Student Pilot Basic Aerodynamics Flashcards

Which flight condition produces the greatest amount of induced drag?

Answer: Low speed, high angle of attack

Induced drag is greatest at high angles of attack (low speeds) because strong wingtip vortices form when generating large amounts of lift.

Bernoulli's principle states that as the velocity of a fluid increases, its static pressure:

Answer: Decreases

Bernoulli's principle states that within a streamline flow, an increase in fluid velocity results in a decrease in static pressure.

Wingtip vortices are most hazardous when following a large aircraft that is:

Answer: Slow and in a landing configuration

Wingtip vortices are most intense when a heavy aircraft is slow and producing maximum lift, such as during approach and landing.

Aspect ratio of a wing is defined as the ratio of:

Answer: Wingspan to chord length

Aspect ratio is the ratio of the wingspan (or span squared) to the mean chord, indicating how long and narrow the wing is.

What is the effect of increasing wing camber?

Answer: It increases the coefficient of lift at any given angle of attack

Greater camber increases the curvature of the wing, which accelerates airflow over the upper surface and increases the lift coefficient.

In straight-and-level flight, which statement about the four forces is correct?

Answer: Lift equals weight, thrust equals drag

In unaccelerated straight-and-level flight, opposing forces are equal: lift equals weight, and thrust equals drag.

Which type of airfoil is symmetrical?

Answer: An airfoil with equal upper and lower surface curvatures and no camber

A symmetrical airfoil has identical upper and lower surfaces with zero camber, and produces no lift at zero angle of attack.