ATPL

Principles of
Flight
© Atlantic Flight Training

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
forms by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or
by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from Atlantic
Flight Training in writing.

ATPL Principles of Flight ii 28 October 2003

 CHAPTER 1

Laws and Definitions

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................1-1
S I Units .............................................................................................................................................1-1
Derived Units .....................................................................................................................................1-1
Airspeeds ...........................................................................................................................................1-5
Newton’s Laws of Motion ...................................................................................................................1-5

CHAPTER 2

The Flight Environment

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................2-1
The Atmosphere ................................................................................................................................2-1
The Universal Gas Law......................................................................................................................2-1
The Effect of Pressure on Density .....................................................................................................2-1
The Effect of Temperature on Density ...............................................................................................2-2
The Effect of Altitude on Density........................................................................................................2-2
The Effect of Humidity on Density ......................................................................................................2-2
The International Standard Atmosphere ............................................................................................2-2

CHAPTER 3

Aircraft Components and Terminology

Wing Position Terminology ................................................................................................................3-1
Wing Planform Terminology...............................................................................................................3-2
Wing Section Terminology .................................................................................................................3-6
Aerofoil Cross-sectional Shapes ........................................................................................................3-6

CHAPTER 4

Lift
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................4-1
Airflow ................................................................................................................................................4-1
Equation of Continuity ........................................................................................................................4-3
Bernoulli's Theorem ...........................................................................................................................4-4
Angle of Attack...................................................................................................................................4-5
Two – Dimensional Airflow About an Aerofoil ....................................................................................4-7
Effect of Angle of Attack on the Airflow About an Aerofoil Section.....................................................4-8
Chordwise Pressure Distributions About an Aerofoil Section...........................................................4-10
The Centre of Pressure....................................................................................................................4-11
Pitching Moments ............................................................................................................................4-12
Aerodynamic Centre ........................................................................................................................4-14
Lift Formula ......................................................................................................................................4-15
Variation of Coefficient of Lift with Angle of Attack...........................................................................4-16
Three – Dimensional Airflow About an Aerofoil................................................................................4-17
Wing Shape and its Effect on Lift .....................................................................................................4-20

CHAPTER 5

Drag
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................5-1

ATPL Principles of Flight iii ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Form Drag..........................................................................................................................................5-2
Boundary Layer..................................................................................................................................5-4
Skin Friction Drag ..............................................................................................................................5-7
Factors Affecting Skin Friction Drag...................................................................................................5-8
Interference Drag ...............................................................................................................................5-8
Induced Drag .....................................................................................................................................5-9
Factors Affecting Induced Drag........................................................................................................5-10
Methods to Reduce Induced Drag ...................................................................................................5-13
Drag Formula ...................................................................................................................................5-15
Drag Curves.....................................................................................................................................5-16
Lift/Drag Ratio ..................................................................................................................................5-18

CHAPTER 6

Flying Controls
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................6-1
Elevators ............................................................................................................................................6-2
The Stabilator.....................................................................................................................................6-2
The Rudder ........................................................................................................................................6-3
Ailerons ..............................................................................................................................................6-4
Adverse Aileron Yaw..........................................................................................................................6-5
Combined Primary Control Surfaces..................................................................................................6-6
Aerodynamic Balance ........................................................................................................................6-9
Tabs .................................................................................................................................................6-12
Mass Balance ..................................................................................................................................6-14
Powered Flying Controls ..................................................................................................................6-14
Powered Flying Control System Layout and Requirements .............................................................6-16
Control Input Systems......................................................................................................................6-17
The Power Control Unit (PCU).........................................................................................................6-18
Artificial Feel Systems......................................................................................................................6-20
Trimming Control Systems...............................................................................................................6-23
Principle of a Trim Tab .....................................................................................................................6-24
Trimming of Powered Flying Controls ..............................................................................................6-27
Spoilers ............................................................................................................................................6-33

CHAPTER 7

Lift Augmentation
Basic Lift Augmentation System ........................................................................................................7-1
Trailing Edge Flaps ............................................................................................................................7-2
Types of Trailing Edge Flaps .............................................................................................................7-3
Comparison of Different Types of Trailing Edge Flap ........................................................................7-5
The Effect of Trailing Edge Flaps on the Stalling Angle .....................................................................7-6
The Effect of Trailing Edge Flaps on the Stall Speed.........................................................................7-7
Operation of Trailing Edge Flaps .......................................................................................................7-8
Use of Trailing Edge Flaps for Take-off..............................................................................................7-9
The Effects of Raising the Flaps in Flight...........................................................................................7-9
The Use of Trailing Edge Flaps During the Approach and Landing .................................................7-10
High Lift Devices on Transport Category Aircraft .............................................................................7-11
Leading Edge High Lift Devices .......................................................................................................7-12
The Effect of Leading Edge Flaps on the Stalling Angle ..................................................................7-18
The Operation of High Lift Devices on Transport Category Aircraft .................................................7-18
Protection of High Lift Devices on Transport Category Aircraft ........................................................7-21

ATPL Principles of Flight iv 28 October 2003

 CHAPTER 8

Stalling
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................8-1
Separated Airflow...............................................................................................................................8-1
The Stalling Angle of Attack ...............................................................................................................8-4
Definition of the JAR/FAR Stalling Speed (VS)...................................................................................8-5
The Relationship between Stalling Speed and Lift.............................................................................8-5
Recognition of the Stall at Low Airspeeds..........................................................................................8-8
Stall Warning in Light Aircraft.............................................................................................................8-9
Recovery from a Normal Stall ..........................................................................................................8-10
The Effect of Wing Section on the Stall............................................................................................8-10
The Effect of Wing Planform on the Stall .........................................................................................8-11
The Cause of Pitch-up on Sweptback Wings at the Stall .................................................................8-14
Devices to Alleviate Wing Tip Stalling ..............................................................................................8-15
Stall Sensing in Transport Category Aircraft ....................................................................................8-17
The Stall Warning System on Transport Category Aircraft...............................................................8-18
The Stall Prevention System on Transport Category Aircraft...........................................................8-19
Super Stall (deep stall).....................................................................................................................8-19
Accelerated or ‘g’-stall......................................................................................................................8-21
Spinning ...........................................................................................................................................8-21

CHAPTER 9

Forces Acting On An Aeroplane

Forces in Steady Level Flight.............................................................................................................9-1
Lift/Weight and Thrust/Drag Couples .................................................................................................9-2
The Contribution of the Tailplane .......................................................................................................9-5
Straight Steady Climb ........................................................................................................................9-6
Forces in a Straight Steady Climb......................................................................................................9-6
Straight Steady Descent (Dive)..........................................................................................................9-8
Steady Straight Glide .........................................................................................................................9-9
Forces in a Steady Straight Glide ....................................................................................................9-10
The Effect of the Lift/Drag Ratio on Glide Performance ...................................................................9-11
The Effect of a Steady Wind on Glide Performance.........................................................................9-12
The Effect of Weight on Glide Performance.....................................................................................9-13
Steady Co-ordinated Turn................................................................................................................9-14
Forces Acting on an Aircraft During a Steady Co-ordinated Turn ....................................................9-14
Calculation of the Centripetal Force .................................................................................................9-14
Turning an Aircraft ...........................................................................................................................9-15
Factors Affecting an Aircraft's Radius of Turn ..................................................................................9-16
Balancing the Turn...........................................................................................................................9-19
Rate of Turn .....................................................................................................................................9-21
Load Factor......................................................................................................................................9-21
The Effect of Turning on Stalling Speed...........................................................................................9-22
Aircraft Response During a Level Banked Turn ...............................................................................9-24
Aircraft Response During Climbing and Descending Turns .............................................................9-25

CHAPTER 10

Stability
Introduction to Stability.....................................................................................................................10-1
Controllability ...................................................................................................................................10-1
Static Stability ..................................................................................................................................10-2
The Degree of Stability.....................................................................................................................10-2
Dynamic Stability .............................................................................................................................10-3
Static Longitudinal Stability ..............................................................................................................10-4

ATPL Principles of Flight v ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Mathematical Representation of Static Longitudinal Stability...........................................................10-5
Factors Affecting Static Longitudinal Stability ..................................................................................10-7
Graphical Representation of Static Longitudinal Stability...............................................................10-10
The Effect of Elevator Deflection on Pitching Moments .................................................................10-11
Control Force Stability....................................................................................................................10-13
Manoeuvring Stability.....................................................................................................................10-15
Tailoring The Control Forces..........................................................................................................10-17
Dynamic Longitudinal Stability .......................................................................................................10-18
Pilot Induced Oscillations ...............................................................................................................10-19
Static Directional Stability...............................................................................................................10-19
Graphical Representation of Static Directional Stability .................................................................10-20
The Factors Affecting Static Directional Stability............................................................................10-21
Static Lateral Stability.....................................................................................................................10-23
Graphical Representation of Static Lateral Stability .......................................................................10-27
Factors Affecting Static Lateral Stability.........................................................................................10-28
Interaction Between Lateral and Directional Static Stability ...........................................................10-28
Dutch Roll ......................................................................................................................................10-29
Yaw Damper Systems....................................................................................................................10-31
Speed Stability ...............................................................................................................................10-32

CHAPTER 11

Ground Effect
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................11-1
The Characteristics of Ground Effect ...............................................................................................11-1
The Influence of Ground Effect on Landing......................................................................................11-4
The Influence of Ground Effect on Take-Off ....................................................................................11-4
The Influence of Ground Effect on Trailing Edge Flaps ...................................................................11-4

CHAPTER 12

Propellers
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................12-1
Propeller Terminology ......................................................................................................................12-1
Factors Affecting the Blade Angle of Attack .....................................................................................12-3
Factors Affecting the Blade Thrust Distribution ................................................................................12-7
Forces Acting on a Blade Section ....................................................................................................12-7
Centrifugal Turning Moment (CTM) .................................................................................................12-8
Aerodynamic Turning Moment (ATM) ..............................................................................................12-9
Centrifugal Forces............................................................................................................................12-9
Thrust Bending Forces...................................................................................................................12-10
Torque Bending Forces..................................................................................................................12-10
Propeller Efficiency ........................................................................................................................12-11
Forces Acting on a Windmilling Blade Section...............................................................................12-13
Propeller Pitch................................................................................................................................12-15
Disadvantages of Fixed Pitch Propellers........................................................................................12-16
The Variable and Constant Speed Propeller..................................................................................12-17
Power Absorption...........................................................................................................................12-18
Propeller Solidity ............................................................................................................................12-19
Propeller Effects on Take-off..........................................................................................................12-19
Propeller Icing ................................................................................................................................12-23

CHAPTER 13

Asymmetric Flight
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................13-1
Single Engine Performance .............................................................................................................13-1

ATPL Principles of Flight vi 28 October 2003

 Yawing Moments .............................................................................................................................13-3
Asymmetric Blade Effect ..................................................................................................................13-6
The Effect of Bank ...........................................................................................................................13-9
The Effect of Weight.......................................................................................................................13-10
Rolling Moments ............................................................................................................................13-11
Minimum Airspeeds During Asymmetric Flight...............................................................................13-12
Turning Flight .................................................................................................................................13-13
Recognition of a Failed Engine ......................................................................................................13-13

CHAPTER 14

High Speed Flight

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................14-1
The Speed of Sound ........................................................................................................................14-1
Pressure Waves From a Moving Source..........................................................................................14-2
Nature of Compressibility .................................................................................................................14-4
Mach Number ..................................................................................................................................14-4
Flight Speed Classifications .............................................................................................................14-6
Comparison of Subsonic and Supersonic Flow Patterns .................................................................14-6
The Development of Shock Waves ..................................................................................................14-7
Shock Stall .....................................................................................................................................14-10
The Effect of Altitude on the Shock Stall ........................................................................................14-13
Buffet Onset Boundary Chart .........................................................................................................14-14
Methods of Reducing or Delaying the Transonic Drag Rise...........................................................14-16
Transonic Area Rule ......................................................................................................................14-17
Supercritical Wings ........................................................................................................................14-18
Control Problems in Transonic Flight .............................................................................................14-19
Vortex Generators..........................................................................................................................14-21
The Effect of Transonic Flight on Aircraft Trim and Stability ..........................................................14-21
Mach Trim ......................................................................................................................................14-23
Supersonic Flight ...........................................................................................................................14-23
Oblique Shock Wave......................................................................................................................14-23
Mach Cone.....................................................................................................................................14-24
Expansion Wave ............................................................................................................................14-24
Summary of Supersonic Wave Characteristics ..............................................................................14-26

CHAPTER 15

Flight in Adverse Weather Conditions

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................15-1
The Effect of Ice, Frost and Snow on the Aircraft’s Performance.....................................................15-1
The Effects of Contamination on Maximum Wing Lift Capability......................................................15-2
The Effects of Contamination on Flaps and Slats ............................................................................15-4
The Effect of Contamination on Take-off Performance ....................................................................15-6
The Effect of Contamination on Aircraft Landing Performance ........................................................15-8
Tail Icing...........................................................................................................................................15-9
Windshear......................................................................................................................................15-10
Vertical Gusts.................................................................................................................................15-11
Horizontal Gusts ............................................................................................................................15-12
Downdraughts and Updraughts .....................................................................................................15-13
Indications of a Windshear Encounter............................................................................................15-13
General Recovery from a Windshear Encounter............................................................................15-14
Recovery from a Windshear Encounter During the Take-off, Approach and Landing....................15-14
Microbursts ....................................................................................................................................15-15
The Effect of a Microburst Encounter During the Approach ...........................................................15-15
The Effect of a Microburst on Take-off ...........................................................................................15-16
Airborne Windshear Detection Systems.........................................................................................15-17
The Effect of Heavy Rain on Aircraft Performance ........................................................................15-18

ATPL Principles of Flight vii ©Atlantic Flight Training

 CHAPTER 16

Operating Limitations
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................16-1
The Flight Operating Envelope ........................................................................................................16-1
Manoeuvre and Gust Loads.............................................................................................................16-4
Aeroelastic Distortion (Aileron Reversal)..........................................................................................16-5
Emergency Descents .......................................................................................................................16-7

ATPL Principles of Flight viii 28 October 2003

 Chapter 1.

Laws and Definitions

Introduction

Before studying aerodynamics it is essential to have a thorough grounding in basic mechanics

and any related units of measurement. In aeronautics all measurements world-wide are
based on the International System (SI) of units, but in practice some anomalies exist, for
example altitude, which is quoted in terms of feet, and airspeed which is quoted in nautical
miles per hour (knots).

S I Units

The fundamental SI units are those of:

Mass The amount of matter in a body; measured in kilograms (kg).

Length The distance between two points; measured in metres (m).

Time The duration of an event; measured in seconds (s).

From these, other standard units can be derived.

Derived Units

The following quantities and their related units of measurement are extensively used in
aerodynamics:

Area A measure of a surface; measured in square metres (m2).

Volume A measure of the bulk or space occupied by a body; measured

in cubic metres (m3).

Velocity A measure of motion in a specified direction: measured in

metres per second (m/s).

Acceleration A measure of the change of velocity of a body: measured in

metres per second per second (m/s2).

Momentum The product of the mass and the velocity of a body: measured
in kilogram metres per second (kgm/s).

Force An external influence capable of altering the state of rest or

motion of a body, and is proportional to the rate of change of
momentum of a body.

ATPL Principles of Flight 1-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Force = Mass x Acceleration

The unit of force is the Newton (N), which is the force required
to give a mass of one kilogram an acceleration of one metre
per second per second.

Weight The gravitational force of attraction that the earth exerts on a

body of given mass: measured in kilograms (kg).

Weight = Mass x Acceleration Due to Gravity

Unlike the mass of a body, which remains constant

irrespective of its location, the weight of a body varies with
distance between the body and the centre of the earth. This is
because acceleration due to gravity varies with geographical
location and altitude, but under standard conditions this term is
assumed to be 9.81 m/s2.

Work The effort needed when a force is applied to a body causes it

to be lifted or moved a given distance in the same direction as
the force.

Work = Force x Distance

The unit of work is the Joule (J). One Joule is the work done
when a force of one Newton moves a body through a distance
of one metre in the direction of the force.

Work is also stated in terms of Newton Metres (Nm), where

1 Joule = 1 Nm.

Power The rate of doing work: measured in units of work per unit
time: measured in Watts (W), where 1 watt = 1 J/s or 1 Nm/s.

Power = Force x Velocity

Energy The capacity for doing work, which in mechanics exists in two
basic forms:

Potential energy - Due to position.

Kinetic energy - Due to motion.

The unit of energy is the Joule (J), where 1 Joule = 1 Nm.

Pressure The force per unit area acting on a surface: measured in

Newton’s per square metre (N/m2), which is properly called the
Pascal (Pa). In aviation the bar is more commonly used to
measure pressure where 1 bar = 105 Pa, or 1mb = 1hPa. In
aerodynamics three types of pressure exist:

Static Pressure (PS). When air is stationary it exerts pressure

equally in all directions. For example a mass of stationary air

ATPL Principles of Flight 1-2 28 October 2003

 in a container, will exert a certain amount of static pressure on
the surrounding walls (Fig. 1.1)

STATIC
PRESSURE

FIG. 1.1

Dynamic Pressure (PD). This occurs when moving air is

brought to rest on the surface of a body, i.e. when relative
movement exists between the surface and the airflow (Fig.1.2).

DYNAMIC
PRESSURE
(q)

FIG. 1.2

Dynamic Pressure is expressed as:

Q = ½RhoV2

Rho (ρ) is the air density, which decreases with altitude, and V
is the speed of the body relative to the airflow.

Total Pressure (PT). The sum of both the static and dynamic
pressures. This is a very important term in aerodynamic
formulae and is used in the calculation of lift, drag and
indicated air speeds (these terms will be explained later).

ATPL Principles of Flight 1-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Total pressure = Static Pressure + Dynamic pressure

In aerodynamics this is also referred to as Pitot Pressure.

Density The mass of material per unit volume: measured in kilograms

per cubic metre (kg/m3). The density of air is an important
property in the study of aerodynamics and varies with changes
in pressure, temperature and humidity. Such changes have a
significant effect on aircraft performance.

Temperature (T) A measure of the hotness of a body: measured in Degrees

Celsius (°C). The unit of thermodynamic temperature is the
Kelvin (K) and is the unit normally used in scientific
calculations. To convert from the Celsius system to the Kelvin
system, 273 must be added to the temperature in °C.

eg. 15°C = 15+273 = 288K

Viscosity A measure of the resistance to motion. In aerodynamics it is

the resistance to movement of one layer of air over another,
and in the case of a fluid, how easily it flows over a surface.
For example cold engine oil has high viscosity, and hot engine
oil has low viscosity.

Wing Loading The total aircraft weight supported per unit area of the wing:
measured in Newton’s per square metre (N/m2).

Wing Loading = AUW / wing area

ATPL Principles of Flight 1-4 28 October 2003

Airspeeds

Indicated Airspeed The airspeed of an aircraft as shown on its pitot-static

(IAS). airspeed indicator (ASI), that provides vital airspeed
information, e.g. stalling and structural limitation airspeeds, to
the flight-crew. It is calibrated to reflect standard atmospheric
adiabatic compressible flow at sea level, and is uncorrected
for airspeed system errors.

Calibrated The Indicated airspeed of an aircraft corrected for position

Airspeed (CAS). and instrument errors. CAS is equal to the True Airspeed
(TAS) in standard atmosphere at sea level only.

Equivalent The calibrated airspeed of an aircraft corrected for

Airspeed (EAS). compressibility error at a particular altitude. EAS is equal to
IAS at airspeeds less than 300 knots, and is equal to TAS in
standard atmosphere at sea level only.

True The actual speed of an aircraft through the air relative to the
Airspeed (TAS). air that is uninfluenced by the aircraft. TAS is important for
navigation purposes only. The relationship between EAS and
TAS is as follows:-

TAS = EAS ( ρo / ρ )1/2

where ρo = density at sea level

ρ = density at altitude

Mach No. The ratio of the TAS of an aircraft to the speed of sound in the
surrounding atmosphere, i.e. the local speed of sound (LSS).

Mach No = TAS / LSS

Newton’s Laws of Motion

Newton’s 1st Law. States that a body will continue in a state of rest, or in uniform
motion in a straight line, unless acted on by an external force,
i.e. it has inertia.

Newton’s 2nd Law. States that a body at rest or in uniform motion will when acted
on by an external force accelerate in the direction of the force.
The magnitude of the acceleration for any given mass is
directly proportional to the size of the force applied, i.e. when
a force of 1N is applied to a mass of 1kg it will accelerate at
1m/s2.

Force = mass x acceleration

Newton’s 3rd Law. States that for every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction.

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ATPL Principles of Flight 1-6 28 October 2003

 Chapter 2.

The Flight Environment

Introduction

In order to study the principles of flight it is first necessary to understand the medium in which
flight takes place.

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere is a region of air surrounding the earth up to a height of approximately 500
miles (900 Km). Air is a mixture of gases, the principal ones being oxygen 21% and nitrogen
78% by volume. Up to a height of 6 miles (11 Km) water vapour is also found in varying
quantities. The actual amount of water vapour in a given mass of air depends on the
temperature and whether the air has recently passed over a large area of water. Generally
the higher the temperature, the greater the amount of water vapour a given mass of air can
hold. Air has weight and is also compressible. Its pressure, density and temperature all
decrease with increasing altitude. An aircraft does work on the air to sustain flight, and any
change in pressure, density and temperature will effect the amount of energy that the aircraft
can extract from the air.

The Universal Gas Law

The relationship between pressure, density and temperature is:

P
ρT = constant
where P = Pressure (N/m²),
T = Absolute Temperature (Kelvin),
ρ = Density or Mass per unit volume (kg/m3)

This equation only applies to a perfect gas when a given mass occupies a given volume, but
from this equation it is possible to establish effect of pressure and temperature on density.

The Effect of Pressure on Density

Air is a gas, and can be easily compressed or expanded. When air is compressed the
number or mass of molecules in a given volume increases and the density rises. Conversely
as air is expanded the original volume will contain fewer molecules and the density will
reduce. Density is therefore directly proportional to pressure, i.e. if the pressure is doubled
then the density is also doubled. This statement is only true if the temperature remains
constant.

Density α Pressure

ATPL Principles of Flight 2-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The Effect of Temperature on Density

As air is heated the molecules tend to speed up and increase the spacing between them. A
given volume will contain fewer molecules and air density will decrease. Conversely as air is
cooled the degree of molecular movement will decrease and the given volume will now
contain a greater number of molecules, so the density will increase. Air density is inversely
proportional to temperature, i.e., if the temperature is doubled the density will half. This
statement is only true if the pressure remains constant.

Density α 1/Temperature

The Effect of Altitude on Density

With increasing altitude pressure and temperature both decrease. As stated previously the
drop in temperature will cause an increase in density whilst the drop in pressure will cause a
decrease in density. These factors act in opposition to each other, but pressure has a
dominating influence over density. Consequently, pressure, temperature and density all
decrease with increasing altitude.

The Effect of Humidity on Density

It has been assumed that air is perfectly dry. In fact there is always a certain amount of water
vapour in the atmosphere, which varies from place to place, and day to day. When water
vapour is present in the air it affects its density because it is less dense than dry air, and
therefore lighter. The density of water vapour under standard sea level conditions is 0.760
kg/m3, whereas the density of dry air is 1.225 kg/m3. Water vapour therefore weighs 5/8 as
much as dry air. This means that, for a given volume, air is least dense when it contains a
maximum amount of water vapour and most dense when it is perfectly dry. Humidity will
therefore affect aircraft performance.

The International Standard Atmosphere

In order to compare aircraft performance and calibrate aircraft instruments, it is necessary to

have an internationally agreed Standard Atmosphere covering temperature, pressure and
density for varying altitudes. The International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), part of which is
shown below, is laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

ATPL Principles of Flight 2-2 28 October 2003

 HEIGHT ABOVE SEA LEVEL DENSITY PRESSURE TEMPERATURE
3
FEET METRES KG/M MILLIBARS °C

52,496 16,000 0.166 104 -56.6

45,934 14,000 0.288 142 -56.5
39,372 12,000 0.312 194 -56.5
32,810 10,000 0.414 265 -50
26,248 8,000 0.526 357 -37
19,686 6,000 0.660 472 -24
13,124 4,000 0.819 612 -11
6,562 2,000 1.007 795 2
0 0 1.225 1013.25 15

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ATPL Principles of Flight 2-4 28 October 2003

 Chapter 3.

Aircraft Components and Terminology

Wing Position Terminology

Wings are attached to an aircraft’s fuselage in either a low, high or mid position (Fig. 3.1).

LOW WING

HIGH WING

MID WING

FIG. 3.1

The actual wing position is determined by the following design parameters:

¾ Engine Positioning/Propeller Blade Length

¾ Undercarriage Positioning
¾ Short Take-Off and Landing Capability

The wings are inclined above, or below the horizontal. Wing inclination above the horizontal is
known as dihedral, and inclination below the horizontal is known as anhedral (Fig. 3.2).

ATPL Principles of Flight 3-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 DIHEDRAL
WINGSPAN

ANHEDRAL

WINGSPAN

FIG. 3.2

Wing Planform Terminology

The following terminology is associated with wing planform:

¾ Gross Wing Area (S). The plan view area of the wing including the portion of the
wing normally cut out to accommodate the fuselage (Fig. 3.3)

GROSS WING AREA (S)

FIG. 3.3

¾ Net Wing Area. The area of the wing excluding the fuselage portion (Fig. 3.4).

ATPL Principles of Flight 3-2 28 October 2003

 NET WING AREA

FIG. 3.4

¾ Wing Span (b). The straight-line distance between wing tips (Fig. 3.5).

WING-SPAN

AVERAGE
CHORD

WING-TIP

FIG. 3.5

¾ Average Chord (CAV ). The Mean chord (Fig. 3.5). The product of the span and
average chord gives the gross wing area (i.e. b x CAV = S).

¾ Aspect Ratio (AR). The ratio of wing span to average chord. Long thin wings
are of high aspect ratio, whilst short stubby wings are of low aspect ratio (Fig.
3.6).

ATPL Principles of Flight 3-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 HIGH ASPECT RATIO LOW ASPECT RATIO

FIG. 3.6

Wing Span Gross Wing Area (Wing Span) 2

Aspect Ratio = or or
Average Chord (Average Chord) 2 Gross Wing Area

¾ Taper Ratio (TR). The ratio of tip chord (Ct) to root chord (Cr) (Fig. 3.7).

FUSELAGE

TIP
CHORD ROOT CHORD

TAPERED WING

FIG. 3.7

ATPL Principles of Flight 3-4 28 October 2003

 ¾ The Angle of Sweepback. The angle between the line of 25% chord and a
perpendicular to the root chord (Fig. 3.8).

25% ROOT ANGLE OF SWEEPBACK

CHORD

25% TIP
CHORD

FIG. 3.8

¾ Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC). The chord drawn through the centroid
(centre of area) of the halfspan area. It must be noted that the MAC and CAV are
not the same (Fig. 3.9).

MAC = MEAN AERODYNAMIC CHORD

MAC

FIG. 3.9

Aspect ratio, taper ratio, and sweepback are some of the main factors that determine the
aerodynamic characteristics of a wing.

ATPL Principles of Flight 3-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Wing Section Terminology

For an aircraft to have acceptable aerodynamic characteristics, various wing or aerofoil

sections are used. Reference Fig. 3.10 the terminology associated with aerofoil sections is as
follows:-

MAXIMUM THICKNESS

UPPER SURFACE
MEAN CAMBER
MAXIMUM
CAMBER LINE

CHORD LINE

LOWER SURFACE TRAILING

LEADING
EDGE EDGE

CHORD

FIG. 3.10

The Chord line A straight line joining the leading and trailing edges of
a wing
The Chord The length of the chord line that is used as a
reference for all other dimensions relating to a wing
The Mean Camber Line The line drawn equidistant between the upper and
lower surfaces of an aerofoil
Maximum Camber The maximum distance between the mean camber
line and the chord line. This is one of the variables
that determines the aerodynamic characteristics of a
wing
Maximum Thickness The maximum distance between the upper and lower
surfaces
Maximum Thickness Chord Ratio The ratio of maximum thickness to chord expressed
as a percentage. For subsonic wings the ratio is
normally 12 - 14%

Aerofoil Cross-sectional Shapes

A thick well-cambered wing will produce high lift at slow speeds, whereas a thin wing with the
same camber will produce good high-speed characteristics (Fig. 3.11).

HIGH LIFT AT SLOW SPEEDS TYPICAL HIGH SPEED AEROFOIL

FIG. 3.11

ATPL Principles of Flight 3-6 28 October 2003

The above are both examples of asymmetrical aerofoils. If the mean camber line is
coincident with the chord line the wing camber is reduced to zero, and this is known as a
symmetrical aerofoil (Fig. 3.12).

FIG. 3.12

ATPL Principles of Flight 3-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 3-8 28 October 2003

 Chapter 4.

Lift

Introduction

As air flows around an aerofoil the pressure differential set up over the upper and lower
surfaces produces a force. This force acts perpendicular to the relative airflow, and is known
as lift. In steady level flight lift directly balances the aircraft's weight. For a given airspeed the
lower the weight, the lower the lift.

Airflow

To fully understand how the aerodynamic forces of lift and drag act on an aircraft, it is
necessary to study the effect of airflow. In principle it does not matter whether an aircraft is
moving through the air, or whether air is flowing over a stationary aircraft, since the result will
be the same. Airflow can be either streamline or turbulent in nature.

¾ Streamline Flow This exists when succeeding molecules follow a steady path,
with the molecules flowing in an orderly pattern along streamlines around an
object (Fig. 4.1).

FIG. 4.1

At any given point in the streamline, the molecules will experience the same velocities
and pressures as the preceding molecules, but the values may alter from point to
point along the streamline. Widely spaced streamlines indicate a reduction in velocity,
whereas a narrow spacing between the streamlines indicates an increase in velocity.
If the streamlines flow without mixing, the flow is known as laminar, which is desirable
in most phases of flight, and produces the ideal flow pattern around an aircraft (Fig.
4.2).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FIG. 4.2

If there is a sudden change in the direction of the airflow, the streamline flow will
break down, and become turbulent flow.

¾ Turbulent Flow This occurs when the succeeding molecules are no longer able
to follow a streamlined flow pattern, and instead travel along a path quite different
from the preceding molecules (Fig. 4.3).

UNSTEADY
FLOW

FIG. 4.3

Turbulent flow is also termed as ‘unsteady’ or ‘eddying’ flow, and results in wasted
energy, which is undesirable in most phases of flight (Fig. 4.4).

FIG. 4.4

¾ Free Stream Airflow (FSA) The airflow that is far enough away from an aircraft
so as not disturbed by it.

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-2 28 October 2003

Equation of Continuity

STATION 1 STATION 2 STATION 3

1 A1 V1 2 A2 V2 3 A3 V3

FIG. 4.5

The equation of continuity applies only to streamlined or steady flow. It states that, if a fluid
flows through a pipe its mass flow will remain constant, since mass can neither be created or
destroyed. If air flows through a pipe of varying cross sectional area (venturi tube), the mass
of air entering the pipe in a given time, will equal the mass of air leaving the pipe in the same
time (Fig. 4.5).

The mass airflow at any point in the pipe is the product of the density (ρ), the cross sectional
area (A) and the velocity (V).

Mass Airflow = ρAV

Mass Airflow is expressed in kg/s where:

ρ = Kg/m3
A = m²
V = m/s

This equation applies equally to both subsonic and supersonic airflow, provided that the flow
remains steady. At velocities less than 0.4 Mach, air is considered to be incompressible and
inviscid (ideal). Density therefore remains constant, and can be deleted from the equation,
such that:

Mass Airflow = AV

This shows that velocity is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area, with any
reduction in area, resulting in an increase in velocity, and vice versa. This effect can also be
illustrated using streamline flow patterns (streamtube), where converging streamlines indicate
an increase in velocity, and vice versa (Fig. 4.6).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 UNSTEADY
FLOW

FIG. 4.6

Bernoulli's Theorem

Bernoulli's Theorem uses the principle of Conservation of Energy. It states that when a fluid
flows at a steady rate through a pipe, its total energy remains constant, since energy can
neither be created nor destroyed. At any point in a pipe the total energy is a combination of: -

Potential Energy Energy due to height or position.

Pressure Energy Energy due to pressure.
Kinetic Energy Energy due to movement.

When considering airflow at a given height, changes in potential energy are negligible, and
can be essentially ignored. Total energy therefore equals the sum of the pressure energy and
kinetic energy.

Pressure Energy + Kinetic Energy = Total Energy

In aerodynamics, it is the mass airflow per unit volume, which is of most interest to us, so the
Conservation of Energy equation is better stated in terms of pressure. At any point in a pipe,
the total pressure is the sum of the static pressure and dynamic pressure, and is measured in
Pascal’s.

Static Pressure (PS) + Dynamic Pressure (½ ρV²) = Total Pressure (PT).

To satisfy Bernoulli's theorem, this value must remain constant at all points along the pipe,
such that any rise in dynamic pressure will be accompanied by a reduction in static pressure,
and vice versa (Fig. 4.7).

Ps = STATIC PRESSURE Ps Ps
q = DYNAMIC q
q
PRESSURE

FIG. 4.7

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-4 28 October 2003

From the Equation of Continuity, if a steady stream of air flows through the restricted section
of a venturi, its velocity will increase, and vice versa. Any rise in velocity will result in an
increase in dynamic pressure and a reduction in static pressure, according to Bernoulli’s
Theorem, and vice versa (Fig. 4.8).

REDUCED VELOCITY

INCREASED STATIC
PRESSURE

INCREASED VELOCITY
DECREASED STATIC PRESSURE
1 2 3

FIG. 4.8

The airflow around an aerofoil section also resembles the flow through a venturi (Fig. 4.9).

INCREASED VELOCITY
REDUCED STATIC PRESSURE
1
1

2
REDUCED VELOCITY
INCREASED STATIC PRESSURE
2

FIG. 4.9

The flow over the upper surface is representative of a convergent section (1), whilst the flow
over the lower surface is representative of a divergent section (2). The static pressure
likewise varies, and the resulting pressure differential produces lift.

Angle of Attack

The angle of attack (α), is the angle between the free stream relative airflow and the chord
line of an aerofoil section (Fig. 4.10).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 ANGLE OF
ATTACK

CHORDLINE

FREESTREAMRELATIVE
AIRFLOW

FIG. 4.10

Changes in the angle of attack cause the velocity and pressure of the flow to vary as the air
passes over the upper and lower surfaces. This in turn affects the pressure differential that
exists, and hence the amount of lift developed.

Do not however confuse ‘Angle of Attack’ with ‘Angle of Incidence’, which by definition, is the
angle at which the wing is fixed to the fuselage, relative to the aircraft’s longitudinal axis (Fig.
4.11).

CHORD LINE
OF WING

ANGLE OF
INCIDENCE
LONGITUDINAL AXIS
OF THE AIRCRAFT

FIG 4.11

The angle of incidence is fixed, but the angle of attack changes in flight. Also do not confuse
the ‘Pitch Angle’ or ‘Pitch Attitude’ of the aircraft with the angle of attack. Notably for any
given angle of attack the pitch angle can vary (Fig. 4.12).

A
A
ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 4.12

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-6 28 October 2003

 A

E B
E
ANGLE OF ATTACK
E PITCH ANGLE
FLIGHT PATH
(AND RELATIVE AIRFLOW)

FIG. 4.13

Similarly for any given pitch angle the angle of attack can also vary (Fig. 4.13).

Two – Dimensional Airflow About an Aerofoil

As the streamlines approach an aerofoil, a dividing streamline is developed, which separates

the flow going over the upper surface, from the flow going over the lower surface (Fig. 4.14).

HIGH VELOCITY
LOW PRESSURE

HIGH PRESSURE
LOW VELOCITY

STAGNATION POINT

DIVIDING STREAMLINE

FIG. 4.14

As the dividing streamline approaches the aerofoil it slows down, and momentarily comes to
rest just below the leading edge, forming a stagnation point. A stagnation point also exists
at the rear of the aerofoil. At these points the velocity of the airflow reduces to zero, and the
static pressure reaches a maximum value (stagnation pressure), which is higher than
atmospheric. The forward stagnation point is situated below the leading edge, allowing the
airflow passing over the upper surface to initially travel forwards. The pressure differential
(negative pressure gradient) associated with the upper surface also imparts acceleration to
the flow, and helps draw the air locally upwards, producing upwash (Fig. 4.15).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 UPWASH LOW PRESSURE
HIGH VELOCITY

HIGH PRESSURE
LOW VELOCITY

DOWNWASH

FIG. 4.15

At the rear of the aerofoil the faster moving airflow over the upper surface relative to the lower
surface tends to force the lower streamlines downwards, producing downwash.

Effect of Angle of Attack on the Airflow About an Aerofoil Section

If a symmetrical aerofoil section is placed in a steady airstream at zero degrees Angle of

Attack a stagnation point will form on the leading edge (Fig. 4.16).

AIRFLOW VELOCITY INCREASED

= REDUCED PRESSURE

STAGNATION POINT

AIRFLOW VELOCITY INCREASED

= REDUCED PRESSURE

FIG. 4.16

The airflow velocity above and below the aerofoil will increase by equal amounts, as will the
static pressures. Consequently no pressure differential will exist, and no net lift will be
created.

If the same aerofoil section is placed at a positive angle of attack, the stagnation point will
move below the leading edge point (Fig. 4.17).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-8 28 October 2003

 UPWASH LIFT

PRESSURE REDUCED

INCREASED PRESSURE

STAGNATION POINT

FIG 4.17

Upwash will occur in front of the aerofoil section, and the airflow will be accelerated as it
passes over the upper surface (venturi effect), resulting in a reduction in the static pressure.
Conversely the airflow passing over the lower surface will reduce in velocity, and the static
pressure will increase. A pressure differential now exists, and lift is generated.

If an asymmetrical aerofoil section is placed in the same airstream at zero degrees angle of
attack, a stagnation point will form below the leading edge, and upwash will occur (Fig. 4.18).

LIFT
UPWASH

DOWNWASH

STAGNATION POINT

FIG. 4.18

The velocity of the airflow will increase over the more curved upper surface, whilst the static
pressure will fall. A pressure differential now exists and lift is generated. With increasing
angle of attack the air flowing over the upper surface now needs to travel a greater distance,
and must speed up in order to satisfy the Equation of Continuity. Conversely because the air
has to travel a shorter distance over the lower surface, it will slow down. This produces a
greater pressure differential, and more lift is generated (Fig. 4.19).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 LIFT

UPWASH

STAGNATION
POINT

FIG. 4.19

The angle of attack in conjunction with the actual shape of an aerofoil section is therefore one
of the factors that is instrumental to the production of lift.

Chordwise Pressure Distributions About an Aerofoil Section

The distribution of pressure is important in aerodynamics, since it determines:

¾ The amount of lift generated.

¾ Any pitching moments.
¾ The form drag of an aerofoil section.

The actual pressure distribution over the upper and lower surfaces varies with changes in
angle of attack, as does the pressure differential and the amount of lift developed. To
appreciate these effects it is useful to display the actual pressure distribution diagrammatically
(Fig. 4.20).
PRESSURE
DISTRIBUTION

- PRESSURE ENVELOPE

RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

FIG. 4.20

A series of pressure vectors drawn normal to the aerofoil surface and joined at their
extremities produces a pressure envelope. An arrow on each line pointing inwards represents
a positive pressure, i.e. above atmospheric pressure, whilst those pointing outwards
represents a negative pressure, i.e. below atmospheric pressure.

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-10 28 October 2003

 + -
- 4° -

- +

12°

+ - +

0°
- +

- -

4° 16°
+

-
20°
8°
+
+

+ PRESSURE ABOVE - PRESSURE BELOW

ATMOSPHERIC ATMOSPHERIC

FIG. 4.21

Fig. 4.21 represents the chordwise pressure distribution that exists about an asymmetrical
aerofoil, and shows how it alters with changes in angle of attack. At small negative angles of
attack, in this case minus 4°, the pressure changes are approximately equal, and no net lift is
developed. This is known as the ‘Zero Lift Angle of Attack’, which is negative for
asymmetrical aerofoils, but zero for symmetrical aerofoils. With increasing angle of attack the
pressure differential alters, and the reduction in upper surface pressure far exceeds the
increase in pressure over the lower surface. The peak of the negative pressure envelope also
increases in height, and moves towards the leading edge. Lift similarly increases, and
continues to do so up to a certain angle, in this case somewhere between 16° and 20°. For
conventional low speed aerofoils this angle is usually about 15° to 16°, and is known as the
‘Stalling Angle of Attack’. Beyond this angle the streamline flow over the upper surface
breaks down, causing an increase in static pressure, and the airflow becomes turbulent. The
relationship between velocity and static pressure is no longer applicable beyond this point,
since Bernoulli's Theorem only applies to streamline flow.

The Centre of Pressure

In contrast to complicated pressure plots it is possible to show the overall effect of changes in
static pressure using a single aerodynamic force (Fig. 4.22).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 TOTAL REACTION (TR)
SAME AEROFOIL
PRESSURE SAME SITUATION
DISTRIBUTION

-
CENTRE OF
PRESSURE

FIG. 4.22

This force is called the total reaction (TR), and acts through a single point on the chord line,
called the Centre of Pressure (CP). At normal cruising airspeeds, and low positive angles of
attack, the centre of pressure is positioned on the chord line near the centre of an aerofoil.
With increasing angles of attack, the centre of pressure moves forward towards the leading
edge, as does the low pressure peak, and the total reaction increases in magnitude. Beyond
the stalling angle of attack the low-pressure peak rapidly collapses, causing the magnitude of
the total reaction to decrease and the centre of pressure to move rapidly rearwards towards
the trailing edge. Similarly any reduction in the angle of attack will cause the centre of
pressure to move rearwards.

TR
LIFT

CHORD LINE

ANGLE OF DRAG
ATTACK

RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

FIG. 4.23

The total reaction is the resultant of the components of lift and drag. Lift acts perpendicular to
the relative airflow, whilst drag acts parallel to, and in the same direction as the relative airflow
(Fig. 4.23).

The two components of lift and drag, therefore, vary in size as the magnitude of the total
reaction alters. Drag will be covered later in detail.

Pitching Moments

Consider the pressure distribution around an asymmetrical aerofoil at an angle of attack that
gives zero lift (Fig. 4.24).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-12 28 October 2003

 UPPER SURFACE
LIFT
NOSE DOWN
PITCHING + -
MOMENT

- +

LOWER SURFACE
LIFT
FIG. 4.24

The pressure distribution gives what is basically a couple and, although there is no net lift, a
nose-down pitching moment is produced. This is best demonstrated by replacing the
pressure envelopes associated with the upper and lower surfaces, with separate individual
pressure vectors. The vectors act through the centre of pressure relating to the respective
surfaces and represent the actual lift being generated from each. Notice that the lift vectors
are both equal in magnitude, but their lines of action do not coincide. The lift developed by
the upper surface acts behind the lift developed by the lower surface, and produces a nose
down pitching moment.

If the same aerofoil is placed at an angle of attack giving positive lift, the pressure distribution
will alter accordingly (Fig. 4.25).

UPPER SURFACE LIFT

INCREASED
NOSE DOWN -
PITCHING
MOMENT

LOWER SURFACE LIFT

FIG. 4.25

The lift being generated by the upper surface will now be greater than the lift being generated
by the lower surface and a greater nose down pitching moment will occur.

Now consider a symmetrical aerofoil at zero degrees angle of attack when it is developing
no lift (Fig. 4.26).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 UPPER SURFACE LIFT

LOWER SURFACE LIFT

FIG. 4.26

Again the lift being developed by the upper and lower surfaces can be represented by
individual lift forces. In this case, the lift forces are equal in magnitude and both act through
the same centre of pressure, so that there is no overall pitching moment. If the same
symmetrical aerofoil is now given a positive angle of attack, it will result in an imbalance in the
upper and lower surface lift vectors, as positive lift is developed (Fig. 4.27).
UPPER SURFACE LIFT

LOWER SURFACE LIFT

FIG. 4.27

In this case, the two lift vectors continue to act through the same centre of pressure and
produce no resultant pitching moment. Unlike asymmetrical aerofoils, symmetrical aerofoils
therefore do not produce pitching moments at any angle of attack.

Aerodynamic Centre

For asymmetrical aerofoils, it has been established that the centre of pressure moves along
the chord line with changing angles of attack. As the angle of attack increases the centre of
pressure moves towards the leading edge and vice versa. A nose down pitching effect is
always present, and increases in intensity with increasing angles of attack. A point however,
exists on an aerofoil's chord line about which the pitching moment remains constant,

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-14 28 October 2003

regardless of any change in the angle of attack. This point is called the Aerodynamic Centre,
AC (Fig. 4.28).

LIFT

PITCHINGMOVEMENT

AERODYNAMICCENTRE

FIG. 4.28

Its position in subsonic airflow is normally 25 percent of the chord line back from the
leading edge and, unlike the centre of pressure, is fixed in position. For design purposes it is
convenient to consider the overall lift force to act at this point, combined with a pitching
moment of constant strength, giving a steady nose down pitch effect. However in
supersonic flow the AC moves rearwards to 50 percent of the chord line.

Lift Formula

The amount of lift generated by a wing depends on the following:

¾ Wing Shape
¾ Angle of Attack
¾ Air Density (ρ)
¾ Free Stream Air Velocity Squared (V²)
¾ Wing Planform Surface Area (S)

The dynamic pressure possessed by a moving fluid equals half the density times the velocity
squared

(Dynamic Pressure = ½ ρ V²). The combination of this pressure and a wing’s planform
surface area (S) produces a force, which is proportional to the area on which it acts. This
force is known as Lift.

Lift = Pressure x Area

= ½ ρ V² x S

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Lift does not directly equal the product of the two terms and therefore the lifting efficiency of
the wing also needs to be taken into account. This involves the wing's shape, and angle of
attack. Lift is expressed in Newton’s (N) and the general lift formula is:

Lift = CL ½ ρ V² S

Variation of Coefficient of Lift with Angle of Attack

To establish the effect of angle of attack on the lifting ability of a wing, a graph of coefficient of
lift against angle of attack can be plotted. This is known as a lift curve and is used to highlight
a number of important aerofoil features. The curve shown is for an asymmetrical aerofoil
section, because at zero degrees angle of attack a positive CL exists, and positive lift is being
produced (Fig. 4.29).

1.2 FAST SLOW

1.0

0.8
CRITICAL OR
0.6 STALL ANGLE
(ABOUT 16°)

0.4

0.2
USUAL ANGLES OF
FLIGHT (0-16°)
0 ANGLE OF ATTACK
-4° 0° 4° 8° 12° 16°

FIG. 4.29

Between 0° and 12° angle of attack the graph is a straight line. This shows that the
coefficient of lift, and hence lift is directly proportional to angle of attack in this region. Above
12° angle of attack the rate of increase in lift reduces and the curve eventually forms a peak.
This peak represents the maximum coefficient of lift (CL max), which for this particular aerofoil
occurs at about 15° angle of attack. This angle however varies with differing aerofoil sections,
but for most light aircraft is a typical value. At angles of attack beyond this point, the lift curve
drops rapidly downwards indicating a significant drop in the coefficient of lift and hence lift
produced by the aerofoil. The aerofoil is now stalled, and can no longer produce sufficient lift
to maintain steady straight and level flight. The angle of attack at which CL max is reached is
known as the stalling angle of attack of the aerofoil. The normal flight range is considered to
exist between 0° angle of attack and the stalling angle of attack. Each aerofoil possesses its
own lift curve so it is possible to compare asymmetrical aerofoils against symmetrical
aerofoils (Fig. 4.30).

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-16 28 October 2003

 1.6 ASYMMETRICAL

1.4

1.2

CL 1.0

.8
SYMMETRICAL

.6

.4

.2

-2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
ANGLE OF ATTACK (°)

FIG. 4.30

Asymmetrical aerofoils clearly produce more lift at any given angle of attack, but stall at a
lower stalling angle of attack than symmetrical aerofoils.

Three – Dimensional Airflow About an Aerofoil

So far, the pressure distribution around an aerofoil has been considered purely in the
chordwise direction, but to fully understand how lift is developed by an aerofoil or wing, it is
necessary to also consider the spanwise pressure distribution. Previously it was established
that as air flows around an aerofoil section a pressure differential is set up over the upper and
lower surfaces (Fig. 4.31).

LOWER
PRESSURE ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE
- - - - - - - -
+ + + +
+ + + +
HIGHER
PRESSURE

FIG. 4.31

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The lower surface of a wing is normally at a pressure above atmospheric, whilst the upper
surface is at a pressure below atmospheric. Beyond the wing tips the air is nominally at
atmospheric pressure. This causes a spanwise flow of air outwards away from the fuselage
on the lower surface, and an inward flow towards the fuselage on the upper surface. The air
now flows in both the chordwise and spanwise direction. At the trailing edge of the wing,
where the two flows meet, a twisting motion is imparted to the air and a series of vortices are
formed. These are known as trailing edge vortices (Fig. 4.32).

TRAILING EDGE
VORTICES
WING TIP
VORTEX

FIG. 4.32

At the wing tips, a pressure gradient causes the air to flow towards the upper surface and, in
conjunction with the forward velocity of the aircraft, large concentrated vortices are formed.
These are known as wing tip vortices. These vortices move in a counter-rotating direction,
and become progressively weaker towards the centre-line of the aircraft (Fig. 4.33).

FIG. 4.33

The net effect of these vortices is to deflect the relative airflow downward behind the trailing
edge, and within the wingspan. This effect is known as induced downwash. In practice the

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-18 28 October 2003

size of the vortex determines the amount of down wash, and the larger the vortex the greater
the down wash (Fig. 4.34).

CHORD LINE

EFFECTIVE
RELATIVE INDUCED
AIRFLOW DOWNWASH

FREE STREAM RELATIVE AIRFLOW

ANGLE OF INDUCED
DOWNWASH

FIG. 4.34

The down wash deflects the airflow downwards from the horizontal through an angle; known
as the angle of induced downwash (ε). This effect is not only apparent behind the wing, but
also influences the airflow approaching the wing by deflecting it upward from the horizontal
through the same angle (α). The resulting airflow is known as the effective relative airflow,
and the angle it makes to the horizontal is better known as the ineffective angle of attack,
(αi) (Fig. 4.35).

REDUCTION IN LIFT
DUE TO CHANGE IN
THE INEFFECTIVE ANGLE Di , INDUCED DRAG
OF ATTACK
WHERE : -
EFFECTIVE
LIFT i = INEFFECTIVE ANGLE OF ATTACK
CHORD LINE L, LIFT
e = EFFECTIVE ANGLE OF ATTACK
= ANGLE OF ATTACK WITH NO
i
e DOWNWASH PRESENT
D, DRAG
i

EFFECTIVE RELATIVE AIRLOW

FIG. 4.35

The resultant lift force, which acts perpendicular to the local relative airflow, is also
deflected rearward through the same angle, (αi). The angle of attack producing this lift force
is known as the effective angle of attack (αe), which is the angle between the chord line and
the effective relative airflow. Part of the lift now acts horizontally rearwards, and tends to
retard the forward motion of the aircraft. This is known as induced drag, and will be covered
in detail in another chapter. The amount of lift acting vertically upwards is known as the
effective lift, and is determined by the size of the effective angle of attack. Hence the smaller
the effective angle of attack, the greater the reduction in lift. The amount of lift developed by

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

the wing therefore decreases in the spanwise direction towards the wing tips, where the
vortex, and hence downwash is strongest (Fig. 4.36).

LIFT

L. TIP R. TIP

CL

FIG. 4.36

In order to recover the lost lift the angle of attack must be further increased, giving an
increased effective angle of attack. This however, causes a corresponding increase in the
drag component.

Wing Shape and its Effect on Lift

The actual amount of lift generated by a wing depends on both the degree of induced
downwash, caused by wing tip vortices, and its chordwise pressure distribution. The actual
lift developed by a wing therefore depends, among other things, on its planform shape. Also
since the wings on an aircraft are symmetrical about its centre line it is appropriate to consider
the lift distribution about only one wing, referred to as a semi-span.

TAPERED

ELLIPTICAL
LIFT

RECTANGULAR

SEMI-SPAN DISTANCE TIP

FIG. 4.37

Fig. 4.37 shows how the lift distribution varies over the semi-spans of tapered, elliptical and
rectangular wings. The lifting ability of a wing is also affected by its angle of attack. In

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-20 28 October 2003

practice it is the effective angle of attack of each spanwise section that determines the actual
amount of lift developed, and this varies depending on the strength of the wing tip vortices.

RECTANGULAR
14
TAPERED
EFFECTIVE
ANGLE OF 12
ATTACK (°)
10

8
ELLIPTICAL
6

TIP
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
% SEMI-SPAN

FIG. 4.38

Fig. 4.38 shows how the effective angle of attack of each section varies with distance from the
aircraft’s' centre line. Notice that the effective angle of attack of the rectangular planform wing
remains fairly constant over the first 50% of the semi-span, but quickly reduces to zero
degrees over the latter 50%. By comparison the tapered planform wing shows an increasing
effective angle of attack over 70% of the semi-span and a reduction to zero degrees over the
final 30%. This shows that a wings chord length directly affects the size of a wing tip vortex,
with the rectangular wing producing a much larger vortex than the tapered section. This is
because a wider tip chord allows more air to flow towards the upper surface, so intensifying
the size of the vortex.

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-21 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 4-22 28 October 2003

 Chapter 5.

Drag

Introduction

During flight, all of the parts of an aircraft exposed to the airflow produce an aerodynamic
force, which opposes the forward motion of the aircraft. This force is known as drag, and is
the air resistance experienced by an aircraft as it moves through the air (Fig. 5.1).

DRAG

RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

FIG. 5.1

Drag acts parallel to and in the same direction as the relative airflow. In steady level flight
(SLF), drag is directly balanced by the thrust produced by an engine or propeller. It follows
that, for a given airspeed, the lower the drag the less the thrust required to balance it (Fig.
5.2).

T
D

IAS 120
KT

T D
IAS 120
KT

FIG. 5.2

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Low drag is therefore beneficial since it leads to reduced fuel consumption and lower
operating costs.

The total drag acting on an aircraft in flight comprises of:

¾ Profile drag
¾ Induced drag
¾ Interference drag

Profile drag can be further separated into:

¾ Form drag
¾ Skin friction drag

Form Drag

Form drag is produced whenever the streamline airflow passing over an aircraft separates
from the surface and becomes turbulent. An example of extreme form drag is the effect of a
flat plate placed at right angles to the airflow (Fig. 5.3).

RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

ABOVE ATMOSPHERIC
BELOW ATMOSPHERIC

FIG. 5.3

The pressure immediately in front of the plate will be above atmospheric, whilst the pressure
behind the plate will be below atmospheric. This results in a sucking effect behind the plate
and the formation of vortices. The more rapidly the airflow changes direction, the greater the
pressure gradient, the earlier the separation and the higher the form drag. It is therefore
essential to delay the point at which separation of the airflow takes place and this is achieved
by changing the shape or streamline of a given object (Fig. 5.4).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-2 28 October 2003

 DRAG

DRAG

0 5% 15% 50% 100%

FIG. 5.4

For example on aircraft, a fairing is often fitted around a fixed undercarriage leg to reduce
form drag to an acceptable level (Fig. 5.5).

D D

FIG. 5.5

A relationship exists between the length (a) and maximum thickness (b) of a streamlined
body, and its resultant form drag (Fig. 5.6).

FIG. 5.6

The ratio of length to maximum thickness is called the fineness ratio:

Fineness Ratio = a
b

Streamline shapes, which give the least form drag at subsonic speeds normally, have a
fineness ratio of 4 to 1, but these values may vary considerably without increasing drag to any
great extent.

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Additionally as air flows around an object there becomes a point where it is unable to remain
on the surface, and instead separates away. This is known as its separation point (Fig. 5.7).

SEPARATION SEPARATION
POINT POINT

STALL
FIG 5.7

With increasing angles of attack the separation point moves steadily towards the leading edge
and the further forward this occurs, the greater the form drag.

Boundary Layer

Before covering skin friction drag in detail it is important to firstly consider the layer of air
closest to the surface. As air flows over a wing, the roughness of the surface and the viscous
property of the air itself slow it down. Much like fluids, the more viscous the air the greater its
retardation. At the surface the air particles will adhere to it and their relative velocity will
reduce to zero (Fig. 5.8).

FREE STREAM
VELOCITY

V EDGE OF BOUNDARY LAYER

RELATIVE AIR
AIR AT VELOCITIES
REST
SURFACE

FIG. 5.8

With distance from the surface the subsequent layers of air particles are slowed down due to
friction effects between the particles, but are not completely brought to rest. The relative
velocities of the air particles steadily increases with distance, until a point is reached where
the particles do not slow up at all, and instead travel at the free stream velocity.

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-4 28 October 2003

The layer of air between the surface and the free stream velocity, in which local retardation
takes place, is known as the Boundary Layer. Like the main airflow, the boundary layer flow
can be either laminar or turbulent in nature (Fig. 5.9).

TRANSITION

LAMINAR TURBULENT

FIG. 5.9

The Laminar Boundary Layer is a very thin layer of smooth airflow. It consists of a
series of laminations or smooth regular streamlines, in which the air particles do not
intermingle.

The Turbulent Boundary Layer is a layer of disturbed or turbulent airflow, in

which the streamlines break up. The air particles become intermingled and move in a
random, irregular pattern. Notably, the turbulent boundary layer creates greater drag
than the laminar boundary layer.

The usual tendency is for the boundary layer to start in a laminar condition near the leading
edge of an aircraft wing, and then become turbulent. The change from laminar to turbulent
flow takes place in the transition region. In fact the transformation from laminar to turbulent
flow can be clearly seen in the smoke rising from a cigarette in still air (Fig. 5.10).

TURBULENT

LAMINAR

CIGARETTE

FIG. 5.10

The boundary layer also increases in thickness as it moves rearwards over an aircraft wing,
with the turbulent boundary layer being proportionally thicker than the laminar boundary layer
under the same free stream velocity conditions (Fig. 5.11).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FREE STREAM
FREE STREAM VELOCITY OF
VELOCITY OF AIRFLOW
AIRFLOW

THICKNESS
THICKNESS OF 0.01m
BOUNDARY
LAYER
SURFACE
OF WING

(A) LAMINAR (B) TURBULENT

FIG. 5.11

Following the transition from laminar to turbulent boundary layer, the boundary layer will
thicken and grow at a more rapid rate. The maximum thickness of the boundary layer is
however comparatively small, and in practice is only about 0.01 m in depth. It is also possible
to compare the characteristics of laminar and turbulent boundary layer using velocity profiles
(Fig. 5.12).

DISTANCE LAMINAR

TURBULENT

V
FIG. 5.12

These profiles show the variation in boundary layer velocity with distance above a surface.
Notice that the turbulent boundary layer has much higher local velocities immediately
adjacent to the surface. The airflow in this region therefore possesses much higher kinetic
energy than the laminar boundary layer at the same distance above the surface. The nature
of the boundary layer is extremely important in aerodynamics, since it determines the
maximum coefficient of lift, and the stalling characteristics of an aerofoil, (these will be
explained later).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-6 28 October 2003

Skin Friction Drag

The reaction to the retardation of the airflow within the boundary layer is known as skin
friction. In practice the amount of skin friction depends on the rate at which the air adjacent to
the surface is trying to slide relative to it. The retarded air will try to drag the surface along
with the flow, in much the same way as two solid surfaces sliding over each other do. This is
known as shear stress, and is directly proportional to the speed of flow. The velocity profiles
previously used to compare laminar and turbulent boundary layers also represent the shear
stress patterns that exist between layers (Fig. 5.13).

TURBULENT
PROFILE
LAMINAR
PROFILE

LOW SKIN FRICTION DRAG HIGH SKIN FRICTION DRAG

FIG. 5.13

The gradual velocity change associated with the laminar boundary layer shows that low shear
stresses exist near the surface, resulting in low skin friction drag. Conversely the rapid
velocity change associated with the turbulent boundary layer is evidence of high skin friction
drag.

If the conditions of flow were such that either a turbulent or laminar boundary layer could
exist, laminar skin friction drag would be about one-third of that of the turbulent flow. Laminar
boundary layers are therefore desirable, but the natural transition into a turbulent boundary
layer prevents this occurring. The point where transition takes place is therefore important
when determining the amount of skin friction drag that exists. Fig. 5.14 shows how the
boundary layer develops on a typical aerofoil.

LAMINAR TRANSITION TURBULENT SEPARATION

LAYER LAYER POINT
WAKE

FIG. 5.14

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Factors Affecting Skin Friction Drag

The velocity of the airflow and the surface condition over which it is flowing will ultimately
effect the position of the transition point.

Effect of Speed. With increasing forward airspeed, the transition point moves
progressively towards the leading edge resulting in a larger turbulent boundary layer.
This causes greater skin friction drag.

Effect of Surface Roughness. If the upper surface of a wing has a roughened

surface, it may result in a premature transition from a laminar to a turbulent boundary
layer; for example the accumulation of ice (Fig. 5.15).

ICE

FIG. 5.15

This will also cause a large increase in skin friction drag. The degree of skin friction
drag may be minimised by polishing and de-icing the surface. Since all of the aircraft
skin is exposed to the airstream, this type of drag will affect all surfaces.

Interference Drag

When an aircraft is considered as a whole, the total drag acting on it may be greater than the
sum of the drags of its individual components. This is a result of the airflow being greatly
disturbed where the various components are joined together, principally between the wing
and fuselage. The disturbance that is imparted to the airflow produces additional drag, known
as Interference Drag (Fig. 5.16).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-8 28 October 2003

 DRAG

INTERFERENCE
DRAG

DRAG

FIG. 5.16

This type of drag occurs because a large pressure gradient is set up across the junction that
causes the boundary layer to prematurely separate from the surface and form a turbulent
wake. To minimise this effect suitably shaped fairing or fillet is placed over the intersection to
encourage streamline flow, thereby reducing interference drag. Minimising interference drag
is particularly important at high airspeeds.

Note: The sum of Profile and Interference Drag is sometimes referred to as

Parasite Drag and is attributed to those parts of an aircraft that do not
contribute to lift.

Induced Drag

Whenever a wing is producing lift concentrated vortices are formed at the wing tips. These
vortices are strongest at the wing tips and become progressively weaker towards the centre-
line of the aircraft (Fig. 5.17).

LEFT-WING VORTEX RIGHT-WING VORTEX

WING

TRAILING
EDGE
VORTEX TRAILING EDGE CENTRE-LINE OF AIRCRAFT

FIG. 5.17

These vortices induce downwash to the airflow behind the wing, causing the lift vector to tilt
rearwards. The horizontal component of lift opposes the forward flight of the aircraft, and is
known as induced drag (Fig. 5.18).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 INDUCED DRAG

CHORD LINE
LIFT

EFFECTIVE
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW e INDUCED
DRAG
DOWNWASH

FREE STREAM RELATIVE AIRFLOW

ANGLE OF INDUCED
DOWNWASH

FIG. 5.18

The larger the vortex, the greater the induced downwash, and the greater the induced drag.

The formula for induced drag is:-

C 2
Induced Drag (DI ) =  πLA  ½ρV2 S
 
 
where CL = Coefficient Of Lift
A = Aspect Ratio
ρ = Density (kg/m3)
V = Velocity m/s
S = Planform Surface Area (m2)
C 2
 L  = Coefficient of Induced Drag
 πA 
 

Factors Affecting Induced Drag

From the induced drag formula the main factors affecting induced drag are wing planform,
aspect ratio, speed and weight/lift.

Effect of Planform. This is the principal factor affecting induced drag. The size of
the wing tip vortex is directly related to the length of the wing tip chord, and also the
larger the vortexes, the lower the sectional effective angle of attack (Fig. 5.19).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-10 28 October 2003

 RECTANGULAR
14
TAPERED
12

EFFECTIVE 10
ANGLE OF
ATTACK (°)
8
ELLIPTICAL
6

TIP
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
% SEMI-SPAN

FIG. 5.19

Clearly a rectangular planform wing produces a much larger vortex than the tapered
section. This is because the wider the tip chord, the greater the spillage of air from the
lower surface onto the upper surface, and the larger the wing tip vortex. In
aerodynamic terms, the elliptical planform wing is the most aerodynamically efficient
because the downwash remains constant across the complete wingspan, giving
minimal induced drag (Fig. 5.20).

LIFT

CONSTANT DOWNWASH

FIG. 5.20

From a practical point of view however, the manufacturing and structural problems
associated with an elliptical planform wing preclude its use. For structural reasons, a
straight tapered wing provides a good compromise, giving low induced drag (Fig.
5.21).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 PREFERRED PLANFORM FOR
PURELY STRUCTURAL
CONSIDERATIONS

ELLIPTICAL PLANFORM FOR

MINIMUM INDUCED DRAG
FIG. 5.21

To preserve the aerodynamic efficiency, the resulting planform is usually tailored, by

using wing twist and cross sectional variation, in order to obtain as near as possible
the elliptical lift distribution.

Effect of Aspect Ratio. Another practical method of minimising induced drag is to

make the wingspan as long as possible i.e. increase the aspect ratio. This has the
effect of reducing the overall size of the wing tip vortices, and hence induced drag
(Fig. 5.22).

HIGH ASPECT
RATIO

LOW ASPECT
RATIO

FIG. 5.22

Induced drag varies inversely with aspect ratio.

Effect of Airspeed. Induced drag is most significant at low airspeeds and high
angles of attack i.e. during take-off and landing, when it can account for
approximately three-quarters of the total drag. To maintain steady level flight, as the
airspeed reduces and the angle of attack increases, the slower passage of air
rearwards over the wing will increase the spanwise flow of air around the wing tip.
This will result in larger wing tip vortices and greater induced drag (Fig. 5.23).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-12 28 October 2003

 SLOW SPEED HIGH SPEED

INDUCED INDUCED
DRAG DRAG

INDUCED
DRAG
INDUCED
DRAG

0
SLOW AIRSPEED FAST
HIGH LOW
AOA AOA

FIG. 5.23

Induced drag is inversely proportional to airspeed².

Effect of Lift and Weight. Induced drag is a by-product of lift, so the greater the lift
the greater the induced drag. There is no induced drag produced by an aerofoil at
zero lift. Any increase in CL, i.e. during manoeuvres or due to increased weight, will
increase the amount of induced drag at a given airspeed. Induced drag varies as CL²,
and therefore weight², at any given airspeed (Fig. 5.24).

L L
L

D
D

W W W

W
SAME SPEED, BUT MANOEUVRING SAME SPEED, BUT HEAVIER

FIG. 5.24

Methods to Reduce Induced Drag

It is advantageous to reduce induced drag to a minimum, and this is achieved using the
following design features to minimise the formation of wing tip vortices.

Tapering the Wing in Planform. By tapering the wing in planform towards the tip it
reduces the amount of air flowing from the lower surface to the upper surface,
thereby reducing the size of the wing tip vortex (Fig. 5.25).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FIG. 5.25

Washout. With washout the wing is twisted so that the inboard wing section is at
a higher angle of incidence and hence angle of attack compared to the wing tip
(Fig. 5.26).

CROSS SECTION
AT WINGTIP

RELATIVE AIRFLOW

CROSS SECTION
AT WING ROOT

FIG. 5.26

This ensures that most of the lift is generated on the inner part of the wing, thus
minimising the leakage of airflow around the wing tips. This in turn reduces the size
of the wing tip vortex and reduces the total amount of induced drag.

Wing Tip Modification. The wing tip may be modified to reduce the leakage of
airflow around the wing tip and limit the size of the vortex. Some of the more typical
designs are shown in Fig. 5.27.

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-14 28 October 2003

 WING TIP FENCE MODIFIED
PLAIN WING WINGTIP

WINGTIP TANK
WINGLET

FIG. 5.27

Drag Formula

Like lift, a drag formula can also be derived. The drag acting on an aircraft depends on the
following factors:

¾ Shape
¾ Angle of attack
¾ Air density (ρ)
¾ Air velocity squared (free stream air velocity) (V2)
¾ Wing planform surface area (S)

Dynamic pressure takes into account the air density and velocity, but when this pressure is
combined with the wing planform surface area (S) it produces a force. This force is known as
drag. Like lift, drag is not exactly equal to the dynamic pressure times the area, but varies
with shape and angle of attack. These factors are represented by the Coefficient of Drag
(CD).

The general drag formula is thus:

Drag = CD ½ρV²S

A graph of Coefficient of Drag against angle of attack illustrates how drag varies in flight
(Fig. 5.28).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 0° 15°
0.28
ORDINARY ANGLES
OF FLIGHT
0.24
COEFFICIENT
OF DRAG STALLING
0.20 ANGLE

0.16

0.12

0.08

0.04

0
-4° 0° 4° 8° 12° 16° 20°
ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 5.28

Drag Curves

Plotting graphs of profile or parasite drag and induced drag on the same axes shows the
relationship between them (Fig. 5.29).

SLOW FAST

TOTAL
DRAG
DRAG
PROFILE OR
PARASITE DRAG

INDUCED DRAG
MINIMUM DRAG

V MIN D VELOCITY

FIG. 5.29

The two drags can be added together at any velocity to produce a total drag curve but it is
essential to remember that this curve only applies to an aircraft of constant weight and
configuration in level flight at any given altitude. Total drag becomes a minimum when the
profile or parasite drag, and induced drag are equal.

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-16 28 October 2003

This is known as the minimum drag point and occurs at the minimum drag speed (VIMD).
This is the speed where the required lift is developed with the minimum amount of drag, and
is also the most economical speed at which an aircraft flies.

Effect of Weight on the Drag Curves. If the weight of an aircraft alters, a

corresponding change in the coefficient of lift must occur if level flight is to be
maintained at a given airspeed. It follows that since induced drag is proportional to
CL² (or weight²), any change in weight will also alter the total drag curve (Fig. 5.30).

TOTAL DRAG
LOW WEIGHT
W1
PROFILE OR
TOTAL DRAG PARASITE
HIGH WEIGHT DRAG CURVE
W2

DRAG

INDUCED DRAG CURVES

VIMD VIMD VELOCITY

W1 W2

FIG. 5.30

Any change in weight will move the point at which the induced drag and profile drag
curves cross. This will lead to a change in the minimum drag speed; e.g. an increase
in weight will increase VIMD as well as the total drag.

Effect of High Drag Devices on the Drag Curves. In flight it is sometimes

necessary to decrease VIMD by deliberately increasing the total drag. This is achieved
by using airbrakes or spoilers, which cause an increase in profile drag (Fig. 5.31).

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 TOTAL DRAG
CURVES

PROFILE OR
DRAG PARASITE DRAG
CURVES

VIMD VI

FIG. 5.31

The point at which the profile or parasite drag and induced drag curves cross will
similarly alter and the minimum drag speed will reduce.

Lift/Drag Ratio

To determine the efficiency of an aircraft, it is necessary to consider the lift and drag curves
together (Fig. 5.32).

0° 15° 0° 15°
1.4 0.28

CL 1.2 ORDINARY ANGLES C D 0.24 ORDINARY ANGLES

OF FLIGHT OF FLIGHT

1.0 0.20

0.8 0.16
STALLING
0.6 STALLING 0.12 ANGLE
ANGLE
0.4 0.08

0.2 0.04

0 0
-4° 0° 4° 8° 12° 16° 20° -4° 0° 4° 8° 12° 16° 20°
ANGLE OF ATTACK ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 5.32

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-18 28 October 2003

For maximum efficiency the wings should produce maximum lift with the least possible drag.
The lift curve shows that maximum lift is achieved at 15° angle of attack, whereas the drag
curve shows minimum drag occurs at -2° angle of attack. Neither of these angles is
satisfactory, since the ratio of lift to drag at both extremes is very low. In practice maximum
lift at minimum drag, i.e. maximum lift/drag ratio (L/D Ratio), should occur at the same angle
of attack. To establish where this occurs it is necessary to examine the Lift/Drag ratio at
various angles of attack using the lift and drag formulae's. The Lift/Drag ratio for an aerofoil
at any selected angle of attack can be found using the following formula:

Lift = CL ½ ρ V2 S = CL
Drag CD ½ ρ V2 S = CD

Notably the same result is obtained irrespective of whether the lift and drag, or their
coefficients are used in the calculations. By plotting lift/drag ratio against angle of attack it is
possible to establish where the most efficient angle of attack occurs.

0° 3° 15°
28
ORDINARY ANGLES
OF FLIGHT
24
LIFT/DRAG STALLING
RATIO 20 ANGLE

16 MOST
EFFICIENT
ANGLE
12

0
-4° 0° 4° 8° 12° 16° 20°
ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 5.33

Fig. 5.33 shows that the lift/drag ratio increases rapidly up to about 3 or 4°, at which point the
lift is nearly 24 times the drag, but this figure varies depending on the type of aerofoil. For
transport aircraft this value is typically 12–20, and for propeller powered trainer aircraft is
typically 10-15.

At higher angles of attack the lift/drag ratio steadily reduces because, even though the
Coefficient of Lift (CL) continues to increase, the Coefficient of Drag (CD) increases at a
greater rate. In fact, at the stalling angle, lift may only be 10 to 12 times greater than drag.

The most important point on the lift/drag curve is the angle of attack that gives the best
lift/drag ratio, in this case 3 or 4°. This is the most efficient (optimum) angle of attack at which
the aerofoil gives its best all round performance, i.e. it produces the required lift for the

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

minimum cost in drag. At any other angle of attack the same lift will be obtained at a greater
cost in drag.

In steady level flight since drag is balanced by thrust, it follows that, by minimising drag, thrust
can also be minimised. This allows a smaller engine to be fitted, resulting in better fuel
economy, and lower maintenance costs. In practice most aircraft are not fitted with an
instrument which indicates angles of attack, so the pilot must rely on the airspeed indicator,
since airspeed is related to angle of attack (Fig. 5.34).

L L L

150 IAS 85 IAS 65 IAS

2° AOA 8° AOA 12° AOA

W W W

FIG. 5.34

The minimum drag speed is therefore related to the angle of attack that gives the best lift/drag
ratio, i.e. 3 or 4°. Consequently aircraft are flown at the minimum drag speed to give best all
round performance, but remember this is only correct for a given weight, and any change in
weight will necessitate a change in airspeed to maintain the best lift/drag ratio. The best
lift/drag ratio is also unaffected by changes in altitude.

ATPL Principles of Flight 5-20 28 October 2003

 Chapter 6.

Flying Controls

Introduction

An aircraft can be rotated in flight about any one, or a combination of its three axes. These
axes act at right angles to each other, and all pass through the aircraft’s centre of gravity
(Fig. 6.1).

AXIS OF YAW
(NORMAL)

AXIS OF ROLL
(LONGITUDINAL)

AXIS OF PITCH
(LATERAL)

FIG. 6.1

Movement about the lateral axis is known as pitch, movement about the longitudinal axis
is known as roll and movement about the normal axis is known as yaw. This is achieved via
a primary flying control system, which in its basic form consists of moveable control
surfaces linked by a series of cables and rods to controls in the cockpit (Fig. 6.2).

RUDDER

CONTROL
WHEEL ELEVATOR

AILERON

RUDDER
PEDALS
FIG. 6.2

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The primary control surfaces are the elevators, the ailerons and the rudder. These
surfaces are hinged at the trailing edges of the main surfaces and are used to manoeuvre the
aircraft about its three axes, producing both primary and secondary effects.

Elevators

The primary effect of elevators is to provide pitch control about the lateral axis (Fig. 6.3).

PITCH

LATERAL AXIS

ELEVATOR UP ELEVATOR DOWN

NOSE UP PITCH NOSE DOWN PITCH

ELEVATOR CONTROL

FIG. 6.3

Pushing the control column forwards causes the elevator to move downwards. This produces
an aerodynamic force acting on the tailplane in an upward direction causing the aircraft to
pitch nose-down. Pulling the control column rearwards has the reverse effect and causes the
aircraft to pitch nose-up. The elevators produce no real secondary effect on an aircraft,
although changes in pitch attitude result in changes in angles of attack, and hence airspeed.

The Stabilator

On some aircraft the tailplane and elevator are combined into one surface, known as a
stabilator, or an all-moving tailplane (Fig. 6.4).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-2 28 October 2003

 AERODYNAMIC
FORCE AERODYNAMIC
FORCE

TAILPLANE
STABILATOR
ELEVATOR

FIG. 6.4

Forward movement of the control column will cause the leading edge of the stabilator to rise,
thereby generating a force that causes the tail to rise, and the aircraft's nose to drop. A
rearward movement of the control column will have a reverse effect.

The Rudder

The primary effect of the rudder is to provide yaw control about the normal axis (Fig. 6.5).

NORMAL AXIS

YAW

LFIN

DEFLECTED
RUDDER

L FIN

RUDDER CONTROL

FIG. 6.5

If the right rudder pedal is moved forwards the rudder will move to the right. In flight this will
produce an aerodynamic force on the fin and the aircraft will yaw to the right. If the left rudder
pedal is moved forwards the reverse action will take place, and the aircraft will yaw to the left.
The secondary effect of rudder is roll in the same direction as yaw (Fig. 6.6).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 YAW

OUTER WING
MOVES FASTER
MORE LIFT
ROLL

YAW

FIG. 6.6

This occurs because the outer wing travels faster than the inner wing, thereby generating
more lift.

Ailerons

The primary effect of ailerons is to provide roll control about the longitudinal axis (Fig.
6.7).

LONGITUDINAL
AXIS

ROLL

AILERON RAISED AILERON LOWERED

DECREASED LIFT INCREASED LIFT

AILERON CONTROL

FIG. 6.7

If the control column is moved to the right the ailerons will move in opposite directions by
equal amounts; the right aileron will deflect upwards, and the left aileron will deflect

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-4 28 October 2003

downward. This will locally alters the shape of the wing where the ailerons are attached. In
flight this will produce a downward aerodynamic force on the right wing and an upward
aerodynamic force on the left wing, causing the aircraft to roll to the right. If the control
column is moved to the left, the reverse effects occur.

In principle a downward movement of the aileron causes an increase in the effective angle of
attack and a corresponding increase in lift, whilst an upward movement of the aileron causes
a reduction in the effective angle of attack and a decrease in lift. The difference in lift between
the two wings produces the necessary rolling moment.

In addition to changes in lift the deflection of the ailerons also causes variations in drag.
The down-going aileron will produce a predominance of induced drag, whilst the up-going
aileron will produce a predominance of profile drag. At slow airspeeds the increase in drag
will be greater on the down-going aileron than the up-going aileron and the aircraft will yaw in
the opposite direction to the roll (Fig. 6.8).

DRAG
ROLL
DRAG
LIFT

LIFT

FALLS RISES

NOSE YAWS

YAW

FIG. 6.8

This is the secondary effect of ailerons, and is known as adverse aileron yaw.

Adverse Aileron Yaw

In order to compensate for adverse aileron yaw, the drag produced by the ailerons must be
equalised, which is achieved by fitting either Differential or Frise type ailerons.

Differential Ailerons. These are designed so that the upgoing aileron is deflected
through a greater angle than the downgoing aileron (Fig. 6.9).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 UPGOING AILERON DOWNGOING AILERON
LARGE DEFLECTION SMALL DEFLECTION

FIG. 6.9

Frise Ailerons. These are designed so that the leading edge of the upgoing aileron
projects beneath the wing (Fig. 6.10).

LIFT
LIFT

DRAG WING
DRAG

FIG. 6.10

On some aircraft the two methods are combined together to form Differential/Frise
type ailerons (Fig. 6.11).
LIFT
LIFT

DRAG

FIG. 6.11

Combined Primary Control Surfaces

Some types of aircraft have the primary flight control system arranged so that one type of
control surface combines its function with that of another; e.g. Elevons, Ruddervators and
Flaperons.

Elevons. These are fitted to the trailing edge of the wings on delta winged aircraft
such as Concorde, and perform the function of both ailerons and elevators. When
the control column is moved backwards or forwards the Elevons move like elevators,
and deflect by equal amounts in the same direction. For example if the control
column is moved rearwards the Elevons will deflect upwards, and the aircraft will
pitch nose-up (Fig. 6.12).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-6 28 October 2003

 PITCH
LEFT ELEVONS UP
RIGHT ELEVONS UP
ELEVON

FIG. 6.12

If the control wheel is turned the Elevons on one wing will rise, and on the other wing
will lower, as in the case of conventional ailerons. For example when the control
wheel is turned to the right the right Elevons will rise and the left Elevons will lower,
causing the aircraft to roll to the right (Fig. 6.13).

ROLL
LEFT ELEVONS DOWN
RIGHT ELEVONS UP

FIG. 6.13

The control systems are also interconnected so that the surfaces can be deflected
simultaneously to produce combined pitching and rolling moments.

Ruddervators. Ruddervators are fitted on light aircraft having a Vee or Butterfly tail.
They combine the function of the rudder and elevators (Fig. 6.14).

RUDDERVATORS

FIG. 6.14
The Ruddervators are operated using conventional control system inputs, by way of

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 the control column and rudder pedals. When functioning as elevators the
Ruddervators move in unison in the same direction by equal amounts. For example
pulling the control column rearwards causes the Ruddervators to move up, and the
aircraft to pitch nose-up (Fig.15).

DIRECTION OF SURFACE

LATERAL AXIS

DIRECTION OF PITCH

(A) FUNCTIONING AS ELEVATOR

FIG. 6.15

When functioning as rudders the Ruddervators move by equal amounts in opposite

directions. For example when pushing the right rudder pedal forwards the left
Ruddervator will move up and the right Ruddervator will move down, causing the
aircraft to yaw to the right (Fig. 6.16).

DIRECTION
OF YAW
DIRECTION OF
SURFACE

(B) FUNCTIONING AS A RUDDER

FIG.6.16

The control column and rudder pedal systems are also connected to the surfaces
through a differential linkage or gearing arrangement, so that combined pitching and
yawing moments can be obtained.

Flaperons. These are fitted to some light aircraft that are designed to operate from
short runways. They combine the operation of ailerons and flaps to create a full span
trailing edge flap. When lowered the flaperon is able to move up and down providing
roll control whilst still contributing to the wing’s overall lift.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-8 28 October 2003

Aerodynamic Balance

When the control surfaces are deflected, the product of the aerodynamic force acting through
the centre of pressure of the surface and its distance from the hinge-line will produce an
opposing moment (Fig. 6.17).

AERODYNAMIC
HINGE-LINE FORCE
F

HINGE
MOMENT

C OF P
HINGE MOMENT = FX

FIG. 6.17

This is known as the hinge moment of the control surface and its magnitude determines the
amount of effort required by the pilot to maintain its position i.e., stick force. Stick force also
depends on the method by which the control column is linked to the control surface. The ratio
of stick movement to control surface deflection is known as stick-gearing (Fig. 6.18).

STICK
MOVEMENT
CONTROL
SURFACE
DEFLECTION
CONTROL COLUMN

STICK MOVEMENT
STICK GEARING =
CONTROL SURFACE DEFLECTION

FIG. 6.18

If the stick forces are high some form of assistance will be needed to help move the control
surface, and if the stick forces are too light the surface must be artificially loaded to increase
the opposing moment. To achieve the necessary stick forces the control surfaces are
aerodynamically balanced using one or more of the following methods:

Inset Hinge. With this method the hinge-line is placed inside the control surface.
This reduces the length of the moment arm and therefore the size of the hinge
moment, thus reducing the overall stick force (Fig. 6.19).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 AERODYNAMIC
HINGE-LINE FORCE
F

X HINGE
MOMENT
REDUCED

C OF P
HINGE MOMENT = FX

FIG. 6.19

The amount of inset is normally limited to 20 - 25% of the chord length to ensure that
the centre of pressure does not move in front of the hinge-line at high deflection
angles.

If the centre of pressure is allowed to move ahead of the hinge line the resulting hinge
moment will no longer oppose the movement of the control surface, but will instead
assist it (Fig. 6.20).

F
ASSISTING OVERBALANCED CONTROL
MOMENT CP MOVES AHEAD OF HINGE LINE
X

HINGE-LINE

C OF P

OVERBALANCE

FIG. 6.20

This is known as control surface overbalance, and is detected as a decrease

instead of an increase in the progressive stick forces required to move the control
surface through a given deflection angle. In this condition the control surface will
automatically move towards full deflection and to stop this the control input should be
reversed. This is known as control reversibility.

Horn Balance. This method is used on most control surfaces, but mainly on rudders
and elevators (Fig. 6.21).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-10 28 October 2003

 AERODYNAMIC HORN
BALANCE

HINGE LINE

AIRFLOW
HINGE LINE

FIG. 6.21

By design the area of the control surface ahead of the hinge-line is concentrated in
one place to form a horn. As the surface is deflected the horn projects into the airflow
and assists the movement ahead of the hinge-line. The action of the horn balance is
similar to the inset hinge and reduces the overall stick force.

Internal Balance. This method is used on ailerons and elevators. It operates in

conjunction with tabs to reduce the stick force, and unlike other methods is totally
contained within the control surface (Fig. 6.22).

HIGH PRESSURE AILERON

WING
SPAR

VENTS

HINGED BALANCE PANEL

FIG. 6.22

A hinged balance panel divides the area ahead of the control surface into two vented
compartments. When the control surface is deflected, e.g. upward, the higher
pressure developed in the upper compartment forces down on the balance panel
producing a partial balancing moment, thereby reducing the overall stick force.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Tabs

Unlike the previous methods of aerodynamic balance tabs are small hinged surfaces forming
part of the primary control surface. In its basic form the pilot does not directly control the tab,
but its deflection angle is changed automatically whenever the main control surface is moved.
These tabs are used to partially balance the aerodynamic load acting on a control surface,
thereby reducing the overall stick force.

Balance Tabs. These tabs are sometimes incorporated as part of the elevator on
conventional tailplanes. They are mechanically linked to the tailplane by a linkage that
causes them to move in the opposite direction to the control surface (Fig. 6.23).

MAIN AERODYNAMIC
FORCE

TO
CONTROL SMALL AERODYNAMIC
COLUMN FORCE THAT REDUCES
HINGE MOMENT

FIG. 6.23

For example if the control column is moved forwards the elevator will move downwards
and the balance tab will move upwards. The resultant aerodynamic force acting on the
tab will produce a balancing moment, and reduce the overall stick force.

Anti-Balance Tabs. These tabs are fitted on aircraft, when it is necessary to

increase the stick force. This is because small movements of a control surface can
produce large aerodynamic loads, and may lead to over control (Fig. 6.24).

MAIN AERODYNAMIC
FORCE

X
SMALL AERODYNAMIC
FORCE INCREASES
Y HINGE MOMENT
CONTROL
INPUT

FIG. 6.24

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-12 28 October 2003

 These tabs operate in the same manner as balance tabs except that they move in the
same direction as the control surface to increase the stick force, i.e. control surface
down, tab down.

Servo Tab. In this design the tab is directly controlled by the pilot through a pivot
point, and is deflected to supply the hinge moment necessary to move the main control
surface (Fig.6.25).

CONTROL
INPUT

FREE
TO PIVOT

FIG. 6.25

Movement of the tab provides an aerodynamic force that produces a hinge moment
about the hinge-line of the control surface. This causes the control surface to move to
a new position of equilibrium in a direction of travel opposite to that of the tab i.e. tab
down, control surface up. The stick forces involved are therefore determined by the
hinge moments acting on the tab. In practice the servo tab lacks effectiveness at low
airspeeds when large control deflections are required. This is because the amount of
airflow passing over the tab is too low to produce the necessary hinge-moment, and
hence the required deflection.

Spring Servo Tab. This type of tab overcomes the low speed problems associated
with a servo tab by including a spring box in the system (Fig. 6.25).

CONTROL SPRINGS
INPUT
SPRING BOX

FREE
TO PIVOT

FIG. 6.25

The spring tension is such that the tab will not come into operation until the stick force
exceeds a predetermined value. At low airspeeds the spring tension will prevent
movement of the servo tab and any control input by the pilot will move the control
surface and tab as one piece. At higher airspeeds the springs will compress and the

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 tab will move by way of the pivot point in the opposite direction to the control surface,
providing the necessary aerodynamic assistance.

Mass Balance

During flight the main control surfaces may suffer from vibration. This condition is better
known as flutter. It is caused by the combined effects of changes in the pressure distribution
around the control surface with changing angles of attack (aerodynamic forces), and the
forces due to the elastic nature of the aircraft structure (aeroelastic forces) itself. If these
forces become coincident, or act in phase with each other the resultant oscillations will quickly
increase in amplitude, and if left unchecked may ultimately lead to structural failure.

To help eliminate flutter in flight all manually operated control surfaces are generally mass
balanced. This is achieved by attaching weights forward of the hinge-line so that the
centre of gravity acts through the hinge-line, thus altering the period of vibration and the
liability to flutter. These additional weights are usually stored internally along the leading
edge of the control surface, inside the horn balance, or on an arm attached to the surface
(Fig. 6.26).

BALANCE WEIGHT

HINGE-LINE

ORIGINAL C OF G
BALANCE WEIGHT
NEW C OF G

FIG. 6.26

Powered Flying Controls

Powered flying controls are used on most transport category aircraft to provide assistance in
moving the primary and secondary control surfaces against the large aerodynamic loads,
which may exceed the physical capabilities of the pilot at high airspeeds.

The primary flying control surfaces are arranged in the same configuration as on light
aircraft, with ailerons, elevators and a rudder, although some differ because they are
additionally fitted with inboard ailerons (Fig. 6.27).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-14 28 October 2003

 AILERONS
(ROLL)

ELEVATOR
(PITCH)

RUDDER
(YAW)

FIG. 6.27

The control surfaces are hydraulically activated and are powered from the aircraft’s main
hydraulic systems. Due to the importance of the flying control systems the surfaces are also
normally powered by at least two independent hydraulic systems (Fig. 6.28).

SPOILERS

G Y Y G
Y Y
G G
L AIL G Y B Y G G Y B Y G R AIL
B G B Y B Y Y B G B
Y B
LEADING + TRAILING EDGE
HIGH LIFT DEVICES
TRIMMING HORIZONTAL
STABILIZER ACTUATOR
G
HYDRAULIC G Y
B BLUE SYSTEM Y
G GREEN SYSTEM L ELEV R ELEV
Y YELLOW SYSTEM B
B G Y B
RUDDER

FIG. 6.28

Each system is primarily pressurised in flight by engine driven pumps, or alternatively by

electrically driven pumps, but for emergency purposes are normally backed up by either an
electrical pump, or by a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) (Fig. 6.29).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 ELEC ELEC
LEFT MOTOR MOTOR RIGHT
ENGINE PUMP PUMP ENGINE

ENGINE ENGINE
DRIVEN RAM DRIVEN
PUMP AIR PUMP
ELEC TURB ELEC
MOTOR MOTOR
PUMP PUMP

FIG. 6.29

Powered Flying Control System Layout and Requirements

A basic powered flying control system comprises of the following components:-

¾ A control input system

¾ A power control unit
¾ An artificial feel system

Irrespective of their design all powered flying control systems are regulated by the Joint
Airworthiness Requirements (JARs), and must comply with the following standards:-

Sense. The aircraft must move in the direction signified by the control input, e.g.
control column back, pitch nose-up.

Rigidity. The control system must be strong enough to withstand any operating
loads without excessive distortion, e.g. airloads on the control surfaces
(irreversibility).

Stability. The control surfaces must remain where selected by the pilot and must
not be affected by signals which are not self initiated, e.g. vibration and aerodynamic
loads.

Sensitivity. There must be immediate response at the control surfaces to the pilots
input signals.

Safety. Passengers, cargo and loose articles must safeguard the control system
against jamming, chafing, and interference. Guards must therefore be fitted where
appropriate to provide the necessary protection.

Fail-Safe. The control system must be duplicated or be capable of manual operation

in the event of hydraulic power failure.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-16 28 October 2003

Control Input Systems

This is the method by which signals from the flight deck controls are relayed through an
aircraft to position a servo control valve, which in turn manually determines the position of a
flying control surface via a hydraulic actuator. In operation movements of the control column
or rudder pedals are passed to the servo valve by one of the following methods:-

Hydro-Mechanical. In this system the control signals are relayed through a series of
cables and linkages to mechanically position the servo valve (Fig. 6.30).

HYDROMECHANICAL
ACTUATOR
FIG. 6.30

Electro-Hydraulic. In this system the control signals are measured by electrical

transducers, whose output is amplified and then relayed to electrically position the
servo valve (Fig. 6.31).

MOTION
SENSORS

TYPICALLY 80 WIRES

SENSOR
FLIGHT
COMPUTER
ELECTROHYDRAULIC
ACTUATOR

FIG. 6.31

This is commonly known as a fly-by-wire (FBW) system. In some aircraft the

application of this system is limited to the control of only certain flying control
surfaces, e.g. spoiler control panels in the case of the Boeing 767 or Airbus 320.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The Power Control Unit (PCU)

The power control unit is the main component in a power operated control system and
provides all of the force necessary to move a control surface, with the pilot only having to
supply a small force to operate a servo valve (Fig. 6.32).

HYDRAULIC
CONTROL PRESSURE
COLUMN IN RETURN
RETURN FLUID
FLUID OUT OUT SERVO VALVE
PIVOT (NEUTRAL POSITION)

PORT

CONTROL SURFACE

AIRCRAFT
STRUCTURE
JACK RAM PISTON JACK BODY

FIG. 6.32

It consists of a jack ram/piston arrangement, which is fixed to the aircraft structure,

hydraulic fluid, inlet/outlet ports, and a jack body. These parts form a hydraulic actuator,
which is controlled by a servo (control) valve and is connected via a control run to the flight
deck controls. When the valve is displaced in either direction from its neutral position it allows
hydraulic fluid under pressure to pass to one side of the piston, and opens a return path from
the other side. For example a rearward movement of the control column will cause the servo
valve to move to the left (Fig. 6.33).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-18 28 October 2003

 CONTROL HYDRAULIC
COLUMN PRESSURE
IN PRESSURE FLUID
RETURN
RETURN FLUID
FLUID OUT OUT RETURN FLUID

PIVOT

SERVO VALVE
(DISPLACED FROM
NEUTRAL POSITION)

AIRCRAFT CONTROL SURFACE

STRUCTURE MOVEMENT OF
JACK BODY PISTON JACK BODY

FIG. 6.33

Since the jack is fixed in position the resulting pressure differential across the piston will
cause the jack body to move to the left, which in turn will deflect the control surface upwards
via a mechanical linkage. The body continues to move until it centralises itself on the servo
valve, i.e. returning it to its neutral position (Fig. 6.34).

CONTROL HYDRAULIC
COLUMN PRESSURE
IN RETURN
RETURN FLUID
FLUID OUT OUT TRAPPED (STATIC) FLUID

PIVOT

SERVO VALVE
(NEUTRAL POSITION)

AIRCRAFT CONTROL SURFACE

STRUCTURE
PISTON JACK BODY

FIG. 6.34

At this point the hydraulic fluid will be trapped either side of the jack and will form a hydraulic
lock. This in turn will maintain the control surface rigidly in its selected position, and it will
continue to remain so, irrespective of the aerodynamic loads acting on it, until the servo
valve is repositioned by further flight deck control inputs. This is alternatively known as an
irreversible control system. Conversely if the control column is moved forward the
sequence of operations will be reversed, i.e. if the servo valve moves to the right, the jack
body will move to the right, and the control surface will deflect downwards. Some power

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

control units also operate in response to electrical inputs from the Autopilot and
Autostabilisation systems when they are engaged.

Artificial Feel Systems

In a manually operated flying control system the aerodynamic loads acting on a control
surface are fed directly back through the control runs to provide stick force or feel on
the flight deck controls. The loads thus vary depending on control surface deflection and
airspeed. In the case of a power operated flying control system there is however no
direct linkage between the control surface and the flight deck controls. In fact the only
force felt is that associated with the movement of a servo valve, and the effort provided by the
pilot therefore bears no direct relationship to the actual loads acting on the control surface.

These loads are alternatively dissipated through the aircraft structure via the body of a
dedicated power control unit, thereby relieving the pilot of all control loads. Consequently, to
prevent over-controlling and overstressing of an aircraft, some form of artificial feel is
incorporated in the control system, so that the forces experienced are representative of a
manually controlled aircraft. A suitable feel unit must therefore be capable of producing an
opposing force that varies with airspeed and control surface deflection.

On transport category aircraft the requisite feel forces are provided by; spring or Pitot-static
Q feel units, or in some cases a combination of both. Artificial feel systems normally also
incorporate a self centring mechanism, so that if the flight deck controls are released they
will automatically return to their neutral position, and will also centralise the control surface.

A Simple Spring Feel Unit. This is the simplest form of artificial feel unit and is
normally fitted in the operating linkage between the flight deck controls and the power
control unit (Fig. 6.35).

It is designed so that any flight deck control movement is firstly made against spring
tension, so the larger the movement, the greater the opposing spring force. For
example if the control column is moved rearward the left-hand side of the spring in
the feel unit will be compressed in proportion to the control column movement and
subsequent deflection of the control surface. When the control column is centralised
the spring unit off-loads itself, thereby centralising the linkage and returning the flying
control surface to its neutral position. This type of feel unit by itself may be adequate
at low airspeeds, but at higher airspeeds greater resistance to flight deck control
movement is needed to prevent over-stressing the aircraft. This is because the
amount of feel only varies in proportion to control surface deflection, and takes no
account of airspeed. On transport category aircraft this type of feel unit is only
normally used by itself in aileron control systems.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-20 28 October 2003

 CONTROL COLUMN

POWER CONTROL ELEVATOR

PIVOT
UNIT

JACK
RAM

SPRING FEEL UNIT

FIG. 6.35

Q Feel Units. These units like spring feel units are fitted in the operating linkage
between the flight deck controls and the power control unit (Fig. 6.36)

PITOT STATIC

AIRCRAFT
STRUCTURE

PIVOT

TO POWER Q FEEL UNIT

CONTROL UNIT

FIG. 6.36

A basic Q feel unit consists of a diaphragm with static pressure acting on one side
and pitot pressure on the other, with the difference between the two being dynamic
pressure. The unit is also arranged so that movement of the flight deck controls in
either direction deflects the diaphragm against pitot pressure (Fig. 6.37).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-21 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 SAME LINEAR TRAVEL
IN SAME DIRECTION

FIG. 6.37

For example if the dynamic pressure increases due to an increase in forward

airspeed (IAS), the forces required to move the flight deck controls would similarly
increase. Conversely, a reduction in forward airspeed will cause the load on the flight
deck controls to decrease. This system therefore ensures that the stick forces vary
during flight in proportion to varying loads acting on the control surfaces. These units
however tend to be very large, so the sensing pressures are alternatively used to
operate a piston subjected to hydraulic pressure, thereby providing hydraulic Q
feel (Fig. 6.38).

DIAPHRAGM

PITOT

STATIC
RETURN
PIVOT
PRESSURE

DIAPHRAGM-OPERATED
TO PCU SERVO VALVE

FIG. 6.38

In this system artificial feel is supplied hydraulically, enabling the unit itself to be much
smaller. Like the spring feel unit the Q feel unit also incorporates a self-centring
mechanism that operates when the flight deck controls are released. In practice this
type of unit is typically used on most transport category aircraft in the rudder and
elevator control systems, but is usually operated in conjunction with a spring feel unit
(Fig. 6.39).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-22 28 October 2003

 D IA P H R A G M
P IT O T

M ET ERED PRESSURE S T A T IC
CO NT ROL
COLUMN RET URN

H Y D R A U L IC PRESSURE
FEEL

D IA P H R A G M -O P E R A T E D
RET URN SERVO VALVE

R E S IS T M O V E M E N T O F
CO LUM N AW AY FRO M
NEUT RAL

S P R IN G F E E L
TO ELEVATO R PO W ER
C O N T R O L U N IT S E R V O V A L V E F IG . 6 .3 9

Two feel unit’s normally act together to resist movement of the flight deck controls
from their neutral position.

Trimming Control Systems

The trimming control system is principally designed to reduce the stick forces or control
forces to zero. This allows an aircraft to maintain any yaw, pitch or roll attitude set by the
pilot without further control input. On small aircraft this system comprises of moveable or
fixed auxiliary surfaces. These surfaces are called trim tabs and are normally hinged at the
trailing edge of the primary control surfaces (Fig. 6.40). Most light aircraft are fitted with
elevator and rudder trim, but aileron trim is normally only fitted on more sophisticated types of
aircraft.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-23 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 AILERON TRIM TAB
RUDDER TRIM TAB

ELEVATOR TRIM TAB

FIG. 6.40

Principle of a Trim Tab

In operation a trim tab creates a hinge moment which exactly balances the hinge moment
produced by a control surface (Fig. 6.41).

F2

b
TAB

a CONTROL SURFACE
F1 a = F2 b
F1

FIG. 6.41

In this condition the control surface remains in its set position without any effort from the pilot,
i.e. the control forces are zero.

Moveable Trim Tabs. These trim tabs are normally fitted on elevator and rudder
control surfaces. In each case the tabs are connected via a cable and gearing
system to trim wheels in the cockpit. For example consider the operation of an
elevator trim tab (Fig. 6.42).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-24 28 October 2003

 TRIM TAB

FLAP LEVER
TRIM WHEEL
ELEVATOR TRIM WHEEL

DOWN
UP

TRIM POSITION INDICATOR

FIG. 6.42

In this system the trim wheel is mounted to give movement about a lateral axis and is
rotated in the natural sense to give the required pitch trim change. A forward
movement of the trim wheel will produce a nose-down trim change, and vice
versa (Fig. 6.43).

TRIM TAB

MOVEMENT OF MOVEMENT OF
TRIM WHEEL TRIM WHEEL

ELEVATOR
NOSE-DOWN TRIM NOSE-UP TRIM

FIG. 6.43

Notice that the trim tab moves in the opposite direction to the control surface. In
practice if it is necessary to trim the aircraft in a given pitch attitude the elevator
should firstly be moved to produce the desired pitch. The force necessary to
maintain this pitch is then eliminated by rotating the trim wheel in the same direction
as the control column until the stick loading reduces to zero.

Note: Trim tab deflection reduces the maximum available elevator authority.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-25 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Rudder trim is provided in a similar manner to elevator trim, except in this instance
the trim wheel is mounted so that it rotates about a normal axis. For example to
provide nose right trim the trim wheel is rotated in the clockwise direction and
vice versa (Fig. 6.44).

TRIM TAB
MOVEMENT OF
RUDDER TRIM MOVEMENT OF
WHEEL RUDDER TRIM
WHEEL

RUDDER

NOSE RIGHT TRIM NOSE LEFT TRIM

FIG. 6.44

On some light aircraft the trim tabs are moved electrically instead of mechanically. In
this case the switch is normally spring-loaded towards the central off position and in
order to reduce the stick forces to zero the switch is operated in a natural sense.
When the switch is released it is designed to return to the ‘Off’ position.

Note: irrespective of the positioning method, the tab will remain in the same
fixed position relative to the control surface until it is necessary to re-trim the
aircraft in a new attitude.

Fixed Trim Tabs. These tabs operate completely independently of the pilot and can
only be adjusted on the ground (Fig. 6.45).

FIXED TAB
ADJUSTABLE
ON THE GROUND
TO CONTROL COLUMN

FIG. 6.45

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-26 28 October 2003

 Their actual setting is determined by flight tests and when they are set to give no
resultant stick forces, the trailing position of the control surfaces is governed by the
actual deflection of the tab. On light aircraft this type of tab is only normally fitted on
ailerons to make wing level flight more easily achievable without having to maintain a
constant stick force, i.e., to correct for a wing-low tendency.

Combined Trim/anti-balance Tabs. On some aircraft the tab has a dual function,
and can operate as either a trim tab, or as an anti-balance tab, for example an all-
moving tailplane. (Fig. 6.47).

ALL MOVING TAILPLANE

ANTI-BALANCE/TRIM TAB

PIVOT POINT

FIG. 6.47

When used to provide elevator trim the tab is positioned by way of a trim wheel until
zero stick force is achieved.

Trimming of Powered Flying Controls

On aircraft fitted with powered flying controls the position of the control surfaces is not
affected by aerodynamic forces, and is only altered by movement of the appropriate servo
valve in response to flight deck control inputs. Thus in order to correct for any out of trim
condition a device is fitted which re-positions the neutral setting of the servo valve, and moves
the control surface to a new neutral position. The flight deck controls similarly take up a new
neutral position in the direction of the required trim. These devices are fitted in the control-
input system, and consist of an electrical or mechanical linear actuator, controlled from the
flight deck (Fig. 6.48).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-27 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 SPRING STRUT

TRIM ACTUATOR

TO CONTROL
SERVO VALVE

FIG. 6.48

When a trim actuator is operated it alters the effective length of the input lever to the servo
valve, thereby making a selection, and moving the control surface to a new neutral position.
A protection device in the form of a spring strut is also fitted between the trim actuator and the
control input linkage, which normally operates as a fixed member, but should the servo valve
seize a spring inside the unit compresses or extends to protect the valve from further
damage.

Aileron and Rudder Trim. On most transport category aircraft aileron and rudder
trim is applied through the movement of electrically operated trim switches. These
switches are normally positioned on the centre pedestal and are spring loaded to
their central ‘off’ position (Fig. 6.49).

RUDDER TRIM
AILERON TRIM INDICATOR
6 4 2 0 2 4 6
AILERON TRIM INDICATOR

RUDDER TRIM
15 10 5 0 5 10 15

NOSE LEFT UNITS NOSE RIGHT

AILERON

R
U NOSE
AILERON LEFT RIGHT
WING
NOSE
LEFT D RIGHT
TRIM WING
DOWN DOWN
D
E
SWITCHES R

CONTROL
COLUMN
RUDDER TRIM SWITCH

FIG. 6.49

To provide aileron trim both switches are simultaneously moved in the same
direction to provide system integrity. The amounts of aileron and rudder trim
applied are conventionally displayed on dedicated trim indicators. The rudder trim
indicator is normally sighted on the centre pedestal, whilst aileron trim indicators are
normally sighted on each control column.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-28 28 October 2003

 Variable Incidence Horizontal Stabiliser. On most transport category aircraft
varying the angle of incidence of the horizontal stabiliser provides pitch trim.
This has the same effect as that achieved by movement of the elevator, but is
aerodynamically more efficient, particularly at high airspeeds, and if the required
trim range is considerable. The angle of incidence of the stabiliser is varied by an
actuator assembly which is positioned near the leading edge and normally operates
in conjunction with the elevator, the combination of the two providing the least trim
drag (Fig. 6.50).

TAILPLANE

ACTUATOR
CONTROL INPUT ACTUATOR ELEVATOR

FIG. 6.50

The leading edge of the stabiliser is normally moved up or down in flight by an

electrically signalled hydraulic trim motor. This is in response to signals primarily
from the electrical trim switches that are situated on the control column, or
alternatively in response to electrical signals from the Autopilot pitch channel (Fig.
6.51)

Like the aileron trim system, pitch trim is provided by the simultaneous movement
of two switches, located on each control wheel. This provides system integrity and
prevents pitch trim runaway. The rate of trim varies and is controlled by trim
control modules. The trim rate decreases with increasing IAS.

In the event of a malfunction in any of these methods pitch trim is alternatively

provided by manually positioning the hydraulic servo valves via a series of control
cables and pulleys. Inputs are normally provided by trim wheels, sited on either side
of the centre console on the flight deck, and correspondingly rotate together (Fig.
6.52).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-29 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 AUTO
PILOT
AP ELECTRIC
ENGAGED TRIM PITCH TRIM
COMPUTER 1 SERVO- M M
MOTORS

TRIM
COMPUTER 2 VALVE VALVE VALVE

ELECTRICAL PITCH
TRIM
MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR
B Y G

MANUAL
PITCH
TRIM SCREWJACK
LEGEND
MECHANICAL LINKAGE
ELECTRICAL LINKAGE TRIMMABLE
HORIZONTAL
STABILISER
FIG. 6.51

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-30 28 October 2003

 STAB STAB
TRIM TRIM
STABILISER
A/C A/C
NOSE NOSE TRIM WHEEL
DOWN DOWN
0 0

5 5

10 10

15
A/C 15
A/C NOSE
NOSE UP UP

STABILISER TRIM
INDICATOR
M

STABILISER
ELECTRICAL PITCH TRIM TRIM
SERVO MOTORS MECHANISM

SCREW STABILISER
JACK

FIG. 6.52

The amount of stabiliser trim is indicated by a pointer, which forms an integral part of
the trim wheel. The pointer moves up and down a fixed scale adjacent to it and a
green band, which indicates the normal, trim settings for take off. The wheels also
move whenever an electrical input is made, by way of feedback through the
mechanical linkage.

Some aircraft are alternatively fitted with stabiliser trim levers, eg. Boeing 757.
These are sited on the centre console, and like trim wheels pass manual pitch trim
control signals to the pitch trim servo motors (Fig. 6.53).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-31 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 S T STABILISER TRIM

T R
LEVERS

A I
B M

A/ A/
C C
N N
O O
S S
E E
U U
P P

STABILISER
ELECTRIC PITCH TRIM TRIM
SERVO MOTORS MECHANISM

SCREW STABILISER
JACK

FIG. 6.53

To vary the amount of pitch trim, both levers must be moved simultaneously
together in the same direction. This increases the overall system integrity, and
prevents the possibility of pitch trim runaway. This system is also designed so that
signals from the trim levers override all other trim inputs, and unlike trim wheels, they
do not move in response to electrical trim inputs. On aircraft fitted with this
facility all stabiliser trim indications are alternatively displayed on two dedicated
indicators, which are normally sited on the centre pedestal (Fig. 6.54).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-32 28 October 2003

 STABILISER
TRIM
LEVERS

S T
T R
A I
FLAP
B M

STAB TRIM STAB TRIM

A/C AP A/C
NOSE AP L NOSE
DN 0 L N 0
DN
N O
2 2
S O SE S
T 4 SE UP T 4
A UP A
B 6 6
B
8 8
T T
R 10 R 10
I I
12 12
M O M O
F 14 F 14
A/C F A/C F
NOSE NOSE
UP UP

STABILISER TRIM INDICATORS

FIG. 6.54

Spoilers

Spoilers are flap type control surfaces, which are normally, located on the upper surface of
the wing, just in front of the trailing edge flaps (Fig. 6.55).

PANELS SHOWN
RAISED

FIG. 6.55

These surfaces are individually hinged at their leading edges and are actuated by hydraulic
power supplied by dedicated power control units. As their name implies the main

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-33 ©Atlantic Flight Training

purpose of the surfaces is to disturb the smooth airflow over the top of the wing, thereby
reducing the wings lifting capability, and when fully extended considerably increasing
aircraft drag. The spoilers are positioned so that aircraft pitch trim is not adversely affected
by their deployment and the surfaces are extended in various sequences depending upon the
mode of flight. They are used as:

Roll Spoilers. In this mode the spoilers operate asymmetrically in flight whenever
the control wheel is rotated to assist the ailerons in providing roll control,
particularly at high airspeeds. When this occurs the appropriate spoiler servo valves
are signalled by way of the aileron operating system and the requisite surfaces are
deflected upwards in proportion to the roll input. During a roll the spoilers on the
lowering wing are deflected upwards, so decreasing its overall lifting capability and
increasing the aircraft’s roll rate, whilst the spoilers on the opposite wing remain
retracted (Fig. 6.56).

UP GOING WING SPOILERS

REMAIN RETRACTED

AILERON

SPOILERS RAISED
ON LOWERING WING
PROPORTIONAL TO
ROLL INPUT
5
4 AILERON
3
2
1
SPOILER
RETRACTED

FIG. 6.56

The innermost spoiler on the lowering wing also remains retracted to prevent tail
buffet, and degraded pitch control.

On aircraft fitted with two sets of ailerons, (inboard and outboard), as the airspeed
increases the aerodynamic loads on the ailerons tend to twist the wing at the tips,
where it is more flexible. To overcome this tendency some aircraft use the technique
of locking the outboard ailerons in the faired or neutral position, and use an inboard
aileron/spoiler combination above flap retraction speeds to provide the necessary roll
control (Fig. 6.57).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-34 28 October 2003

 INBOARD
AILERON

OUTBOARD AILERON

FIG. 6.57

Flight Spoilers. In this mode the spoilers are operated symmetrically about the
aircraft’s longitudinal axis to slow an aircraft down in flight (speed brakes). Their
deflection angle is determined from the flight deck in response to movements
of a speedbrake lever, which is typically located on the centre pedestal on transport
category aircraft (Fig. 6.58).

SPEEDBRAKE
LEVER

FIG. 6.58

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-35 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 With all spoilers fully retracted the lever is held in its down (DETENT) position to
prevent inadvertent operation (Fig. 6.59).

SPEED BRAKE LEVER

SPEED
BRAKE

DOWN

ARMED

FLIGHT
DETENT

UP

FIG. 6.59

Movement of the lever from this position signals the flight spoilers to rise and they
reach their maximum attainable in flight deflection angles with the lever in its
flight detent position (Fig. 6.60).

DOWN ARM

FLIGHT UP
DETENT
SPEEDBRAKE
LEVER
40° 40°
10 9 20° 20° 4 3
8 7 6 5

SPOILERS SPOILERS
RETRACTED RETRACTED

FIG. 6.60

Movement of the speed brake lever for in-flight use is normally limited by a solenoid
actuated stop.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-36 28 October 2003

 In this mode the outboard spoilers usually remain retracted to prevent the aircraft
pitching nose-up whilst the innermost spoilers are deflected by a lesser amount to
prevent tail buffet. There are sometimes occasions in flight when both airbrake and
roll commands occur together. On these occasions both inputs are fed into a
complex box, containing a mixture of levers, bell cranks and quadrants, called a
spoiler mixer unit (Fig. 6.61).
SPEEDBRAKE
LEFT ROLL LEVER
INPUT
DOWN
SPEED
BRAKE
ARMED

FLIGHT
DETENT

UP

SPOILER
MIXER
UNIT

SIGNALS TO
SPOILER ACTUATORS
FIG. 6.61

This unit sums both inputs and gives a revised output, which in turn varies the
movement of the spoilers during an aileron input depending upon the amount of
speedbrake selected (Fig. 6.62).

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-37 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 RIGHT SPOILERS
PARTIALLY RAISED

SPOILERS GREATER INPUT

RETRACTED TO LEFT SPOILERS

FIG. 6.62

Spoilers in this role can normally be used at any airspeed but at increasingly higher
airspeeds they are forced down (blowback) progressively.

Ground Spoilers (lift dump). In this mode the spoiler panels on both wings
automatically rise to their full extension after touchdown to increase an aircraft’s
rate of retardation (ground spoilers), when certain ground conditions are fulfilled (Fig.
6.63).

12 11 10 9 4 3 2 1
8 7 6 5

FIG. 6.63

These conditions are typically:-

¾ Speedbrake lever in the armed position.

¾ Aircraft weight on the undercarriage (through the air/gound sensing system).
¾ All thrust levers in their idle positions.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-38 28 October 2003

 ¾ Aircraft wheels rotating (provides a time delay and ensures the aircraft is on the
ground).

As the spoilers deploy the speedbrake lever automatically moves to the up position in
line with their movement (Fig. 6.64).

SPEED
BRAKE

DOWN DOWN

ARMED ARMED

SPEED
BRAKE

FLIGHT FLIGHT
DETENT DETENT

UP UP

FIG. 6.64

The maximum deflection angles are greater in the ground mode than the flight mode.
With the spoilers in their fully extended position approximately 80% of the wing/flap lift
is destroyed and the aerodynamic drag of the aircraft more than doubles. The
subsequent loss of lift causes the aircraft to fully settle on the main undercarriage and
increases its potential braking force. The flaps are also left in their landing
configuration because of the drag benefits on deceleration. Should any of the thrust
levers be advanced the speedbrake lever automatically moves to the down
position, and the spoilers retract.

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-39 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 6-40 28 October 2003

 Chapter 7.

Lift Augmentation

Basic Lift Augmentation System

The lift augmentation system on light aircraft usually consists of two control surfaces, which
are fitted inboard of the ailerons, along the trailing edge of the wing (Fig. 7.1).

LEFT WING FLAP

RIGHT WING FLAP

AILERON

FIG. 7.1

These surfaces are known as trailing edge flaps, and are lowered in unison to primarily
increase the wings lifting capability at any given angle of attack (Fig. 7.2).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 CL LIFT CURVE WITH
FLAP DEFLECTION

BASIC CURVE

CL

INCR. LIFT AT CONSTANT

ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 7.2

The lift required to support a given weight can therefore be developed at a lower airspeed.

Trailing Edge Flaps

Trailing edge flaps are normally extended or deployed during the take-off and landing
phases of flight when low airspeeds are beneficial. When the flaps are no longer required
they are returned to their neutral position and the wing regains its former aerodynamic
characteristics. The increase in lift is mainly attributed to the variation in effective camber
that occurs when the flaps are deflected. This alters the lift curve and also produces a higher
maximum coefficient of lift (Fig. 7.3).

CL

CL MAX
CLMAX

FLAP
DEFLECTED
FLAP
NEUTRAL

S
O

FIG. 7.3

In some instances the trailing edge flaps may also increase the wings surface area. When
the trailing edge flaps are extended it alters the pressure distribution around the wing (Fig.
7.4).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-2 28 October 2003

It alters the pressure distribution not only over the rear of the wing, where the flap is situated,
but also over the front of the wing. The majority of the additional lift is developed over the
rear of the wing, and results in the centre of pressure moving aft as the flaps are lowered
(Fig. 7.5).

L
L

CoG CoG

MOMENT ARM LONGER MOMENT ARM

FIG. 7.5

This also alters the lift/weight couple and produces a nose down pitching moment, which
must be corrected for whenever the flap setting is changed. Any flap deflection increases the
effective camber of the wing and affects the coefficient of drag (Fig. 7.6).

LARGE FLAP DEFLECTION

SMALL FLAP DEFLECTION
COEFFICIENT
OF CLEAN WING
DRAG
(CD )

ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 7.6

Types of Trailing Edge Flaps

Several different types of trailing edge flap are used on light aircraft but the most common
types are as follows:

Plain Flap. A simple hinged portion of the trailing edge of the wing (Fig. 7.7).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FLAP NEUTRAL

FLAP DEFLECTED

FIG. 7.7

The flap increases the wings effective camber and alters the curvature of the wings
upper surface. The increase in curvature causes earlier separation of the boundary
layer and increases form drag.

Split Flap. A plate which is hinged to, and set into the lower surface of the wing
trailing edge (Fig. 7.8).

FLAP NEUTRAL

FLAP DEFLECTED

FIG. 7.8

When deflected the wings effective camber is increased, but the curvature of the
upper surface remains unchanged. This produces a large turbulent wake at low
angles of attack and hence drag, but provides better lift performance than the
plain flap at high angles of attack. This is because the less curved upper surface
delays the separation of the boundary layer.

Slotted Flap. This flap is similar to the plain flap except that when it is deflected a
slot forms between the flap and main wing (Fig. 7.9).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-4 28 October 2003

 FLAP NEUTRAL

HIGH PRESSURE AIR FLAP DEFLECTED

FIG. 7.9

This allows high-pressure air below the wing to flow through the slot and re-energise
the boundary layer over the upper surface of the flap. The combination of variable
geometry and boundary layer control thus increases the wings lift performance beyond
that of the plain flap at all angles of attack.

Fowler Flap. This flap arrangement is similar to the slotted flap, except it firstly
moves aft along rollers in a track before being deflected downward (Fig. 7.10).

FLAP NEUTRAL

FLAP DEFLECTED

FIG. 7.10

The rearward movement of the flap increases the wing chord and increases the
overall effective wing area. This enhances the wings lift capability without any flap
deflection, but the resulting reduction in the thickness-chord ratio, causes the wing to
stall at a lower angle of attack. The increase in drag is also small compared to the
other types of flaps, because of the slot effect, and the wings reduced thickness-chord
ratio.

Comparison of Different Types of Trailing Edge Flap

Trailing edge flaps not only alter the wing’s coefficient of lift (CL), but they also alter its
coefficient of drag (CD). It is therefore possible to compare the efficiency of the various types
of trailing edge flap by plotting CL against CD curves (Fig. 7.11).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 CL CL
CD MAX

FOWLER FLAP
SLOTTED FLAP

SPLIT FLAP
PLAIN FLAP

BARE WING

CD

FIG 7.11

By drawing tangents to the curves it is also possible to compare the lift/drag ratio, and hence
the efficiencies of each type of flap. The maximum lift/drag ratio in each case occurs where
the line touches the curve, and this shows that the Fowler flap produces the largest
amount of lift for the least amount of drag, i.e. it has the best lift/drag ratio. The gradient of
the tangents also shows how efficient each type of flap is, and the steeper the gradient, the
more efficient the flap.

The Effect of Trailing Edge Flaps on the Stalling Angle

The greater the flap deflection, the lower the stalling angle of attack. This is because the
more cambered the wing, the greater the adverse pressure gradient, and the earlier boundary
layer separation will occur. By comparison with a clean wing it will also stall at a lower aircraft
pitch attitude (Fig. 7.12).

EFFECTIVE
CHORD LINE MORE NOSE UP
ATTITUDE

FLATTER
ATTITUDE

A A A

RELATIVE AIRFLOW LOWER HIGHER

STALLING ANGLE STALLING ANGLE

FIG. 7.12

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-6 28 October 2003

This is because the chord line with the flap deflected alters its position relative to the wing
region. This is known as the effective chord line. In practice, however, the stalling angle is
always referenced to the chord line of the original clean wing, which acts as a datum line.
Thus the greater the flap deflection, the steeper the effective chord line, and the lower the
stalling angle of attack. The wing actually stalls when the angle between the effective chord
line and the relative airflow, i.e. the effective angle of attack, reaches its normal stalling value
of 15° or 16° in the case of light aircraft.

The Effect of Trailing Edge Flaps on the Stall Speed

The amount of lift developed at the stall by a wing at any given attitude is dependent on the
maximum coefficient of lift, and the indicated airspeed squared. Thus for a given aircraft
weight and hence lift, the resulting increase in the maximum coefficient of lift with flaps
deflected will produce a lower stalling speed (Fig. 7.13).

50 40
KT KT

FIG. 7.13

The stalling speed depends on the amount of flap deflection and the greater the deflection,
the lower the stalling speed, which is due to the variation in the maximum coefficient of lift
(Fig. 7.14).

COEFFICIENT
OF
LIFT LARGE FLAP DEFLECTION
(CL)
SMALL FLAP DEFLECTION

CLEAN WING

ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 7.14

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Operation of Trailing Edge Flaps

On light aircraft the trailing edge flaps are either electrically or manually operated. In the
manually operated flap system the flaps are controlled by a series of cables and a flap lever,
which is normally positioned between the pilots seats (Fig. 7.15).

LEFT WING FLAP

RIGHT WING FLAP

FLAP LEVER

FIG. 7.15

The flaps are raised or lowered by way of the flap lever, which operates in a similar manner to
the handbrake on a car (Fig. 7.16).

RIGHT
FLAP WING FLAP FLAP LEVER
LEVER

LEFT
WING FLAP FLAP SETTING

FIG.7.16

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-8 28 October 2003

To extend the flaps the lever is pulled upwards through a series of ratchet settings, each
setting relating to a fixed angular deflection, i.e. 10°, 25° and 40°. The first two settings are
normally referred to as take-off settings and the latter as the landing setting, which is clearly
indicated on the housing. To retract the flaps the button on the end of the lever is pushed in
and the lever moved downward. In the case of an electrically operated flap system the flap
setting is determined by the position of a flap selector switch, which is normally positioned on
the instrument panel. When the switch is moved to the desired flap setting an electric motor
operates until the pre-selected flap position is reached, and a micro-switch then cuts off the
current supply to the motor. The actual flap position is usually displayed on an indicator
positioned beside the switch.

Use of Trailing Edge Flaps for Take-off

For take-off purposes the flaps are normally lowered to a position, which provides the best
lift-drag ratio that can be obtained with the flaps in any position other than fully, up. Since
the required lift can be obtained at a lower airspeed the take-off run will also be reduced (Fig.
7.17).

FLAPLESS TAKE-OFF

FLAPPED TAKE-OFF

FIG. 7.17

Larger amounts of flap will cause a significant increase in drag, which will greatly reduce the
acceleration, and increase the take-off run. The reduced stalling angle of attack and
increased drag associated with flaps will also reduce the rate and angle of climb.

The Effects of Raising the Flaps in Flight

Shortly after the take-off with the aircraft accelerating and climbing, the action of raising the
flaps will cause an immediate reduction in the coefficient of lift. Unless this is counter-acted
by increasing the angle of attack the aircraft will momentarily lose altitude or sink until it has
accelerated to an airspeed that offsets the effect of the reduction in lift. The more efficient the
flaps the greater the reduction in lift and the more corrective action required in order to
prevent a loss of altitude. Thus it is recommended that the flaps are raised in stages to
enable the coefficient of lift to reduce gradually, and avoid any marked or exaggerated
corrections, particularly when the aircraft is heavily loaded.

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The Use of Trailing Edge Flaps During the Approach and Landing

When the flaps are initially lowered in flight the subsequent increase in the coefficient of lift
produces lift in excess of that required to support the weight of the aircraft. Unless the
aircraft's nose is lowered to decrease the angle of attack, and hence lift, the aircraft will
momentarily experience an unpleasant climb tendency known as ballooning (Fig. 7.18).

L L O O N I
B A N G

TRAILING EDGE FLAPS

EXTENDED HERE

FIG. 7.18

This effect is only short-lived because the subsequent increase in drag associated with the
flap deflection quickly slows the aircraft down, and the excess lift reduces. Ballooning can
however be prevented if the aircraft's nose is lowered when the flaps are deflected. Once the
aircraft has returned to its former equilibrium state the aircraft will naturally settle in a nose-
down pitch attitude due to the rearward movement of the centre of pressure. This
ultimately provides improved visibility, which is especially important during the approach and
landing phases of flight (Fig. 7.19).

ASI ASI
KT KT

85 65

FIG. 7.19

In the landing configuration the flaps are normally fully extended to achieve the greatest
increase in the coefficient of lift at any given angle of attack. This results in a significant
reduction in the stall speed, and hence landing speed. The landing speed in this
configuration must however be at least 1.3 times the stalling speed (1.3 Vs) to provide
adequate controllability. It is also important that the flaps are not lowered at an airspeed
greater than the maximum flaps extended speed,VFE. If the flaps extend at different rates,
flap asymmetry will occur, and a rolling moment will be set up.

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-10 28 October 2003

The increase in drag associated with flap deflection will also require an increased power
setting in order to maintain a given airspeed and attitude, or maintain a steady rate of
descent. The reduction in the lift-drag ratio with flaps lowered also affects an aircraft's glide
performance.

High Lift Devices on Transport Category Aircraft

With the introduction of larger and heavier aircraft it has become necessary to design a wing
which provides good high speed cruise performance for economic purposes, but also
possesses good low speed handling characteristics for the landing and take-off phases of
flight.

In practice however, no single wing shape satisfies both these requirements; thick well
cambered wings needed for low speed flight produce unacceptable profile drag penalties at
high speeds, whilst thin wings with little camber lead to high stalling speeds and excessive
take-off and landing speeds.

Thus to satisfy both needs high lift devices are fitted to the leading and trailing edges of the
basic wing section (Fig. 7.20).

FLAPS RETRACTED FLAPS FULLY EXTENDED

AIRFLOW

LEADING EDGE
FLAPS

TRAILING EDGE
FLAPS
FORWARD

FIG. 7.20

All aircraft are fitted with trailing edge flaps, but most transport category aircraft sweptback
planform wings are additionally fitted with leading edge high lift devices to further enhance the
wings lifting capability at low airspeeds. The devices most commonly used are flaps, slats and
slots, e.g. Boeing 757, which is fitted with trailing edge flaps and leading edge slats (Fig.
7.21).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 LEADING EDGE
HIGH LIFT DEVICES

TRAILING EDGE
FLAPS

FIG. 7.21

Other types of aircraft are alternatively fitted with leading edge flaps, whilst others employ a
combination of leading edge flaps and leading edge slats, but the actual configuration is
determined by the manufacturer. Trailing edge flaps are normally fitted at inboard and
outboard positions along the wing. These are normally slotted fowler flaps and are configured
during the landing and take-off phases of flight to provide the requisite lift/drag characteristics
(Fig. 7.22).

SLOTS

LANDING POSITION TAKE OFF POSITION

FIG. 7.22

For take-off purposes the trailing edge flaps are normally set to provide the best lift/drag ratio
other than that associated with a clean wing, by only increasing the wings surface area.
When the flaps are set to the landing configuration they not only increase the maximum
coefficient of lift, but also increase drag, and help to retard the aircraft.

Leading Edge High Lift Devices

High lift devices applied to the leading edge are primarily designed to delay separation of
boundary layer from the upper surface of the wing (stall) to a higher angle of attack.
This is done by increasing the energy of the boundary layer, thereby maintaining a smoother
flow for longer and reducing the airflow's tendency to become turbulent, or by making the
leading edge more rounded. The devices used to achieve this are:

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-12 28 October 2003

 Leading Edge Slats. These are movable control surfaces attached to the leading
edges of the wings along the complete span (Fig. 7.23).

FIXED LEADING EDGE

PANELS & FAIRINGS

LEADING
EDGE SLATS

FIG. 7.23

When the slat is closed (retracted) it forms the leading edge of the wing, but in the
open position (extended) a slot is created between the slat and the upper surface of
the wings leading edge (Fig. 7.24).

SLAT EXTENDED

AIR THROUGH
SLOT SLOT RE-ENERGIZES
BOUNDARY LAYER

FIG. 7.24

This allows air to pass through the slot from the high-pressure region below the wing
into the low-pressure region above the wing, thereby accelerating the flow by the
venturi effect and re-energising the boundary layer. This delays its separation from
the upper surface and substantially increases the wings overall lifting capability
(CL), by delaying the stall until a higher angle of attack (Fig. 7.25).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 2.0 WING
PLUS
SLATS
COEFFICIENT 1.5
OF LIFT(CL) PLAIN
WING
1.0

0.5

0 5 30
10 15 20 25
ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 7.25

The subsequent increase in the maximum coefficient of lift like other high lift devices
similarly lowers the aircraft’s stalling speed. The deployment of slats may
increase the maximum coefficient of lift by more than 70%, and the stalling angle of
attack from 15° to 22°. When operating at high angles of attack the slat has no
significant effect on the wings camber, but it affects the pressure distribution over the
upper surface of the wing (Fig. 7.26).

NO SLAT WITH SLAT

FIG. 7.26

This produces a more gradual pressure gradient, and even at moderate angles of
attack, enables the boundary layer to penetrate almost the full chord of the wing
before separation takes place. This results in a stronger pressure distribution than
that obtainable from a wing without slats. The deployment of the slats also affects the
airflow around the wing (Fig. 7.27).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-14 28 October 2003

 FIG. 7.27

The slats are normally arranged in sections along the leading edge, so the
combined effect of the airflow through each slot will reduce the overall spanwise flow
of the boundary layer and help alleviate the tendency for wing-tip stalling on
sweptback planform wings.

The deployment of slats is normally manually controlled from the flight deck in
conjunction with the trailing edge flaps, but on some aircraft the slats move from
the take-off position to the landing position automatically whenever the stall
warning system is activated. The slats then return to their former set position when
the warning cancels.

Leading Edge Flaps. These are used to improve the wings lifting capability at low
airspeeds in a similar manner to that of trailing edge flaps by principally increasing
the wings camber. These devices are comparable to slats in that they produce
approximately the same increase in the maximum coefficient of lift, although this
occurs at a slightly lower stalling angle of attack (Fig. 7.28).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 WITH
COEFFICIENT LEADING EDGE
OF LIFT
(CL) FLAP

CLEAN WING

ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG.7.28

The lift curve differs slightly from that associated with slats due to the additional
camber effect. These devices are particularly beneficial on wings of high-speed
section (thin with little camber) to improve their otherwise poor low speed handling
characteristics. This is because the sharp leading edge associated with this type of
wing makes it difficult for the air to negotiate, and stall consequently occurs at
moderate angles of attack. The main types which exist are:

Drooped Leading Edge Flaps (Droop Snoot). These normally cover the
complete span, and are drooped at high angles of attack, but retracted at low angles
of attack, to give the required leading edge profile (Fig. 7.29).

RETRACTED

EXTENDED
LEADING EDGE FLAP

FIG. 7.29

These are extended via a jackscrew arrangement and pivot about a hinge on the lower
wing surface (Fig. 7.30).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-16 28 October 2003

 HINGE
FIG. 7.30

Krueger Flaps. These are located on the inboard leading edge section and are
similar to drooped leading edge flaps, except when they are retracted they form part
of the under surface, but when extended they hinge downwards and forwards (Fig.
7.31).

KRUEGER FLAP

FIG. 7.31

They are extended by way of a screwjack arrangement to produce a well-rounded

leading edge (Fig. 7.32).

FIG. 7.32

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The Effect of Leading Edge Flaps on the Stalling Angle

Leading edge flaps tend to increase the wings stalling angle of attack, and also it’s level
flight pitch attitude. This is because compared to a clean wing the effective chord line is
deflected downwards. The wing stalls when the angle between this chord line and the relative
airflow reaches the stalling angle of attack (Fig. 7.33).

MORE NOSE-UP
PITCH ATTITUDE

EFFECTIVE
CHORDLINE

+
RELATIVE AIRFLOW UNFLAPPED STALLING
ANGLE OF ATTACK
INCREASE IN ACTUAL
STALLING ANGLE
OF ATTACK

FIG. 7.33

Since the angle of attack by definition is referenced to the original chord line of an aircraft
wing when the leading edge flaps are deflected the aircraft will stall with a more nose-up
pitch attitude and thus a higher stalling angle of attack.

The Operation of High Lift Devices on Transport Category Aircraft

On most transport category aircraft the high lift devices are normally moved by hydraulic
power (actuator or motor) supplied from the aircraft's main hydraulic systems. The
movement of a single flap control lever on the flight deck simultaneously determines the
position of these devices (Fig. 7.34).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-18 28 October 2003

 FLAP FLAP LEVER
UP
0

FLAP

FLAP 5

15

20

25

30
FLAP
DOWN

FLAP LEVER QUADRANT

FIG. 7.34

In operation the flap lever is moved in a flap quadrant in which a series of detents mark the
various flap settings. To alter the flap setting the control lever must therefore be physically
lifted before it can be moved to its next designated detent. The flap lever then forwards a
signal to the trailing edge power drive unit (PDU), which hydro-mechanically alters the
position of the flaps (Fig. 7.35).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FLAP LEVER

5
1

ALTERNATE
DETENT FLAP CONTROLS

FROM
HYDRAULIC
SYSTEM

LE POWER
DRIVE UNIT

M
BYPASS
TE POWER VALVE
DRIVE UNIT

FIG. 7.35

An alternative electrical system allows the high lift devices to be operated by way of electric
motors if the hydraulic system should fail. As the flaps move towards their selected position a
signal is also transmitted to a separate power drive unit, which hydro-mechanically, drives the
leading edge high lift devices to their selected position. On some aircraft the leading edge
high lift devices are pneumatically and not hydraulically driven to their selected position in
normal operation.

The leading edge high lift devices normally have only two extended settings (take-off and
landing) and extend first and retract last, whereas the trailing edge flaps have various take-
off settings, but normally only one landing setting (fully extended). The aircraft can however
land with any flap setting, but it is important to remember that the flap position also
determines the landing speed and distance. The flap quadrant it additionally fitted with gates
(baulks) at specified flap settings (Fig. 7.36).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-20 28 October 2003

 FLAP FLAP LEVER
UP
0

1 FLAP

GATES
15

20
2

25

30
FLAP
DOWN

FIG. 7.36

These gates are designed to prevent inadvertent rearward movement of the flap lever if
specified flight and aircraft conditions do not exist. The first gate is normally set at a point
which allows the airspeed to build up sufficiently high enough before the leading edge
high lift devices are fully retracted, whereas the second gate normally marks the flap setting
required for go-around with all engines operating.

Protection of High Lift Devices on Transport Category Aircraft

The high lift devices are normally protected against asymmetry and excessive flap loads:

Asymmetry Protection. This system is required to prevent the angular deflection

between the high lift devices on the two wings from significantly differing, and
resulting in severe roll. This may prove hazardous if left unchecked, and the high lift
devices are therefore prevented from further deflection by asymmetry brakes if the
angular difference exceeds set limits.

Flap Load Relief. If the flaps are fully lowered at high airspeeds serious structural
damage may occur. An automatic system is therefore incorporated in most systems
to partially retract the flaps, but if the airspeed subsequently reduces the flaps will
automatically return to their former set position, commonly called blow back. The
maximum flap extension speeds are placarded on the flight deck (Fig. 7.37).

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-21 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FLAPS LIMIT (IAS)

1.230K 15.195K
2.230K 25.190K
5.225K 30.185K
10.210K 40.170K
210 K ALT FLAP EXT

FIG. 7.37

ATPL Principles of Flight 7-22 28 October 2003

 Chapter 8.

Stalling

Introduction

As the air flows around the aerofoil both the velocity and static pressure vary with distance
from the leading edge. The pressure distribution over the upper surface greatly affects the
flow characteristics of the boundary layer and will eventually cause it to breakaway or
separate from the surface. When the upper surface of an aerofoil is predominantly covered in
separated airflow the aerofoil is ‘stalled’. This occurs when the stalling angle of attack is
reached. At this point the wing can no longer produce sufficient lift to support the weight of
the aircraft, and the separated airflow results in a dramatic rise in form drag. It is desirable for
any wing to stall firstly at the root, but this is not always possible, and principally depends on a
wing's cross-section, and planform surface area.

Separated Airflow

The static pressure varies over the upper surface of a typical aerofoil section. Close to the
leading edge the airflow comes to rest, and the static pressure reaches a maximum value.
This is the stagnation point, and is where the boundary layer first forms (Fig. 8.1).

AIRFLOW AIRFLOW
ACCELERATING DECELERATING
PRESSURE PRESSURE
DECREASING INCREASING

TRANSITION POINT
LAMINAR
BOUNDARY TURBULENT
LAYER BOUNDARY
SEPARATION POINT
LAYER

WAKE
STAGNATION POINT

FIG. 8.1

Proceeding rearwards from this point the static pressure decreases, and forms a favourable
pressure gradient, i.e. positive to negative, which continues to exist until the air reaches its
point of minimum pressure. Beyond this point the pressure begins to increase, forming an
unfavourable, or adverse pressure gradient, i.e. negative to positive (Fig. 8.2).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FAVOURABLE ADVERSE
PRESSURE PRESSURE
GRADIENT GRADIENT

FIG. 8.2

The pressure gradient opposes the flow of the boundary layer and impedes its progress
rearwards. The velocity of flow near the surface is also reduced in this region, and this is
high-lighted using velocity profiles (Fig. 8.3).

REVERSE
FLOW

RAF SEPARATION
POINT

FIG. 8.3

In the presence of a strong adverse gradient the boundary layer will eventually separate from
the surface (separation point). The airflow behind this point is turbulent in nature and
effectively destroys the lift capability of the aerofoil in this region. This is because the energy
possessed by the boundary layer is too low to overcome the adverse pressure gradient (Fig.
8.4).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-2 28 October 2003

 SEPARATION POINT

WAKE

REVERSED FLOW

FIG. 8.4

The absence of the boundary layer behind the separation point allows some air to flow
forward towards the leading edge (reversed flow). With increasing angles of attack the
adverse pressure gradient increases in magnitude, and the separation point moves closer
to the leading edge. This causes a large turbulent wake to form behind the wing, resulting in
a reduction in lift, and an increase in drag.

When the separation point occurs so far forward that the majority of the aerofoil is covered in
turbulent airflow, the wing is stalled. The lift generated by the aerofoil is drastically reduced,
and it is no longer possible to maintain steady level flight (Fig. 8.5).

STALLING ANGLE
OF ATTACK
L L L

CL
L

CL
CL

CL

-4° 0° ANGLE OF ATTACK 10° 15° STALLED

LEVEL FLIGHT
NOT POSSIBLE
IN THIS AREA FAST

SLOW
ANGLES EXAGGERATED
FOR ILLUSTRATION

W W W W

FIG. 8.5

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The Stalling Angle of Attack

The aerofoil stalls when the stalling angle or critical angle of attack is reached. This
occurs when the coefficient of lift reaches a maximum value. Beyond this point the
breakdown of the airflow results in a marked reduction in the coefficient of lift, and a rapid
increase in the coefficient of drag, although lift is not totally lost when this angle of attack is
reached (Fig. 8.6).

CLMAX

USUAL
ANGLES OF FLIGHT
STALLING
ANGLE
CL CD

USUAL STALLING
ANGLES OF FLIGHT ANGLE

0° AoA 16° 0° AoA 16°

FIG. 8.6

Most light aircraft tend to stall when the wing reaches an angle of attack of approximately 15 -
16° in any phase of flight, regardless of the airspeed, provided that the aircraft configuration
is not altered (Fig. 8.7).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-4 28 October 2003

 IAS D E S C E N D IN G
50 IAS
KT 50
S TR AIG H T AN D LE V E L KT

16 ° AoA

IAS
1 6 °AoA
80
IAS KT
50 1 6 ° AoA
KT
C LIM B IN G

IAS
70
KT

6 0° B AN K
S TE E P TU R N

16 °

FIG . 8 .7

Definition of the JAR/FAR Stalling Speed (VS)

The calibrated stalling speed, or the minimum steady flight speed, in knots, at which the
aircraft is controllable

The Relationship between Stalling Speed and Lift

A relationship can be shown between lift and the indicated stalling speed by transposing the
lift formula:
Lift = CL½ρV2 S

where CL = coefficient of lift

ρ = air density (kg/m3)
V = airspeed (m/s)
S = wing planform area (m2 )

If the air density and wing planform area remain constant at a given altitude, then the lift
formula can be simplified as follows:-

Lift is a function of CL x (IAS)2

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

At the stalling angle of attack the coefficient of lift reaches a maximum value so that:-

Lift is a function of CL MAX x (IAS STALL)2

Since CL MAX is a constant value for a given aerofoil section, the amount of lift produced at the
stall will be directly proportional to the indicated stalling speed squared, so that:-

Lift is proportional to (IAS STALL)2

Thus the stalling speed depends on the amount of lift a wing needs to generate, and it is
influenced by the following factors:

Weight. To maintain steady level flight sufficient lift must be developed to support
the total weight of the aircraft. A heavier aircraft will require greater lift, and will
have an increased stalling speed (Fig. 8.8).

L
IAS
IAS
65 70
KT KT

16° AoA 16° AoA

GREATER
W WEIGHT

W
FIG. 8.8

This relationship is true for any given angle of attack provided that the maximum
coefficient of lift is not affected by airspeed. If the aircraft weight reduces by 10% the
stalling speed will be affected as follows:

New Weight
New Stalling Speed = Original Stalling Speed x
Original Weight

0.9 x Original Weight

= Original Stalling Speed x
Original weight

= Original Stalling Speed x 0.95 (95%)

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-6 28 October 2003

 Aircraft Configuration. The maximum coefficient of lift not only depends on a wing's
angle of attack, but also on it's wing shape, i.e. the greater the camber, the higher the
maximum coefficient of lift. One common method of altering the camber of a wing is
by changing the aircraft's configuration, i.e. extending the trailing edge flaps (Fig.
8.9).

CL
CL MAX
CL MAX

FLAP
DEFLECTED
FLAP
NEUTRAL

ANGLE OF ATTACK
FIG. 8.9

This alters the shape of a wing, and increases its maximum coefficient of lift.
This enhances the wing's overall lifting capability at any given angle of attack, and
enables it to support the same weight at a lower airspeed. Thus the aircraft's
stalling speed is reduced. Stalling with flaps may also be accompanied by a wing
drop, which should be picked up using the rudder, and not ailerons. Notably, trying
to raise a dropped wing using opposite aileron may have a reverse effect when
operating near to the stall, and the wing will drop quickly.

Power. Up until now it has been assumed that the weight of an aircraft is completely
supported by its wings. This remains the case when a piston engine is throttled back,
but when power is applied the resultant slipstream behind the propeller provides
additional kinetic energy to the airflow (Fig. 8.10).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 SLIPSTREAM

FIG. 8.10

This delays the separation of the boundary layer from the upper surface of a wing,
and results in the aircraft stalling at a lower indicated airspeed. As the stalling angle
is approached with ‘power on’, a component of thrust partially supports the weight of
the aircraft. The wings will become slightly off-loaded, and will produce less lift.

As the ‘power-on’ stall is approached the airflow increases over the tail section,
causing the rudder and elevator to be more effective. The slipstream also generates
greater lift from the inner sections of the wing, but the outer sections may stall first.
The ailerons will become ineffective, and one wing may stall, causing the wing to
drop.

Manoeuvres. For an aircraft to carry out a manoeuvre it is necessary for the wings
to generate more lift, causing the stalling speed to increase, e.g. during a turn.

Wing Loading. This is a measure of the total aircraft weight supported per unit
area of the wing. If two aircraft are identical, except for their weights, then the
heavier aircraft, i.e. higher wing loading, will have an increased stalling speed.

Wing Contamination. Any ice or snow on the wing will cause the total aircraft
weight to increase, and thus the stalling speed.

Recognition of the Stall at Low Airspeeds

Most stalls occur at low airspeeds, and high angles of attack. This causes the separated
airflow leaving the wing to pass over the tail surfaces, and results in shaking or buffeting of
the control surfaces (Fig. 8.11).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-8 28 October 2003

 FIG. 8.11

This is known as pre-stall buffet, and normally takes place a few degrees before the stall.
This buffeting is usually felt through the control column and rudder pedals, and provides
adequate warning of an impending stall. The reduction in lift at the stall also results in an
aircraft sinking or losing altitude at any given airspeed.

When the stalling angle of attack is reached the pressure envelope over the upper surface of
a wing collapses, and the centre of pressure moves rapidly rearwards. This in turn alters
the wings pitching moment, and in conjunction with the change in downwash acting on the
tailplane most aircraft will experience a nose-down pitching moment at the stall.

Stall Warning in Light Aircraft

In addition to pre-stall buffet light aircraft are normally fitted with an audible stall-warning
device that operates just before the stall. This device is activated by way of a moving vane
(Flapper Switch), which is positioned approximately midway along the wing, just below the
leading edge (Fig. 8.12).

MOVING VANE

FIG. 8.12

At normal operating angles of attack the vane is held down by the airflow, but just before the
wing stalls movement of the stagnation point around the leading edge lifts the vane (Fig.
8.13).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 AIR FLOW
LEADING
EDGE OF
WING
STAGNATION POINT

AIRFLOW
REVERSES
STAGNATION VANE POSITION
POINT

NORMAL FLIGHT AT THE STALL

FIG. 8.13

This closes a micro-switch and sounds a buzzer in the cockpit, giving warning of an
impending stall. On some light aircraft the aural warning is replaced by a flashing red light on
the instrument panel. On aircraft cleared to operate in icing conditions the sensing device is
also electrically heated. Stall warning normally activates 5 to 10 knots above the stalling
speed.

Recovery from a Normal Stall

When an aircraft stalls in level flight the reduction in lift normally causes the nose of the
aircraft to drop. The speed of the airflow over the wing will increase as the aircraft dives and
regains flying speed. This is a safe and desirable characteristic, but the pilot may elect to
lower the nose in order to reduce the wing's angle of attack, and increase the power setting
as required.

The Effect of Wing Section on the Stall

The shape of the wing section will affect the overall stalling characteristics of the wing. With
some sections the stall will occur suddenly without much warning, whilst others will approach
the stall more gently and give adequate warning. If the wing stalls too suddenly it may be
necessary to utilise an artificial pre-stall warning device.

CL CL

FIG. 8.14

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-10 28 October 2003

Fig. 8.14 shows typical lift curves for two different wing sections. A lift curve with a sharp
peak and a rapid drop after the stall indicates bad stalling characteristics, whereas a flatter
peaked curve depicts a more gentle approach to the stall. By carefully altering the wing
section across the complete span a predetermined stall pattern will be achieved. The designs
which affect this behaviour are:-

¾ Thickness-chord ratio.
¾ Camber.
¾ Chordwise location of maximum thickness.
¾ Leading edge radius of curvature.

Thus the sharper the leading edge, or the thinner the wing, or the further aft the positions of
maximum camber and thickness, the more sudden the stall.

The Effect of Wing Planform on the Stall

Stalling does not necessarily occur simultaneously over all sections of a wing due to their
variation in the coefficient of lift. In fact each section possesses its own individual
coefficient of lift, and the wing stalls progressively as each section reaches its maximum
value. To analyse the stalling characteristics of a wing it is necessary to consider the ratio of
the section coefficients of lifts (Cl ), to the wing's overall coefficient of lift (CL ). The stall
firstly occurs where the ratio of the coefficients is highest, i.e. (Cl /CL ) max.

TAPERED
1.5

C1
1.0
CL

0.5 ELLIPTICAL

RECTANGULAR

ROOT SEMI-SPAN DISTANCE TIP

FIG. 8.15

Fig. 8.15 shows how this ratio varies from the root to the tip, and where the stall first
commences. On elliptical wings the stall occurs simultaneously over the complete span, on
rectangular wings it occurs at the wing root, and on tapered wings it occurs at the wing tips.
The stalling characteristics of a wing vary depending on their planform as follows:

Elliptical Wing. On an elliptical wing the local coefficients of lift remain constant over
the complete semi-span, so that all sections reach the stall at approximately the same
angle of attack. The stall will therefore progress uniformly along the span (Fig.
8.16).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 AILERON

STALL
PROGRESSION
FIG. 8.16

An elliptical wing is capable of reaching high coefficients of lift prior to the stall, but
there is little advance warning of the complete stall. The ailerons may also lack
effectiveness when the wing is operating near the stall, and lead to poor lateral
control.

Rectangular Wing. On a rectangular wing the stall commences at the wing root,
where the highest local coefficient of lift exists, and then spreads progressively
outward towards the outboard regions (Fig. 8.17).

STALL AILERON
PROGRESSION

FIG. 8.17

This produces a strong root stall tendency and gives adequate stall-warning buffet
as the separated air passes over the tail section of the aircraft. The resultant loss of
lift associated with the stall is also initially felt near the rolling axis of the aircraft, so
even if one wing stalls before the other, which is often the case, there is little
tendency for the aircraft to roll.

Aileron effectiveness is maintained up to the stall and the natural in-built tendency of
this type of wing automatically places the aircraft in a nose-down pitch attitude as
the centre of pressure moves rapidly rearwards. This is the most desirable response
to the stall, but the wings structural inefficiency limits its application to low cost, low
speed, light aircraft.

Tapered Wing. On a highly tapered wing the stall commences near the tips,
before spreading inward towards the inboard sections (Fig. 8.18).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-12 28 October 2003

 AILERON

STALL
PROGRESSION

FIG. 8.18

This is an extremely undesirable stalling characteristic because the loss of lift at

one wing tip before the other may set up a considerable rolling moment, and may
lead to autorotation unless recovery action is taken. Tip stalling will also result in a
loss of lateral control since the ailerons are located in this region.

Sweptback Wing. On a sweptback wing the stalling pattern resembles that of a

tapered wing with the maximum section coefficient of lift existing near the wing tips
(Fig. 8.19).
TIP STALL TENDENCY
OF UNMODIFIED WING

SECTION
COEFFICENT OFLIFT 10 10
WING COEFFICENT CI/
OF LIFT CL

0 0
ROOT TIP

FIG. 8.19

This is where the stall commences, and then spreads inward towards the inboard
sections (Fig. 8.20).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 STALL AREA
PROGRESSES
INBOARD AILERON

FIG. 8.20

Like the tapered wing this stalling pattern may also lead to large rolling moments
and a loss of lateral control. Since the wing tips are situated well aft of an aircraft's
centre of gravity a loss of lift in these regions will also result in a severe nose-up
pitching moment, known as pitch-up, which will result in a further increase in the
angle of attack, rather than a reduction.

The normal recovery procedure from the stall is to reduce the angle of attack since
the aircraft will continue to move in the wrong direction. This may lead to an
extremely dangerous situation, especially if it occurs near the ground, during landing
or take-off, when the aircraft is operating at high angles of attack. Even well away
from the ground this pitch-up generally results in an overall loss of pitch control, and
can prove extremely difficult to recover from, particularly at high airspeeds.

The Cause of Pitch-up on Sweptback Wings at the Stall

If the tips stall on a sweptback wing, the overall reduction in lift will cause the centre of
pressure to move rapidly forwards, thus reducing the overall nose-down pitch moment
(Fig. 8.21).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-14 28 October 2003

 CP
CG

STALLED STALLED

MAX DOWNWASH

FIG. 8.21

At the same time the downwash from the inner wing sections becomes concentrated on
the tailplane, giving a more severe nose-up pitch effect. The resultant shift in the centre of
pressure and increase in downwash acting on the tailplane will produce an overall nose-up
pitching moment, ‘pitch-up’ (Fig. 8.22).

L
RESULTANT DOWNWASH
NOSE-UP
PITCHING
MOMENT
CGCP

INCREASED
TAIL
MOMENT W TAIL MOMENT
INCREASED
WING MOMENT
DECREASED

FIG. 8.22

Devices to Alleviate Wing Tip Stalling

Pitch-up may be prevented on sweptback wings by incorporating design features, which help
to alleviate tip stalling. This is achieved by using one or a combination of the following
methods:

Washout. With washout the wing is geometrically twisted, so that the angle of
attack at the tip is less than that at the root (Fig. 8.23).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FIG. 8.23

This ensures that stalling at the wing tip is delayed until stall has firstly taken place at
the wing root. The amount of washout is however limited, because too much, may,
when operating at high airspeeds, result in the wing tip angle of attack becoming less
than the zero lift angle of attack. This will cause the tip to carry a download, and will
reduce the wings overall efficiency.

Wing Fences (Boundary Layer Fences). These are chordwise fences, which are
fitted on the upper surface of wing to restrict the outwards flow of the boundary
layer. This is instrumental in delaying wing tip stall (Fig. 8.24).

AILERON

WING FENCE

FIG. 8.24

Vortex Generators. These are small upright aerofoils, which, are normally fitted on
the upper surface of the wing in front of the ailerons (Fig. 8.25).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-16 28 October 2003

 TYPICAL
GENERATOR
SHAPE

FIG. 8.25

Vortex generators are designed to re-energise the low energy boundary layer,
which exists at the wing tips, by making it more turbulent, and thus alleviating tip
stall.

Sawtooth Leading Edge. This creates a vortex over the wing behind it reducing
the magnitude of the vortex over the tip area, thus the magnitude of the tip stall (Fig.
8.26). A device called a Vortillon that is basically a protrusion ahead of the leading
edge has a similar effect.

FIG.

Stall Sensing in Transport Category Aircraft

To provide adequate warning of an impending stall, most modern transport category

aircraft are fitted with angle of attack measuring probes or vanes. These are normally
positioned either side of the aircraft in the nose area, and are mounted so that an undisturbed
airflow can pass over them. The sensor that is placed in the airstream is shaped like an

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

aerofoil surface and its fixing link is attached to the fuselage skin via a pivoted joint (Fig.
8.27).

AIRCRAFT
SKIN

FIXING LINK

AEROFOIL

PIVOT

FIG. 8.27

The sensor measures the angle of attack, as the aerofoil varies its position relative to the
airflow, and when it exceeds a predetermined limit an electrical signal is generated to operate
the stall warning system. This limit is usually 12° - 14° angle of attack, but this depends on
aircraft design. On some aircraft these sensors may even compute the rate of change of
angle of attack, which provides much earlier warning of an impending stall. These devices
are also heated so that they remain operational throughout the flight.

The Stall Warning System on Transport Category Aircraft

The modern aircraft wing is designed so that airflow separation occurs at increased angles of
attack. This gives it greater maximum lifting capability, but in doing the aerodynamic stall
warning (pre-stall buffet) is either absent, or occurs too late to provide adequate warning. An
artificial stall-warning device in the form of a stick shaker is therefore fitted to provide the
necessary warning. These devices are clamped to the base of each control column and
consist of a simple electrical motor, to the output shaft of which an eccentric weight is
attached (Fig. 8.28).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-18 28 October 2003

 CONTROL
COLUMN

ECCENTRIC
WEIGHT

STICK SHAKER
MOTOR

FIG. 8.28

The devices are designed to activate at greater than Vs (1.05 Vs) to vibrate the control
column whenever the motor operates, but since the control columns are joined together the
activation of either stick shaker will cause both columns to shake. It is usual however for both
stick shakers to operate simultaneously, by way of stall warning computers, whenever the
aircraft angle of attack, configuration and airspeed are such that a stall condition is imminent.
The system is energised in flight at all times, but is deactivated on the ground via a weight on
undercarriage safety sensor.

The Stall Prevention System on Transport Category Aircraft

Some transport category aircraft are additionally fitted with a stick pusher (nudger). This
device is installed in the elevator (pitch) control system, and consists of a pneumatic ram
that is supplied with high-pressure nitrogen or air. It is operated by the stall warning system
and is designed to push the control column firmly forward just before the maximum coefficient
of lift is reached. This puts the aircraft into a nose-down pitch configuration, thus reducing the
angle of attack, and moving it away from the stalled condition.

Super Stall (deep stall)

Conventional straight winged aircraft with low tailplanes possess ideal stall characteristics.
Prior to the stall the separated airflow from the wing causes buffeting of the tail surfaces, and
at the stall the aircraft automatically pitches nose-down, thereby reducing its angle of attack.
The tailplane also retains its effectiveness at the stall because the disturbed air passes above
it (Fig. 8.29).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 PRE-STALL

STALLED

FIG. 8.29

Jet transport category aircraft with sweptback wings, a high T-tail configuration, and rear
fuselage mounted engines do not however behave in this manner. They possess no pre-
stall buffet warning because the separated airflow from the wing does not pass over the tail
surface, and the progressive stalling of the wing-tips causes the aircraft to pitch nose-up, thus
intensifying the stall. The whole of the tailplane is covered in disturbed air, and the
pitching capability required for recovery will be lost (Fig. 8.30).

PRE-STALL

STALLED

FIG. 8.30

The resulting loss of lift, and rapid increase in drag will also intensify the aircraft's rate of sink.
In this condition an aircraft is considered to be ‘super-stalled’. Recovery is impossible, and
the fitment of a ‘stick pusher’ is mandatory.

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-20 28 October 2003

Accelerated or ‘g’-stall

Another type of stall, which can occur, is the accelerated or ‘g’-stall. This can occur during
a manoeuvre, e.g. turning, when the aircraft's wings are subject to high load factors (g). It will
occur when either wing reaches the stalling angle of attack, and like a conventional stall can
occur at any airspeed. If the turn is over tightened, i.e. increasing load factor, either wing may
stall without prior warning, causing the aircraft to flick in, or out of the turn. On
sweptback planform wings this may also be accompanied by pitch-up. To recover from this
condition the control column should be moved forwards to decrease the angle of attack.

Spinning

Spinning is a condition of stalled flight in which an aircraft describes a downward spiral

path, and is normally the by-product of wing drop when operating near the stall (Fig. 8.31).

FIG. 8.31

The spin manoeuvre can be divided into the following three distinct phases:-

The Incipient Spin (Autorotation). If the wing drops at the stall the resulting rolling
action will alter the direction of the relative airflow onto the wing. It will increase the
angle of attack of the down-going wing, and reduce the angle of attack of the up-
going wing (Fig. 8.32).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-21 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 RAF

ROLL RAF
ROLL COMPONENT ROLL
COMPONENT
TAS
DECREASED αSTALL
ON RISING WING

RAF

TAS
ROLL
RAF STALL
INCREASED
ON DOWN-GOING WING

FIG. 8.32

This will alter the wings' coefficients of lift and drag; the down-going wing will become
more stalled leading to a reduction in the coefficient of lift, and an increase in the
coefficient of drag. Conversely the up-going wing will become less stalled, leading to
an increase in the coefficient of lift, and a reduction in the coefficient of drag. The
difference in lift between the wings will produce a rolling moment and the aircraft will
roll in the direction of the down-going wing. This will be further aided by the
yawing moment resulting from the large difference in drags (Fig. 8.33).

STALL

ROLL TO
COEFFICIENT OF DOWN-GOING
LIFT ( CL) WING
AND CL
COEFFICIENT OF UPGOING
WING
DRAG ( CD)
YAW TO
DOWN-GOING
WING

CD DOWN-GOING
WING

L R

, ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 8.33

These moments will lead to autorotation, the aircraft will continue to roll, a side-slip will
develop and the nose will drop. If no corrective action is taken the rate of rotation will
steadily increase and a fully developed spin will develop. To recover from the incipient
spin:

¾ Ease the control column forward to unstall the wings.

¾ Apply rudder to prevent further yaw.
¾ As the airspeed increases, level the wings using co-ordinated rudder and
aileron inputs
¾ Apply power and recover any lost altitude

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-22 28 October 2003

 The Fully Developed Spin. The development and characteristics of a spin depend
on the aircraft's design, the distribution of its masses, and the operation of its control
surfaces. It is usual for the aircraft to rotate several times around a spin axis before
settling into a steady state spin, with the final pitch attitude, depending mainly on the
position of the centre of gravity. The spin can be either flat or steep. This
condition is reached when the rate of rotation and sink stabilise at constant values.
When this occurs the forces and moments acting are considered to be in equilibrium
and the relative airflow comes vertically upwards to meet the aircraft (Fig. 8.34).

DRAG

CENTRIFUGAL
LIFT
FORCE

SPIN
WEIGHT
AXIS
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

FIG. 8.34

In a steady stable spin the forces are in equilibrium. Weight acts vertically
downwards through the centre of gravity, and is balanced by the aircraft drag, whilst
lift acts at 90° to the relative airflow towards the centre of the spin (centripetal force)
and is balanced by the centrifugal forces arising from the distribution of the aircraft's
masses or inertia’s. The moments about the centre of gravity determine the aircraft's
state of equilibrium, and the recovery characteristics. The main forces affecting this
are the resultant of the aerodynamic forces (lift and drag), and the centrifugal
forces resulting from the distribution of masses or inertia’s in the nose and tail of the
aircraft (Fig. 8.35).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-23 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 TOTAL RESULTANT
SPIN OF THE
AERODYNAMIC FORCES
AXIS

CENTRIFUGAL
FORCE DUE
TO MASSES
IN TAIL

COUPLE DUE
CENTRIFUGAL TO CENTRIFUGAL
FORCE DUE FORCES
TO MASSES
IN NOSE
C of G

FIG. 8.35

The centrifugal forces produce moments which tend to flatten the spin, whilst the
resultant aerodynamic force produces a moment tending to steepen the spin. The
position of the centre of gravity consequently determines the final attitude of the
aircraft, and its spinning characteristics. The position of the centre of gravity, even if
it remains within its permitted safety limits, effects the spin as follows:

Forward Centre of Gravity. This results in a steeper spin, and a faster rate of sink.
This makes the recovery easier because the spin is less stable. If the centre of
gravity is forward of its permitted limits it will significantly reduce the likelihood of a
spin occurring, and will instead result in an unusually high spiral descent, during
which the indicated airspeed will increase.

Aft Centre of Gravity. This results in a flatter spin and a lower rate of sink. This
makes the recovery more difficult, because the spin is more stable. If the centre of
gravity is aft of its permitted limits it will significantly reduce the likelihood of recovery
from a settled spin condition.

When an aircraft is in a steep spin rotation it is primarily in roll, whereas in a flat

spin it is primarily in yaw (Fig. 8.36).

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-24 28 October 2003

 STEEP SPIN FLAT SPIN

YAW

ROLL

FIG. 8.36

The Recovery from a Spin. Spin recovery, like recovery from a simple stall, requires the
separated airflow over the wings to be reattached. For a successful recovery from a spin it is
necessary to firstly stop the yawing moment, and reduce the rolling moment. The usual
recovery technique is to:

¾ Centralise the control surfaces and reduce the power setting.

¾ Verify the direction of spin on the turn and balance indicator, and apply full
opposite rudder.
¾ Allow the rudder to become effective, then ease the control column forwards to
reduce the angle of attack, and unstall the wings.
¾ As the rotation stops centralise the rudder, level the wings, and gently pull out of
the ensuing dive.
¾ Apply power and climb the aircraft to regain any lost altitude. Note care must be
taken when pulling out of the ensuing dive to prevent an accelerated or ‘g’-stall,
and subsequent entry into another spin.

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-25 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 8-26 28 October 2003

 Chapter 9.

Forces Acting On An Aeroplane

Forces in Steady Level Flight

An aircraft is said to be in steady straight and level flight when the forces acting on it are in
an equilibrium, or trimmed condition, i.e. there is no resultant force to accelerate or
decelerate the aircraft. The main forces acting on an aircraft are shown in Fig. 9.1.

LIFT

THRUST DRAG

WEIGHT
FIG. 9.1

¾ Lift acts through the centre of pressure and Weight acts through the centre of
gravity.

¾ Thrust and drag act in opposite senses, parallel to the direction of flight, through
points, which vary with aircraft attitude and design.

¾ In steady level flight:

Lift = Weight and Thrust = Drag

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Lift/Weight and Thrust/Drag Couples

It would be convenient if all four forces acted through a single point, i.e. the centre of gravity
(Fig. 9.2).

LIFT

THRUST DRAG

CENTRE OF GRAVITY

WEIGHT

FIG. 9.2

Unfortunately during flight the forces alter their points of action, and are normally arranged so
that the lift/weight and thrust/drag forces are as follows:

Lift/Weight Couple. Lift acting behind weight causes a nose-down pitch moment and
lift acting in front of weight causes a nose-up pitch moment (Fig. 9.3).

LIFT LIFT

NOSE
NOSE UP
DOWN

CoG CoP CoP CoG

WEIGHT WEIGHT

FIG. 9.3

Thrust/Drag Couple. Thrust acting below drag causes a nose-up pitch moment, and
thrust acting above drag causes a nose-down pitch moment (Fig. 9.4).

NOSE THRUST
UP
DRAG
NOSE
DOWN DRAG
THRUST

FIG. 9.4

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-2 28 October 2003

 To prevent the aircraft rotating the forces can be distributed as shown in Fig. 9.5.

LIFT LIFT

THRUST DRAG
DRAG THRUST

(A) (B)

WEIGHT WEIGHT

FIG. 9.5

Most aircraft have the forces arranged, so that if the thrust is removed, i.e. in the
event of engine failure, the remaining lift/weight couple will pitch the aircraft nose-
down (without any action by the pilot), so that it assumes a gliding attitude.
Alternatively, when power is added, thrust will increase and the nose will tend to
pitch nose-up towards a level flight attitude (Fig. 9.6)

LIFT

(REDUCED
(NOSE-UP NOSE-UP
MOMENT) MOMENT)
T.D DRAG D
COUPLE

CoG
THRUST
L.W
COUPLE L.W
(NOSE-DOWN COUPLE
MOMENT) (NOSE-DOWN
WEIGHT MOMENT)

FIG. 9.6

The forces are, normally arranged so that lift acts behind weight and thrust acts
below drag. There is usually also a considerable difference in magnitude between
the two pairs of forces, with lift and weight being greatest. In an effort to balance the
pitching moments the spacing between the thrust and drag forces is normally greater
than the spacing between the lift and weight forces. Ideally, the pitching moments
should cancel each other out, but in practice this is not always possible and a
secondary method of balancing must be used. This is normally provided by the
tailplane (Fig. 9.7).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 LIFT

UPLOAD
LIFT

DRAG
THRUST
DOWNLOAD
LIFT

WEIGHT

FIG. 9.7

On some aircraft Canards or Foreplanes provide the secondary balancing required.

Canard type aircraft do not use a conventional tailplane, in this design the horizontal
tailplane is replaced with horizontal surfaces mounted in front of the main wing.
The rearward location of the main wing allows more of the fuselage to be used as
cabin space than where the wing is mounted at the mid fuselage position (Fig 9.8).

FIG. 9.8

Unlike the conventional tailplane both the canard surface and the wing of the
aircraft create an upwards lifting force under all normal conditions of flight, thus the
weight of the aircraft is shared over both surfaces allowing a lighter wing loading to be
obtained and therefore a lighter structure to be used.

One of the effects of mounting a small wing forward of the main wing is that the lift
from the canard counters the negative pitching moment of the wing.

Canards are mounted with a slightly larger angle of incidence than that of the main
wing; with the result that canards have a greater angle of attack than the main wings
(Fig. 9.8). Creation of a positive pitching moment by the wing will lift the nose of the
aircraft further increasing the angle of attack of the canard, if the pitching continues
the canard will stall before the wing stalls.

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-4 28 October 2003

The Contribution of the Tailplane

The tailplane is able to supply the force necessary to balance any residual pitching moments
because it is positioned some distance from the aircraft's centre of gravity and has a large
moment arm (Fig. 9.9).

CENTRE OF GRAVITY

CENTRE OF PRESSURE

DOWNLOAD

MOMENT ARM

WEIGHT

FIG. 9.9

For this reason the area of the tailplane and subsequent lift force required need only be small,
compared to the lift force produced by the main-plane. If the overall pitching moment is
normally nose-down, it will provide a downward aerodynamic force (down-load) and
vice versa.

During some phases of flight, the correcting moment provided by the tailplane may be
insufficient to counteract the out of balance moments, which exist. In this case the lifting
capability of the tailplane needs to be increased and this is achieved by altering the position
of the elevator to provide an upward or downward force. On other aircraft, the actual
tailplane position is adjustable to maintain level flight. In producing this force at any given
airspeed an aircraft will experience an increase in drag, known as Trim Drag (Fig. 9.10).

LIFT

TRIM
DRAG

DOWNLOAD

WEIGHT
FORWARD
CoG
FIG. 9.10

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Straight Steady Climb

An aircraft possesses a steady climb capability by converting propulsive energy in excess of

that required to maintain steady level flight into potential energy. An aircraft can either be
climbed steeply at a low airspeed, or be climbed at a higher airspeed at a shallower angle
(Fig. 9.11).

ALTITUDE GAINED IN
A GIVEN TIME

MAX RATE
OF CLIMB VY

MAX ANGLE
OF CLIMB VX

BEST
GRADIENT
BEST VERTICAL SPEED
START
OF
CLIMB

0 DISTANCE TRAVELLED IN A GIVEN TIME

FIG. 9.11

If the airspeed is too low or too high, all of the power or thrust available will be needed to
overcome the drag, thus reducing an aircraft's climb capability to zero. In a steady climb at a
constant airspeed in a given period of time an aircraft can be climbed at: -

The maximum angle of climb (Vx). This is achieved when an aircraft gains the
most altitude in the shortest horizontal distance covered, i.e. best gradient.
This occurs when it is flown at a relatively low airspeed, and gives good ground
obstacle clearance.

The maximum rate of climb (Vy). This is achieved when an aircraft gains the
most altitude in the shortest time. This occurs when it is flown at a small angle of
climb and a high airspeed.

Forces in a Straight Steady Climb

When an aircraft climbs at a constant airspeed the forces acting on it are in equilibrium, and
act as shown in Fig. 9.12.

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-6 28 October 2003

 LIFT (L) TAS (V)
FLIGHT
PATH

THRUST (T)

DRAG (D)
ANGLE OF CLIMB
COMPONENT OF WEIGHT
ALONG FLIGHT PATH γ COMPONENT OF
WEIGHT AT 90°
γ TO FLIGHT PATH

WEIGHT (W)

FIG. 9.12

The angle between the flight path and the horizontal is known as the angle of climb (γ). The
weight is resolved into two components; one opposing the lift and the other acting in the same
direction as drag.

The following relationships therefore exist:

Thrust = Drag + component of weight opposing flight or T = D + W sin γ

Lift = component of weight acting perpendicular to the flight path, or
L = W cos γ.

With increasing angles of climb the amount of lift required steadily decreases, whilst the thrust
requirement increases (Fig. 9.13).

In a steady climb thrust is always greater than drag, and lift is always less than weight.

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 LIFT FLIGHT PATH
FLIGHT
PATH
THRUST
THRUST
LIFT

DRAG

γ
γ
DRAG
WEIGHT
γ γ
WEIGHT

FIG. 9.13

Straight Steady Descent (Dive)

If the aircraft is placed in a nose-down pitch attitude, and the thrust remains constant, the
forces acting on the aircraft will change. This new attitude will cause a corresponding
decrease in the angle of attack, and lift will momentarily become less than weight, causing the
aircraft to begin the descent. A component of weight will act forward along the flight path,
and together with the component of thrust, will cause the aircraft to accelerate. The engine is
now doing less work compared with climbing and level flight, and to maintain a constant
airspeed the thrust will need to be reduced, until the two components acting along the flight
path oppose the drag (Fig. 9.14).

LIFT

DRAG

COM P ONE NT OF WE IGHT

ACTING ALONG
FLIGHT P ATH

THRUST

γ γ
WE IGHT ANGLE OF GLIDE

FIG. 9.14

The forces can be resolved as follows:

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-8 28 October 2003

 Thrust = Drag – component of weight acting along flight path, or
T = D – W sin γ

Lift = component of weight acting perpendicular to the flight path, or

L = W cos γ

This shows that in a straight steady descent lift is less than weight and thrust is less
than drag.

Steady Straight Glide

If the amount of power available is reduced to zero, i.e. on engine failure, the component of
thrust will reduce to zero, and the drag force will act to decelerate the aircraft. This will lead to
an overall reduction in lift, thus unbalancing the lift/weight couple and placing the aircraft in a
nose-down pitch attitude, i.e. a glide. A component of weight will act forward along the flight
path, and will oppose the drag (Fig. 9.15).

LIFT LIFT

N O TH R U S T
LIFT
D R AG TH R U S T D R AG
COM PONENT
O F W E IG H T
D R AG OP P OS IN G
D R AG

W E IG H T W E IG H T

W E IG H T

FIG . 9.15

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Forces in a Steady Straight Glide

In a steady straight glide the aircraft will be moving at a constant indicated airspeed, with
the engine producing no thrust, and the remaining aerodynamic forces, i.e. lift, drag and
weight, being in equilibrium (Fig. 9.16).

TO TAL R E AC TIO N

LIFT

D R AG

N O TH R U S T
C O M P O N E N T O F W E IG H T
AC TIN G ALO N G FLIG H T
P ATH B ALAN C E S D R AG

W E IG H T AN G LE O F G LID E

FIG . 9 .1 6

The angle between the flight path and the horizontal is known as the aircraft's angle of glide
(γ). The aircraft's weight is balanced by the total reaction (resultant of lift and drag), and is
resolved into two components. One component acts perpendicular to the flight path, and
balances the lift, whilst the other acts along the flight path, and balances the drag.

The forward component also determines the aircraft's forward airspeed. For an aircraft of
given weight, any reduction in the angle of glide will result in a smaller component of weight
acting forward along the flight path (Fig. 9.17).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-10 28 October 2003

 T O T AL R E AC T IO N T O T AL R E AC T IO N
L IF T

L IF T

D R AG
γ
γ
D R AG

H IG H L IF T /D R AG
R AT IO
L O W L IF T /D R AG
R AT IO γ
W E IG H T W E IG H T

F IG . 9 .1 7

This will reduce the amount of drag required to maintain a steady glide, and the lift/drag ratio
will increase. The shallowest glide is obtained when the drag is least for the required lift, i.e.
best lift/drag ratio. The lift/drag ratio is therefore a measure of the aircraft's gliding
efficiency or performance. The aircraft will glide furthest through the air, i.e. best glide
performance, when it is flown at an angle of attack and airspeed that gives the best
lift/drag ratio (VIMD) as illustrated in the polar diagram (Fig. 9.18).

The Effect of the Lift/Drag Ratio on Glide Performance

Most aircraft are not fitted with an angle of attack indicator, so the airspeed is normally
adjusted to correspond to that relating to the best lift/drag ratio, i.e. minimum drag speed
(VIMD). This is possible because in a glide a similar, although not exactly the same,
relationship exists between indicated airspeed and the angle of attack as that in level flight.

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

This speed is found in the flight-operating manual and is based on an aircraft's all up weight
(AUW).

Furthermore since the minimum drag speed produces the best glide performance, flight
at any other speed will reduce the lift/drag ratio, and consequently increase the angle of
glide. This will reduce the aircraft's glide performance, and reduce the overall glide
distance (Fig. 9.19).

BEST L/D RATIO

SPEED (VIMD) GIVES
BEST GLIDE DISTANCE
TOO SLOW 70 KT
55 KT

TOO FAST 80 KT

FIG. 9.19

The reduction in the lift/drag ratio at airspeeds above and below the minimum drag speed is
due to; high induced drag at slow airspeeds, and high profile drag at high airspeeds. If
the aircraft is gliding at the recommended airspeed for maximum glide distance, and it looks
like it will not reach its designated landing point, the nose should not be raised, since the
higher nose attitude will decrease the glide distance.

The Effect of a Steady Wind on Glide Performance

A steady wind alters an aircraft's actual flight path and its effective gradient over the ground,
thus altering its angle of glide (Fig. 9.20).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-12 28 October 2003

 ALTITUDE
TAILWIND
HEADWIND
NIL
WIND

GROUND

FIG. 9.20

A tailwind will increase an aircraft's gliding distance over the ground, i.e. reduce the
angle of glide, whilst a headwind will reduce the distance over the ground, and i.e. increase
the angle of glide. The time taken to reach the ground from a given start altitude in either
case will remain the same, i.e. glide endurance is unaffected by a steady wind.

The Effect of Weight on Glide Performance

Any change in aircraft weight will require a similar change in lift and drag to maintain the best
glide distance, i.e. range in a straight steady glide (Fig. 9.21).
RESULTANT
LIFT
R
L

DRAG D

WEIGHT

FIG. 9.21

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The best lift/drag ratio will therefore remain unchanged, as will the angle of glide, provided
that the airspeed is adjusted to maintain the optimum angle of attack. The glide distance is
therefore unaffected by changes in aircraft weight, but the glide endurance will decrease
with increasing weight, due to the higher indicated airspeed, and vice versa.

Steady Co-ordinated Turn

To understand turning it is important to be familiar with Newton's three laws of motion. When
an aircraft is in steady level flight it is in a state of equilibrium (Newton's First Law), but to turn,
it is necessary to apply an external force to change the direction and/or airspeed, i.e. it
involves an acceleration (Newton's Second Law). In a steady co-ordinated turn at a constant
altitude the aircraft will also be subject to Newton's Third Law of motion.

Forces Acting on an Aircraft During a Steady Co-ordinated Turn

During a steady co-ordinated turn, at a constant altitude, a force must continually act
towards the centre of the turn (centripetal force). If it is not present the aircraft will be
unable to maintain a curved path, but instead will fly off at a tangent. When the aircraft is
banked the total lift force is tilted; the horizontal component of lift will provide the centripetal
force, and the vertical component of lift will support the weight of the aircraft (Fig. 9.22).

TOTAL LIFT
VERTICAL COMPONENT
OF LIFT
(SUPPORTS WEIGHT)
ANGLE
OF
BANK

HORIZONTAL COMPONENT
(CENTRIPETAL FORCE)

WEIGHT

FIG. 9.22

Calculation of the Centripetal Force

Newton's second law states that when an external force acts a body it will accelerate in the
direction of the force. The centripetal force acting on an aircraft will give it acceleration
towards the centre of the turn (radial acceleration). In a steady co-ordinated turn an aircraft
of weight W Newton's, travelling at a velocity (TAS) of V metres per second, around the

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-14 28 October 2003

circumference of a circle of radius r metres, will have an acceleration towards the
centre of the circle of V2 /r metres per second per second, so that: -

Centripetal Force = Mass x acceleration or F = mass x V2 = W x V2

r g r

where W = Aircraft Weight (kgf)

g = Acceleration due to Gravity (9.81 m/s2 )

Turning an Aircraft

To perform a steady co-ordinated turn at a constant altitude the ailerons are used to maintain
the desired angle of bank, whilst the elevator is used to increase the wings angle of attack,
and the rudder is used to balance the turn. The airflow acting on the parts of the aircraft
behind the centre of gravity will cause the aircraft to yaw towards the dropped wing, but
the natural inbuilt stability will try to resist the turn. The rudder is used to counter
adverse yaw due to the ailerons, and also balances the turn. If the total lift force remained
the same as in steady straight and level flight, the actual amount of lift supporting the weight
of the aircraft will effectively reduce (Fig. 9.23).

TOTAL
LIFT LIFT LIFT
LIFT DUE TO
REDUCED
INCREASING AoA
LIFT

LIFT

45° 45°

WEIGHT WEIGHT WEIGHT

FIG. 9.23

Unless the lost lift is recovered, by primarily increasing the aircraft's angle of attack, it will lead
to a loss of altitude. Thus to maintain a steady balanced turn at a constant altitude, the
greater the angle of bank, the greater the centripetal force, and the greater the total lift
requirement (Fig. 9.24).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 TOTAL TOTAL
LIFT LIFT

30° 60°

30° ANGLE OF BANK

WEIGHT WEIGHT

FIG. 9.24

Factors Affecting an Aircraft's Radius of Turn

In order to establish the factors, which affect an aircraft's radius of turn it is appropriate to
consider the forces acting on it (Fig. 9.25)

LIFT (L)

ANGLE
OF
BANK
RADIUS OF
TURN (R)

CENTRIPETAL
FORCE
W V2
gr

WEIGHT

FIG. 9.25

The resulting horizontal and vertical forces, which exist during a steady level turn, are:

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-16 28 October 2003

 2
W V
L sin ø = x and L cos ø = W
g r

2
V
So that: Tan ø =
gr

The aircraft's angle of bank is therefore totally independent of its weight, and depends
only on its airspeed (TAS), and its radius of turn. By transposing the above formula it is
possible to establish the effect of airspeed and angle of bank, on the radius of turn:

2
V
r =
g x Tan φ

For a given angle of bank the aircraft's radius of turn is solely determined by its
airspeed, and for a given radius of turn, the steeper the angle of bank, the higher the
airspeed.

Other factors that determine an aircraft’s radius of turn are:-

Wing Loading. This is a fixed value for a given aircraft type and weight, and does
not vary during a turn, even though the wings are producing greater lift per unit area.
For a given wing area, the greater the weight, the greater the wing loading. To
establish the effect of wing loading on the radius of turn it is appropriate to consider
two similar types of aircraft having the same wing areas, but differing gross weights,
i.e. different wing loadings (Fig. 9.26).
W1
L
W1
L

F F

W
W FOR A GIVEN LIFT (L)
THE LIGHTER AIRCRAFT HAS A
GREATER INWARD COMPONENT (F)
AND THUS A SMALLER TURNING RADIUS

FIG. 9.26

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 If both aircraft are turning with their wings at the highest usable angle of attack, and
developing the same total lift, the lighter aircraft will be able to achieve a lower
minimum radius of turn. This is because the lighter aircraft has a lower vertical lift
requirement than the heavier aircraft, thereby providing a greater centripetal force
for acceleration purposes, thus the higher the wing loading, the greater the
minimum radius of turn.

Flaps. The lowering of flaps to the take-off setting in flight is advantageous,

particularly when manoeuvring an aircraft at low indicated airspeeds, or in poor
visibility. This is because the subsequent rise in the coefficient of lift associated with
flap deflection increases an aircraft's overall lift capability at any given indicated
airspeed. It follows that since the weight of the aircraft remains unchanged, then the
additional lift produced can provide a larger centripetal force, thus reducing an
aircraft's minimum radius of turn (Fig. 9.27).

WITH CLEAN
FLAP

RADIUS OF
TURN

IAS

FIG 9.27

This can only be achieved if the flap limiting speed is not exceeded, and also if
sufficient thrust is available to overcome the additional drag associated with flap
deflection.

Altitude. The effect of increasing altitude is to increase an aircraft's minimum

radius of turn. This is due to the IAS/TAS relationship, and the reduction in thrust
horsepower.

IAS/TAS Relationship. For a fixed indicated airspeed the true airspeed steadily
increases with altitude, so that for any given angle of bank the minimum radius of
turn must likewise increase.

Reduction of Thrust Horsepower. With increasing altitude the reduction in thrust

horsepower steadily increases, thereby limiting the maximum attainable indicated
airspeed, and reducing the margin above the stalling speed. It follows that insufficient
thrust horsepower may be available at altitude to overcome the higher drag
associated with the increase in angle of attack needed to provide enough lift to

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-18 28 October 2003

 sustain a steady level turn. The minimum radius of turn therefore increases with
increasing altitude.

Balancing the Turn

If the turn is unbalanced an aircraft will either slip into, or skid out of the turn, thereby
reducing the aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft. To help correct for these unwanted
conditions the balance part of the turn and balance indicator is used (Fig. 9.28).

TURN INDICATOR

L R

BALANCE
2 MIN TURN INDICATOR

FIG.9.28

When the ball is in the centre it indicates that the turn is balanced, whilst any displacement
of the ball indicates that the turn is unbalanced (Fig. 9.29).

RIGHT RUDDER
REQUIRED

BALANCED TURN UNBALANCED TURN

FIG. 9.29

If the ball is only partially displaced from its centre position the turn may be balanced using
only the rudder, i.e. ball to the right, apply right rudder. If the ball is at the extremities of the
indicator the use of rudder alone will produce a highly inefficient turn, and therefore the
ailerons are used initially to primarily balance the turn.

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Slipping turn. A slipping turn will occur if the angle of bank is too large for a given
rate of turn, i.e. the aircraft is over-banked. This is indicated by the ball moving
towards the lower side of the balance indicator, and you leaning in towards the centre
of the turn (Fig. 9.30).

SLIPPING TURN

FIG. 9.30

Skidding turn. A skidding turn will occur if the angle of bank is too small for the
rate of turn, i.e. the aircraft is under-banked. This is indicated by the ball moving
towards the upper side of the balance indicator, and you leaning towards the outside
of the turn (Fig. 9.31).

SKIDDING TURN

FIG. 9.31

Balanced turn. During a balanced turn the ball remains in the centre of the balance
indicator, and you remain upright in your seat relative to the aircraft (Fig. 9.32).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-20 28 October 2003

 BALANCED TURN

FIG. 9.32

Any deviation from a balanced turn is corrected by applying rudder according to the
position of the ball in an attempt to maintain it in the centre, thereby maintaining a
balanced turn.

Rate of Turn

This is measurement of how long it takes for an aircraft to turn, and is measured in degrees
per second. This is particularly important when instrument flying where rate-1 turns are
usually carried out at a rate of 3° per second. This means that the aircraft will turn through
180° in 1 minute, or 360° in 2 minutes. A steeper angle of bank will be required to carry
out a rate-1 turn at higher airspeeds.

Load Factor

The additional lift required to maintain a steady co-ordinated turn at a constant altitude will
place an increased structural loading on the aircraft’s wings. This is because the wings need
to produce lift in excess of the aircraft weight to provide the necessary centripetal force. A
ratio exists between the total lift produced by the wings, and the weight of the aircraft. This
gives a measure of the structural loading which, will occur during a balanced turn. This ratio
is termed the load factor.

Total Lift
Load factor =
AUW

In straight and steady level flight the load factor is one, but during a turn the increased lift
requirement will produce a value greater than one. A relationship exists between angle of
bank and load factor, such that:

Total Lift 1
Load Factor = =
AUW cos φ

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-21 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The total amount of lift required in a turn can be directly measured in terms of weight. For
example in a 60° banked turn:

1
Total Lift = AUW x = 2 x AUW
cos 60°

The wings will have to produce lift equivalent to twice the weight of the aircraft; i.e. the
load factor is 2. This is more popularly referred to as the g loading, which is sensed as an
apparent increase in weight, e.g. at an angle of bank of 60°, 2g will be experienced. The
steeper the angle of bank the greater the load factor, but this is limited by structural
considerations (Fig. 9.33).

LOAD
FACTOR L=3W 3
L/W
OR
g-LOADING
L=2W 2

L=W 1
0 10° 20° 30° 40° 50° 60° 70° 80°
ANGLE OF BANK

FIG. 9.33

The Effect of Turning on Stalling Speed

For any given aerofoil section the indicated stalling speed is related to lift as follows:-

Lift is proportional to (IASSTALL )2

The additional lift required to carry out a steady co-ordinated turn at a constant altitude thus
results in an increase in the stalling speed. Since the angle of bank also determines the
amount of extra lift required to support an aircraft in a turn, it is also related to the stalling
speed (Fig. 9.34).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-22 28 October 2003

 100

PERCENTAGE
INCREASE
IN 50
STALLING 41
SPEED

19

7
0
0° 30° 45° 60°
ANGLE OF BANK

FIG. 9.34

Fig. 9.34 shows the percentage increase in stalling speed compared to that in steady level
flight with increasing angles of bank. At angles of bank less than 30° the percentage increase
in stalling speed is minimal, but at greater angles it becomes more marked. For example if an
aircraft normally stalls at 50 Knots in steady level flight, in a 60° banked turn it will stall at:

141% of 50 Knots = 71 Knots

Like lift, the stalling speed is also related to the load factor, so that:

Stalling Speed in Turn = Normal Stalling Speed x Load Factor

For example if an aircraft has a normal stalling speed of 60 knots, and a load factor of 2
(60° angle of bank) the stalling speed in the turn will be:

60 x 2 = 85 Knots

In this example the stalling speed in the turn has increased by 25 knots, which effectively
reduces the safety margin, i.e. the margin above the stalling speed (Fig. 9.35).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-23 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 240 40

220
AIRSPEED60
STALL SPEED
INCREASES
200 IN A TURN
80
KNOTS
180 100

160 120
140 REDUCED SAFETY
MARGIN

AIRSPEED
DECREASES IN A TURN

FIG. 9.35

This margin is further reduced by the reduction in airspeed resulting from the increase in
induced drag, thus steep turns must be avoided when operating at low airspeeds.

Aircraft Response During a Level Banked Turn

Once an aircraft begins a level banked turn the outer wing will start to travel faster than the
inner wing, thus producing greater lift (Fig. 9.36).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-24 28 October 2003

 L

FIG. 9.36

The aircraft's angle of bank will steadily increase, or the aircraft will have a tendency to
overbank. It is therefore important to apply aileron as appropriate in order to counteract this
effect and avoid any associated problems, i.e. increased load factor. The rudder is also
applied to maintain a curved flight path, since the faster moving outer wing also develops
increased profile drag, and will tend to yaw the aircraft.

Aircraft Response During Climbing and Descending Turns

Previously it was established that during a steady level banked turn an aircraft has a tendency
to overbank because the faster moving outer wing produces greater lift. In climbing and
descending turns this effect is however further complicated by the fact that an aircraft is
subject to additional rolling moments resulting from the variation in each wings angle of
attack. This is because although the whole aircraft covers the same altitude during a
complete turn, the wings follow differing spiral paths due to the variation in turn radii.

Climbing Turns. During climbing turns an aircraft describes an upward spiral path.
The airflow therefore comes downwards to meet the wings, thereby reducing
their angles of attack, and hence their coefficients of lift (Fig. 9.37).

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-25 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FLIGHT PATH OF
L OUTER WING
GAIN IN L
HEIGHT INNER WING
LARGER AoA

FIG. 9.37

The faster moving outer wing however results in a smaller reduction in angle of
attack, so that the net coefficient of lift is higher than on the inner wing, thereby
producing greater lift. Its increased velocity further enhances the lifting capability of
the outer wing. An aircraft in a climbing turn will therefore tend to overbank more
than in a steady level turn, and if necessary the desired angle of bank should be
maintained using the ailerons.

Descending Turns. During descending turns an aircraft describes a downward

spiral path. The airflow comes upwards to meet the wings, thus increasing their
angles of attack, and hence their coefficients of lift (Fig. 9.38).

INNER WING
L
L
LOSS IN
FLIGHT PATH OF OUTER WING
HEIGHT LARGER AoA

HORIZONTAL DISTANCE TRAVELLED

FIG. 9.38

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-26 28 October 2003

 The increase in angle of attack of the outer wing is however less than that of the
inner wing, as is its lifting capability. The faster outer wing may compensate for the
variation in lift due to the difference in angle of attack, although the aircraft may still
tend to underbank. If this occurs the desired angle of bank should again be
maintained by using the ailerons.

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-27 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 9-28 28 October 2003

 Chapter 10.

Stability

Introduction to Stability

Stability is the natural tendency of an aircraft to return to its former equilibrium or trimmed
position, i.e. straight and level flight, following a disturbance without any pilot assistance.
The stability of an aircraft is static and dynamic in nature. The actual stability characteristics
of an aircraft are not only governed by its design, but are also dependent on crew workload.
Thus a close relationship exists between stability and controllability.

Controllability

This is the ability of the pilot to alter the position, or attitude of an aircraft using the flying
control surfaces. Adequate controllability does not necessarily exist with adequate stability.
In fact high stability will make an aircraft resistant to change, and will reduce its controllability,
i.e. good stability makes it harder for the pilot to control and manoeuvre an aircraft. Thus the
upper limits of stability are determined by the lower limits of controllability. No aircraft
is completely stable, but all must possess desirable stability and handling characteristics.
Stability naturally occurs whenever an aircraft is rotated about any one, or a combination of its
axes (Fig.10.1)

YAW
LONGITUDINAL
AXIS

LATERAL AXIS

CENTRE OF
GRAVITY
NORMAL AXIS

ROLL
PITCH

FIG. 10.1

These axes act at right angles to each other, and all pass through the aircraft's centre of
gravity. Stability about the lateral axis (pitch) is known as longitudinal stability. Stability
about the longitudinal axis (roll) is known as lateral stability. Stability about the normal

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

axis (yaw) is known as directional stability. Lateral and directional stability are however not
entirely independent of each other, and tend to act together to produce certain undesirable
motions. In fact an aircraft can be unstable about two of its axes, but stable about the third or
vice versa.

The degree of stability also differs, between types of aircraft, with transport category aircraft
being generally more stable than light aircraft. Equilibrium of an aircraft in flight is more
usually referred to as its trimmed condition and occurs when no net moments act to displace it
from this condition, i.e. its moments in pitch, roll and yaw are zero. Trimming of an aircraft is
normally attributed to trimming devices such as tabs, but in terms of stability it simply means
that no net moments exist. Stability falls into two main categories; static stability and
dynamic stability. Furthermore, whenever an aircraft is displaced from its normal trimmed
position the air loads acting on it will oppose and damp out the subsequent motion. This is
known as aerodynamic damping, and it greatly affects an aircraft's degree of dynamic
stability.

Static Stability

Static stability is the initial tendency an aircraft displays after it has been displaced from a
given equilibrium position. If an aircraft tends to return to its former position it is said to be
statically stable, and if it continues to move in the direction of the displacement it is said
to be statically unstable. Finally if an aircraft tends to remain in the disturbed position it
has neutral static stability. This type of stability can be demonstrated using ball bearings
and a curved container (Fig. 10.2).

TENDENCY TO CONTINUE
IN THE DIRECTION OF DISPLACMENT

TENDENCY TO RETURN EQUILIBRIUM ENCOUNTERED

TO EQULIBRIUM AT ANY POINT OF DISPLACEMENT

EQUILIBRIUM

EQUILIBRIUM
STATICALLY STATICALLY STATICALLY
STABLE NEUTRAL UNSTABLE
FIG. 10.2

The Degree of Stability

The different degrees of stability are categorised by how quickly an aircraft tends to return to
its trimmed position following a disturbance. To analyse this it is appropriate to again
consider the analogy of a ball in a curved container (Fig. 10.3).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-2 28 October 2003

 STATIC STABILITY
INCREASED STATIC
FIG. 10.3 STABILITY

In this case the steeper the container the greater the static stability, but as stability
increases so controllability reduces. The upper limits of stability are therefore set by the
lower limits of controllability.

Dynamic Stability

Dynamic stability is the movement with respect to time of an aircraft in response to its static
stability following a displacement from a given equilibrium position. For example consider a
statically stable aircraft, which following a disturbance overshoots its equilibrium position. Its
inbuilt stability will attempt to correct for this, and an oscillatory motion will occur (Fig. 10.4).

UNDAMPED OSCILLATION
DISPLACEMENT
DISPLACEMENT

DAMPED OSCILLATION

TIME TIME

DYNAMICALLY STABLE DYNAMICALLY NEUTRAL

DIVERGENT OSCILLATION
DISPLACEMENT

TIME

DYNAMICALLY UNSTABLE

FIG. 10.4

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The time taken for the motion to subside is a measure of the aircraft's dynamic stability. If the
oscillations damp out with time the aircraft is dynamically stable, and if the oscillations
increase in magnitude the aircraft is dynamically unstable. Finally if the oscillations persist
without either increasing or decreasing in magnitude the aircraft has neutral dynamic stability.
It is overall desirable for an aircraft to be both statically and dynamically stable.

Static Longitudinal Stability

This is the aircraft's natural or inbuilt tendency when disturbed in pitch, to return to its
former trimmed angle of attack without pilot input, and is desirable throughout the
aircraft's complete speed range. Conversely if the aircraft continues to diverge away from its
trimmed angle of attack following a disturbance it is said to be statically longitudinally
unstable, and if it remains at whatever angle of attack the disturbance causes, it is
longitudinally neutrally statically stable. This type of stability is mainly provided by the
tailplane. For example consider the effect of a gust, which causes an aircraft to pitch nose-
up. The aircraft will due to its inertia momentarily continue to follow its original flight path and
present itself to the relative airflow at an increased angle of attack. The subsequent increase
in angle of attack of the tailplane will produce a small aerodynamic force. This force
multiplied by the distance from the centre of gravity will produce a strong restoring pitching
moment and will pitch the aircraft back to its former equilibrium position (Fig. 10.5). The
pitching moment is define in a coefficient form (Cm).

Cm = M
qS(MAC)

Where Cm= Pitching Moment Coefficient, +ve nose up

N =Pitching Moment about the CG, +ve nose up
q = Dynamic Pressure
S = Wing Area
MAC = Mean Aerodynamic Chord

LIFT

CG

GUST
LIFT

FIG. 10.5

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-4 28 October 2003

Mathematical Representation of Static Longitudinal Stability

An aircraft is trimmed longitudinally when any residual out-of-balance couples between the
four main forces are balanced by a download (LT) acting on the tailplane (Fig. 10.6).

LIFT
LW

LT
DRAG
THRUST DOWNLOAD

WEIGHT
FIG. 10.6

For this to occur the angle of incidence of the tailplane is usually less than that of the
mainplane (Fig. 10.7).

LONGITUDINAL DIHEDRAL ANGLE

(+2°)
MAIN
PLANE TAIL
PLANE

+4° +2°

FIG. 10.7

The angle between the chord line of the tailplane and the chord line of the mainplane is
known as the longitudinal dihedral angle, and is a practical aspect in most types of aircraft.
The actual degree of longitudinal stability is determined by the interaction between an
aircraft's centre of gravity, its centre of pressure, and the position of its tailplane. For example
consider an aircraft in steady level flight where the angle of attack of the mainplane and
tailplane are +6° and -4° respectively (Fig. 10.8).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 LIFT (8 UNITS)
LW

CG
4 -4°
LT
+6°
DOWNLOAD (4 UNITS)

WEIGHT CP

FIG. 10.8

In this case wing lift (LW) acts through the centre pressure (C.P) equivalent to 8 units, whilst a
download (LT) of 4 units acts on the tailplane and their points of action are 4 and 8 units
respectively from the aircraft's centre of gravity. The aircraft will be in a trimmed condition
when no out of balance forces exist. This occurs when :

LW x 4 = LT x 8
i.e. 8 x 4 = 4 x 8 = 32 units

If an aircraft is suddenly subjected to an upgust it's nose will rise, but at the same time due to
it's inertia it will momentarily continue to travel along its original flight path and present itself to
the airflow at an increased angle of attack (Fig. 10.9).

LIFT ( 10 UNITS )

4
-2°
+8°
DOWNLOAD ( 2 UNITS )

UPGUST 8

WEIGHT

FIG. 10.9

This results in an increase in the amount of wing lift to 10 units, and a reduction in the
download acting on the tailplane to 2 units), so that the aircraft is no longer in a trimmed
condition. For ease of explanation it has also been assumed that even though the angle of

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-6 28 October 2003

attack increases the points of action do not significantly move with respect to the aircraft's
centre of gravity, and the moment arms therefore remain unaltered, so that:

LW x 4 = 10 x 4 = 40 units
LT x 8 = 2 x 8 = 16 units

These figures show that the pitching moment due to the wing increases by 20%, whilst the
pitching moment due to the tailplane reduces by 50%, so the aircraft is no longer in a trimmed
condition. The combined effect of these changes in pitch moment is to rotate the aircraft back
to its former trimmed position, with the tailplane having a greater overall effect than the wing.

Factors Affecting Static Longitudinal Stability

The degree of longitudinal static stability normally varies depending on the:

Position of the Centre of Gravity. Variations in the position of the centre of gravity
greatly affect the static longitudinal stability of an aircraft, and generally the further
forward the centre of gravity the greater the stability (Fig. 10.10).

FORWARD CG AFT CG
LIFT LIFT
STABLE LESS STABLE

A B

A B
LOWER RESTORING MOMENT

FIG. 10.10

Its forward position is limited by the fact that high stability results in poor controllability.
This is because stability tends to resist movement away from the aircraft's trimmed
attitude, which in turn is reflected in the amount of stick force necessary to displace an
aircraft from this position. It follows that the further forward the centre of gravity, the
greater the stick force, and the greater the effort required to manoeuvre the aircraft. If
the centre of gravity is however positioned too far forward the stick forces will become
excessive and will make it extremely tiring to fly the aircraft.

The forward position of the centre of gravity is also limited because if it is too far
forward, the aircraft will become uncontrollably nose heavy at low airspeeds. This is
particularly important in the landing phase when elevator deflection may be
insufficient to allow the pilot to flare the aircraft on landing, unless the airspeed is
increased to give greater elevator authority.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Conversely as the centre of gravity is moved progressively aft the degree of stability
steadily decreases, as do the stick forces, and the aircraft returns less quickly to
trimmed flight. Eventually a position is reached where the aircraft has no tendency to
return to a trimmed condition following a disturbance and instead remains in its
disturbed position. This is the aircraft's neutral point, and is the centre of gravity
position giving statically neutral stability (Fig. 10.11).

NEUTRAL

STABLE UNSTABLE

FORWARD CENTRE NEUTRAL AFT CENTRE

OF GRAVITY POINT OF GRAVITY

FIG. 10.11

Any movement aft of this point will make an aircraft statically longitudinally unstable.
Most aircraft are designed to be statically longitudinally stable, so the centre of gravity
is normally positioned ahead of the neutral point. The distance between the centre of
gravity and the neutral point is called the static margin (Fig. 10.12).

STATIC
MARGIN

CENTRE OF GRAVITY NEUTRAL

POINT

FIG. 10.12

Position of the Wing's Centre of Pressure. The position of the centre of pressure
is a function of it's angle of attack, and moves towards the wing's leading edge with
increasing angles of attack, and vice versa. In general the amount of movement of
the centre of pressure varies depending on the aerofoil section used, and the greater

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-8 28 October 2003

 the camber, the greater its range of movement. If the centre of pressure is
positioned behind the centre of gravity it will have a stabilising effect on the
aircraft (Fig. 10.13).

INCREASED LIFT

LIFT
C OF G PITCH
UP
C OF P DISTURBANCE
RELATIVE

AIR FLOW
WEIGHT

RESTORING (PITCH DOWN) MOMENT

FIG. 10.13

Conversely if the centre of pressure moves ahead of the centre of gravity, a nose-up
movement will be applied to an aircraft in response to a pitch-up disturbance, and will
have a destabilising effect (Fig. 10.14).

UNSTABLE
(PITCH UP) INCREASED LIFT
MOMENT
LIFT
C OF G

RELATIVE
C OF P
AIR FLOW
WEIGHT
PITCH UP DISTURBANCE

FIG. 10.14

Design of the tailplane. The overall function of the tailplane is to provide a force to
counteract any residual out of balance couples existing between the four main forces.
The degree of longitudinal stability is determined by the interaction between the
aircraft's centre of gravity, area and the position of its tailplane. Its position
relative to the centre of gravity is of most importance, since it has the greatest
stabilising effect on the aircraft. This is because the greater the moment arm the
greater the stability. If downwash from the wing acts on the tailplane it will also affect
the aircraft's degree of stability, by affecting it's angle of attack. Furthermore the
tailplane is usually of symmetrical section, and the position of its centre of pressure
does not vary much in flight.

Wing Down-wash. Any disturbance in pitch will alter the wing’s angle of attack, and
thus the amount of downwash from the wing. This will also alter the angle of

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 attack of the tailplane, e.g. If the aircraft pitches nose-up the downwash angle will
be increased and the effective angle of attack of the tailplane will be reduced.
The aerodynamic force produced by the tailplane will thus reduce, as will the
restoring moment. This is compensated for by moving the C of G forward to increase
the moment arm

Graphical Representation of Static Longitudinal Stability

This is achieved by plotting a graph of pitching moment against angle of attack (or coefficient
of lift) with the elevator fixed in its neutral position (Fig. 10.15).
NOSE-UP
PITCHING MOMENT Cm

(+)

TRIM

COEFFICIENT OF LIFT (C L )
0
ANGLE OF ATTACK ( )
NOSE-DOWN

(-)

FIG. 10.15

The graph shows that if the angle of attack increases, e.g. due to a disturbance, a nose-down
(-) pitching moment will be created and the aircraft will rotate back to its original trimmed
position. Conversely if the angle of attack decreases a nose-up (+) pitching moment will be
created. Thus for an aircraft to be statically longitudinally stable, the pitching moment
must decrease with increasing angle of attack, i.e. have a negative slope. It is the
steepness of the slope, which actually determines the aircraft's degree of stability (Fig. 10.16).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-10 28 October 2003

 C UNSTABLE
+
D NEUTRAL

PITCHING MOMENT Cm

-
A
STABLE

FIG. 10.16

Fig. 10.16 shows the static longitudinal stability characteristics of four different aircraft.
Aircraft A and B both have negative slopes and are thus longitudinally stable, although aircraft
A is most stable because it has a more negative slope. Conversely aircraft C is longitudinally
unstable because the pitching moment increases with increasing angle of attack and has a
positive slope. Aircraft D on the other hand is different to the other aircraft because the
pitching moment remains constant regardless of changes in angle of attack and the aircraft
has no tendency to return its former trimmed position following a disturbance. Aircraft D
therefore exhibits static neutral stability, and alternatively takes up a new trimmed position.
Any aft movement of the C of G will reduce the degree of static longitudinal stability,
and will produce a less negative slope. The slope of the graph will also be influenced by the
following conditions:

Stick Fixed Static Longitudinal Stability. This involves the response of an aircraft
to a disturbance in pitch if the flying control surfaces are held in set position. When
the disturbance takes place the aircraft will have a natural tendency to return its
former equilibrium or trimmed position. The amount of control deflection required to
maintain any new equilibrium position is a measure of the aircraft’s stick fixed static
longitudinal stability.

Stick Free Static Longitudinal Stability. This involves the response of an aircraft to
a disturbance in pitch when the control surfaces are free to find their own position
depending on the aerodynamic forces acting on them, i.e. with manual flying
controls the stick forces have been reduced to zero by way of the trim tab system
prior to the disturbance. This only applies to manual flying controls because in power
operated flying control systems the surfaces are not free to float, and there is no
difference between stick fixed and stick free static longitudinal stability.

The Effect of Elevator Deflection on Pitching Moments

To maintain a different flight attitude an equal and opposite moment from the elevators must
be applied, e.g. to maintain a nose-up pitch the elevators must be raised. If the position of the
C of G is fixed then the degree of static longitudinal stability will remain constant at any

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

deflection angle (i.e. constant slope), but the change in pitching moment will alter the
coefficient of lift at which equilibrium will occur (Fig. 10.17)

NOSE-UP

(+)
PITCHING MOMENT Cm

ELEVATOR DEFLECTION

TRIM POSITION (STICK FIXED)

0 COEFFICIENT OF LIFT (C )
L
NOSE-DOWN

20°UP
10°UP

(-) 0°

10°DOWN
20°DOWN
FIG. 10.17

This is because the angle of attack of the mainplane has been increased and the tailplane will
produce a greater nose-up moment due to the change in effective camber. If the aircraft is
trimmed to maintain the new pitch attitude (i.e. zero stick forces), and the elevators are
allowed to float free, any change in the aircraft’s angle of attack will cause the control
surfaces to move away from their trimmed position in the direction of the relative airflow. For
example an increase in angle of attack will result in the elevators floating upwards, thus
reducing the lift force (upload) acting on the tailplane, and reducing the aircraft’s static
longitudinal stability compared to the stick fixed condition (Fig. 10.18).

+
PITCHING MOMENT Cm

0 CL

STICK FREE

- REDUCING STABILITY

STICK FIXED

FIG. 10.18

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-12 28 October 2003

Control Force Stability

The coefficient of lift (CL) corresponds to a particular airspeed (dynamic pressure) in steady
straight and level flight, and thus any variation in airspeed will correspond to a different value
of CL in the aircraft’s trimmed or equilibrium position (Fig. 10.19)

UP

COLUMN AFT
UNSTABLE
ELEVATOR POSITION

0
EAS

STABLE
DOWN

COLUMN FWD

FIG. 10.19

An aircraft, which demonstrates stick position stability, will require the control column to
be moved forwards to reduce the angle of attack and trim at a higher airspeed, and vice
versa, i.e. with increasing forward airspeed an increasing forward stick force will have to be
applied to maintain steady straight and level flight. Conversely an aircraft, which exhibits stick
position instability, will require the control column to be moved aft to trim at a higher airspeed
and vice versa.

In a manually controlled aircraft the control stick forces are dependent on:

¾ Basic stick force stability, where the force is independent of airspeed.

¾ The trim tab position, which varies with airspeed.

With increasing EAS less and less nose-up tab is required, and if the aircraft is correctly
trimmed, i.e. if positive stick force stability exists, a push force will be required to maintain a
new attitude with increasing airspeed and vice-versa (Fig. 10.20).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FIG 10.20

If the position of the C of G is varied whilst maintaining the same trim airspeed its actual
position will have an effect on stick force stability. For example an aft movement of the C of
G will reduce the negative slope of the graph, and thus the degree of stick force stability as
illustrated in fig 10.21.

FIG. 10.21

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-14 28 October 2003

This also means that smaller stick forces will be required to displace the aircraft from its
original trimmed airspeed. In accordance with JAR 25.173 a minimum gradient for stick force
is required for an aircraft to be certified, with the following rules being applicable:-

¾ A pull force must be present to obtain and maintain airspeeds below the specified
trim speed, and a push force must be present to obtain and maintain airspeeds
above the specified trim speed.
¾ The airspeed must return to within 10% of the original trim speed during the
climb, approach and landing conditions, and must return to within 7.5% of the
original trim speed during the cruise.
¾ The average gradient of the stable slope of the stick force versus speed curve
may not be less than 1lb for each 6 knots.

The degree of static longitudinal Stability must also be such that a stable slope exists
between 85% and 115% of the airspeed at which the aircraft is trimmed with:

¾ The flaps retracted.

¾ The undercarriage retracted.
¾ At its maximum take-off weight.
¾ At 75% of maximum continuous power (piston), or maximum power or thrust (jet).

Manoeuvring Stability

Whenever an aircraft is manoeuvring it is acted on by acceleration forces, e.g. If the aircraft is

pulling out of a dive, its flight path will be curved, and the resultant pitching velocity will
provide aerodynamic damping in pitch due to the downward movement of the tailplane.
This will act with the inbuilt static longitudinal stability of the aircraft and will tend to resist
this motion. The tailplane provides the largest contribution towards damping in pitch,
although other aircraft components such as the wings do assist. A graph of stick force versus
load factor illustrates the manoeuvring stability of an aircraft (Fig. 10.22).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 30

C of G MOVING AFT
STICK FORCE lbsf & STICK FORCE
20 GRADIENT
STICK FORCE REDUCING
GRADIENT or
STICK FORCE / g

10

0
2 4 6
LOAD FACTOR or g
FIG. 10.22

The gradient of the graph should be positive, i.e. with increasing load factor the stick force
must also increase. This gradient must not be excessively high or the aircraft would be
difficult and tiring to manoeuvre, or conversely it should not be too low or the stick forces
would be too light and the aircraft could be over-stressed.

The manoeuvring stick force gradient or stick force per g for a transport category aircraft will
be approximately 9 lbs / g. Aircraft with high static longitudinal stability will possess high
manoeuvre stability, i.e. low controllability, and will also be associated with a high stick force
gradient. Any aft movement of the C of G will reduce the stick force gradient and will also
reduce the longitudinal static stability of the aircraft. With increasing altitude the manoeuvre
stick force stability reduces. This is because as the density of the air reduces, the TAS
increases, and the amount of pitch damping reduces (10.23)

LOWALTITUDE

30
STICK FORCE lbsf

HIGH ALTITUDE
20

10

0 2 4 6 LOAD FACTOR or g

FIG. 10.23

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-16 28 October 2003

Tailoring The Control Forces

Many devices can be added to the control system to modify or tailor the stick force stability to
desired levels:

Down-spring. This device is a preloaded spring that tends to rotate the elevators
down and increases the airspeed stick force stability without changing the aircraft
static longitudinal stability (Fig. 10.24).

DOWN SPRING

FIG. 10.24

This contributes to an increment of pull force that is independent of airspeed or

control deflection. When the aircraft is retrimmed for its original airspeed then the
airspeed stick force gradient increases resulting in a stronger feel for airspeed.
Because the force increment due to the down-spring is not affected by stick position
or normal acceleration then manoeuvring stick force stability is unchanged.

Bob-weight. This device is designed to improve the stick force stability. It

consists of an eccentric mass, which is attached to the flying control system, and in
unaccelerated flight acts like the down-spring. In accelerated flight during a
manoeuvre the bob-weight will be subjected to the same forces as the aircraft, and
will provide an increment of stick force in direct proportion to the magnitude of the
manoeuvring acceleration, thus increasing the manoeuvring stick force stability (Fig.
10.25).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 BOBWEIGHT

FIG. 10.25

Dynamic Longitudinal Stability

Two types exist with one form of oscillation being more serious than the other, but for each
type consider an aircraft initially in steady straight and level flight travelling at an airspeed, V:-

Long Period Oscillation (Phugoid). This involves very long periods of oscillation
(20 – 100 secs) with noticeable variations in pitch attitude, altitude and airspeed,
whilst the angle of attack remains nearly constant, i.e. if an aircraft is subjected to a
horizontal gust its airspeed will momentarily change, but its angle of attack will remain
virtually constant. Any change in airspeed will be accompanied by a change in drag,
(Fig. 10.26)
DRAG

MINIMUM DRAG SPEED

VIMD AIRSPEED

FIG. 10.26

If the aircraft is statically stable and is operating at an airspeed in excess of VIMD any
increase in airspeed will not only increase the drag, but will also increase the lift, and
the aircraft will momentarily gain height. Some of the aircraft’s kinetic energy will
subsequently be converted into potential energy, and the aircraft will slow down.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-18 28 October 2003

 As the airspeed drops below its original value, the aircraft momentum will reduce, and
the aircraft will descend. An oscillatory motion will take place as the aircraft
successively gains and loses altitude. If this motion is damped out the aircraft will be
dynamically longitudinally stable, although in some instances the aircraft may be
slightly unstable. In either case some form of corrective action will need to be taken
by the pilot, but since the period of oscillation is usually long, any necessary action is
easily applied.

Short Period Oscillation. This involves very short periods of oscillation, typically 1-2
seconds, when an aircraft is subjected to a vertical gust. The disturbance will cause
the aircraft to rotate about its lateral axis, and will vary its angle of attack, whilst the
airspeed remains virtually constant. The change in angle of attack will also vary the
lift, and a pitching moment will result. If the aircraft is statically longitudinally stable
any disturbance in pitch will set up an oscillatory motion about the aircraft’s lateral
axis, where oscillation will be dynamically stable or unstable.

The frequency of this oscillation is normally high and thus cannot be corrected for by
the pilot, as in the case of Phugoidal oscillatory motion. It is therefore essential that
this form of oscillation be quickly damped out by way of an automatic stabiliser, which
must be included in the aircraft’s flying control system. It follows that an aircraft
operating at airspeeds less than the minimum drag speed will show speed instability.
If a jet transport category aircraft is flying at an airspeed less than the minimum drag
speed, for instance on landing, speed instability can prove extremely serious.

Pilot Induced Oscillations

Oscillatory longitudinal motion of an aircraft can occur due to inadvertent movement of the
flying controls by the pilot. Short period longitudinal motion of the aircraft can have the most
damaging effect where any delay in the pilots control system response (response lag) can
quickly produce an unstable oscillation. This can produce damaging flight loads and even
lead to a loss of control of the aircraft. When normal response lag and control system lag are
added to the actual aircraft motion, any inadvertent control inputs by the pilot may have a
negative effect on the oscillatory motion leading to dynamic instability. Since short period
motion is of relatively high frequency, the amplitude of the pitching oscillation can quickly
reach a dangerous level in a very short time. If pilot induced oscillation is encountered, the
most effective solution is to immediately release the controls, since any attempt to forcibly
damp out the oscillations will just worsen the situation, and increase the amplitude of motion.
Releasing the controls removes the unstable excitation and allows recovery to naturally occur
through the dynamic stability characteristics of the aircraft.

Static Directional Stability

The directional static stability of an aircraft is its natural, or inbuilt tendency to recover from a
disturbance in yaw, which is mainly provided by the fin. For example consider a gust of
wind which causes the aircraft to yaw to the left.

The displacement of the aircraft centre-line from some reference azimuth is called the yaw
angle (ψ). Positive yaw angle occurs when the aircraft is displaced to the right of the azimuth
direction. The aircraft will due to its inertia, momentarily continue along its original flight path,
and will begin to sideslip.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The displacement aircraft centre-line from the relative airflow, rather than some reference
azimuth is called the sideslip angle (β). By convention it is positive when the relative airflow
is displaced to the right of the aircraft centre-line. This action gives the symmetrical fin an
angle of attack, which is the directional angle of attack of the aircraft. This produces a small
aerodynamic force, which when multiplied by the distance from the centre of gravity produces
a strong restoring moment, and yaws the aircraft back to its original equilibrium position (Fig.
10.27).

LIFT

LIFT

aircraft centre-line
β

FIG. 10.27

This type of stability is also referred to as 'weather-cock stability'.

Graphical Representation of Static Directional Stability

This is achieved by plotting a graph of yawing moment coefficient (Cn) versus the sideslip
angle (Fig. 10.28). Where the yawing moment coefficient is:

Cn = N
qSb

Where Cn= Yawing Moment Coefficient, +ve to the right

N =Yawing Moment, +ve to the right
q = Dynamic Pressure
S = Wing Area
b = Wing Span

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-20 28 October 2003

 YAWING
+ Cn MOMENT
COEFFICIENT
STABLE

-β +β
SIDESLIP ANGLE

UNSTABLE
- Cn

FIG. 10.28

The slope of the graph is a measure of the aircraft’s static directional stability. If the aircraft is
subject to a positive sideslip angle and a positive yawing moment coefficient exists static
directional stability will be present. For example if the relative airflow comes from the right
(+β) a yawing moment to the right (+Cn) will be created and will tend to weathercock the
aircraft into wind. A positive slope shows that the aircraft is directionally stable, and the
steeper the slope the greater the degree of stability. Conversely if the slope is negative it
shows that the aircraft is directionally unstable and that it will tend to diverge or move away
from the direction of the airflow.

The Factors Affecting Static Directional Stability

The vertical fin is the primary source of static directional stability and is highly stabilising up to
the stall. By incorporating fin sweepback directional stability can be improved by reducing
the aspect ratio and increasing the stalling angle. Also the centre of pressure moves
rearwards thereby increasing the tail yawing moment.

The fitment of dorsal fins, that are a forward extension to the fin, helps to delay the stall by
increasing the surface area that is located aft of the CG, and reducing the fins effective aspect
ratio therefore increasing the stalling angle of attack. (Fig.10.29)

Ventral fins are located on the underside of the tail, unlike dorsal fins that are an extension of
the fin, have no effect on static longitudinal stability, but have a negative effect on static
lateral stability and a positive effect on static directional stability. (Fig.10.29)

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-21 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FIG 10.29

At high angles of attack the fuselage may cause an overall decrease in static directional
stability. This is due to an increase in the fuselage boundary layer at the vertical tail location
and is most significant for low aspect ratio aircraft with sweepback. The fitting of strakes
improves directional stability by re-energising fuselage boundary layer and stopping cross
flow around the fuselage at high angles of attack that may stall the fin due to the resulting
disturbed airflow. (Fig.10.30)

FIG 10.30

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-22 28 October 2003

The degree of stability provided by the fin thus depends on the:

¾ Position of the aircraft’s C of G.

¾ Position of the fins C of P.
¾ Area and angle of attack of the fin.

The contribution of the wing, particularly wing sweepback, has a small effect on the degree of
directional stability compared to other components. The fuselage tends to have a
destabilising effect, but at high sideslip angles the degree of instability reduces. The
contributions of the aircraft components to static directional stability are shown in Fig. 10.31.

AIRCRAFT
+ Cn TAIL WITH DORSAL
ALONE FIN ADDED

COMPLETE
AIRCRAFT

YAWING +β
MOMENT
COEFFICIENT SIDESLIP ANGLE

FUSELAGE ALONE
- Cn
FIG. 10.31

Static Lateral Stability

The lateral static stability of an aircraft is its natural or inbuilt tendency to recover from a
disturbance in roll. For example if a disturbance causes an aircraft to roll, one wing will rise
and the other will drop. The motion in roll will be naturally damped out by the wings, and the
aircraft will assume a banked attitude as shown in Fig. 10.32.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-23 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 LIFT

RESULTANT FORCE
PRODUCING SIDE-SLIP

SIDE-SLIP COMPONENT
OF RELATIVE AIRFLOW

WEIGHT

FIG. 10.32

In this attitude the lift force is tilted so that it no longer directly opposes weight and the
resultant of these two forces will cause the aircraft to sideslip in the direction of the dropped
wing. Due to the inertia the aircraft will also continue in a forward direction. As a result of
sideslip the aircraft will be subjected to a sideways component of relative airflow, as in the
case of directional stability, and with its inbuilt design features will produce a rolling moment.
This moment will restore the aircraft to its original wings-level attitude and is defined as the
rolling coefficient (CL) in the following formula:

CL = L
qSb

Where CL= Rolling Moment Coefficient, +ve to the right

L =Rolling Moment, +ve to the right
q = Dynamic Pressure
S = Wing Area
b = Wing Span

To provide the necessary stability characteristics one or a combination of the following design
features are utilised:

Wing Dihedral. As the aircraft sideslips the lower wing due to its dihedral will have
an increased angle of attack, whilst the upper wing will have a reduced angle of
attack (Fig. 10.33).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-24 28 October 2003

 LIFT

UNWANTED ROLL

LIFT

DIHEDRAL
EFFECT

SIDEWAYS COMPONENT
OF RELATIVE AIRFLOW

FIG. 10.33

The lower wing will produce greater lift than the upper wing, and the increased lift
produced by the lower wing will thus produce a rolling moment, which will return the
aircraft to its former equilibrium position. The upper wing may also be partially
shielded by the fuselage, further reducing the amount of lift it develops.

RELATIVE AIR FLOW

DIRECTION
EFFECTIVE
SPAN

EFFECTIVE
SPAN

L L

HIGHER ASPECT RATIO

AND MORE LIFT ON
THIS WING

FIG. 10.34

Wing Sweepback. As the aircraft sideslips the lower wing will present more of its
span, known as effective span, to the airflow than the upper wing as shown in Fig.
10.34.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-25 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 The effective chord of the lower wing will also reduce whilst that of the upper wing will
increase. The aspect ratio of the lower wing will thus be greater than that of the upper
wing, and will produce greater lift. The increased lift will produce a rolling moment,
and the aircraft will roll back to its former equilibrium position.

