SPC Basic Aerodynamics Principles 2

Question 1

What is the primary cause of induced drag on a wing?

Accepted Answer

Wingtip vortices created by pressure differential between upper and lower surfaces

Answer

Induced drag results from wingtip vortices that form because high-pressure air beneath the wing spills around the tip toward the low-pressure upper surface.

Question 2

As angle of attack increases beyond the critical angle, what happens to lift?

Accepted Answer

Lift decreases rapidly as the wing stalls

Answer

Beyond the critical angle of attack, airflow separates from the upper wing surface, causing a sudden loss of lift known as a stall.

Question 3

Which aerodynamic force acts perpendicular to the relative wind?

Accepted Answer

Lift

Answer

Lift always acts perpendicular to the relative wind, regardless of the aircraft's attitude.

Question 4

What effect does increasing airspeed have on parasite drag?

Accepted Answer

Parasite drag increases with the square of airspeed

Answer

Parasite drag varies with the square of airspeed, so doubling speed quadruples parasite drag.

Question 5

In steady, level, unaccelerated flight, which statement about the four forces is correct?

Accepted Answer

Lift equals weight and thrust equals drag

Answer

In straight-and-level unaccelerated flight, the four forces are in equilibrium: lift equals weight and thrust equals drag.

(SPC) Student Pilot Certificate Practice Test

(SPC) Student Pilot Certificate Practice Test

SPC Basic Aerodynamics Principles 2