Basic Aerodynamics Quiz

What is the primary upward force acting on an aircraft during flight?

• Thrust

• Weight

• Lift

• Drag

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the drag on an aircraft?

• Engine power

• Angle of attack

• Surface condition

• Airfoil shape

What is the relationship between thrust and drag in steady level flight?

• Thrust is less than drag

• Thrust is independent of drag

• Thrust is greater than drag

• Thrust equals drag

At what point does maximum level flight speed occur?

• When lift equals weight

• When drag is at its maximum

• When power available matches power required

• When power available exceeds power required

What happens to lift as the angle of attack increases?

• Lift decreases

• Lift remains constant

• Lift increases until a critical angle is reached

• Lift becomes irrelevant

Which of the following describes the glide ratio?

• The distance traveled horizontally to the height lost

• The ratio of lift to drag

• The angle of descent

• The speed of descent

What is the effect of increasing weight on climb performance?

• No effect on climb performance

• Increases angle of climb

• Decreases climb performance

• Increases climb performance

What is the primary purpose of flaps during landing?

• To increase drag

• To decrease lift

• To maintain speed

• To reduce weight

What is the absolute ceiling of an aircraft?

• The altitude at which the aircraft can perform acrobatics

• The altitude at which the maximum rate of climb is zero

• The maximum altitude the aircraft can reach under its own power

• The altitude at which the aircraft can fly steadily

What is the service ceiling for a piston-engine aircraft defined as?

• The altitude at which the aircraft can perform a stall

• The altitude at which the aircraft can fly at maximum speed

• The altitude at which the maximum rate of climb is 500 ft/min

• The altitude at which the maximum rate of climb is 100 ft/min