35 Questions
Which parts of the airplane are flight controls typically associated with?
The wing and the vertical and horizontal stabilizers
What is the purpose of flight controls?
To maneuver the airplane and control it from takeoff to landing
How do flight controls function?
By changing the shape or aerodynamic characteristics of the surface they are attached to
Which flight control is responsible for longitudinal control around the lateral axis?
Elevator
What is the name of the flight control on a v-tail configured airplane that handles longitudinal control?
Ruddervators
What is the movement around the lateral axis called?
Pitch
Which flight control is commonly used to move the airplane around the lateral axis?
Control wheel or yoke
What are the possible flight controls used to move the airplane around the lateral axis?
Control wheel or yoke
Which control input causes the nose of the airplane to pitch up or pitch down?
Pulling back or pushing on the control wheel
What is the effect of pulling back on the control wheel?
Causes the nose of the airplane to pitch up
Which axis does the airplane rotate around when the elevator is moved?
Longitudinal axis
Which flight control is responsible for lateral control around the longitudinal axis?
Ailerons
Which axis of an airplane is controlled by the rudder?
Vertical axis
Which control input causes the nose of the airplane to pitch up or pitch down?
Elevator
Which flight control is responsible for yaw control?
Rudder
What happens when the right rudder pedal is pushed?
The nose of the airplane yaws to the right
What controls the movement of the rudder?
Rudder pedals
What is the purpose of using the rudder during a turn?
To counteract induced drag
When is pressure on the rudder no longer needed during a turn?
When the nose of the airplane is pointing in the right direction
What is the purpose of a trim tab on a flight control?
To balance out the nose heavy condition of the airplane
Where are trim tabs typically installed on an airplane?
On the trailing edge of the wing
What is installed on the trailing edge of the stabilator to reduce sensitivity to pilot input?
Anti-servo tab
What are the three types of tabs mentioned in the text?
Anti-servo Tab, Balance Tab, Servo Tab
Why would a wing designed for maximum lift at low airspeed not be suitable for higher speed flight?
Because it would produce a large amount of drag.
What are some examples of retractable high lift devices?
Flaps and slats.
What are the four different types of flaps mentioned in the text?
plain, split, slotted, and Fowler
What is the purpose of wing flaps?
To change the camber of the wing and increase both lift and drag
Where are leading edge flaps typically installed?
On larger airplanes
What is the purpose of deploying plain flaps downward on the wing?
To increase the effective camber of the wing and the wing's chord line, creating more lift and more drag.
Explain the difference between a slotted flap and a plain flap, and how their deployment affects the airflow over the wing.
A slotted flap and a plain flap are both types of flaps used on aircraft wings. The difference between them lies in their deployment. When a slotted flap deploys, the leading edge drops down slightly, creating a slot that allows high-pressure air on the bottom of the wing to flow over the top of the flap. This additional airflow over the top of the flap produces additional lift. In contrast, a plain flap deploys downward without changing the top surface of the wing, creating more drag due to increased turbulence.
Describe the characteristics and advantages of a Fowler flap compared to other types of flaps.
A Fowler flap is a type of flap that attaches to the back of the wing using a track and roller system. When it deploys, it moves aft in addition to deflecting downward. This unique deployment increases the total wing area, as well as the wing camber and chord line. The Fowler flap is considered the most effective of the four types mentioned in the text. Its advantages include increased lift, improved control during takeoff and landing, and reduced stall speed. It is commonly used on commercial airliners and business jets.
What are leading edge slots and how do they contribute to the aerodynamics of a wing?
Leading edge slots are ducts or passages in the leading edge of a wing that allow high-pressure air from the bottom of the wing to flow to the top of the wing. When the slots are open, the ducted air flows over the top of the wing at a high velocity, helping to keep the boundary layer air from becoming turbulent and separating from the wing. This contributes to improved lift and reduced drag, especially at lower airspeeds. Slots are often placed on the part of the wing where the boundary layer is most likely to separate.
What is the difference between leading edge slats and slots?
Leading edge slats are movable and can be retracted, while slots are fixed.
How do leading edge slats deploy on most commercial airliners?
Leading edge slats deploy when the trailing edge flaps are lowered.
What causes the automatic deployment of leading edge slats on some airplanes?
Leading edge slats deploy in response to the aerodynamic forces during a high angle of attack.
Test your knowledge of flight controls and their role in maneuvering and controlling airplanes. Learn about the different parts of the aircraft they are associated with and their functions during takeoff, landing, and in-flight.
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