There are certain laws of nature or physics that apply to any object that is lifted from the Earth and moved through the air. To analyze and predict airplane performance under various operating conditions, it is important that pilots gain as much knowledge as possible concerning the laws and principles that apply to flight.
If, for example, the pilot allows the airplane to fly too fast, damage to the aircraft structure might occur. If the pilot allows the airplane to fly too slow, the airplane can lose lift and no longer remain airborne. It is the pilot’s responsibility to manage the aircraft safely between these operating limits while understanding how aerodynamic forces affect flight performance.
This section examines the fundamental physical laws governing the forces acting on an aircraft in flight and the effects these natural laws and forces have on aircraft performance characteristics. To control an aircraft—whether an airplane, helicopter, glider, or balloon—the pilot must understand the aerodynamic principles involved and learn how to use or counteract these forces.
The following sections introduce the atmosphere, the production of lift, and airfoil design concepts that form the foundation of flight theory and aerodynamic performance.
Principles of Flight
1. Structure of the Atmosphere
Learn how atmospheric layers and air properties influence aircraft performance and flight conditions.
View Topic →2. Theories in the Production of Lift
Understand the aerodynamic principles and physical laws responsible for generating lift.
View Topic →3. Airfoil Design and A Third Dimension
Explore how airfoil shape and wing design affect airflow, lift, and aircraft efficiency.
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