Aerodynamics & Aircraft Performance Flashcards
7 cards from real Aviation practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Aerodynamics & Aircraft Performance flashcards as text
What is load factor (G-force) in aviation?
Answer: The ratio of lift to aircraft weight, expressed in Gs
Load factor is the ratio of lift to the aircraft's weight; a load factor of 2G means the wings are producing lift equal to twice the aircraft's weight.
During a 60-degree banked level turn, approximately what load factor does the aircraft experience?
Answer: 2G
A 60-degree banked level turn results in a load factor of 2G because the wings must produce twice the normal lift to maintain altitude.
What is the purpose of Maneuvering Speed (Va)?
Answer: The maximum speed at which full or abrupt control inputs can be made without exceeding structural limits
Va is the maximum speed at which full deflection of any single flight control will not exceed the aircraft's structural design load limits.
How does a tailwind affect landing distance?
Answer: It increases landing distance because the aircraft has a higher groundspeed at touchdown
A tailwind adds to the aircraft's groundspeed at touchdown, requiring more runway to decelerate to a stop even though airspeed may be normal.
What effect does high humidity have on aircraft engine performance?
Answer: It decreases engine power because water vapor displaces oxygen in the air-fuel mixture
Water vapor displaces oxygen molecules in the intake air, reducing the oxygen available for combustion and therefore decreasing engine power output.
What is ground effect, and when does it occur?
Answer: Increased aerodynamic efficiency due to reduced induced drag when flying within one wingspan of the ground
Ground effect is the increased lift and reduced induced drag that occurs when flying within approximately one wingspan height above the ground, as the ground interrupts wingtip vortices.
What is the relationship between airspeed and lift (assuming constant angle of attack and air density)?
Answer: Lift is proportional to the square of airspeed
Lift varies with the square of airspeed (from the lift equation L = ½ρV²SCL), so doubling airspeed quadruples the lift produced.