Ch. 4: Performance and Limitations Flashcards
Factors that affect lift and drag?
Wing Area
Wing Shape
AOA
Air Density
Torque effect
Clockwise spinning prop causes airplane to roll left about the longitudinal axis
Greatest at low airspeed/high AOA
Effect of torque reaction in flight and on the ground
Inflight it acts around longitudinal axis, causing plane to roll left.
On ground, left side of AC is forced down, putting more weight on LH main. This causes plane to tend to turn left.
4 factors of torque effect
Torque reaction of prop/engine
Gyroscopic effect
Corkscrewing effect of prop
P-factor
Why is load factor important to pilots?
Excessive load can cause structural damage
Excessive load increases stall speeds
What situations result in load factors reaching max or being exceeded?
Level turns - Wing must produce lift equal to load produced
Turbulence - Vertical gusts cause sudden increase in AOA, resulting in large loads
Airspeed - Excess load can be imposed at high speeds. Above Va, structural damage may occur
What is the affect of weight on Va?
As AC weight increases, VA increases.
AC at or near gross weight can fly near published Va
Define LOC-I
Loss of control in flight
Significant deviation of AC from intended flight path.
Maneuvering is most common phase of flight for LOC-I.
Situations that increase risk:
Uncoordinated flight Pilot complacency Distraction Turbulence Poor risk management Attempting to fly IMC when pilot is not qualified/proficient
When are spins most likely to occur?
Engine failure on takeoff Engine failure on approach Slipping or skidding turn on final Go around with full nose up trim Go around with improper flap retraction
Empty Weight:
Airframe, engines, permanently installed equipment, and unusable fuel. May or may not include oil.
Useful Load:
Pilot, copilot, Pax, baggage, and usable fuel/oil
Center of Gravity
Point about which an AC would balance if it were to suspend at that point
Takeoff Chart
Provides takeoff distance in various configurations and over a 50’ obstacle
Fuel, Time, & Distance Chart
Fuel amount used during climb, time to accomplish climb, ground distance covered during climb
Cruise & Range Performance Charts
True airspeed, fuel consumption, endurance (hours), and range (miles) in specific configuration
Landing Charts
Normal Landing Distance & Distance over a 50’ object
Stall Speed Performance Charts
Speed at which an AC will stall in given configuration
Accounts for angle of bank, position of gear and flaps, and throttle position
Affects of Air Density on Performance
Lift produced
Engine power output
Prop efficiency
Drag
“Density Altitude”
Affect of temperature on pressure altitude
Pressure Altitude is based on 59 degrees F
Affect of high weight on takeoff and landing
Takeoff - Higher liftoff speeds Slower acceleration Increased ground friction Longer takeoff distance
Landing -
Increased landing distance
Effect of high density altitude on takeoff/landing
Longer takeoff and landing distances
Reduced rate of climb
Increased TAS on approach and landing
Factors of performance during takeoff
Air density Surface winds Runway surface Upslope/downslope runway Weight
Effect of wind on performance
Takeoff - Headwind reduces takeoff distance due to liftoff at lower groundspeed
Landing - Reduced landing distance due to lower groundspeed/steeper approach
Cruise - Headwind reduces groundspeed/AC performance
Tailwind increases groundspeed/AC performance
AC Performance Elements
Takeoff/landing distance Rate of climb Ceiling Payload Range Speed Fuel economy Maneuverability Stability
Performance When Overloaded
Higher takeoff speed needed Longer takeoff run Reduced rate of climb and angle of climb Low max altitude Shorter range Reduced climb speed Reduced maueverability Higher stall speed Higher landing speed Longer landing roll Excessive weight on landing roll
Factors affecting density altitude
Temperature
Altitude
Humidity
Flight characteristics of plane loaded aft of CG limit
Lower stall speed
Higher cruise speed
Less stable
Less elevator back pressure required
Flight characteristics of plane loaded forward of CG limit
Higher stall speeds
Slow cruise speed
More stable
Greater elevator back pressure required
Spin Recovery
Power to idle
Ailerons neutral
Rudder full opposite
Elevator - Apply positive, forward of neutral movement
