Unit 3 review: Aerodynamics

A mixed check of all 7 lessons in this unit. Mixing topics is harder than one lesson at a time, and that's the point: it's how the written test and the oral exam ask.

The unit in one minute

The four forcesThe four forces are lift, weight, thrust, drag.
Lift and angle of attackAoA is the angle between the chord line and the relative wind, not pitch attitude.
Drag and best glideParasite drag goes up with airspeed; induced drag goes down with airspeed.
Stability and center of gravityStatic = initial tendency; dynamic = what happens over time.
Turns and load factorBanking tilts lift; the horizontal component turns the airplane.
Stalls and spinsStall warning signs: horn, mushy controls, buffet.
Left-turning tendencies and ground effectFour left-turning tendencies: torque, spiraling slipstream, P-factor, gyroscopic precession. Counter with right rudder.

Mixed check

12 questions pulled from across the unit. Wrong answers explain why and point you back to the lesson.

Check: In straight-and-level, unaccelerated flight, which statement is true?Answer: Lift equals weight and thrust equals drag. Unaccelerated flight means the forces are balanced: lift = weight, thrust = drag.

Check: How does maneuvering speed (VA) change as the airplane gets lighter?Answer: It decreases. VA decreases with weight, because a lighter airplane reaches its limit load at a lower speed.

Check: Where do most stall/spin accidents happen?Answer: Close to the ground, often in the traffic pattern. Low altitude leaves no room to recover, which is why stall awareness in the pattern matters so much.

Check: What does positive static stability mean?Answer: The initial tendency is to return to the original condition. Static stability describes the initial tendency; positive means it tends to return.

Explain it to your CFI

Say each one out loud in your own words, in under a minute. If you stall, reread that lesson. This is exactly what an examiner looks for.

The four forces. Name the four forces acting on an airplane in flight
Lift and angle of attack. Define angle of attack and relative wind
Drag and best glide. Explain parasite and induced drag
Stability and center of gravity. Explain static and dynamic stability
Turns and load factor. Explain what makes an airplane turn
Stalls and spins. Describe the warning signs of an approaching stall
Left-turning tendencies and ground effect. Name the four left-turning tendencies

What the examiner may ask

What gives an airplane directional stability?

Mainly the vertical fin.

Review: Stability and center of gravity →

How do you recover from a stall?

Reduce the angle of attack first, then level the wings and add power as needed.

Review: Lift and angle of attack →

What's the spin recovery for your airplane?

Follow the POH; the general recovery is power idle, ailerons neutral, full opposite rudder, elevator forward (PARE).

Review: Stalls and spins →

Why do you need back pressure in a level turn?

Part of the lift is tilted sideways to turn the airplane, so total lift must increase to keep the vertical component equal to weight.

Review: Turns and load factor →