Aircraft Basics
What is an aircraft?
An aircraft is a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air
What are the four main parts of an aircraft?
The four parts are the fuselage, wings, landing gear (or undercarriage), and empennage (or tail section).
What does "aerodynamic reactions that remain fixed under given conditions of flight" refer to?
It refers to the lift produced by the fixed surfaces (wings) of the aircraft which allow it to maintain flight.
What type of engines are commonly used in aircraft?
Aircraft may use internal combustion engines with propellers or gas turbine (jet) engines.
What are examples of aircraft?
Examples include hot air balloons, blimps, gliders, planes, helicopters, and hang-gliders.
What is the function of the fuselage?
The fuselage is the body of the aircraft that accommodates the crew, passengers, and cargo.
Does a helicopter count as having aerodynamic reactions that remain fixed under given conditions of flight?
Yes, helicopters also utilize aerodynamic lift generated by fixed rotor blades.
What is the purpose of the engine cowling?
The engine cowling encloses the engine and streamlines the aircraft to reduce drag while providing cooling by ducting air around the engine.
What does "power-driven" mean in the context of airplanes?
It refers to aircraft that are powered by engines to generate lift and control.
What do the wings of an aircraft do?
The primary purpose of the wings is to support the aircraft in flight by producing lift.
Why can a hot air balloon NOT be considered as an airplane?
Because is is not heavier than air.
What is the role of landing gear?
Landing gear supports the aircraft when it is on the ground and absorbs the shock of landing.
Is an helicopter considered a type of airplane? And why?
No, because it is not fixed wing, it is rotary.
What are the two types of landing gear configurations?
The two types are the nose wheel (tricycle) configuration and the tail wheel (conventional or tail dragger) configuration.