Aircraft Performance and Handling
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Airline Flight Operations course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Aerodynamic center, also known as the center of pressure , is the point wh… #
Aerodynamics is the study of the interaction between air and solid objects, such as aircraft, and is crucial in understanding how aircraft generate lift and drag. Aircraft axis, there are three axes in an aircraft, the longitudinal axis, lateral axis, and vertical axis, which are used to describe the motions of the aircraft. Aircraft configuration, refers to the arrangement of the aircraft's components, such as the wings, fuselage, and control surfaces, which can affect its performance and handling. Aircraft performance, is the study of how an aircraft's design and operating conditions affect its ability to fly and maneuver, and is a critical aspect of aircraft handling. Air data computer, is an electronic device that processes data from various sensors to provide accurate information about the aircraft's altitude, airspeed, and temperature. Airfoil, is a shape that is designed to produce lift when air flows over it, and is used in aircraft wings and control surfaces. Airspeed, is the speed of an aircraft relative to the air it is flying through, and is an important factor in determining its performance and handling. Airspeed indicator, is a device that displays the aircraft's airspeed, and is used by pilots to monitor and control the aircraft's speed. All-up weight, refers to the total weight of the aircraft, including fuel, passengers, cargo, and crew, which can affect its performance and handling. Angle of attack, is the angle between the oncoming air and the airfoil, and is critical in determining the aircraft's lift and drag. Angle of bank, is the angle between the horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, and is used to describe the aircraft's turns. Aspect ratio, is the ratio of the wing's length to its width, and can affect the aircraft's lift and drag characteristics. Bank angle, is the angle between the horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, and is used to describe the aircraft's turns. Cambered airfoil, is a type of airfoil that has a curved upper surface, which can produce more lift than a symmetrical airfoil. Center of gravity, is the point where the weight of the aircraft can be considered to be concentrated, and is critical in determining its stability and handling. Center of lift, is the point where the lift force acts on the aircraft, and is typically located near the center of gravity. Climb gradient, is the ratio of the climb rate to the airspeed, and is used to describe the aircraft's climbing performance. Climb rate, is the rate at which the aircraft gains altitude, and is an important factor in determining its performance and handling. Control surface, is a movable surface on the aircraft that is used to control its attitude and direction, such as ailerons, elevators, and rudder. Control yoke, is a device that is used by the pilot to control the aircraft's attitude and direction, and is typically connected to the control surfaces. Crew resource management, refers to the techniques and strategies used by flight crews to manage their resources and workload effectively. Decision altitude, is the altitude at which the pilot must decide whether to continue or abort a landing or approach. Density altitude, is the altitude at which the air density is equivalent to the standard atmosphere at that altitude, and can affect the aircraft's performance and handling. Drag, is the force that opposes the motion of the aircraft through the air, and can be affected by the shape and size of the aircraft. Emergency procedures, refer to the steps and actions taken by the flight crew in response to an emergency situation, such as a system failure or medical emergency. Engine performance, refers to the ability of the engine to produce thrust and power, and is critical in determining the aircraft's performance and handling. Flight control system, refers to the system of components that work together to control the aircraft's attitude and direction, including control surfaces and actuators. Flight envelope, refers to the range of altitudes, airspeeds, and attitudes that the aircraft is designed to operate within, and is critical in determining its performance and safety. Flight management system, is a computer-based system that helps the pilot to plan and execute a flight, including navigation and performance calculations. Flaps, are movable surfaces on the wing that are used to increase lift during takeoff and landing, and can also be used to reduce airspeed. Fuel management, refers to the process of planning and managing the aircraft's fuel consumption, including fuel loading and fuel burn calculations. Glide slope, is the angle of descent that the aircraft must follow in order to land safely, and is typically indicated by a visual glide slope indicator. Ground effect, is the phenomenon where the aircraft experiences a reduction in drag and increase in lift when flying close to the ground. Heading, is the direction in which the aircraft is flying, and is typically measured in degrees from magnetic north. Hydroplaning, is a phenomenon where the aircraft's tires lose contact with the runway and ride on a layer of water, which can cause a loss of control. Indicated airspeed, is the airspeed that is indicated by the airspeed indicator, and may not be the same as the true airspeed due to instrument errors. Instrument landing system, is a system that provides