Basic Aerodynamics

Basic Aerodynamics

In order to understand the operation of the major components and subcomponents of an aircraft, it is important to understand basic aerodynamic concepts. Four forces act upon an aircraft in relation to straight-and level, unaccelerated flight. These forces are thrust, lift, weight, and drag.

Nature Forces :

Drag is a rearward, retarding force, and is caused by disruption of airflow by the wing, fuselage, and other protruding objects. Drag opposes thrust, and acts rearward parallel to the relative wind.

Weight is the combined load of the airplane itself, the crew, the fuel, and the cargo or baggage. Weight pulls the airplane downward because of the force of gravity. It opposes lift, and acts vertically downward through the airplane’s center of gravity (CG).

Human made forces :

Thrust is the forward force produced by the powerplant/ propeller. It opposes or overcomes the force of drag. As a general rule, it is said to act parallel to the longitudinal axis. This is not always the case as explained later.

Lift opposes the downward force of weight, is produced by the dynamic effect of the air acting on the wing, and acts perpendicular to the flightpath through the wing’s center of lift.

Aircraft Flight Control

Aircraft Flight Control consist of :

       1.      Aircraft Axis : Longitudinal, Vertical/Directional, and Lateral.

       2.      Aircraft Control : Aileron, Rudder, Elevator.

       3.      Aircraft Movement :

a.       Rolling/Banking is rotation around front-to-back or longitudinal axis or an up and down movement of the wings. The rolling motion is being caused by the deflection of the ailerons.

Cockpit Control Moevement	Right Aileron	Left Aileron	Rolling
Left	Down	Up	Left
Right	Up	Down	Right

b.      Yawning/Skidding is rotation around the vertical axis or movement of the nose caused by the deflection of the rudder.

Foot Pedal	Rudder Deflection	Yawing
Left Pressed	Left	Left
Right Pressed	Right	Right
Left/Right Pedal	Neutral	Straight Flight

c.       Pitching is rotation around the side-to-side or lateral axis, the elevator which are on the tail section are used to control the pitch. This motion for climb (pitching up), descent (pitching down), and level flight for stabilize the aircraft

Cockpit Control Moevement	Right Aileron	Pitching
Push	Down	Down
Pull	Up	Up