Free CGI Flight Theory & Principles Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What principle explains how lift is generated on a wing?
- Newton’s First Law
- Bernoulli’s Principle (Correct answer)
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Archimedes’ Principle
Correct answer: Bernoulli’s Principle
Bernoulli's Principle explains that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. An aircraft wing is shaped as an airfoil, causing air to flow faster over its curved upper surface than its flatter lower surface. This speed difference creates a pressure differential, with lower pressure above the wing and higher pressure below, generating the upward force of lift.
Question 2: What are the four primary forces acting on an aircraft in flight?
- Lift, friction, inertia, and thrust
- Weight, drag, lift, and thrust (Correct answer)
- Tension, compression, torque, and drag
- Buoyancy, inertia, thrust, and weight
Correct answer: Weight, drag, lift, and thrust
The four primary forces acting on an aircraft in flight are lift, weight, thrust, and drag. Lift is the upward force opposing weight, which is the downward force due to gravity. Thrust is the forward force generated by the engine, counteracting drag, which is the resistance caused by air opposing the aircraft's motion.
Question 3: How does increasing angle of attack affect lift?
- Decreases lift steadily
- Has no impact
- Increases lift until stall point (Correct answer)
- Only affects thrust
Correct answer: Increases lift until stall point
Increasing the angle of attack generally increases lift because it directs more air downwards, creating a greater pressure differential across the wing. However, this increase is only effective up to the critical angle of attack. Beyond this point, the airflow separates from the wing's upper surface, leading to a sudden and significant loss of lift known as a stall.
Question 4: What is the role of ailerons during flight?
- They control yaw
- They adjust engine power
- They manage roll control (Correct answer)
- They operate the landing gear
Correct answer: They manage roll control
Ailerons are movable control surfaces located on the trailing edge of each wing. They work differentially, meaning one aileron moves up while the other moves down. This creates an imbalance in lift between the wings, causing the aircraft to roll around its longitudinal axis, which is essential for turning.
Question 5: What is drag in aviation?
- A lifting force
- Engine thrust
- Air resistance opposing motion (Correct answer)
- Landing force
Correct answer: Air resistance opposing motion
Drag is the aerodynamic force that opposes an aircraft's motion through the air. It is primarily caused by the friction between the aircraft's surface and the air, as well as pressure differences created by the aircraft's shape. This resistance must be overcome by thrust for the aircraft to maintain or increase speed.
Question 6: What causes a stall in flight?
- Insufficient fuel
- Engine overheating
- Exceeding critical angle of attack (Correct answer)
- Lack of navigation
Correct answer: Exceeding critical angle of attack
A stall occurs when an aircraft's wing exceeds its critical angle of attack, regardless of airspeed. At this point, the smooth airflow over the upper surface of the wing separates, becoming turbulent and unable to generate sufficient lift. This sudden loss of lift causes the aircraft to lose altitude or descend rapidly.
Question 7: Which surface controls pitch on an aircraft?
- Ailerons
- Elevators (Correct answer)
- Rudder
- Flaps
Correct answer: Elevators
Elevators are control surfaces located on the horizontal stabilizer at the tail of the aircraft. When moved, they alter the aerodynamic force on the tail, causing the nose of the aircraft to pitch up or down. This controls the aircraft's climb or descent rate.
Question 8: What is the function of flaps during takeoff and landing?
- Reduce engine power
- Increase lift and drag (Correct answer)
- Control rudder movement
- Enhance roll stability
Correct answer: Increase lift and drag
Flaps are deployed during takeoff and landing to increase both the lift and drag produced by the wing. By extending the wing's surface area and curvature, they allow the aircraft to generate more lift at lower airspeeds, which is crucial for shorter takeoffs and slower, safer landings. The increased drag also helps in decelerating the aircraft for landing.
Question 9: What is yaw in aircraft movement?
- Vertical movement
- Up and down motion
- Rotation along vertical axis (Correct answer)
- Spinning motion
Correct answer: Rotation along vertical axis
Yaw refers to the rotation of an aircraft around its vertical axis, causing the nose to move left or right. This movement is primarily controlled by the rudder, located on the vertical stabilizer. Yaw is essential for coordinated turns and maintaining directional control during flight.
Free CGI Flight Theory & Principles Questions and Answers
What principle explains how lift is generated on a wing?