Aviation & Aeronautics Flashcards

According to Bernoulli's principle, what creates lift on an aircraft wing?

Answer: Lower air pressure above the wing and higher pressure below

Bernoulli's principle states that the curved upper surface of a wing speeds up airflow, lowering pressure above while slower air below creates higher pressure, generating lift.

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

Answer: The angle between the wing chord line and the relative airflow

Angle of attack is the angle between the wing's chord line and the oncoming relative airflow, directly controlling how much lift the wing generates.

In aviation, what is a 'stall'?

Answer: When the aircraft exceeds its critical angle of attack and loses lift

A stall occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack, causing airflow to separate from the upper surface and causing a sudden loss of lift.

What does Mach 1 represent?

Answer: The speed of sound

Mach 1 represents the speed of sound, approximately 1,235 km/h (343 m/s) at sea level under standard atmospheric conditions.

What are ailerons primarily used for on an aircraft?

Answer: Controlling roll (banking left and right)

Ailerons are control surfaces on the trailing edge of each wing that work differentially to control roll, causing the aircraft to bank left or right.

What is the primary purpose of flaps during takeoff and landing?

Answer: To increase lift at lower airspeeds by increasing wing camber and area

Flaps increase the wing's camber and surface area, generating more lift at the lower airspeeds used during takeoff and landing.

What does IFR stand for in aviation?

Answer: Instrument Flight Rules

IFR stands for Instrument Flight Rules, which govern flight when visibility is poor and pilots must navigate using cockpit instruments rather than visual reference to the ground.