Aircraft Physics and Lift Mechanics

Ailerons are control surfaces that move in opposite directions to create a difference in lift and cause the aircraft to bank, turning it left or right.

The lift component in a banking turn counteracts the aircraft's weight, ensuring it maintains its altitude and doesn't climb or descend.

The centripetal force component acts inwards, opposing the outward centrifugal force caused by the turn, pulling the aircraft into the curve.

During the climb, initially increasing the angle of attack (AOA) with the elevator raises lift, exceeding weight, starting the upward movement. Once the climb is established, AOA and lift return to near level flight values.

The aircraft maintains stability during a climb by adjusting AOA and lift, ensuring it maintains a consistent upward trajectory.

The force that pulls an aircraft downwards, acting through the center of gravity (CG).

The upward force that opposes gravity, generated by the wings and acting through the center of pressure (CP).

The forward force that propels the aircraft, generated by the engine and acting parallel to the direction of flight.

The backward force that opposes motion, caused by air resistance and acting parallel to the direction of flight.

The distance an aircraft covers horizontally for every unit of altitude lost during a glide flight.

A flight condition where the aircraft relies solely on its lift and drag forces to maintain flight without engine thrust, resulting in a controlled descent.

A tendency for an aircraft to yaw (sideways movement) in the opposite direction to the aileron input during a banked turn, due to the uneven lift distribution on the wings.

The principle that banking an aircraft allows the lift force to be divided into horizontal and vertical components, with the horizontal component generating the centripetal force required for turning.

The ratio of the total weight of an aircraft to the force of lift produced by its wings. It's expressed in 'g' units.

The minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain lift and avoid stalling. It increases with higher load factors.

A stall that occurs when an aircraft experiences high 'g' forces, usually during maneuvers like turns.

The angle between the chord line of the aircraft's wings and the direction of the oncoming airflow.

Higher load factors increase stall speed. The aircraft needs to be going faster to generate enough lift to counteract the increased forces.

Two ways to increase lift: 1. Increasing Angle of Attack, 2. Increasing Aircraft Speed.

The range of conditions within which an aircraft can safely operate. It's defined by aerodynamic and structural limitations.

Knowing stall speed helps pilots avoid dangerous situations, like stalls, especially when maneuvering or experiencing high load factors.

As an aircraft climbs, the lift required to maintain altitude increases because a component of the aircraft's weight is now acting against the lift force.

If the power setting remains constant, the aircraft's airspeed gradually decreases during a climb. This is because the thrust required to maintain a certain airspeed in level flight is insufficient to overcome the increased drag in a climb.

These are devices used to increase the lift produced by an aircraft's wings, particularly during takeoff and landing, when the aircraft's speed is low.

Devices attached to the leading edge of a wing, designed to increase airflow velocity over the upper surface of the wing, which improves lift at lower speeds.

These are devices attached to the trailing edge of a wing, such as flaps and spoilers, which increase lift by changing the wing's shape and altering the airflow patterns.

During a climb, the component of the aircraft's weight acting against the lift increases the total drag. This higher drag, combined with the constant power setting, results in a decrease in airspeed because the thrust cannot overcome the total drag.

Lift augmentation devices are crucial, particularly during takeoff and landing, because they help generate additional lift to allow the aircraft to take off and land safely at lower speeds. This is essential for efficient operations and safer landings.

Leading edge devices increase airflow velocity over the top surface of the wing by changing the shape of the leading edge. This increased velocity changes the airflow patterns, resulting in a delay in the transition to turbulent flow and a more streamlined airflow, which ultimately increases lift.

Trailing edge devices that increase lift and decrease stall speed by changing the wing's shape. They have various types, each with a specific design and lift enhancement capabilities.

The simplest flap type, primarily used on smaller aircraft. It increases lift by modifying the wing's lower camber, but it doesn't affect the upper camber.

A flap type where a portion of the trailing edge folds down, creating a distinct gap between the flap and the main wing surface.

Flap type with a slot that forms between the flap and the main wing surface. This slot reduces stall speed and increases lift.

A complex flap design that extends both outwards and downwards, increasing both the wing area and camber. It's known for significant lift enhancement and a high deployment complexity.

Devices located on top of the wing that, when deployed, rise up to reduce lift and increase drag, helping the aircraft slow down.

Devices used to reduce lift quickly and increase drag, similar to spoilers. Unlike spoilers, they are often located on the underside of the wings.

Leading edge slots are fixed gaps behind a wing's leading edge, allowing air to flow from below the wing to the upper surface, delaying boundary layer turbulence.

Leading edge slots help delay stall by accelerating air from below the wing towards the low-pressure region above, mixing it with the boundary layer and preventing turbulent airflow.

Fixed slats are non-movable aerodynamic surfaces on the leading edge of wings, extending the wing's span and increasing lift at higher angles of attack.

Movable slats are deployed during landings or maneuvers to increase lift and allow the aircraft to operate at a higher angle of attack, but retract during normal flight to reduce drag.

Leading edge flaps are aerodynamic surfaces designed to increase lift at low speeds by increasing the wing's camber when lowered.

A Krueger flap is a hinged leading edge flap that increases the wing's camber and area when deployed, improving lift and allowing for steeper takeoffs or landings.

Variable camber leading edge flaps are modified Krueger flaps made of flexible composite material. They change their curve (contour) when extended, creating a slot and serving as a slat.

Leading edge flaps and slats increase lift at low speeds by modifying the wing's shape and airflow, allowing for safer landings, steeper takeoffs, and greater maneuverability.