In order to understand the operation of the components and subcomponents of an aircraft, it is important to understand basic aerodynamic concepts
Aerodynamics is the branch of dynamics dealing with the motion of air and other gases which give us the performance we need to fly
It can be associated with the forces acting on an object in motion through the air or with an object that is stationary in a current of air
Several factors affect aircraft performance including the atmosphere, aerodynamics, and aircraft icing
Pilots need an understanding of these factors for a sound basis for prediction of aircraft response to control inputs
Lift and Basic Aerodynamics:
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, The Four Forces
Drag vs. Speed
Axis of an Airplane
There are four forces that act upon an aircraft, making up what we call, the Principles of Flight
Understanding how these forces are created, and more importantly impact each other, allow pilots to understand how they are manipulated to control an aircraft in flight
These principle forces are thrust, drag, weight, and lift: [Figure 1]
Thrust:
Thrust is the forward force produced by the powerplant/propeller
It opposes or overcomes the force of drag
Drag:
Drag is a rearward, retarding force and is caused by disruption of airflow by the wing, fuselage, and other protruding objects
Drag opposes thrust and acts rearward parallel to the relative wind
Weight:
Weight is the combined load of the aircraft itself, the crew, the fuel, and the cargo or baggage
Weight pulls the aircraft downward because of the force of gravity
Lift:
Lift opposes the downward force of weight, is produced by the dynamic effect of the air acting on the wing, and acts perpendicular to the flight path through the wing's center of lift (CL)
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, The Four Forces
All aircraft are designed with different handling characteristics in mind which determine aircraft stability
An aircraft moves in three dimensions and is controlled by moving it about one or more of its axes:
The longitudinal, or roll, axis extends through the aircraft from nose to tail, with the line passing through the CG
The lateral or pitch axis extends across the aircraft on a line through the wing tips, again passing through the CG
The vertical, or yaw, axis passes through the aircraft vertically, intersecting the CG
All control movements cause the aircraft to move around one or more of these axes and allows for the control of the aircraft in flight [Figure 3]
The performance or operational information section of the Aircraft Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook (AFM/POH) contains the operating data for the aircraft; that is, the data pertaining to takeoff, climb, range, endurance, descent, and landing
The use of this data in flying operations is mandatory for safe and efficient operation
Considerable knowledge and familiarity of the aircraft can be gained through study of this material:
