Aerodynamics Test

What is the primary function of an airfoil in an aircraft?

• To increase the weight of the aircraft

• To generate lift

• To reduce the speed of the aircraft

• To provide thrust

Answer explanation

The primary function of an airfoil is to generate lift, which allows the aircraft to rise and stay in the air. It does this by creating a difference in air pressure above and below the wing.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is NOT one of the forces of flight?

• Lift

• Thrust

• Gravity

• Friction

Answer explanation

Friction is not one of the primary forces of flight. The main forces are lift, thrust, and gravity. Lift opposes gravity, while thrust propels the aircraft forward. Friction, while present, does not directly contribute to flight.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Describe the role of thrust in flight.

• Thrust opposes drag

• Thrust increases weight

• Thrust decreases lift

Answer explanation

Thrust is the force that propels an aircraft forward, and it directly opposes drag, which is the resistance encountered during flight. This balance is crucial for maintaining speed and altitude.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the main purpose of the vertical stabilizer on an aircraft?

• To control pitch

• To control yaw

• To control roll

• To increase lift

Answer explanation

The vertical stabilizer primarily controls yaw, which is the left and right movement of the aircraft's nose. It helps maintain directional stability, making 'to control yaw' the correct answer.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the three axes of motion in an aircraft.

• Pitch, Yaw, Roll

• Lift, Drag, Thrust

• Weight, Lift, Thrust

• Yaw, Drag, Thrust

Answer explanation

The three axes of motion in an aircraft are Pitch, Yaw, and Roll. Pitch refers to the up and down movement of the nose, Yaw is the left and right movement, and Roll is the tilting motion around the aircraft's longitudinal axis.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Explain how the distribution of weight affects the center of gravity (CG) in an aircraft.

• It has no effect on CG

• It determines the stability and control of the aircraft

• It only affects the speed of the aircraft

• It only affects the lift generated

Answer explanation

The distribution of weight directly affects the center of gravity (CG), which in turn influences the aircraft's stability and control. A well-balanced CG enhances performance, while an improper CG can lead to instability.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following best describes Bernoulli’s Principle?

• An increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure

• An increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with an increase in pressure

• A decrease in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure

• A decrease in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with an increase in pressure

Answer explanation

Bernoulli’s Principle states that as the speed of a fluid increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases. Therefore, the correct choice is: An increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which part of the aircraft is primarily responsible for controlling roll?

• Ailerons

• Rudder

• Elevator

• Flaps

Answer explanation

The ailerons are the primary control surfaces used to manage the roll of an aircraft. They are located on the wings and move in opposite directions to tilt the aircraft left or right.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

How does unequal thrust from the engines affect flight? For example, if the right engine is providing more thrust than the left.

• It causes the aircraft to pitch up

• It causes the aircraft to yaw

• It has no effect on the aircraft

Answer explanation

Unequal thrust from the engines causes the aircraft to yaw towards the side with less thrust. In this case, if the right engine provides more thrust than the left, the aircraft will yaw to the left.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the primary effect of drag on an aircraft?

• It increases lift

• It decreases speed

• It increases thrust

• It decreases weight

Answer explanation

The primary effect of drag on an aircraft is that it opposes the forward motion, leading to a decrease in speed. This resistance must be overcome by thrust for the aircraft to maintain or increase its velocity.

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DOK Level 1: Recall