SPC - Student Pilot Certificate Basic Aerodynamics Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following describes the relationship between airspeed, angle of attack (AOA), and lift in straight-and-level flight?

Accepted Answer

To maintain constant lift, if airspeed decreases, the angle of attack must increase.

Answer

To maintain constant lift, if airspeed increases, the angle of attack must also increase.

Answer

Angle of attack and airspeed must be held constant to maintain a specific amount of lift.

Answer

Lift is independent of both airspeed and angle of attack.

Question 2

What are the four fundamental forces acting on an airplane in flight?

Accepted Answer

Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag

Answer

Inertia, Gravity, Pressure, and Momentum

Answer

Power, Friction, Buoyancy, and Velocity

Answer

Centrifugal Force, Centripetal Force, Weight, and Lift

Question 3

A pilot is on final approach for landing and extends the flaps. What is the primary aerodynamic reason for using flaps during this phase of flight?

Accepted Answer

To allow the aircraft to fly at a slower airspeed while maintaining sufficient lift.

Answer

To decrease the angle of attack and increase landing speed.

Answer

To increase the wingspan for better roll control.

Answer

To reduce the overall weight of the aircraft.

Question 4

According to Bernoulli's Principle, how is lift generated by an airfoil?

Accepted Answer

By creating an area of lower pressure above the wing and higher pressure below it.

Answer

By creating an area of higher pressure above the wing and lower pressure below it.

Answer

By deflecting air downward, which results in an upward reaction force.

Answer

By increasing the density of the air above the wing.

Question 5

The 'critical angle of attack' is the point at which...

Accepted Answer

lift is at its maximum and the wing will stall if the angle is increased further.

Answer

the aircraft experiences the least amount of drag.

Answer

thrust and drag are perfectly equal.

Answer

the aircraft achieves its maximum possible speed.

Question 6

During a climb, what is the relationship between the four forces of flight?

Accepted Answer

Thrust is greater than drag, and lift is less than weight.

Answer

Thrust equals drag, and lift equals weight.

Answer

Thrust is greater than drag, and lift is greater than weight.

Answer

Thrust is less than drag, and lift is greater than weight.