor system?

To enable flapping of the blades. Signup and view all the answers

What feature is often found in modern helicopter main rotors to reduce vibration?

Use of advanced composite materials in hubs. Signup and view all the answers

How do fluctuations in rotor blade speeds affect their movement?

They enable the blades to hunt freely. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a stall fence on a wing?

To halt the spanwise flow of air and maintain chordwise airflow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials can gap seals be made from?

Aluminum, impregnated fabric, foam, and plastic Signup and view all the answers

How do vortex generators assist with aircraft performance?

By swirling downward to assist maintenance of the boundary layer of air Signup and view all the answers

Why do faster aircraft typically use retractable landing gear?

To reduce parasite drag during flight Signup and view all the answers

What impact does turbulent airflow have on an aircraft at high angles of attack?

Increases drag and reduces lift Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of gap seals in aircraft design?

To smooth airflow in gaps between movable control surfaces and the wing Signup and view all the answers

What kind of landing gear do simple, low-speed aircraft typically use?

Fixed landing gear that remains stationary Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue can occur at the gap between the wing and movable control surfaces?

Disruption of high-pressure air, causing turbulent airflow Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the triple-slotted flap when deployed?

To enhance laminar flow on the upper surface Signup and view all the answers

How do leading edge flaps contribute to an aircraft's performance?

They increase wing camber and lift at low speeds Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the function of spoilers on an aircraft?

They decrease lift and can augment aileron function Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature do slats provide to an aircraft wing?

They extend the camber for greater lift at slower speeds Signup and view all the answers

Where are trim tabs located on an aircraft?

Trailing edge of primary flight control surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of anti-balance tabs?

Increase the effectiveness of primary control surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What do slot openings near the outer leading edge of a wing do during high angles of attack?

Direct air over the upper surface of the wing Signup and view all the answers

What materials can be used to manufacture leading edge flaps?

Machined magnesium and aluminum or composites Signup and view all the answers