AMT-114 Theory of Flight and Weight Balance

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic of Cayley's glider improved its stability?

Adding a tail (correct)

Changing the wing shape

Incorporating a biplane design

Using lightweight materials

What was Otto Lilienthal's significant contribution to flight?

He designed the first helicopter.

He created the first jet engine.

He invented the first powered airplane.

He wrote a book on aerodynamics. (correct)

How did the Wright Brothers' approach differ from previous pioneers of flight?

They built large gliders only.

They focused on powered flight exclusively.

They avoided using wind tunnels.

They conducted detailed research and testing. (correct)

What did the Wright Brothers learn from their kite experiments?

Wind effects on flight surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What was the weight of the Wright Brothers'

600 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of flight did George Cayley recognize was necessary for prolonged flight?

Power source Signup and view all the answers

What was the distance covered by the Flyer in its last flight?

850 feet Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the Wright Brothers' engine design?

It produced nearly 12 horsepower. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of construction is characterized as heavy and very sturdy for aircraft fuselages?

Truss type Signup and view all the answers

What caused Otto Lilienthal's fatal crash?

Loss of control due to strong wind Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of thrust in the forces of flight?

Moves the aircraft forward Signup and view all the answers

Which category of airplane can sustain a maximum of +4.4Gs?

Utility Signup and view all the answers

In straight-and-level, unaccelerated flight, which of the following forces must be in equilibrium?

Lift and weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wings on an aircraft?

To generate lift Signup and view all the answers

Which type of aircraft design is lighter than truss type but sturdier than monocoque?

Semi-Monocoque Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant achievement of the Wright brothers on October 5, 1905?

First practical airplane flight Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of kites in ancient China?

For religious ceremonies and weather testing. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant shortcoming of early attempts at flight using winged devices?

Human muscles lack the strength of a bird's muscles. Signup and view all the answers

Which invention is considered a precursor to the modern helicopter?

The ornithopter Signup and view all the answers

How did the Montgolfier brothers manage to make their hot air balloon rise?

By utilizing smoke to heat the air inside the silk bag. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the first manned flight conducted by the Montgolfier brothers?

It included a human passenger alongside animals. Signup and view all the answers

What did Sir George Cayley contribute to the field of flight?

He discovered aerodynamic principles. Signup and view all the answers

What material did the Montgolfier brothers use for their balloon?

Silk Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a feature of Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter?

It successfully flew in trials. Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for straight-and-level, unaccelerated flight?

Lift force = Weight force Signup and view all the answers

Which part of an airfoil is defined as the forward most point?

Leading Edge Signup and view all the answers

How does Newton's Third Law of Motion apply to the generation of lift?

Air is deflected downward, creating a lifting force. Signup and view all the answers

According to Bernoulli's Principle, what happens when the velocity of air increases over the wing?

The internal pressure decreases. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an airfoil?

A surface that generates aerodynamic force as a fluid moves around it. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'angle of attack' refer to?

The angle between the chord line and the relative wind Signup and view all the answers

What results from the pressure gradient force in flight?

A lifting force acting on the wing Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is NOT true regarding relative wind?

It is the same as the airflow beneath the wing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of Flight

The kite, invented by the Chinese in the 5th century BC, was essential in understanding human flight and was utilized in religious ceremonies and weather tests.
Tower jumping practices from 852 CE revealed the limitations of human musculature in mimicking bird flight, leading to disastrous attempts.
Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century ornithopter design provided early insights into flight, laying groundwork for future flying machines, though it was never built.
The Montgolfier brothers invented the first hot air balloon in 1783, using heated air to achieve lift, with the inaugural manned flight occurring on November 21, 1783.
Sir George Cayley, known as the "father of aviation," made significant advancements in glider design in 1792, focusing on wing shape and stability.
Otto Lilienthal, a German engineer (1881-1896), conducted extensive studies on aerodynamics and designed the first successful human-carrying glider.
The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, achieved the first powered flight on December 17, 1903, with their Flyer, which traveled 120 feet in 12 seconds.

The Aircraft

An aircraft is any vehicle capable of flight, gaining support from the air.
Categories include airplanes, rotorcraft, gliders, and lighter-than-air vehicles.

Types of Airplane

Airplanes come in various classifications, including single-engine (land and sea) and multi-engine (land and sea).
Examples of airplane models: Cessna 152, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350.

Parts of an Aircraft

Fuselage: The central body designed for crew, passengers, and cargo.
- Construction types:
  - Truss type: Sturdy but heavy.
  - Monocoque: Light but less durable.
  - Semi-Monocoque: Balanced durability and weight.
Wings: Airfoils that generate lift.
Empennage: Stabilizing structure at the tail end of the aircraft.
Landing Gear: System supporting the aircraft during landing and ground movement.
Powerplant: Engine system providing thrust.

Four Forces of Flight

Lift: Upward force generated as air flows around the wings.
Weight: Downward gravitational force acting on the aircraft.
Thrust: Forward force produced by engines or propellers.
Drag: Opposing force acting against thrust, limiting performance.

Straight-and-Level, Unaccelerated Flight

Conditions for level flight require lift equal to weight and thrust equal to drag.

Lift and Airfoils

Lift is perpendicular to relative wind and is essential for flight.
Airfoil: A surface generating aerodynamic force.
Relative Wind: Airflow opposite to the direction of flight.
Angle of Attack: The angle between the chord line of the wing and relative wind.

Theories of Lift

Newton’s Third Law: Air deflection downward results in an equal and opposite lift.
Bernoulli’s Principle: Increased airspeed over the wing leads to decreased pressure above it, creating lift through pressure differences.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of flight theory in this AMT-114 quiz. Covering the history of flight, aircraft structures, the four forces of flight, and control effects, you’ll deepen your understanding of aviation principles. Perfect for students at Aviation College.