Aviation Aerodynamics & Aircraft Performance

Question 1

Which of the four aerodynamic forces acts opposite to the direction of flight?

Accepted Answer

Drag

Answer

Drag opposes the direction of flight and must be overcome by thrust to maintain airspeed.

Question 2

According to Bernoulli's principle, what happens to air pressure as airspeed over a wing increases?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases

Answer

Bernoulli's principle states that as fluid velocity increases, static pressure decreases, which generates lift on the upper wing surface.

Question 3

What is the angle of attack?

Accepted Answer

The angle between the chord line and the relative wind

Answer

Angle of attack is the angle between the wing's chord line and the relative wind (direction of oncoming airflow).

Question 4

What occurs when a wing exceeds its critical angle of attack?

Accepted Answer

The wing stalls and lift decreases dramatically

Answer

Exceeding the critical angle of attack causes airflow to separate from the upper wing surface, resulting in a sudden and dramatic loss of lift (stall).

Question 5

What type of drag is caused by the generation of lift?

Accepted Answer

Induced drag

Answer

Induced drag is a byproduct of lift generation; it results from wingtip vortices and increases as the angle of attack increases.

Aviation Practice Test

Aviation Practice Test

Aviation Aerodynamics & Aircraft Performance