Questions and Answers
What is an aircraft?
What is an airplane?
An engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air.
What characterizes a glider?
It is a heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by air against its lifting surfaces without relying on an engine.
What is a lighter-than-air aircraft?
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What defines an airship?
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How does a balloon sustain flight?
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What is powered-lift?
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What is a powered parachute?
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Define a rocket.
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What is a rotorcraft?
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What characterizes a gyroplane?
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How does a helicopter generate horizontal motion?
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What is weight-shift control?
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Study Notes
Aircraft Classification Overview
- Aircraft: Defined as any device intended for flight in the air (14 CFR 1.1).
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
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Airplane: Engine-driven, fixed-wing, heavier-than-air aircraft supported by air dynamics against its wings.
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Glider: Heavier-than-air aircraft that relies on air dynamics for lift, without primarily depending on an engine.
Lighter-than-Air Aircraft
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Lighter-than-Air Aircraft: Capable of rising and sustaining flight using gases lighter than air. Includes airships and balloons.
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Airship: An engine-driven lighter-than-air aircraft that can be steered; designed for controlled movement.
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Balloon: A non-engine driven lighter-than-air aircraft that achieves flight through gas buoyancy or heating.
Powered Aircraft
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Powered-Lift: Heavier-than-air aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, relying on engine-driven lift devices for low-speed flight and traditional airfoils during horizontal flight.
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Powered Parachute: Features a flexible or semi-rigid wing, not positioned for flight until in motion; contains engine and seats within the fuselage connected to landing gear.
Rocket and Rotorcraft
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Rocket: Aircraft propelled by ejected gases from self-contained propellants, not reliant on outside air intake; includes all detachable parts during operation.
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Rotorcraft: Heavier-than-air aircraft that gains lift primarily from rotor-generated support; categories include gyroplanes and helicopters.
Types of Rotorcraft
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Gyroplane: A rotorcraft whose rotors are initially started by engine but rotate due to air movement during flight; uses conventional propulsion independent of the rotor system.
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Helicopter: A rotorcraft that relies mainly on engine-driven rotors for horizontal motion.
Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft
- Weight-shift-Control: A powered aircraft with a pivoting wing, allowing control via pilot maneuvers to change center of gravity; relies on wing deformation for flight control rather than traditional surfaces.
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Description
Explore the different categories of aircraft in this quiz. Understand the distinctions between fixed-wing, lighter-than-air, and powered aircraft, including airplanes, gliders, airships, and balloons. Test your knowledge and identify the key features and classifications of each type.