guidance to the pilot during a landing or approach, including glide slope and localizer indications. Landing gear, is the system of wheels, brakes, and struts that support the aircraft during takeoff and landing, and can affect its performance and handling. Load factor, is the ratio of the load on the aircraft to its weight, and can affect its performance and handling. Mach number, is the ratio of the airspeed to the speed of sound, and is used to describe the high-speed characteristics of the aircraft. Maneuvering speed, is the maximum speed at which the aircraft can be flown without exceeding its design limits, and is typically indicated on the airspeed indicator. Maximum takeoff weight, is the maximum weight at which the aircraft is allowed to take off, and is typically determined by the aircraft's design and operating conditions. Mean aerodynamic chord, is the average distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing, and is used to calculate the lift and drag characteristics of the aircraft. Minimum descent altitude, is the lowest altitude to which the aircraft can descend during an approach or landing, and is typically indicated on the instrument landing system. Normal operating procedures, refer to the standard procedures that are followed by the flight crew during normal flight operations, including takeoff, cruise, and landing. Performance chart, is a graphical representation of the aircraft's performance characteristics, including climb rate, glide slope, and range. Pitch angle, is the angle between the horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, and is used to describe its attitude and orientation. Pitching moment, is the torque that causes the aircraft to rotate about its lateral axis, and can affect its stability and handling. Power setting, refers to the combination of throttle and propeller pitch settings that are used to control the engine's power output, and can affect the aircraft's performance and handling. Rate of climb, is the rate at which the aircraft gains altitude, and is an important factor in determining its performance and handling. Rate of descent, is the rate at which the aircraft loses altitude, and is an important factor in determining its performance and handling. Roll angle, is the angle between the horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, and is used to describe its attitude and orientation. Rolling moment, is the torque that causes the aircraft to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and can affect its stability and handling. Rotor disc, is the area swept by the rotor blades of a helicopter or gyroplane, and is used to calculate its lift and thrust characteristics. Service ceiling, is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain a steady rate of climb, and is typically indicated on the performance chart. Slats, are movable surfaces on the wing that are used to increase lift during takeoff and landing, and can also be used to reduce airspeed. Slat track, is the mechanism that extends and retracts the slats on the wing, and is typically hydraulically or electrically operated. Spin, is a aerodynamic stall that occurs when the aircraft is flown at a high angle of attack, and can result in a loss of control. Stability, refers to the tendency of the aircraft to return to its equilibrium state after being disturbed, and is critical in determining its handling and safety. Stall, is a aerodynamic phenomenon that occurs when the aircraft is flown at a high angle of attack, and can result in a loss of lift and control. Stall speed, is the minimum speed at which the aircraft can be flown without stalling, and is typically indicated on the airspeed indicator. Stick pusher, is a device that applies a force to the control yoke to prevent the aircraft from stalling, and is typically used in high-performance aircraft. Stick shaker, is a device that vibrates the control yoke to warn the pilot of an impending stall, and is typically used in high-performance aircraft. Turbulence, refers to the random and turbulent motion of the air that can cause the aircraft to shake and vibrate, and can affect its performance and handling. Turn, is a maneuver in which the aircraft changes direction, and is typically characterized by a bank angle and rate of turn. Type rating, refers to the qualification that a pilot must hold in order to fly a specific type of aircraft, and is typically based on the aircraft's design and performance characteristics. Unstable, refers to an aircraft that has a tendency to diverge from its equilibrium state after being disturbed, and can be difficult to control. V-speeds, refer to the speeds that are critical to the safe operation of the aircraft, including V1, V2, and Vr. Wake turbulence, refers to the turbulent motion of the air that is created behind an aircraft, and can affect the performance and handling of other aircraft that follow. Weight and balance, refers to the distribution of weight within the aircraft, and is critical in determining its performance and handling. Wing loading, is the ratio of the aircraft's weight to its wing area, and can affect its performance and handling. Wingtip vortices, are the turbulent motions of the air that are created at the wingtips of an aircraft, and can affect the performance and handling of other aircraft that follow. Yaw angle, is the angle between the horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, and is used to describe its attitude and orientation. Yawing moment, is the torque that causes the aircraft to rotate about its vertical axis, and can affect its stability and handling.