Several factors affect aircraft performance including the atmosphere, aerodynamics, and aircraft icing. Pilots need an understanding of these factors for a sound basis for prediction of aircraft response to control inputs, especially with regard to instrument approaches, while holding, and when operating at reduced airspeed in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Although these factors are important to the pilot flying visual flight rules (VFR), they must be even more thoroughly understood by the pilot operating under instrument flight rules (IFR). Instrument pilots rely strictly on instrument indications to precisely control the aircraft; therefore, they must have a solid understanding of basic aerodynamic principles in order to make accurate judgments regarding aircraft control inputs.
The Wing
To understand aerodynamic forces, a pilot needs to understand basic terminology associated with airfoils. Figure 1 illustrates a typical airfoil.
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| The airfoil |
The chord line is the straight line intersecting the leading and trailing edges of the airfoil, and the term chord refers to the chord line longitudinal length (length as viewed from the side).
The mean camber is a line located halfway between the upper and lower surfaces. Viewing the wing edgewise, the mean camber connects with the chord line at each end. The mean camber is important because it assists in determining aerodynamic qualities of an airfoil. The measurement of the maximum camber; inclusive of both the displacement of the mean camber line and its linear measurement from the end of the chord line, provide properties useful in evaluating airfoils.
Master these critical concepts with our deep dive into the physics of flight. Explore the topics below to better understand aircraft performance and sharpen your decision-making in the instrument environment.
Aerodynamic Factors Series
1. Review of Basic Aerodynamics
A refresher on the foundational principles governing flight and control.
View Topic →2. Atmosphere
How atmospheric conditions influence aircraft performance and stability.
View Topic →3. Lift
Deep dive into lift generation and its role in controlled flight.
View Topic →4. Drag Curves
Understanding the relationship between airspeed and drag in IFR phases.
View Topic →5. Trim
Techniques for managing aircraft balance and reducing pilot workload.
View Topic →6. Slow-Speed Flight
Handling characteristics and performance during low-airspeed operations.
View Topic →7. Climbs and Turns
Aerodynamic forces at work during standard instrument maneuvers.
View Topic →8. Load Factor
Understanding the impact of maneuvers on the aircraft's structural limits.
View Topic →9. Icing and Types of Icing
Identifying and mitigating the hazards of structural and engine icing.
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