Crosswinds
What part of an airplane helps fight crosswinds during takeoff and landing?
The rudder
As temperature increases, this happens to the air, making it harder for aircraft to generate lift.
What is the air becoming less dense
What is the primary benefit of thermals for gliders and sailplanes?
Thermals provide rising columns of air, helping gliders and sailplanes stay aloft.
What type of wind do you want for takeoff and landing to increase airspeed?
Headwind
What kind of wind is considered a pain during takeoff and landing
Crosswinds
Why are runways usually built to be into the wind?
Construction workers study the common direction of the wind to minimize crosswinds
These components are affected by hot air in the same way wings are, due to their similar aerodynamic properties.
What are propellers?
On what type of day are thermals most useful to gliders and sailplanes?
On a hot day near the ground
If you are stationary on the ground with a headwind of 5 mph, what is your airspeed?
5 mph
What happens if a plane is too light during high crosswinds
It can be difficult or dangerous to land
What challenge does a pilot face when using the plane to fight crosswinds during landing?
The pilot has to quickly realign the front wheel with the runway to avoid going off course
The efficiency of these engines decreases in hot weather because they rely on denser air to function optimally.
What are jet engines?
How do thermals impact the height of a glider or sailplane
Thermals help gliders and sailplanes gain free height by lifting them with rising columns of air
If a plane has a takeoff speed of 35 mph, and suddenly a 40 mph headwind appears, what could happen to the plane?
It might become airborne.
Why is it advantageous to have a higher airspeed during takeoff, and how does a headwind contribute to this?
A higher airspeed generates more lift, helping the plane take off more easily. A headwind increases airspeed without increasing groundspeed, aiding in quicker lift-off.
What happens when a plane "goes slightly into" the crosswind?
It cancels out the crosswind, helping the plane stay aligned with the runway.
In cold weather, ice can form here if humidity is present, potentially obstructing airflow and requiring careful management of heat
What is the carburetor?
Why are thermals considered vital for gliders and sailplanes
Gliders and sailplanes rely on thermals to stay suspended in the air, as they do not have engines.
How do tailwinds affect airspeed and groundspeed?
Tailwinds decrease airspeed but increase groundspeed.
How can a pilot of a glider or sailplane identify and take advantage of thermals during flight?
Pilots can identify thermals by looking for signs such as cumulus clouds forming at the top of the rising air, dust or debris being lifted from the ground, or by observing the behavior of birds like hawks circling in rising air. They can then maneuver their aircraft into the thermal to gain altitude.
How do construction workers determine where to position a runway when there are two common wind directions
They build two runways aligned with each of the common wind directions.
While hot air reduces performance, flying in cold air requires monitoring this to avoid problems caused by ice blocking airflow in the engine.
What is carburetor heat
What atmospheric conditions contribute to the formation of thermals, and why are they especially important for unpowered aircraft like gliders
Thermals form when the sun heats the ground, causing hot air to rise. This rising air is crucial for unpowered aircraft like gliders because it allows them to gain altitude without the need for engines, extending their flight time.
What type of wind conditions typically lead to the fastest flights?
Tailwinds.
What must a pilot do if they encounter crosswinds while landing to avoid veering off the runway
The pilot must quickly turn the front wheel to realign the plane with the runway after compensating for the crosswind.