Controlling Flight and Aircraft Moments

Front

What is necessary to change the amount of lift produced by an aircraft's wings?

Back

Changing the angle of attack, or the angle at which the wing is relative to the airflow.

Front

What happens when an aircraft is flown too slowly?

Back

It becomes hard to control and loses its balance, a condition known as 'stalling'.

Front

How do flaps benefit an aircraft during landing?

Back

Flaps increase the lift at low speeds, reducing the stalling speed and allowing for shorter runways. They also increase the steepness of the approach path, allowing the pilot to lower the nose and reduce approach and landing speeds.

Front

What is a pitching moment?

Back

A twisting force trying to raise or lower the nose of the aircraft, caused by factors like the balance of freight, passengers, fuel, airflow over the tailplane, and force from elevators or trim tabs.

Front

What causes a rolling moment in an aircraft?

Back

A twisting force trying to roll the aircraft, caused by ailerons, uneven lift from wings due to propeller slipstream, uneven fuel consumption from wing tanks, and uneven cargo weight in wing lockers.

Front

What is a yawing moment?

Back

A twisting force trying to yaw the aircraft, caused by the deflection of the rudder.

Front

What role do elevators play in aircraft control?

Back

Elevators are moveable surfaces at the rear of the plane that cause the aircraft to pitch, changing the angle of attack and the plane's attitude relative to the airflow.

Front

How do ailerons help an aircraft turn?

Back

Ailerons are hinged surfaces on the rear outer section of each wing. By moving them in different directions, they cause the aircraft to roll into a turn, creating a rolling moment.

Front

What is the function of the rudder in an aircraft?

Back

The rudder causes a yawing moment about the normal axis, helps balance uneven airflow or engine forces, and is used to change the heading or align the aircraft with the airflow.