Flight Dynamics Questions
Flight dynamics is a rather broad area that relates the aerodynamic and propulsion characteristics of an aircraft
to its flight characteristics, stability and control, and overall performance. While aerodynamics, propulsion,
and performance are addressed in other sections, the questions answered here are primarily devoted to how planes
are designed to make them stable and controllable during flight.
What is the meaning of the term "g force"?
My question is in respect to gravity and acceleration. ... How would I
calculate the speed of an object upon contact with the Earth's surface, like if it fell from the top of a
building?
When we fly west over the Pacific Ocean (e.g. California to Bombay) it takes
about 22 hours to reach the destination, but it only takes 17 hours back. ... Why does this happen?
I have been researching the Boeing Stratocruiser and have a question. The
cruising speed for this plane is listed as 340 mph (547 km/h), but the trip from London Heathrow to New
York is stated as taking 15 1/2 hours. ... Why are these speeds so low and the flight times so long?
Does it take longer to travel from Hawaii to California because of
headwinds? And is it faster to travel from California to Hawaii because of tailwinds? Which direction is
the wind blowing in the Pacific, east or west?
I fly a model glider, and I've noticed that the plane seems to lose lift
when it turns downwind. Also, the plane will porpoise if the wind is blowing strongly. This motion will
continue with hands off the controls, so it's not pilot induced. The glider flies fine into the wind or in
calm conditions.
Why is the wing of a Cessna twisted slightly and why does it go upwards as
it gets further away from the body?
Is the Boeing 757 wing a supercritical wing? Why does it have a mach speed
trim whereas the Boeing 767 aircraft does not? Does the answer have to do with the movement forward of the
767 wing, reducing the longitudinal instability, whereas the 757 wing was not moved forward?
Can you explain what adverse yaw is and how to solve it?
Isn't it correct that I can fly a right turn, by moving the left
aileron down and the right one up...so the airplane rolls and yaws to the right although I did not activate
the rudder to generate any yaw control? However, adverse yaw should cause the airplane to yaw to the
left. What causes the airplane to yaw to the right then?
Do aircraft with piston engines or turboprops experience torque effects
like helicopters do?
If a jet aircraft like the F-14 or F-18 was doing an engine "run up" on
an aircraft carrier, would the thrust generated from that one aircraft be enough to affect the speed of the
aircraft carrier?
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