The Airframe Flashcards
What is the Fuselage?
The body of the aeroplane to which wings, tail, engine and landing gear are all attached
What is a semi-monocoque structure?
A light framework covered by a skin (usually aluminium)
Which part of a semi-monocoque carries the stress?
The skin
What carries the major load in the wings?
The spars
What is the purpose of an external strut on a wing?
To transfer some of the load to the fuselage
Describe ribs…
Roughly perpendicular to struts and assisted by stringers running parallel to the spars, provide aerofoil shape and stiffen the skin
Where on the wings are ailerons and wing-flaps respectively?
Ailerons: Outer trailing edge Flaps: Inner trailing edge
Name the general parts of the tail
Vertical stabiliser Horizontal stabiliser Rudder Elevator Trim tabs
Name some different types of tail section
Stabilator (all flying) Ruddervator (combined rudder and elevator) T-tail
How is excessive in-flight movement prevented from the control surfaces?
Stops are usually fitted to the structures
What are the two types of undercarriage?
Tricycle or tailwheel
Where are h brakes usually fitted on an aircraft?
The main gear
How is steering usually achieved on a tricycle aircraft?
Nosewheel steering from the rudder pedals
How is the engine usually separated from the cockpit?
With a firewall
Why might one tie and aeroplane down?
If the plane is to be unhangared overnight If the plane is to be left in strong winds or a change of weather
What should be in a tie-down kit?
3 tie-down ropes 3 pegs A hammer or mallet A minimum of two wheel chocks
What are the general stages of tying a plane down?
Park into wind Lock the control surfaces Tie the plane down Cover the pitot head Cover the engine or the engine openings Lock the doors and windows
What should be done when parking into wind?
Apply parking brakes Insert chocks in front and behind wheels Lock the nose wheel if possible
Describe how ropes should be tied
Wing ropes should be forward and out Tied loosely, but not too loosely with a non slip knot
What are the general steps to dealing with a cabin fire?
Quickly extinguished Cabin window or air vents opened
Picture the location and purpose of the following…
Exhaust muffler shroud
Heater valve
Mixer box
Ventilating air door
Defroster outlets

What are the two main purposes of ventilation?
Providing adequate fresh air for all passengers
Combating motion sickness
What temperature should be maintained in an aircraft cabin?
It should be warm enough to be able to fly in shirt sleeves
Where is heat normally sourced for the cabin?
From around the exhaust manifold/muffler shroud
List four symptoms of CO poisoning
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Detereoration in vision
- Slower breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Death
Loosely, what is it about CO that makes it dangerous?
It displaces oxygen from the blood
What should be done if CO is suspected?
- Shut off all cabin heat
- Stop all smoking
- Increase fresh air supply
- Wear oxygen masks if available
How can CO poisoning be prevented?
By always ensuring that some fresh air is used in the cabin