Chapter 3: Aircraft Construction Flashcards
What are the major components of an airplane?
- Fuselage
- Wings
- Empennage
- Landing gear
- Powerplant
Define the fuselage.
The central body of an airplane, accommodating the crew, passengers, cargo, and structural connection for wings and tail.
What are the two main types of fuselage structures?
- Monocoque
- Semimonocoque
What is a monocoque fuselage structure?
A structure that uses stressed skin to support most of the loads, with minimal internal bracing.
What is a semimonocoque fuselage structure?
A structure with a substructure of bulkheads and stringers to support the stressed skin.
What are the primary structural parts of a wing?
- Spars
- Ribs
- Stringers
- Skin
What is the empennage?
The tail assembly, including fixed surfaces (horizontal and vertical stabilizers) and movable surfaces (rudder, elevator, trim tabs).
What is the function of trim tabs?
Reduce control pressures and maintain control surface positions.
What are the types of landing gear?
- Conventional (tailwheel)
- Tricycle gear
- Specialized (floats, skis)
What is the primary purpose of the powerplant?
To provide power to turn the propeller and supply electrical and vacuum power for systems.
What are the two main types of aircraft construction?
- Truss structure
- Composite structure
What is a composite material?
Fiber-reinforced matrix systems like fiberglass, carbon fiber, or Kevlar, offering lightweight and strong structures.
What are two advantages of composite materials?
- Reduced weight
- Corrosion resistance
What are two disadvantages of composite materials?
- Difficulty detecting damage visually
- Susceptibility to heat damage.
What is the function of a firewall in an aircraft?
A heat-resistant partition protecting the cabin from engine fires.