High Wing and Low Centre of Gravity. As an aircraft sideslips the higher wing acts
in a similar manner to the dihedral wing, with the lower wing producing greater lift than
the upper wing. In this case however, the displacement of the overall lift force
outwards towards the wing-tip on the lower wing providing the necessary restoring
moment (Fig. 10.35).

LIFT

RELATIVE AIR
FLOW DIRECTION
(SIDE COMPONENT)

WEIGHT

FIG. 10.35

The position of the lift force will produce a rolling moment about the aircraft's centre of
gravity and will roll the aircraft back to its former wings-level condition. Thus the lower
the centre of gravity, the greater the lateral stability characteristics. On some high
winged aircraft the amount of stability is so large that low dihedral, or even anhedral
wings are fitted, i.e. to de-stabilise the aircraft. This form of recovery is also known as
the 'pendulous effect'.

High Keel and Low Centre of Gravity. As an aircraft sideslips its side surfaces, i.e.
the fuselage and fin, will assume a position perpendicular to the relative airflow. It
follows that those surfaces, which are above the aircraft’s centre of gravity, will
produce a restoring moment and the aircraft will roll back to its former wings-level
condition (Fig. 10.36).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-26 28 October 2003

 EFFECT

SIDE-SLIP

CG

FIG. 10.36

Notably the lower the centre of gravity, the greater the degree of lateral stability.

Graphical Representation of Static Lateral Stability

This is achieved by plotting a graph of rolling moment coefficient (Cl) against sideslip angle
(β) (Fig. 10.37)

ROLLING
+ Cl MOMENT
COEFFICIENT
UNSTABLE

-β +β
SIDESLIP ANGLE

- Cl STABLE

FIG. 10.37

If the aircraft is subject to a positive sideslip angle, it will be laterally stable if a negative
rolling moment is applied. For example if the relative airflow comes momentarily from the
right (+β) a negative rolling moment (- Cl) will be created and the aircraft will roll to the left,
returning it to its former equilibrium position. Static lateral stability thus only exists if a
negative gradient exists.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-27 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Factors Affecting Static Lateral Stability

High lift devices and power have a destabilising effect on static lateral stability by reducing the
dihedral effect. Flap deflection causes the inboard section of the wing to become more
effective and the C of P to move inboard closer to the aircraft’s longitudinal axis thus
reduces the rolling moment.

Interaction Between Lateral and Directional Static Stability

Up until now lateral and directional stability have been considered as completely separate
items. The effects of lateral and directional stability are however so closely interlinked that it
is impossible to separate them. Thus a disturbance which initially only involves lateral
stability will when the aircraft reacts, also involve directional stability at the same time. The
main combinations of these types of stability are spiral instability and oscillatory instability:-

Spiral Instability. As previously established the lateral stability of an aircraft depends

on the forces that tend to return it to a wing level condition following a wing drop. If an
aircraft is fitted with a large fin, as the wing drops a side-slip component acts on the
keel surface (including the fin) and tends to yaw the aircraft in the direction of the lower
wing. If the aircraft's directional stability is greater than its roll stability the aircraft
will directionally try and straighten itself up, i.e. line itself up with the side-slip
component acting on the wing.

This will cause the higher outer wing to accelerate and produce more lift than the lower
inner wing. This will set up a rolling moment towards the inner wing and the aircraft's
angle of bank will increase, resulting in further side-slip. When this occurs the aircraft
exhibits spiral instability, and if left unchecked will lead to a steep spiral dive. This
tendency may be minimised by reducing the total fin area, which effectively reduces
the aircraft's directional stability, and its tendency to yaw in the direction of the dropped
wing. Lateral stability is consequently more effective than directional stability, and the
aircraft becomes more spirally stable.

Another method of minimising spiral instability is to increase the dihedral effect,

although this leads to greater oscillatory instability. This form of instability is normally
controllable so most aircraft are designed to be spirally unstable. If this characteristic
exists an aircraft when yawed, either by the prolonged application of rudder or
asymmetric power, a rolling moment in the direction of yaw will rapidly occur, and the
aircraft will quickly enter a spiral dive. This can occur when flying at low airspeeds
under asymmetric power conditions, when excessive yaw due to too much power, and
insufficient rudder control to balance it may quickly place an aircraft in a dangerous
attitude.

Oscillatory Instability. This is more serious than spiral instability and is commonly
found to a varying degree in combinations of high wing loading and sweepback,
particularly at low indicated airspeeds, and high altitude. It is characterised by a
combined rolling and yawing movement, or wallowing motion, where an aircraft
continually yaws and rolls from side to side until corrective action or natural damping
takes place. The main forms of oscillatory instability are:- Dutch Roll - where roll
predominates yaw, and Snaking - where yaw predominates roll.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-28 28 October 2003

 When an aircraft is disturbed in roll depending on its design, either of these conditions
may result, from which the aircraft will be unable to settle without some form of
assistance. The resulting motion can be simply unpleasant, but in some cases may
lead to the total loss of the aircraft, particularly when flying under instrument
conditions. The main factors which determine the degree of oscillatory instability are
the :

¾ amount of dihedral
¾ amount of sweepback
¾ keel surface area (including the fin and rudder)

In transport category aircraft the most common form of oscillatory instability that must
be catered for is Dutch Roll.

Dutch Roll

Consider an aircraft with sweepback when its directional stability is less than its lateral
stability. If the aircraft is yawed say to the right the left wing will advance (side-slip) and
generate more lift, whilst the right wing will slow down and produce less lift. The result of the
imbalance in lift is to roll the aircraft in the direction of yaw. The lift generated by the left wing
will be further increased by becoming less sweptback, and will also offer a greater span to the
airflow, whereas the right wing will become more sweptback, and will decrease the span to
the airflow. This effect is similar to that of dihedral. The advancing wing will also produce
greater drag due to the larger areas exposed to the airflow, which will cause the aircraft to
yaw in the opposite direction, i.e. to the left. This will result in the right wing producing more lift
than the left wing, and the direction of the roll will reverse. The final result is an undulating or
corkscrew motion where the rolling and yawing oscillations have the same frequency, but are
out of phase with each other (Fig. 10.38).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-29 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FIG. 10.38

This unstable motion will continue until corrective action is taken, or alternatively the motion
will be naturally damped out. This motion is primarily due to excessive lateral stability; so one
method of curing this problem is to reduce the amount of wing dihedral, or even by setting the
wings at a slight anhedral. If anhedral wings are fitted the angle of attack of the advancing
wing will reduce, whilst that of the retreating wing will increase. This will effectively reduce the
aircraft's lateral stability, and thus its tendency to Dutch roll, but it does tend to increase an
aircraft's spiral instability. The Dutch roll tendency may also be reduced by increasing the
size of the fin/rudder, but this will adversely effect its handling characteristics. This is
because it becomes necessary to firstly fight the ‘weather cocking’ tendency of the fin before
the aircraft can be turned, i.e. it increases an aircraft's spiral instability. Conversely if the
fin/rudder were too small the aircraft would become oscillatory unstable, i.e. lateral stability
would exceed directional stability, and the amplitude of the oscillatory motions in Dutch roll
would quickly increase. An aircraft is therefore usually designed with a small degree of spiral
instability, in order to help alleviate the less pleasant Dutch roll tendency.

Aircraft with straight wings are less susceptible to Dutch roll because any movements in yaw
are quickly damped out, but on aircraft with sweptback wings Dutch roll is more of a problem.
This is because sweepback tends to worsen the aircraft's roll and sideslip tendencies. All
transport category aircraft are generally prone to Dutch roll and require artificial damping in
the form of a yaw damper system. This is because the magnitude of the oscillatory motion is
normally comparatively small and is therefore extremely difficult for a pilot to be able to co-
ordinate his reactions in phase with the Dutch roll of the aircraft. Any manual input may result
in over correction, and will intensify the resulting oscillatory motion.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-30 28 October 2003

Yaw Damper Systems

Yaw damper systems are designed to detect infinitesimal yaw variations from the desired
flight path. This is sensed by way of rate gyros and the system corrects for it by mechanically
deflecting the rudder by an amount proportional to the rate of yaw, i.e. maximum rudder
deflection will be applied when the rate of yaw is maximum (Fig. 10.39).

A/C DISPLACEMENT
IN YAW

MAX
LEFT

DISPLACEMENT

MAX RATE
RIGHT

OF DISPLACEMENT A/C RATE OF DISPLACEMENT

IN YAW MEASURED BY
RATE GYRO

FIG. 10.39

By using this method it is possible to stop the Dutch roll before the effects are felt. Most
transport category aircraft are normally fitted with at least two yaw damper systems, which
operate continually, and in their basic operation act independently of the autopilot system. On
some aircraft however the yaw dampers are additionally used to co-ordinate turns made by
the pilot or autopilot from information sensed in the aileron control circuit as shown in Fig.
10.40.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-31 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 YAW DAM PER
L R
ON ON
INO P INO P

RATE GYRO RATE GYRO

YAW D AM P ER
C O N TR OLLER S
AILERON AILERON
POSITION POSITION

YAW DAM PER

ACTUATOR

R
U
D
D
E
R

RUDDER
ACTUATOR

FIG. 10.40

Each system has its own yaw damper controller, which provides signals to operate a yaw
damper actuator, which in turn generates rudder control inputs. The inputs normally operate
in series with the pilot input and do not result in rudder pedal movement.

Speed Stability

It was previously established that aircraft drag varies with speed (Fig. 10.41).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-32 28 October 2003

 DRAG OR
THRUST
REQUIRED

MINIMUM DRAG SPEED V IMD

AIR SPEED (IAS)

FIG. 10.41

To sustain steady level flight it was also established that the thrust required from aircraft
engines must equal the total drag at any given airspeed. The thrust required curve is
therefore identical to the drag curve, but it must be remembered that this only applies to an
aircraft of constant weight, configuration and altitude. Minimum drag also occurs at one
particular airspeed, known as the minimum drag speed (VIMD). Any change in airspeed either
side of this point will result in an increase in aircraft drag/thrust required. As an example
consider two points A and B, where the drag curve relates to an aircraft flying at an airspeed
where thrust equals drag, i.e. thrust available equals thrust required (Fig. 10.42).

DRAG OR A THRUST AVAILABLE B

THRUST
REQUIRED

MINIMUM DRAG SPEED

VIMD AIRSPEED

FIG. 10.42

In each case consider the thrust setting to be constant regardless of any variations in
airspeed, i.e. due to a gust. Firstly consider variations in airspeed with respect to point B. If
the airspeed increases drag will similarly increase, so that the drag will now exceed the
amount of thrust available. The aircraft will therefore decelerate and will return to point B
without any pilot input. Conversely if the airspeed reduces below point B the drag will reduce,
so that the thrust available will now exceed the drag. The aircraft will therefore accelerate
and will similarly return to point B. Thus an aircraft operating at airspeeds greater than the
minimum drag speed (VIMD) will exhibit speed stability (Fig. 10.43).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-33 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 A THRUST AVAILABLE B
DRAG OR
THRUST
REQUIRED

SPEED
STABILITY

VIMD AIRSPEED

FIG. 10.43

Now consider variations in airspeed with respect to point A. If the airspeed increases the
drag will reduce, so that the amount of thrust available will now be greater than drag, and the
aircraft will accelerate, i.e. it will move away from point A. Conversely if the airspeed reduces
the drag will increase, so that the amount of thrust available will now be less than drag, and
the aircraft will decelerate further, until it reaches its stalling speed (Fig. 10.44).

DRAG OR A THRUST AVAILABLE B

THRUST
REQUIRED

SPEED
INSTABILITY

STALLING VIMD AIRSPEED

SPEED
FIG. 10.44

Thus an aircraft operating at airspeeds less than the minimum drag speed will exhibit
speed instability. If a jet transport category aircraft is flying at an airspeed less than the
minimum drag speed, e.g. on landing, speed instability can prove extremely serious. This is
because:

¾ the response to throttle movement is much slower than for a piston engined
aircraft (Fig 10.45).
¾ of a lack of slipstream effect.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-34 28 October 2003

 ¾ of the high momentum associated with large aircraft which requires a long time,
and a lot of thrust to increase speed. It similarly takes time to reduce speed.

THRUST

MAX

IDLE

TIME

LONG ENGINE
ACCELERATION
TIME

FIG. 10.45

Care must thus be taken during the approach, since a situation may arise where the
maximum thrust can not be obtained before the minimum airspeed is reached, i.e. the time to
reach the minimum airspeed from the minimum drag speed may be less than the time taken
for the engines to accelerate to maximum thrust as shown in Fig. 10.46.

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-35 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 APPROACH DRAG

DRAG

MAX AVAILABLE THRUST

VMAX

VMIN DESIRED SPEED

DMIN DECELERATION MAY BE

LARGE AND INCREASES
RAPIDLY BELOW THIS SPEED

AIRSPEED

FIG. 10.46

By comparison, piston engined aircraft are less susceptible to speed instability because the:

¾ response to throttle movement is almost immediate.

¾ propeller slipstream produces additional lift without any change in airspeed.

The deployment of flaps and the lowering of the undercarriage (landing configuration) helps to
delay the onset of speed instability by increasing profile drag, and thus reducing the
minimum drag speed (Fig. 10.47).

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-36 28 October 2003

 MINIMUM DRAG DRAG CURVE IN
IN LANDING LANDING CONFIGURATION
DRAG CONFIGURATION

MINIMUM DRAG
FOR CLEAN DRAG CURVE FOR
A AIRCRAFT B CLEAN AIRCRAFT
SPEED
INSTABILITY
FOR CLEAN
AIRCRAFT

AIRSPEED (IAS)
FIG. 10.47

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-37 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 10-38 28 October 2003

 Chapter 11.

Ground Effect

Introduction

When an aircraft flies close to a surface, e.g. ground or water, the lift, drag and stability
characteristics are significantly affected. The changes that occur are collectively known as
ground effect, and are noticeable whenever an aircraft is one wingspan or less above the
surface. The closer to the surface the more pronounced the effect.

The Characteristics of Ground Effect

Ground effect takes place because the surface interferes with, and alters the airflow pattern
around the wings. Primarily the surface restricts the formation of the wingtip vortices
(Fig. 11.1).

FIG. 11.1

This results in a reduction in the amount of induced downwash behind the wing, and
increases the wings effective angle of attack (Fig. 11.2).
INCREASED LIFT

INCREASED EFFECTIVE
ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 11.2

ATPL Principles of Flight 11-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

It also alters the pressure distribution around the wing, and the amount of lift developed. This
occurs because the change in effective angle of attack increases the wing’s coefficient of lift
(CL), and thus its lifting capability at any given angle of attack. The aircraft will also stall at a
lower angle of attack when flying in ground effect. (Fig.11.3).

AIRCRAFT IN
GROUND EFFECT
CLMAX
COEFFICIENT
OF LIFT
CL

AIRCRAFT OUT OF
GROUND EFFECT

ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 11.3

The magnitude of the wing tip vortices, and thus downwash, also determine the amount of
induced drag produced by the wing. Thus the closer the aircraft is to the surface, the
greater the reduction in induced drag, at any given angle of attack (Fig. 11.4).

60

50
PERCENTAGE 40
REDUCTION
IN
INDUCED DRAG 30
20

10

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1

RATIO OF WING HEIGHT TO SPAN, h

b

FIG. 11.4

The reduction in induced drag is approximately 1% at a height of one wingspan above a

surface, and approximately 50% at a height of one tenth of the wingspan. This effect is
therefore significant during the take-off and landing phases of flight when induced drag may

ATPL Principles of Flight 11-2 28 October 2003

account for over 80% of the total drag. The overall reduction in drag also reduces the amount
of thrust required to maintain a given airspeed (Fig. 11.5).

THRUST AIRCRAFT OUT OF

REQUIRED GROUND EFFECT
(N)

AIRCRAFT IN
GROUND EFFECT

VELOCITY, KNOTS

FIG. 11.5

The second characteristic associated with ground effect is the change in aircraft trim and
stability. This occurs because the downwash acting behind the wing is deflected by the
surface, thus altering the angle at which the airflow meets the tailplane (Fig. 11.6).

DOWN REDUCED
DOWN
LOAD
LOAD
DOWNWASH
DOWNWASH

DOWNWASH PATH OUT DOWNWASH PATH IN

OF GROUND EFFECT GROUND EFFECT

FIG. 11.6

This places the tailplane at a less negative or increased angle of attack, and reduces the
download, acting on the tailplane. In this condition the aircraft will experience a nose-down
pitching moment, although high ‘T’ tailed aircraft do not respond in this manner, since the
tailplane is outside the influence of the downwash.

ATPL Principles of Flight 11-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The Influence of Ground Effect on Landing

When an aircraft enters ground effect during the landing phase of flight the sudden increase
in lift and reduction in drag will cause it to experience a floating tendency. The aircraft will
also tend to pitch nose-down due to the reduction in download on the tailplane.

The Influence of Ground Effect on Take-Off

During the take-off phase of flight as the aircraft leaves ground effect the wing tip vortices
will rapidly grow in magnitude, producing an increase in downwash behind the wing. This
will cause the lift produced at a given angle of attack to suddenly reduce, and the associated
rapid increase in induced drag may prevent a successful take-off. The increased downwash
acting on the tailplane will increase the download, and a nose-up pitching moment will result.
It is therefore important that the take-off is not attempted at speeds less than the designated
take-off speed, because even though the aircraft may be able to fly in ground effect, it will be
unable to climb out of it. The aircraft may even sink as it flies out of ground effect, and will
resettle on the ground.

The Influence of Ground Effect on Trailing Edge Flaps

When flying in ground effect with the trailing edge flaps deflected the surface will increase
the adverse pressure gradient over the flap, and will also induce earlier separation of the
airflow (Fig. 11.7).

FLOW SEPARATION AT FLAP

DUE TO HIGH PRESSURE ON GROUND

FIG. 11.7

This will significantly reduce the maximum lift capability of the wing, compared to that
obtained outside ground effect. This is one of the main reasons why STOL aircraft are
manufactured with a high wing configuration.

ATPL Principles of Flight 11-4 28 October 2003

 Chapter 12.

Propellers

Introduction

The purpose of a propeller is to convert the power output from a piston engine into thrust.
The power developed (BHP) is transmitted to the propeller shaft as engine torque and rotates
the propeller. As the propeller rotates it accelerates a large mass of air rearwards at a
relatively low velocity and the reaction to this is a force acting in a forward direction known as
thrust, which propels an aircraft along its flight path. Propellers are classified as either left-
handed or right-handed, ie. the direction in which they rotate. If viewed from the cockpit a left-
handed propeller rotates anti-clockwise whereas a right-handed propeller rotates clockwise.
The propellers on most modern single engine aircraft are right-handed (Fig. 12.1).

CLOCKWISE

FIG. 12.1

Propeller Terminology

Fixed pitch propellers are usually manufactured in one piece, and are normally only fitted to
low power single piston engined aircraft. They usually consist of two or more blades which
are attached to a central hub, and are mostly attached directly to the end of the engine
crankshaft (Fig. 12.2)

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 HUB

CRANKSHAFT

FIG.12.2

The propellers are mainly manufactured from aluminium alloy forgings, and are anodised or
painted to provide the necessary protection. The blades are of a aerofoil section, and like a
wing have leading edges, trailing edges and tips (Fig. 12.3).
TRAILING EDGE LEADING EDGE

SHANK TIP

FIG. 12.3

The part of the blade nearest the hub is called the shank and is of greater cross-section than
the rest of the blade, because this is where the greatest stresses occur in normal operation.
The blades are also twisted along their length, and have a decreasing chord and depth of
section from root to the tip (Fig. 12.4).

BLADE ANGLE

PLANE OF ROTATION

FIG. 12.4

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-2 28 October 2003

The blades are more twisted at the root than the tip to maintain a constant angle of attack
along the complete blade. The angle at which the chord line of each section is inclined to the
plane of rotation, i.e. the plane in which the propeller rotates 90° to the crankshaft centre-line,
is called the blade angle (Fig. 12.5).

PLANE OF
ROTATION

BLADE BLADE
BACK ANGLE
DIRECTION
OF FLIGHT

SPINNER

BLADE
FACE
CHORDLINE

FIG. 12.5
Where fine pitch is a setting that produces less resistance to rotation and is a low blade
angle. Coarse pitch is a setting that increases the resistance to rotation and is a high blade
angle.

The flat side of a propeller blade is called the blade face, pressure face or thrust face (the
side facing the pilot) and the curved face is called the blade back. The propeller hub is also
streamlined by way of an aerodynamically shaped structural cover, called a spinner.

Factors Affecting the Blade Angle of Attack

Propeller blades are of aerofoil section and when they are rotated through the air they behave
like an aircraft wing. Each blade section produces a total reaction force whose magnitude is
determined by the speed and direction at which the relative airflow meets it. This depends on
the rotational velocity of each blade section (RPM), and the aircraft's forward airspeed (TAS).
The two components interact to produce an overall resultant velocity of each blade section
through the air (Fig. 12.6).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 DIRECTION
OF ROTATION

ROTATIONAL
RESULTANT VELOCITY
VELOCITY (RPM)

DIRECTION OF
FLIGHT
FORWARD
VELOCITY
(TAS)

FIG. 12.6

For any given blade section the forward velocity remains constant but the rotational velocity
increases with distance from the blade hub, i.e. the closer to the tip the greater the rotational
velocity (Fig. 12.7).

DISTRIBUTION OF
ROTATION VELOCITY
COMPONENT

FIG. 12.7

As the blade rotates the air will oppose its movement, and each blade section will experience
a different relative airflow (Fig. 12.8).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-4 28 October 2003

 ANGLE OF
ATTACK AIRFLOW DUE
ROTATION

CHORD
RELATIVE
LINE
AIRFLOW

PLANE OF
ROTATION

AIRFLOW DUE TO
FORWARD MOVEMENT
OF AIRCRAFT
FIG. 12.8

The angle between the relative airflow and the blade section chord line is the angle of attack.
This angle consequently varies if either the rotational velocity, or the forward airspeed
changes (Fig. 12.9).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 SAME AIRSPEED DIFF. AIRSPEED
DIFF. RPM SAME RPM

AT LOW FORWARD SPEED

AT HIGH RPM
HIGH ANGLE OF ATTACK
HIGH AoA

AT HIGH FORWARD SPEED

AT LOW RPM LOW ANGLE OF ATTACK
LOW AoA

LOW RPM LOW FORWARD SPEED

HIGH FORWARD SPEED

HIGH RPM

FIG. 12.9

The propeller blades are thus twisted from the hub to the tip, i.e. the blade angle reduces
towards the tip, so that all blade sections along the entire length operate at the same angle of
attack (Fig. 12.10).

HOWBLADE SECTION
IS SET AT TIP

HOWBLADE CROSS-SECTION
IS SET AT THIS POSITION

RELATIVE AIRFLOWFOR
SECTION NEAR HUB

FORWARD
VELOCITY
IN HALF A
REVOLUTION
RELATIVE AIRFLOW
FOR TIP SECTION

FIG. 12.10

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-6 28 October 2003

Factors Affecting the Blade Thrust Distribution

When the propeller is rotating aerodynamic losses occur near the hub and also at the blade
tips. The airflow is disrupted near the hub where the propeller blade sections are thicker, to
give them adequate structural strength, and also near the engine.

At the propeller blade tips vortices form in a similar manner to that associated with a wing,
resulting in induced drag and a reduction in the actual amount of thrust being developed in
this region. In practice only a small part of the propeller blade is effective in producing thrust
at normal operating angles of attack. This is generally between 60% and 90% of the tip
radius out from the blade hub (Fig. 12.11).

TIP VORTEX

FIG. 12.11

At positive angles of attack the greatest useful thrust is produced at 75% of the tip radius,
and is consequently where the blade angle of a propeller is referenced to.

Forces Acting on a Blade Section

At normal operating angles of attack the total reaction attributed to each blade section may be
resolved into components with respect to the aircraft's direction of flight (Fig. 12.12).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 PROPELLER
TORQUE
TOTAL REACTION FORCE

PLANE OF
ROTATION
DIRECTION
THRUST
OF FLIGHT
ANGLE OF
ATTACK

RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

FIG. 12.12

Thrust acts parallel to the direction of flight, whilst propeller torque (the resistance to the
motion in the plane of rotation) acts perpendicular to the direction of flight. The propeller
torque must thus be overcome or balanced by engine torque for a propeller section to provide
thrust. As with a wing the relative size of the components depends on the angle of attack,
with the greatest ratio of thrust to propeller torque occurring at an angle of attack of 3 or 4
degrees. As the angle of attack reduces, so the thrust similarly reduces.

There are five operational forces acting on a propeller, these are:-

¾ Centrifugal Turning Moment (CTM)

¾ Aerodynamic Turning Moment (ATM)
¾ Centrifugal Forces
¾ Thrust Bending Forces
¾ Torque Bending Forces

Centrifugal Turning Moment (CTM)

This is the tendency for the blades to turn towards fine pitch. This is a result of the
distribution of the masses within a blade that due to the centrifugal forces tend to rotate the
blade around its torsional or pitch axis towards its plane of rotation in an attempt to align the
masses with the tortional axis. (Fig. 12.13)

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-8 28 October 2003

Aerodynamic Turning Moment (ATM)

This is the tendency for the blades to turn towards coarse pitch that is due to the centre of
pressure of the blade acting ahead of the torsional axis. The higher the blade angle then the
greater the affect of ATM. (Fig. 12.14)

FIG 12.14

Centrifugal Forces

Due to the centrifugal action high stress is felt on the propeller as the blades try to pull out of
the hub. (Fig. 12.15)

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Thrust Bending Forces

Due to thrust loads the blades tend to bend forwards towards the tips where the blades are
thinnest. (Fig. 12.16)

FIG 12.16

Torque Bending Forces

This is the tendency for the propeller blades to bend back on themselves against the
direction of rotation. (Fig. 12.17)

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-10 28 October 2003

Propeller Efficiency

Propeller efficiency is defined as the ratio of thrust horsepower delivered, to the engine power
required to drive a propeller at a given rpm (brake horsepower), so that:

Thrust Horsepower
Propeller Efficiency =
Brake Horsepower

It is alternatively defined as the ratio of useful work done by the propeller in moving an
aircraft, to the work supplied by the engine. The work done by the propeller is the product of
the thrust and forward airspeed (TAS), whilst the work supplied by the engine is the torque
required to turn the propeller at a given rotational velocity (RPM), so that:

Thrust x TAS
Propeller Efficiency =
Propeller Torque x RPM

The efficiency is therefore zero when either the thrust or forward airspeed is zero. If the
airspeed is zero no work is being done in moving the aircraft, and so none of the power being
delivered by the propeller is being used.

Conversely if the thrust is zero again no work is being done in moving the aircraft.
Furthermore since the brake horsepower delivered by the engine is proportional to the
propeller torque the efficiency of the propeller will depend on the ratio of the thrust force to
propeller torque, which depends on the blade angle of attack.

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 PROPELLER
EFFICIENCY

BLADE
3/4° ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 12.18

Fig. 12.18 shows how propeller efficiency varies with blade angle of attack, which like a wing
is most efficient when the blade section angle of attack is 3 to 4 degrees. For a fixed pitch
propeller the angle of attack at any given RPM is also directly dependent on the aircraft's
forward airspeed, so this will additionally determine a propeller's efficiency (Fig. 12.19).

100
PROPELLER EFFICIENCY - PERCENT

90

80

70

60
FIXED PITCH
50

40
AVERAGE
30 PITCH ANGLE
20

10
0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
TRUE AIRSPEED - KNOTS

FIG. 12.19
Maximum efficiency thus occurs at one airspeed, and one particular blade angle of attack.
The highest efficiency obtained by a propeller is 85% to 88%. The blade angle is usually
set so that the speed for maximum efficiency is close to the cruising speed. At any other
airspeed the efficiency will be relatively low and only a small proportion of the power being
delivered by the engine will be used to propel the aircraft. Consider a fixed pitch propeller
travelling at different forward airspeeds at a constant RPM (Fig. 12.20).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-12 28 October 2003

 ROTATIONAL VELOCITY (RPM)
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW
RELATIVE
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW
AIRFLOW

HIGH OPTIMUM LOW

SPEED SPEED SPEED
FORWARD AIRSPEED (TAS)

FIG. 12.20

At low airspeeds the thrust will increase as the angle of attack is increased, but the speed is
low, so propeller efficiency is low, for example no useful work is being done when the aircraft
is held against the brakes, with the angle of attack being the same as the blade angle. At
high airspeeds the angle of attack will be minimal and the propeller efficiency will again be
low.

Forces Acting on a Windmilling Blade Section

If the rotational velocity (RPM) is reduced but the airspeed maintained, the blade angle of
attack will eventually become negative (Fig. 12.21).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 RELATIVE
AIRFLOW
NEGATIVE
ANGLE OF POSITIVE
ATTACK ANGLE OF
ATTACK

RELATIVE
AIRFLOW VARYING
ROTATIONAL
VELOCITY

CONSTANT
FORWARD AIRSPEED (TAS)

FIG. 12.21

When this occurs the total reaction will act in a rearwards direction, and its components will
also alter their orientation (Fig. 12.22).

PLANE OF
ROTATION

DIRECTION ANGLE OF
ATTACK DRAG

OF FLIGHT

TOTAL
PROPELLER REACTION
TORQUE
FORCE
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

FIG. 12.22

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-14 28 October 2003

The components of the total reaction are drag and propeller torque. The torque force no
longer opposes the blade rotation, but instead acts in the direction of rotation, and assists
its rotation, thus driving the engine. At the same time the airflow impinging on the blade back
produces a drag force, which opposes the forward flight of the aircraft. The drag force caused
by a windmilling propeller can be extremely high, and has a decelerating effect on the
aircraft.

Propeller Pitch

Due to the interaction between forward velocity and rotational velocity each propeller blade
section follows a corkscrew or helical path through the air. For example consider the helix
traced by the blade tip in one revolution (Fig. 12.23)

HELIX TRACEDBY BLADE

TIP INONE REVOLUTION

ACTUAL
PATHOF
BLADE

SLIP EFFECTIVE
PITCH
THEORETICAL DISTANCE MOVED
PERREVOLUTIONGEOMETRICPITCH

FIG. 12.23

The theoretical distance moved forward in each complete revolution is known as the
geometric pitch, although this does not take into account any losses due to inefficiency. The
actual distance moved forward in each revolution is known as the effective pitch, and the
difference between the two is known as slip, so that:

Slip = Geometric Pitch - Effective Pitch

The effective pitch is however not a fixed quantity and varies with forward airspeed, as does
the amount of slip for a given rpm.

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 DIRECTION OF
ROTATION

ANGLE OF
ATTACK
HELIX ANGLE
BLADE
ANGLE
CHORD

RELATIVE
AIRFLOW PLANE OF
ROTATION

DIRECTION SLIP EFFECTIVE PITCH

OF FLIGHT
GEOMETRIC PITCH

FIG. 12.24

Fig. 12.24 shows that slip is directly related to angle of attack, whilst the effective pitch is
governed by the helix angle (angle of advance). These two angles together constitute the
blade angle, so that:

Blade Angle = Angle of Attack + Helix Angle

The effective pitch varies with changes in angle of attack.

Disadvantages of Fixed Pitch Propellers

Because the blade angle is fixed during all phases of flight fixed pitch propellers have the
following disadvantages:

¾ They are only efficient at one particular combination of airspeed and rotational
velocity (RPM).
¾ During take-off the angle of attack is large because the airspeed is low and the
rotational velocity is high (Fig. 12.25).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-16 28 October 2003

 BLADE
ANGLE

ROTATIONAL VELOCITY
HIGH
ANGLE
OF ATTACK

LOW
SPEED

FIG. 12.25

¾ During cruise conditions the angle of attack is small, and so forward airspeeds
are limited to prevent engine overspeed (Fig. 20.26).

BLADE
ANGLE
ROTATIONAL VELOCITY

LOW ANGLE
OF ATTACK

FIG. 12.26

If good take-off performance is required the cruise performance is reduced and vice versa.
More complex single engined light aircraft, and multi-engined aircraft, use variable pitch or
constant speed propellers, where the blade angle is varied in flight.

The Variable and Constant Speed Propeller

A variable pitch propeller is of the type that the blade angle can be varied in flight so that
engine power may be fully utilised. The variable pitch propeller, which is non-governed,
was originally produced with two blade settings: a fine or low pitch for take off and climb,
and high or coarse pitch to enable full engine speed to be used for cruising.

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The introduction of an engine driven governor enables the blade angle to be altered
automatically, and is a constant speed propeller that is defined as one, the pitch setting of
which varies automatically to maintain a pre-selected constant rotational speed. Therefore the
engine and the propeller can work at their maximum efficiency, regardless of whether the
aircraft is at, Take Off, Climb, Cruise or Maximum Speed. The blade pitch is varied by the
operation of a propeller governor that controls oil flow in and out of a propeller pitch change
mechanism to move a piston, which is connected to the propeller blade, thereby changing the
pitch angle. The governor is called either a Constant Speed Unit (CSU) in the case of a
piston engine, or a Propeller Control Unit (PCU) for a turboprop. The term variable pitch is
often used when describing a constant speeding propeller.

In order for the propeller to be efficient over the whole operating range then the blade angle
needs to vary to maintain the optimum angle of attack of the blade, which is approximately 2
to 40. As forward speed is increased the blade angle needs to increase to maintain the same
angle of attack as illustrated in fig. 12.27 below. Therefore for take off condition the blade is
set to fine at the maximum RPM and as the aeroplane moves forward the governor
progressively moves the blades towards coarse maintaining the optimum angle of attack and
preventing the RPM from being exceeded. With a constant speed installation then engine
power and RPM can be separately controlled.

Power Absorption

For maximum efficiency a propeller must be capable of fully absorbing an engines

maximum power output during its normal operating range as it accelerates air rearwards. If
the engine power exceeds the propeller torque, the propeller will overspeed, causing both the
engine and propeller to become inefficient.

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-18 28 October 2003

A propeller capacity for absorbing power depends on the following design features:

¾ Blade size, e.g. diameter, chord, area.

¾ Blade section, e.g. camber, thickness.
¾ Blade angle-pitch
¾ Number of blades.

If an engine of greater power output is fitted to the aircraft any of these quantities can be
increased, although each has its own limitations, and a compromise is normally necessary in
the final propeller design. The load on the engine created by the propeller also limits the
engine speed.

The blade diameter is an important factor as the greater the diameter then the greater the tip
speeds at a lower RPM thus the tips reach sonic velocity earlier. At sonic velocity then the
compressibility effects reduce thrust and increase drag, therefore reducing the propeller
efficiency. This effect will also result in high noise levels that are unacceptable. One solution
to lower propeller noise is to have rather low tip velocity and increase the number of blades.

Propeller Solidity

Solidity is the usual method of increasing the power absorption capability of the propeller
and is a ratio between that part of the propeller disc that is solid and the circumference at a
specified radius. Normally 70% tip radius is used, as this is the most efficient region of a
propeller blade.

Solidity can be increased by two ways, increasing the number of blades or the blade chord
and can be expressed by the following formula:

Solidity = Number of blades * chord at 70% tip radius

Circumference at 70% tip radius

However there is obliviously a limit to the size and the amount of blades that can be fitted, but
modern day methods are constantly being developed like the swept sabre sword shape that
increases the solidity whilst safeguarding tip speed.

Propeller Effects on Take-off

On take-off rotation of a single engined propeller causes an aircraft to swing to one side,
particularly those fitted with a tail-dragger undercarriage. The main causes of this are:

¾ Slipstream effect.
¾ Torque reaction.
¾ Gyroscopic effect.
¾ Asymmetric blade effect.

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

To analyse these effects it is appropriate to consider a right-handed propeller, which rotates in
a clockwise direction when viewed from the cockpit.

Slipstream Effect. As the propeller rotates in a clockwise direction it imparts a

rotational flow to the air and produces a slipstream, which passes around the
fuselage, and strikes the left side of the fin (Fig. 12.28).

DIRECTION
OF PROPELLER
ROTATION
LEFT
YAW

FIG. 12.28

This causes the aircraft to yaw to the left and the actual amount of rotation imparted
to the air is dependent on the power setting. To counteract this effect right rudder
needs to be applied, but on some aircraft the fin is alternatively offset (Fig. 12.29).

SLIPSTREAM RELATIVE AIRFLOW

OFFSET FIN

FIG. 12.29

Torque Reaction. This is caused by the air trying to resist the motion of the
propeller. In doing this it tends to twist the engine and airframe in the opposite
direction to the propeller, i.e. anti-clockwise (Fig. 12.30).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-20 28 October 2003

 DIRECTION
OF PROPELLER
ROTATION

DRAG ON
LEFT WHEEL -
LEFT YAW

FIG. 12.30

This will cause the aircraft to roll to the left and whilst on the ground will place more
weight on the left wheel than the right wheel. This will effectively increase the
rolling resistance, i.e. drag, of the left wheel, thus slowing the aircraft down, and
causing it to yaw to the left.

Gyroscopic Effect. With a tail-dragger type aircraft the tail is lifted off the ground as
soon as possible during the take-off run in order to minimise drag and place the
aircraft in a flying attitude (Fig. 12.31).

