Principles of Flight-Basic Aerodynamics
Chapter 1 – Principles of Flight
Section A: Airplanes
A. Major Components (or Sections) of an Airplane
1. Fuselage a. This is the body of the airplane generally from nose to tail. b. It consists of the main airplane structure like frames, stringers, longerons, keel beam and skin. 2. Wings a. This is the component or section of the airplane that is responsible for aerodynamic lift. b. Lift is the force that raises the airplane up. 3. Empennage a. This is the airplane’s tail section which consists of the vertical stabilizer (or vertical fin) and horizontal stabilizer. On most large airplanes the empennage also houses the Auxiliary Power Unit or APU.
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4. Landing Gear a. Typically consists of two main wheels under each wing and a nosewheel (or a tail wheel on some old airplanes like the DC-3 Dakota). b. Its function is to absorb shocks during landing and to support the whole airplane on the ground. c. The main and nose landing gears maybe fixed like on some light airplanes or retractable like on faster or larger airplanes to reduce air resistance or drag. d. The main wheels are each installed with brakes controlled through the rudder pedals. e. The nose wheel maybe fixed or steerable depending on the airplane model.
5. The Powerplant a. In small airplanes, includes the engine and its components and all parts used to attach it to the airplane. By definition powerplant does not include the propeller attached to it. b. The engine produces the power to turn the propeller and the propeller produces the thrust to move the airplane forward. c. The engine also drives an electrical generator, hydraulic pump and vacuum pump for instruments. It also provides cabin heating for passengers.
B. Categories of Aircraft Certification 1. The term aircraft has a broader meaning which includes airplanes, helicopters, gliders and balloons.
Section A: Airplanes
A. Major Components (or Sections) of an Airplane
1. Fuselage a. This is the body of the airplane generally from nose to tail. b. It consists of the main airplane structure like frames, stringers, longerons, keel beam and skin. 2. Wings a. This is the component or section of the airplane that is responsible for aerodynamic lift. b. Lift is the force that raises the airplane up. 3. Empennage a. This is the airplane’s tail section which consists of the vertical stabilizer (or vertical fin) and horizontal stabilizer. On most large airplanes the empennage also houses the Auxiliary Power Unit or APU.
[pic]
4. Landing Gear a. Typically consists of two main wheels under each wing and a nosewheel (or a tail wheel on some old airplanes like the DC-3 Dakota). b. Its function is to absorb shocks during landing and to support the whole airplane on the ground. c. The main and nose landing gears maybe fixed like on some light airplanes or retractable like on faster or larger airplanes to reduce air resistance or drag. d. The main wheels are each installed with brakes controlled through the rudder pedals. e. The nose wheel maybe fixed or steerable depending on the airplane model.
5. The Powerplant a. In small airplanes, includes the engine and its components and all parts used to attach it to the airplane. By definition powerplant does not include the propeller attached to it. b. The engine produces the power to turn the propeller and the propeller produces the thrust to move the airplane forward. c. The engine also drives an electrical generator, hydraulic pump and vacuum pump for instruments. It also provides cabin heating for passengers.
B. Categories of Aircraft Certification 1. The term aircraft has a broader meaning which includes airplanes, helicopters, gliders and balloons.