Aircraft Construction

Question 1

Monocoque Fuselage

Answer 1

Skin takes all loads, internal structure provides the shape.

Suitable only for small aircraf

Question 2

Semi-monocoque Fuselage

Answer 2

Skin takes major loads, reinforced by frames, longerons & stringers.

Prevents deformation, good strength/weight ratio.

Question 3

Circular Fuselage shape

Answer 3

Pressurised, hoop stresses evenly spread throughout the aircraft structure.

Question 4

Maximum differential (psi) of a pressurised aircraft

Answer 4

9 psi

Question 5

Cantilever wing

Answer 5

Self supporting, no external bracing

Question 6

What is the firewall made out of?

Answer 6

Stainless steel and titanium; doesn’t lose strength with an increase in Temperature.

Question 7

What resists hoop stresses?

Answer 7

Frames

Question 8

Torsion Box

Answer 8

Spar, rib, skin

Question 9

Floor venting

Answer 9

Allows structural integrity of floor in case of decompression. Equalises pressure.

Question 10

What door type are modern aircraft?

Answer 10

Plug doors

Question 11

What are freight doors operated by?

Answer 11

Hydraulic Power Packs - an independent component that is not part of the hydraulic system. Self-contained.

Question 12

Typical construction of the aircraft windscreen

Answer 12

Glass, heating element, vinyl polycarbonate, glass

The heater element increases both strength and durability.

Question 13

In the event where the heater element fails on the windscreen, what is the correct action to take?

Answer 13

Slow down.