Aerodynamics Flashcards
7 cards from real CPL 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 flashcards as text
What is the primary aerodynamic effect of fowler flaps compared to plain flaps?
Answer: They increase wing area and camber simultaneously
Fowler flaps slide rearward and then deflect, increasing both wing chord area and camber, providing a greater lift increase than plain flaps.
During a coordinated level turn at 60 degrees of bank, the load factor is approximately:
Answer: 2.0 G
Load factor in a level turn equals 1/cos(bank angle); at 60° bank, 1/cos(60°) = 1/0.5 = 2.0 G.
What aerodynamic phenomenon causes 'Mach tuck' in transonic flight?
Answer: Aft movement of the center of pressure as shockwaves develop
As speed increases through the transonic range, shockwaves cause the center of pressure to shift rearward, creating a nose-down pitching moment.
Which type of drag is NOT a component of parasite drag?
Answer: Induced drag
Induced drag is produced by lift generation and vortices; it is separate from parasite drag, which includes form, skin friction, and interference drag.
How does a symmetrical airfoil behave at zero angle of attack?
Answer: It produces zero lift
A symmetrical airfoil generates equal pressure on both surfaces at zero angle of attack, resulting in no net lift force.
What is 'washout' in wing design, and why is it used?
Answer: Twist reducing angle of attack toward the wingtip to delay tip stall
Washout is a geometric twist that reduces the angle of attack at the wingtip so the wing root stalls first, preserving aileron effectiveness.
An aircraft in a 45-degree banked level turn must increase lift by approximately what factor to maintain altitude?
Answer: 1.4
At 45° bank, load factor n = 1/cos(45°) ≈ 1/0.707 ≈ 1.41, requiring about 41% more lift than in level unbanked flight.