Student Pilot Basic Aerodynamics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary force that opposes gravity in flight?
- Thrust
- Drag
- Lift (Correct answer)
- Weight
Correct answer: Lift
Lift is generated by the wings and opposes the force of gravity, allowing the aircraft to stay aloft.
Question 2: Which component of an aircraft primarily controls pitch?
- Rudder
- Ailerons
- Elevator (Correct answer)
- Flaps
Correct answer: Elevator
The elevator, part of the horizontal stabilizer, controls the pitch or up-and-down movement of the aircraft’s nose.
Question 3: What happens when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle?
- Increased lift
- Aircraft speeds up
- Stall occurs (Correct answer)
- Drag disappears
Correct answer: Stall occurs
Exceeding the critical angle of attack results in a stall, where lift dramatically decreases.
Question 4: Which force acts in the opposite direction of thrust?
- Lift
- Weight
- Drag (Correct answer)
- Torque
Correct answer: Drag
Drag is the aerodynamic force that opposes thrust and slows the aircraft down.
Question 5: What is the function of a wing’s camber?
- Control yaw
- Reduce noise
- Generate lift through airflow (Correct answer)
- Increase drag
Correct answer: Generate lift through airflow
Camber refers to the curvature of the wing, which helps create pressure differences that generate lift.
Question 6: What is induced drag a byproduct of?
- High airspeed
- Engine torque
- Lift generation (Correct answer)
- Wing sweep
Correct answer: Lift generation
Induced drag results from lift generation and is highest at low speeds and high angles of attack.
Student Pilot Basic Aerodynamics 1
What is the primary force that opposes gravity in flight?