Theory of flight

Question 1

What are the four forces involved in flight?

Answer 1

1. THRUST
2. Drag
3. LIFT
4. Weight

Question 2

How is lift generated?

Answer 2

1. Top of the wing is curved.
2. As air travels over the front of the wing it splits.
3. Air over the top has a greater distance to travel.
4. Air travels faster over the top surface of the wing, creating low pressure.
5. There’s now a pressure difference between the top and bottom of the wing.
6. Air wants to move from high to low pressure, thus generating lift to the a/c.

Question 3

How do a/c wings become contaminated?

Answer 3

Fuel in the wings usually sits below 0 degrees. Temperature of the warmer air in contact with the wing now drops below 0 due to the fuel temp, causing ice to form.

Question 4

How is ice removed from the wings?

Answer 4

Using a de-icing fluid.

Question 5

How does ice on the wings effect flight?

Answer 5

Any ice on the wing will hinder air passing over it, thus reducing lift.

Question 6

When do birdstrikes usually occur?

Answer 6

During takeoff and landing.

Question 7

What are the phases of flight? (chronological order)

Answer 7

1. Pre-flight
2. Exterior/interior checks/engine start
3. Taki/take-off
4. Climb
5. Cruise
6. Descent
7. Landing or go around

Question 8

What reasons may cause an a/c to ‘go around’?

Answer 8

Weather
A/c on runway
Blocked runway
Un-stabilised approach
Technical fault

Question 9

How long/far does the desert period last?

Answer 9

20 mins/100 miles from airport