The Airplane

Question 1

Definition of aeroplane/airplane

Answer 1

A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft deriving its lift in flight from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces that remain fixed under given conditions of flight

Question 2

Ways to classify fixed wing airplane

Answer 2

Position of wings (high/low), number of engines (single/multi), or undercarriage configuration (type of landing gear, retractable/conventional)

Question 3

Essential parts of airplane

Answer 3

Fuselage, wings/lifting surfaces, empennage/canard, propulsion system (with/without propellers, engine(s)), undercarriage or landing gear

Question 4

Airframe

Answer 4

All essential parts of airplane without propulsion system

Question 5

Truss types

Answer 5

N Girder or Warren Truss

Question 6

Longerons

Answer 6

3, 4, or more long tubes running lengthways, principle members and braced to form the frames

Question 7

Monocoque

Answer 7

Skin/shell made to resist all of the loads, with no stiffening members used

Question 8

Semi-monocoque

Answer 8

Some of loads and structure provided by stiffeners

Question 9

5 systems of wing construction

Answer 9

1. Metal frame, metal covered (Main strength in covering/skin)
2. Metal frame, metal covered (main strength in frame)
3. Metal frame, fabric covered
4. Composite
5. Wooden frame, fabric or plywood covered

Question 10

Spars

Answer 10

Beams running from wing root to wing tip, carries most of load. Stiffens wing against torsion or twisting. Monospar found in certain modern airplanes with laminar flow airfoil wing design.

Question 11

Ribs

Answer 11

Runs from leading to trailing edge. Cambered to form airfoil section. False/nose ribs sometimes made, attaching leading edge to main spar to strengthen leading edge.

Question 12

Compression struts

Answer 12

Steel tubes intended to take compression loads. Spaced at regular intervals between front and rear spars.

Question 13

Cantilever wings

Answer 13

Wings with no external bracing. Spars must be made strong enough to carry the load into the fuselage internally with no assistance.

Question 14

Transmission of Loads -Internally

Answer 14

Load on wing comes first on skin. Then transmitted to the ribs, then to spars, then to fuselage.

Question 15

Transmission of Loads -Externally

Answer 15

Externally braced wing. Part of load is taken by bracing struts or flying or landing wires, then transmitted to fuselage.

Question 16

Ailerons

Answer 16

Surfaces, usually of airfoil section, hinged to the trailing edge of the wing towards each wing tip for lateral control. Usually hinged to rear spar.

Question 17

Flaps

Answer 17

Form part of wing structure. Usually hinged to rear spar.

Question 18

Wing Tip Bow

Answer 18

Generally a metal tube, curved to give the wing tip the particular shape required

Question 19

Wing Root

Answer 19

Section of wing nearest fuselage. For low wing, reinforced to allow passengers to walk on it.

Question 20

Wing Root Fittings

Answer 20

Fittings which attach the wing, or separate wing panels, to the fuselage

Question 21

Winglet

Answer 21

A small nearly vertical winglike surface attached to wing tip. Reduces induced drag

Question 22

Chord/ Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)

Answer 22

Imaginary straight line joining leading and trailing edges of wing./Average chord of wing

Question 23

Span

Answer 23

Maximum distance from wing tip to wing tip of an airfoil, wing, or stabilizer.