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Theory of Flight - Level 3

Why learn about Theory of Flight?

The pilot today has a large variety of airplanes from which to choose. Of these airplanes many may fly at less than 100 knots top speed while others are capable of speeds well into the hundreds of knots. Some are single seaters carrying only the pilot, while others, even in the single engine light airplane class may carry 10 or more passengers. Some airplanes have laminar flow airfoil sections; others have airfoils of conventional design. A few light airplanes fly at 3 1/2 times their stalling speed; others do well to cruise at 1 1/3 times their stalling speed. Every one of these airplanes has different flight characteristics. If a pilot has a good grasp of the fundamentals of flight, he will understand what to expect of each different airplane that he may have the opportunity to fly. He will understand how best to handle each airplane as a result of his knowledge of the theory of flight and of the airplane’s design. He will comprehend the various loads to which an airplane of a particular design may be exposed while flying under abnormal or adverse conditions of flight. Not only to get the best performance but also to ensure the safety of each flight, an understanding of Theory of Flight is very essential.

The study of theory of flight and aerodynamics can be a lifetime proposition. New theories are forever being put forward. Some questions have answers that are difficult to find.  Others perhaps do not yet have adequate answers.  The information that comprises this section can only be considered an introduction to a substantial, but fascinating, topic in aviation.

Sections in this Chapter:

	Forces Acting on an Airplane in Flight
	Wing Design CONVENTIONAL AIRFOILS and LAMINAR FLOW AIRFOILS PLANFORM DESIGN and OTHER ISSUES OTHER WING ADDITIONS WING BOUNDARY LAYER
	Fluid Dynamics FLOW EQUATIONS INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW AROUND A CYLINDER and A WING SECTION FOILSIM - BASIC AERODYNAMICS SOFTWARE
	Axes of an Airplane THE AXES OF AN AIRPLANE BALANCED CONTROLS STABILITY OF AN AIRPLANE
	Flight Performance
	Flight Instruments
	Navigation Systems
	Basic Instrument Flying

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Updated: February 23, 1999