Chapter 5.8 - Exam Review

Question 1

List the factors which affect in-flight performance (6)?

Answer 1

• Airspeed.
• Density.
• Power and Engine Control Settings.
• Aircraft Configuration.
• Gross Weight.
• Wind.

Question 2

Does reduced density increase or decrease Airspeed and Fuel Consumption?

Answer 2

An increase in Density Height increases the True Airspeed. This has no effect on the Fuel Consumption.

Question 3

What effect does weight have on in-flight performance (2)?

Answer 3

• Reducing Gross Weight improves in-flight performance.

- Increasing Gross Weight decreases in-flight performance.

Question 4

In order to obtain optimum in-flight performance, extra drag must be eliminated or at least minimised. What configuration will achieve this (2)?

Answer 4

• Landing Gear retracted.

- Flaps UP.

Question 5

How are the specific air range and the specific ground range calculated?

Answer 5

Fuel burnt per unit of distance.

Question 6

True or False. Aerodynamically, the optimum Airspeed for best specific range is IAS (max L/D) which is equal to the IAS (MNM P)?

Answer 6

False.

Question 7

The optimum Airspeed for best specific range is a compromise between which two factors?

Answer 7

• Minimum Specific Fuel Consumption/Speed Ratio.

- Maximum Lift/Drag Ratio.

Question 8

What is long-range cruise?

Answer 8

An Airspeed 5 to 10% higher than the Airspeed for best specific range.

Question 9

When determining the factors used to calculate the specific ground range, what limits of accuracy should be used for Pressure Height, True Airspeed, Wind Direction and Wind Speed (4)?

Answer 9

• Pressure Height +/- 500ft.
• True Airspeed +/- 2kt.
• Wind Direction +/- 10°.
• Wind Speed +/- 5kt.

Question 10

The endurance and range figures should not be used or should only be used operationally with care, explain why?

Answer 10

Because expressed in this way, no mention is made of how much fuel is involved or what the reserves are.

Question 11

What are the most important factors to be considered in achieving maximum range and maximum endurance (5)?

Answer 11

• Correct Airspeed.
• Power to maintain Airspeed.
• Correct Engine Settings.
• Optimum Height.
• Minimum Drag Configuration.

Question 12

What information is normally extracted from cruise charts (3)?

Answer 12

• True Airspeed.
• Fuel Flow.
• Power Output/Engine Speed.

Question 13

Why is it usually better to use the rate of climb at the two-thirds height point as the average rate of climb?

Answer 13

Because the climb rate decreases more rapidly as height is increased.