Chapter 15 - The Airframe Flashcards
What is the main function of the fuselage?
To hold people/cargo and act as a structure to attack different parts onto
What is a semi-monocoque structure?
A light framework covered by a skin
Do longerons run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft or the lateral axis of the aircraft?
The longitudinal axis
What is the most common material for the skin of an aircraft?
Aluminium
What is the main function of the wings of an aircraft?
To generate lift
What is a typical secondary function of the wings of an aircraft?
To carry/hold fuel
What is the main load carrying element of the wing?
The main spar(s)
Which structural part of the wing runs parallel to the main spar(s)?
The stringers
What is the function of the stringers?
To assist the main spar(s) in absorbing loads
What is the function of a wing strut?
To provide extra strength by transmitting some of the wing loads into the fuselage
Does the skin of the wing absorb any loads?
Yes
What do the wing ribs do? (Two functions)
- Absorb loads
2. Maintain the shape of the wing (aerofoil)
Do the ribs run perpendicular or parallel to the main spar(s)?
Perpendicular
How many sets of wings does a monoplane have?
One
How many sets of wings does a biplane have?
Two
Which is generally more stable, a high-wing or a low-wing aircraft?
A high-wing aircraft
Which is generally more manoeuvrable, a high-wing aircraft or a low-wing aircraft?
A low-wing aircraft
Where is/are the elevator(s) located?
At the rear of the aircraft, attached to the horizontal stabiliser
Which type of movement do the elevators produce?
Pitching movement (nose up and down)
As pilots, how do we produce a pitch up movement of the aircraft?
Pulling backwards on the control column (towards our chest) [note: opposite for pitch down]
Where are the ailerons located?
Around the tip of each wing, attached to the trailing edge
Which type of movement do the ailerons produce?
Rolling movement
As pilots, how do we roll the aircraft to the left?
Pushing the control column to the left [note: opposite for roll to the right]
Where is the rudder located?
At the trailing edge of the vertical stabiliser (fin)
Which type of movement does the rudder produce?
Yawing movement (nose side to side)
As pilots, how do we yaw the aircraft to the right?
By pushing the right rudder (foot) pedal [note: opposite for left yaw]
When we use the elevator, about which axis the aircraft rotating?
The lateral axis
When we use the ailerons, about which axis the aircraft rotating?
The longitudinal axis
When we use the rudder, about which axis the aircraft rotating?
The normal (vertical) axis
