CPL Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems 2

Question 1

What is a phugoid oscillation?

Accepted Answer

A long-period oscillation in pitch where the aircraft trades airspeed for altitude

Answer

A phugoid is a long-period (20–100 seconds) longitudinal oscillation where the aircraft exchanges kinetic and potential energy, with relatively little change in angle of attack.

Question 2

Dutch roll is an oscillatory motion that primarily couples which two axes?

Accepted Answer

Roll and yaw

Answer

Dutch roll is a combined lateral-directional oscillation involving roll and yaw, typically experienced in swept-wing aircraft with high dihedral effect.

Question 3

If an aircraft enters a 60-degree banked level turn, the stall speed increases by a factor of approximately:

Accepted Answer

1.41

Answer

At 60° of bank, the load factor is 2 g, and stall speed increases by the square root of the load factor (√2 ≈ 1.41).

Question 4

What aerodynamic phenomenon causes adverse yaw during a roll input?

Accepted Answer

The down-going aileron produces more induced drag than the up-going aileron

Answer

The aileron deflected downward (on the rising wing) generates more lift and therefore more induced drag, yawing the nose toward the descending wing — opposite to the intended turn direction.

Question 5

In ground effect, induced drag is reduced primarily because:

Accepted Answer

The ground interrupts wingtip vortex formation, reducing downwash and induced drag

Answer

Ground effect restricts wingtip vortex development, reducing downwash behind the wing, which decreases induced angle of attack and induced drag.

(CPL) Commercial Pilot Licence Practice Test

(CPL) Commercial Pilot Licence Practice Test

CPL Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems 2