TAIL LIFTING
DIRECTION ON TAKE-OFF
OF PROPELLER
ROTATION

LEFT
YAW

FIG. 12.31

As the tailwheel leaves the ground a forward force will be applied to the top of the
rotating propeller disc, tending to alter its plane of rotation in the nose-down
sense. Since the propeller disc constitutes a large rotating mass it behaves like a
basic gyroscope and tends to resist any attempt to change its plane of rotation. The
propeller disc is thus subject to gyroscopic precession and a similar force is will be
applied 90° later in the direction of the propeller rotation (Fig. 12.32).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-21 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 FORCE EXERTED HERE

PROPELLER DISC REACTS AIRCRAFT YAWS

AS IF FORCE HAS BEEN TO THE LEFT
APPLIED HERE

FIG. 12.32

This will cause a forward force to act on the right hand side of the propeller disc, and
the aircraft will yaw to the left. Conversely if an aircraft is purposely yawed to the
right in flight it will experience a nose down pitching moment due to the gyroscopic
effect of the rotating propeller. The effects on an aircraft will however be reversed if
the propeller rotates in an anti-clockwise direction when viewed from the cockpit, ie. a
left handed propeller will yaw the aircraft to the right on take-off.

Asymmetric Blade Effect. This effect occurs when the axis of rotation of the
propeller is inclined to the direction of flight. For example when the tail wheel on a
tail-dragger type aircraft is in contact with the ground it will be inclined above the
horizontal (Fig. 12.33).

LARGE
AOA

RELATIVE AIRFLOW
TO UPGOING BLADE

RELATIVE AIRFLOW
TO DOWNGOING
BLADE
SMALL
AOA

FIG. 12.33

This will cause the down-going blade to have a greater effective angle of attack
than the up-going blade, and will thus develop greater thrust (Fig. 12.34).

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-22 28 October 2003

 DOWNGOING
BLADE

T
UPGOING
BLADE

FIG. 12.34

The thrust asymmetry between the two blades will cause the aircraft to yaw to the
left on take-off. Conversely if an aircraft is flying yawed then the asymmetry of the
thrust will alternatively cause a pitching moment.

These effects all act together on take-off and yaw the aircraft in the same direction. Some
aircraft however compensate for some of these effects, eg undercarriage design and biased
trim. For example an aircraft fitted with a tricycle type undercarriage is virtually unaffected by
asymmetric blade effect and gyroscope effect because it remains in a level flight attitude
during the complete take-off run.

Propeller Icing

Ice contamination on the propeller has the same effect as ice on the wings in the way that
both reduce the efficiency of the aerofoils. The leading edge ice on the propeller will reduce
the generated thrust in the same way the lift of the wing is reduced by creating turbulent air
flow.

In the same way, as the drag of an ice contaminated aeroplane increases, the resisting force
on the propeller will increase for a given RPM and blade angle. Ice separating from the
propeller blades may cause damage to the aeroplane structure and vibration due to
propeller imbalance.

Since ice on the propeller blades reduces the available thrust then extra power may be
required from the engine to overcome the increased drag.

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-23 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 12-24 28 October 2003

 Chapter 13.

Asymmetric Flight

Introduction

If one engine on a conventional twin engined aircraft fails in flight it will adversely affect its
performance and controllability (Fig. 13.1).

THRUST

FIG. 13.1

This is because the subsequent reduction in thrust will drastically reduce the aircraft’s overall
climb capability, and if the airspeed is too low, the resulting yawing moments, due to the failed
engine, may even make the aircraft uncontrollable.

Single Engine Performance

Consider a twin piston engined aircraft in normal operation at sea level, with each engine
supplying 150 Thrust Horsepower (THP), giving a total available power output of 300 THP
with both engines operating (Fig. 13.2).

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 THP AVAILABLE
BOTH ENGINE OPERATING
300

EXCESS THRUST
HORSE POWER
THP AVAILABLE
150

HP REQUIRED

50 100 150 200

TAS

FIG. 13.2

The THP available in this example is well in excess of that required to maintain level flight
and the aircraft exhibits a good rate of climb. If one engine however fails the total power
available will be immediately reduced by 50% to 150 THP (Fig. 13.3)

THP AVAILABLE
300 BOTH ENGINES OPERATING

ONE
ENGINE
INOPERATIVE
THP
THP AVAILABLE
150

EXCESS THRUST HP REQUIRED

HORSE POWER
AVAILABLE
50 100 150 200
TAS

FIG. 13.3

Even with the propeller of the inoperative engine feathered, and the aircraft in a clean
configuration, additional drag will exist. This will lead to a significant reduction in the amount
of excess power available, which in some aircraft can be as high as 80% or more of its
original value. The aircraft’s rate of climb is thus substantially reduced during asymmetric

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-2 28 October 2003

power conditions. In some cases depending on aircraft type, gross weight, configuration and
air temperature, a situation may occur where it is impossible even to maintain level flight. For
example, consider an aircraft in its take-off configuration, i.e. with its undercarriage and flaps
lowered, where any associated increase in drag will result in a power requirement which
exceeds the amount of power available, thereby preventing an aircraft from being able to
maintain a given altitude (Fig. 13.4).

300

THP
DRAG CURVE
FLAP/LANDING GEAR
LOWERED
DRAG CURVE
AIRCRAFT CLEAN
150
INSUFFICIENT POWER
TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE

50 100 150 200

TAS

FIG. 13.4

Yawing Moments

THRUST THRUST

FIG. 13.5

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

With both engines operating on a twin engined aircraft at the same power setting, the amount
of thrust produced by each engine will be identical and their lines of action will be
symmetrically displaced about the aircraft's normal axis (Fig. 13.5).

If one engine fails in flight, the remaining thrust forces will be asymmetrically displaced,
and the aircraft will yaw in the direction of the failed engine (Fig. 13.6).

MAX THRUST

NO THRUST

MOMENT ARM

FIG. 13.6

The resulting yawing moment is a product of the thrust force and its perpendicular distance
from the aircraft's centre of gravity. Thus at any given airspeed the moment will be greatest
when the operating engine is producing maximum thrust. The strength of the yawing moment
will be also determined by how far the engine is positioned out from the aircraft's centre line,
i.e. the further away the engine is, the greater the yawing moment will be.

Aircraft engines are therefore normally located as close to the fuselage as possible to
minimise the yawing tendency if an engine fails. On propeller driven aircraft the yawing
moment is further intensified by the significant rise in drag resulting from the windmilling
propeller on the failed engine (Fig. 13.7).

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-4 28 October 2003

 THRUST

NORMAL NORMAL DRAG

DRAG

ADDITIONAL DRAG
FROM WINDMILLING
PROPELLER

FIG. 13.7

The thrust and drag forces produce a couple which acts about the aircraft's centre of gravity,
and will further increase the yawing tendency towards the failed engine. Using the rudder can
counteract this yawing tendency, e.g. if the left engine fails the rudder should be deflected to
the right, i.e. in the same direction as the operating engine (Fig. 13.8).

YAWING MOMENT

THRUST

DRAG

RUDDER
FORCE

CORRECTING MOMENT

FIG. 13.8

If the yawing moment produced by the thrust \ drag couple is balanced by the rudder force
multiplied by its distance from the centre of gravity the aircraft will continue along its original

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

flight path. The further aft the centre of gravity (X) the greater the rudder force needed
for a given set of conditions (Fig. 13.9).

THRUST THRUST

FORWARD C G
SHORT MOMENT AFT C G
LONG MOMENT ARM
ARM

RUDDER FORCE INCREASED RUDDER FORCE

FIG. 13.9

The rudder must therefore be sufficiently effective to be able to overcome the yawing moment
produced by the thrust/drag couple. The amount of force being applied by the rudder
depends on the aircraft's airspeed (IAS), so the lower the airspeed the greater the rudder
deflection required to produce the same force.

Asymmetric Blade Effect

If engine failure occurs on a twin-engined propeller aircraft the resultant loss of power will lead
to a reduction in airspeed, and a loss of lift, which may be recovered by increasing the
aircraft’s angle of attack. This will incline the propeller shaft to the relative airflow and will
place the propeller blades of the operating engine at differing effective angles of attack. The
descending blade will have a higher angle of attack than the ascending blade and will
produce greater thrust (Fig. 13.10).
LOWER ANGLE
OF ATTACK

DIRECTION OF
RELATIVE AIRFLOW ASCENDING
BLADE
INCLINATION OF
PROPELLER SHAFT

LINE OF FLIGHT

DESCENDING
BLADE

HIGHER ANGLE
OF ATTACK

FIG. 13.10

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-6 28 October 2003

The amount of thrust developed by the descending blade is further augmented by the fact
that it moves a greater distance forward than the ascending blade in a given time, and
therefore travels faster relative to the air (Fig. 13.11).

DESCENDING BLADE

ASCENDING BLADE

FIG. 13.11

These two effects combine to create a thrust line, which is slightly offset from the engines
centre line. For example if the propeller rotates in a clockwise direction (viewed from the
cockpit), the thrust line will be slightly offset to the right, thus intensifying the yawing moment
towards the failed engine (Fig. 13.12).

THRUST

NO THRUST

FIG. 13.12

Conversely if both propellers rotate in the same direction, e.g. Clock-wise, failure of the right
engine will result in a lower yawing moment, because the thrust line of the left engine is
positioned closer to the aircraft's centre line (Fig. 13.13).

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 CRITICAL ENGINE

FIG. 13.13

The left engine in this case is considered to be the critical engine, i.e. the engine whose
failure would most adversely affect the performance or handling characteristics of the
aircraft. If the propellers were left-handed the right engine would be the critical engine. To
overcome this problem some aircraft have the engines arranged so that the propeller on the
left engine rotates clock-wise, whilst the propeller on the right engine rotates anti-clockwise,
e.g. Piper Seneca (Fig. 13.14).

FIG. 13.14

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-8 28 October 2003

This ensures that the thrust lines act the same distance from the aircraft’s centre of gravity, so
that no critical engine exists, and the strength of the yawing moment towards the failed engine
is identical if either engine should fail.

The Effect of Bank

If the aircraft is banked in the direction of the operating engine it will induce sideslip, and
the rudder will become more effective at any given airspeed (Fig. 13.15).

RELATIVE
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW
AIRFLOW

FIG. 13.15

This is because the fin and rudder are presented to the airflow at an increased angle of
attack. The angle of bank should however be strictly limited, since excessive bank will
result in a large reduction in the lift force directly opposing the aircraft’s weight (Fig. 13.16).

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 REDUCTION
IN LIFT

TILTED
LIFT LINE

WEIGHT

FIG. 13.16

In order to recover the lost lift it is necessary to either increase the angle of attack or airspeed.
These actions result in increased drag, and consequently more thrust is needed to maintain a
given altitude, thus worsening the asymmetric effect. The angle of bank available to counter
the effect of engine failure is therefore limited to 5°.

The Effect of Weight

Any increase in weight will ultimately reduce the aircraft’s overall performance, but in a
banked condition it will induce greater sideslip, and the rudder will become more effective
for a given airspeed (Fig. 13.17).

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-10 28 October 2003

 RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

3000LBS 5000LBS

5000LBS
WEIGHT
3000LBS THRUST

FIG. 13.17

Thus the greater the weight, the greater the induced sideslip, and the greater the rudder
effectiveness. This benefit is however insignificant compared to the penalties associated with
any additional weight.

Rolling Moments

A secondary effect of engine failure is a rolling moment towards the failed engine, which
is mainly attributed to the variation in the wing lift distributions (Fig. 13.18).

FIG. 13.18

This is primarily due to the absence of propeller slipstream behind the failed engine and the
disturbance of the airflow behind the windmilling propeller. The aircraft will initially continue
to travel along its original flight path due to its inertia and as it yaws towards the failed engine
the outer wing will travel faster than the inner wing, and will produce more lift. This will cause
the roll towards the failed engine to be intensified. Due to sideslip, the fuselage will also shield
part of the wing on the side of the failed engine, thus weakening its lift distribution, and
intensifying the rolling moment towards the failed engine (Fig. 13.19).

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 AREA OF
REDUCED
LIFT

FIG. 13.19

Minimum Airspeeds During Asymmetric Flight

If the airspeed is too low, the amount of rudder deflection necessary to overcome the yawing
moment may be insufficient to maintain directional control. The speed at which this occurs is
known as the Minimum Control Speed (VMCA), and is the minimum airspeed at which the
aircraft can be safely controlled in the air. VMCA is defined as the limiting airspeed at which
it is still possible to maintain directional control if the critical engine suddenly fails
during the take-off and climb phases of flight, with an angle of bank of not more than
5°. VMCA should not exceed 1.2 VS with the:-

¾ Operating engine at it’s maximum available take-off power / thrust setting.

¾ Aircraft in its take-off configuration.
¾ Propeller on the failed engine windmilling.
¾ Centre of gravity as far aft as possible, and the aircraft at its maximum take-off
weight.
¾ Aircraft trimmed for take-off.

If one engine fails when the aircraft is operating close to VMCA, it is vital to reduce the drag as
soon as possible, by feathering the propeller on the failed engine.

If the critical engine fails during the take-off phase the airspeed must be maintained above
VMCG, which is the minimum control speed with the wheels still on the ground. VMCG is defined
as the minimum control speed on the ground during the take-off run when it is still
possible to maintain directional control using the rudder only. VMCG must be established
with the:

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-12 28 October 2003

 ¾ Aircraft in it’s most critical take-off configuration.
¾ Operating engine at it maximum available power / thrust setting.
¾ Centre of gravity as far aft as possible, and the aircraft at its maximum take-off
weight.
¾ Aircraft trimmed for take-off.

If the critical engine fails during the approach and landing phase of flight the airspeed must be
maintained above VMCL, which is the minimum control speed during the approach and landing.
VMCL is defined as the minimum control speed at which it is possible to maintain
directional control in the landing configuration with an angle of bank of not more than
5°. VMCL must be established with the:

¾ Aircraft in its most critical landing configuration and all engines operating.
¾ Centre of gravity as far aft as possible and the aircraft at its maximum landing
weight.
¾ Propeller on the failed engine (propeller aircraft only) in the position it achieves
without pilot action, whilst maintaining a 3° glide slope.
¾ Go- around power / thrust setting on the operating engine.

VMCL is a fixed value for a given aircraft, but VMCA and VMCG both reduce with increasing
altitude.

Turning Flight

During turning flight the main factors, which affect it under asymmetric power conditions, are
airspeed and the direction of the turn relative to the failed engine. For example consider an
aircraft where the left engine has failed and the yawing and rolling moments have been
stabilised using right rudder. To initiate and hold a balanced left turn the amount of right
rudder needed to counteract the yaw will have to be reduced, whilst a balanced right turn will
require additional right rudder under the same conditions. If the airspeed is too low, turning
towards the operating engine may reduce the control forces to a critical level. At low
indicated airspeeds it is therefore necessary to limit turns to only small angles of bank,
since rudder deflection may become insufficient to maintain a balanced turn.

Recognition of a Failed Engine

In steady level flight an engine failure on a twin engined aircraft will cause roll and yaw in the
direction of the failed engine unless corrective action is taken. Similarly if an engine fails
during a climbing or level turn the aircraft will tend to yaw towards the failed engine. Any
engine failure in these conditions is therefore easily recognisable and the aircraft will continue
to remain controllable provided the airspeed remains above VMCA. Under low power
conditions and relatively high airspeeds, e.g. during the descent, the yaw and roll forces
resulting from an engine failure will be relatively small. An engine failure under these
conditions will not be easily recognisable.

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 13-14 28 October 2003

 Chapter 14.

High Speed Flight

Introduction

During high-speed flight range significant changes occur in the flow and pressure distributions
around the aircraft, which result in a loss of lift and an increase in drag. This is caused by the
formation of shock waves, which adversely effect the stability and control characteristics of
the aircraft. Aircraft designed to fly at high Mach numbers therefore incorporate features,
which are designed to minimise these effects.

The Speed of Sound

The Speed of Sound is defined as the rate at which small pressure disturbances are
propagated through the air, which is solely a function of air temperature (Fig. 14.1).

50
40
30
TEMP - DEGREES CENTIGRADE

20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
570 590 610 630 650 670 690 700
KNOTS

FIG. 14.1

The speed of sound is therefore solely dependent on the ambient air temperature and varies
with altitude as illustrated in the following table.

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 ALTITUDE (ft) TEMPERATURE (°C) SPEED OF SOUND (Knots)
Sea Level 15.0 661.7
5000 5.1 650.3
10000 -4.8 638.6
15000 -14.7 626.7
20000 -24.6 614.6
25000 -34.5 602.2
30000 -44.4 598.6
35000 -54.3 576.6
40000 -56.5 573.8
50000 -56.5 573.8
60000 -56.5 573.8

The speed of sound at sea level is approximately 660 Knots and steadily reduces up to the
base of the tropopause, where after it remains constant.

Fully subsonic aircraft can be heard approaching because they send out pressure
disturbances, or waves in all directions, which travel at the Speed of Sound. This enables an
approaching aircraft to be heard, and more importantly for the aircraft, the air to be warned of
its approach. The sound is transmitted to ones ears by way of a series of molecular collisions.
Conversely aircraft travelling supersonically can not be heard because the air ahead gets no
warning of their approach, and no molecular collisions take place.

Pressure Waves From a Moving Source

If the object is moving at a speed less than the local speed of sound, sound waves will move
out from the source in all directions, but will tend to be closer together ahead of the source
than behind it (Fig. 14.2)

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-2 28 October 2003

 1
2

-A
4 3 2 1

FIG. 14.2

The waves maintain their separation and have no tendency to bunch up. As long as the
pressure waves continue to travel faster than the source a disturbance will occur ahead of the
object as a normal wave under subsonic flow conditions. If the source is moving at the speed
of sound, the waves will no longer move ahead of the source and will bunch up to form a
normal Mach wave, which acts at right angles to the direction to the direction of movement
(Fig. 14.3).

1
2
NORMAL MACH WAVE

-A
3 2 1

FIG. 14.3

If the source travels faster than the wave progression, i.e. at a speed greater than the speed
of sound, a supersonic flow condition will exist and the waves will pile up on each other to
form a boundary beyond which no wave passes. This boundary is called the ‘Oblique Mach
Wave’, and the angle it makes with the flight path is called the ‘Mach Angle’ (Fig. 14.4).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 1
2
MACH 2.0 MACH
3
-4 ANGLE 300 DIRECTION OF
FLIGHT

OBLIQUE
MACH WAVE

FIG. 14.4

The Mach Wave is inclined backwards to form a Mach Cone and as the speed of the object
increases the angle of the cone or ‘Mach Angle’ becomes more acute. The Mach Cone
described later under supersonic flight.

Nature of Compressibility

Air is termed incompressible whenever it undergoes changes in pressure without apparent

changes in density, ie. air is analogous to the flow of water, hydraulic fluid or any other
incompressible fluid. If air was fully incompressible, the speed at which pressure
disturbances travelled would be infinite. The disturbance created by the aircraft would thus
be felt everywhere instantaneously, regardless of the aircraft speed. Air is however
compressible a change in density and temperature accompanies a change in pressure. The
speed of propagation of the pressure waves therefore has a finite value, which is directly
related to the Speed of Sound. The principle difference between low subsonic and
supersonic airflow, is that supersonic airflow is compressible. Any change in the velocity or
pressure of the supersonic airflow will result in a change in density. The following table
identifies the main differences between subsonic and supersonic airflow in a stream-tube:-

SUBSONIC FLOW SUPERSONIC FLOW

CONVERGING increasing velocity, decreasing velocity,
CHANNEL decreasing static pressure, increasing static pressure,
constant density increasing density
DIVERGING CHANNEL decreasing velocity, increasing velocity,
increasing static pressure, decreasing static
constant density pressure, reducing density

Mach Number

Mach number is named after Ernst Mach, an Austrian physicist, and is the ratio of the actual
speed of a body or flow, to the speed of sound in the surrounding atmosphere, so that:

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-4 28 October 2003

 The Speed of a body or flow V
Mach Number (M) = =
The Speed of Sound in the same region a
For example, if an aircraft is travelling at half the speed of sound the Mach number will be 0.5.
From the basic Mach number the following definitions can be derived:

Free Stream Mach Number (MFS). This is the Mach number of the airflow
sufficiently remote from the aircraft so as not to be affected by it, so that:

Aircrafts True Airspeed TAS

MFS = =
Local speed of Sound LSS

Local Mach Number (ML). This is the actual speed of the flow over a surface. For
example the airflow accelerates as it passes over a wings surface, so that the local
Mach number on top of the wing is always greater than the free stream Mach number
(Fig. 14.5).

.78 .82 .78

.74 .74

M = .70 M = .70

FIG. 14.5

For a given aerofoil section and free stream Mach number the local Mach number
also varies directly with changes in the angle of attack.

Critical Mach Number (MCRIT). This is the value of the free stream Mach number
when the local Mach number first becomes sonic anywhere on an aircraft, which
normally initially occurs on the upper surface of an aircraft's wing near to the point of
maximum thickness (Fig. 14.6).

.95 1.00 .95

.90 .90

M = .85 M = .85
(CRITICAL M ACH No
NUM BER)

FIG. 14.6

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Flight Speed Classifications

In flight the airspeed of an aircraft determines whether the airflow is travelling subsonically or
supersonically around the aircraft:-

Subsonic. Aircraft speeds approximately Mach 0.75 or less, where the total airflow
around an aircraft is travelling at a speed less than the speed of sound.

Transonic. Aircraft speeds between Mach 0.75 and Mach 1.2, where the airflow
around an aircraft is partly subsonic, and partly supersonic.

Supersonic. Aircraft speeds between Mach 1.2 and Mach 5.0, where the total
airflow around an aircraft is travelling at a speed greater than the speed of sound.

Comparison of Subsonic and Supersonic Flow Patterns

As an object moves through the air, velocity and pressure changes occur, which create
pressure disturbances in the airflow surrounding the object. In subsonic flow, a pressure
wave is set up ahead of the object, which results in upwash and causes the flow to change
direction well ahead of the leading edge (Fig. 14.7)

FLO W CHANG ESDIRECTIO N W ELL

AHE AD O F LEADING EDGE

FIG. 14.7

In supersonic flow, where the object is travelling at speeds in excess of the speed of sound,
the pressures acting upon it will not influence the flow ahead of the object. It will only be
influenced when the air particles are suddenly forced out of the way by a concentrated
pressure wave set up by the object (Fig. 14.8).

EXPANSION WAVE
SHOCK WAVE

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-6 28 October 2003

 SHOCK WAVE

NO CHANGE OF FLOW DIRECTION

APPARENT AHEAD OF LEADING EDGE
FIG. 14.8

The Development of Shock Waves

When aircraft fly through the air every part of them sets up tiny pressure disturbances, which
radiate outwards at the speed of sound in all directions. This is similar to the ripples produced
when a stone is dropped into stagnant water, where the resulting pressure waves travel
outwards from the source in expanding spheres, each travelling at the speed of sound (Fig.
14.9).

1
2
3
4

FIG. 14.9

At low subsonic airspeeds, eg. Mach 0.6, the disturbances travel forward faster than the
oncoming flow, thus warning the air ahead of the aircraft’s approach. As the air flows over the
wing it accelerates, but remains fully subsonic, and no shock wave will form (Fig. 14.10).

S U B S O N IC F L O W S E P A R A T IO N
S U B S O N IC P O IN T

FLOW M = 0.6
S U B S O N IC F L O W
F IG . 1 4 .1 0

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

With increasing Mach number the flow over the wing continues to accelerate and eventually
reaches a sonic value at a particular point on the wing, normally the point of maximum
thickness (Fig. 14.11).

AIRFLOW REACHES
SONIC VALUE
SUBSONIC
FLOW SUBSONIC
SUBSONIC FLOW M = 0.75
FLOW (CRITICAL MACH
NUMBER)
SUBSONIC FLOW

FIG. 14.11

The aircraft is now travelling at its critical Mach number with the airflow either side of this
point remaining subsonic. With increasing Mach number this point grows into an area of
supersonic flow, so the air moving over the upper surface will now be moving rearwards faster
than the pressure disturbances can move forwards. These disturbances consequently pile up
on each other and form a shock wave (Fig. 14.12).

SUPERSONIC NORMAL SHOCK

FLOW
WAVE
SEPARATION OF
SUBSONIC FLOW
BOUNDARY LAYER
SUBSONIC
FLOW
M = 0.77 SUBSONIC FLOW M = 0.77
PRESSURE DISTURBANCES CANNOT MAKE
HEADWAY AGAINST SUPERSONIC FLOW

FIG. 14.12

The shock wave acts perpendicular or normal to the surface, and is more commonly referred
to as normal shock wave. Notably this occurs where the flow changes from supersonic back
to subsonic. With increasing Mach number the shock wave grows in intensity and moves
rearwards with a greater portion of the upper surface being covered by supersonic flow.
The overall direction of the airflow remains the same, but as it passes through the shock wave
the following changes take place:

¾ The flow is rapidly decelerated to a subsonic Mach number.

¾ The static pressure is substantially increased.
¾ The density of the air is suddenly increased.
¾ The kinetic energy of the boundary layer is substantially reduced.

At Mach 0.82 a weak shock wave also forms on the lower surface of the wing (Fig. 14.13).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-8 28 October 2003

 SUBSONIC FLOW
SUPERSONIC
FLOW NORMAL SHOCK

SEPARATION
SUBSONIC
FLOW M = 0.82

NORMAL SHOCK

SUBSONIC FLOW

FIG. 14.13

As the free stream Mach number approaches the speed of sound the areas of supersonic
flow continue to grow as both shock waves increase in intensity and move rearwards
(Fig. 14.14).

SUBSONIC FLOW
SUPERSONIC
FLOW
NORMAL SHOCK
SUBSONIC
FLOW M = 0.95
M = 0.95

NORMAL SHOCK

SUBSONIC FLOW

FIG. 14.14

At speeds just above the speed of sound (M 1.05) another shock wave appears ahead of the
wing, which is known as a bow wave, and the original shock waves move to the trailing edge
(Fig. 14.15).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 SUPERSONIC

SUPERSONIC
FLOW
M = 1.05 SUBSONIC M = 1.05

SUBSONIC
AIRFLOW

SUPERSONIC
"BOW WAVE" FLOW SUPERSONIC

FIG. 14.15

Behind this shock wave a small region of subsonic flow exists, but everywhere else the flow is
supersonic. Finally when the flow is fully supersonic (M 2.0), fully developed bow and tail
waves firmly attach themselves at the leading and trailing edges respectively (Fig. 14.16).

SUPERSONIC SUPERSONIC
SUPERSONIC
FLOW
M = 2.0
SUPERSONIC
SUPERSONIC

FULLY DEVELOPED FULLY DEVELOPED

BOW WAVE TAIL WAVE

FIG. 14.16

The Mach number when this occurs is called the ‘Shock Attachment Mach number’ (MSA).

Shock Stall

At airspeeds above the critical Mach number the formation of a shock wave and its
associated pressure gradient results in a significant increase in drag and a reduction in
lift (Fig. 14.17).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-10 28 October 2003

 E F F E CT O F S H O C K W AV E M = 2
S U D D E N IN C R E AS E
PRESSURE
SUCTION ON UPPER

IN P R E S S U R E

FLOW OVER WING

SURFACE OF WING

LOCAL SPEED OF
D E C R E A S IN G

M = 1
M C R IT
L O C AL
SPEED OF FLOW
D R O P S T O M C R IT
M = 0
L .E . T .E .
S U B S O N IC S U P E R S O N IC S U B S O N IC
FLOW

FIG . 14.17

This results from the sudden increase in pressure across the shock wave, which causes
localised heating of the air, and the eventual separation of the boundary layer behind the
shock wave. At airspeeds just above the critical Mach number the increase in drag is mainly
due to the loss of kinetic energy used in heating the air, which needs to be continuously
supplied by the engines.

With increasing Mach number the strength of the shock wave steadily increases, as
does the size of the adverse pressure gradient, and this determines the point at which the
boundary layer separates from the surface. Both upper and lower surface shock waves can
cause separation of the airflow, and as in the case of a conventional low speed stall, the
larger the adverse pressure gradient the larger is its associated turbulent wake (Fig. 14.18).

FIG. 14.18

When separation firstly occurs the coefficient of lift begins to fall and the coefficient of drag
begins to rise rapidly (Fig. 14.19).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 CRITICAL MACH NUMBER
CRITICAL MACH NUMBER
START OF SHOCK STALL

START OF SHOCK STALL

(DRAG DIVERGENCE
COEFFICIENT OF DRAG
COEFFICIENT OF LIFT

SPEED)
MACH NUMBER 0.75 0.8 1.0 MACH NUMBER 0.75 0.8 1.0

FIG. 14.19

This is called the ‘shock stall’. It differs from a conventional low speed stall because it
normally occurs at low angles of attack, although with increasing angles of attack the stall will
occur at a lower Mach number. The combined effect of the energy loss across, and the
turbulent wake behind the shock wave is called ‘wave drag ‘(Fig. 14.20).

BOUNDARY
LAYER
DRAG SEPARATION

WAVE DRAG
ENERGY
DRAG
DRAG DIVERGENCE SPEED

MACH NUMBER

FIG. 14.20

The drag varies significantly from the standard drag curve at the ‘drag divergence speed’,
and the associated increase in drag is known as the ‘transonic drag rise’. This is similar to
a conventional low airspeed stall since the separation of the boundary layer during the shock
stall also results in buffeting of the aircraft, and a reduction in control effectiveness.

As the upper layer surface shock wave moves rearwards with increasing Mach number, the
region of shock induced separation reduces, and once the lower surface shock is established
at the trailing edge some measure of recovery may occur. A common characteristic of
shock wave induced separation is the increasing severity of buffet intensity with
increasing Mach number. In fact, it is possible that the maximum angle of attack may not

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-12 28 October 2003

be achievable due to this severe buffet intensity. The aircraft’s manoeuvring capability (load
factor) will also be reduced

The Effect of Altitude on the Shock Stall

Apart from the engine limitations, which affect an aircraft’s maximum attainable altitude, it is
also determined by the height at which an aircraft can fly without stalling (Fig. 14.21).

TRUE AIRSPEED (METRES PER SECOND)

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
100
HEIGHT (THOUSANDS OF FEET)

80

60

POSSIBLE SPEED
40 TROPOPAUSE RANGE OF FLIGHT
BETWEEN LOW
SPEED & HIGH
SPEED SHOCK
STALL
20
HIGH SHOCK
A of A STALL
STALL SPEED
SEA LEVEL SPEED SEA LEVEL
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
TRUE AIRSPEED (KNOTS)
SUBSONIC SPEED RANGE OF FLIGHT - TRUE AIR SPEEDS

FIG. 14.21

Stalling can occur conventionally at low airspeeds and high angles of attack, or at high
airspeeds due to shock stall. A specified range of flight speeds is attainable between the two
limits at a given altitude.

The margin between the two types of stall however narrows with increasing altitude.
Notably the true airspeed of the low speed stall will increase with increasing altitude for a
given indicated airspeed, whilst the true airspeed of the shock stall will reduce up to the base
of the tropopause, and there after will remain constant. During manoeuvres the two stalls
will occur at considerably lower altitudes, because the high angle of attack stalling speed
will increase, whilst the shock stalling speed will decrease.

The point at which the two stalls coincide is often referred to as Coffin Corner. The altitude
that that is eventually reached at which an aircraft can fly at one airspeed in a 1g manoeuvre
is called the Aerodynamic Ceiling. Since this condition has no safety margin then aircraft
must be operated within a buffet margin of 0.3g therefore it is normal to draw a buffet onset
boundary chart for 1.3g.

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Buffet Onset Boundary Chart

This chart is specific to a particular type of aircraft and shows the relationship of altitude,
load factor, cruise data, weight, Mach number and IAS (Fig. 14.22). The chart can be
used to find (1) the manoeuvre margin in terms of load factor and bank angle and (2) the
low and high speed buffet for 1g flight. For example, given the following data: Airspeed of
M 0.72, a flight level of 350, a CG of 10% MAC and a gross mass of 50000 kg.

1. Entering the chart at point A with the airspeed of M 0.72, a line is drawn vertically up
until it intersects the flight level curve of 35000 ft at point B. Now a horizontal line is
drawn to the right until it intersects the CG reference line at point C. From point C a
line is drawn back following the slope to point D that is the 10% MAC point. Now a
line is drawn horizontally to the right until it intersects the gross weight curve at point
E. A line is then drawn vertically downwards to intersect the load factor and bank
angle scale to determine the values for the initial buffet, in this case 1.47g and 470
respectively.

2. Entering the chart at the 1g position a line is drawn vertically upwards until it
intersects the gross weight curve at point F. From point F a horizontal line is drawn to
the left to the 10% CG position and back to the CG reference line and then to the left
to intersect the flight level curve of 35000 ft at point G. From this point a vertical line
is drawn down until it intersects the speed scale at M0.814, which is the 1g high
speed buffet boundary. To find the 1g low speed buffet boundary the horizontal line
from point G is continued to point H on the flight level curve. A vertical line is drawn
down until it intersects the speed scale, giving a speed of M 0.54 or 178 kts.

If the aircraft is assigned a different flight level but maintains its IAS the Mach number will
vary, e.g. if the altitude reduces the Mach number will reduce. This is particularly
important if the aircraft is assigned a higher altitude than expected by Air Traffic Control, and
the pilot needs to be aware of the aircraft’s margin to buffet.

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-14 28 October 2003

 FIG 14 22

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Methods of Reducing or Delaying the Transonic Drag Rise

Due to the fact that undesirable effects are associated with shock waves various design
features are used to either overcome, or reduce these effects. In subsonic jet aircraft this is
achieved by using designs, which increase the value of MCRIT, so that the aircraft enters the
transonic range at a higher airspeed. Other aircraft incorporate features, which are designed
not to delay the onset of transonic flow, but instead to minimise the adverse effects. Various
design features that affect the wing and tailplane of the aircraft are used to accomplish this:-

Wing Section. The following design features of a wing section are used to increase
MCRIT:

¾ Low thickness/chord ratio.

¾ Maximum thickness well aft.
¾ Small leading edge radius of curvature.

Wing Planform. This design has the most significant effect on MCRIT. . It not only
delays the shock stall, but also significantly reduces the severity when it occurs.
If a wing has sweepback the effective chord (parallel to the aircraft’s longitudinal axis)
will be lengthened, but the wing's thickness will remain unchanged (Fig. 14.23).

ANGLE OF SWEEPBACK

FREE STREAM
AIRFLOW

NORMAL
CHORD

EFFECTIVE
CHORD

FIG. 14.23

This will reduce the thickness/chord ratio of the wing. This will result in a higher
value of MCRIT, and will delay the transonic drag rise (Fig. 14.24).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-16 28 October 2003

 UNSWEPT WING
C
D
MODERATE SWEEPBACK

HIGH SWEEPBACK
DELAYED
TRANSONIC
DRAG RISE

1.0 M

FIG. 14.24

Thus the greater the sweepback the higher the value of MCRIT, and the greater the
reduction in drag under all transonic speeds. Although sweepback is a great
asset in increasing the critical Mach number it does have a number of disadvantages,
which are:

¾ A reduction in the coefficient of lift, which increases stall speed.

¾ Wing tip stalling leading to pitch-up.
¾ Low aspect ratio leading to increased induced drag at high angles of
attack, which is particularly dangerous during take-off and landing.

The Tailplane. The tailplane behaves similarly to the wing, where shock associated
drag is reduced by utilising thin sections and sweepback. The tailplane is also
designed to have a higher critical Mach number than the wing, so that shock stall
can be avoided, and full elevator efficiency maintained.

Transonic Area Rule

Regardless of the aircraft’s configuration there is always additional drag due to interference
between the various components. Interference drag can reach extremely large values at
transonic airspeeds, and thus to minimise it the cross-sectional area along its complete
length must follow a smooth pattern, with the area gradually increasing to a maximum, and
then decreasing again giving the optimum area distribution (Fig. 14.25).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 AREA
WING

FUSELAGE TAIL

LENGTH ALONG LONGITUDINAL AXIS

FIG. 14.25

Supercritical Wings

To reduce the severity of the shock stall, and allow aircraft to travel faster some modern jet
transport category aircraft have supercritical wings. The point of maximum thickness is
positioned close to the trailing edge, and the upper surface has a very slight curvature.
This ensures that the localised Mach number remains just above the critical Mach number,
and results in a flattish pressure distribution over the majority of the upper surface (Fig.
14.26).

SUPERCRITICAL

FLOW STARTS TO SUPERSONIC FLOW TERMINATED

MACH NUMBER

BE SUPERSONIC BY A GRADUAL DECELERATION;

NO SHOCK WAVE
1.0
MACH NUMBER ON UPPER
SURFACE OF WING

50 100
PERCENTAGE OF CHORD

FIG. 14.26

This ensures that the flow will gradually decelerate near the trailing edge, to a subsonic
speed, to discourage the formation of shock waves. The wings are thicker at the root than
conventional wings and more fuel can be stored in them. The increased thickness at the root
also allows the wings to be of lighter construction. These wings also have less sweepback,
giving them a higher aspect ratio, and thus better lift characteristics at a given angle of
attack.

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-18 28 October 2003

Control Problems in Transonic Flight

When shock waves form on the aircraft's wing the shock induced separation behind them,
can lead to vibration and control surface ineffectiveness (Fig. 14.27).

SHOCK WAVE

SHOCK INDUCED
SEPARATION

FIG. 14.27

The disturbed airflow over the control surfaces may cause uncommanded erratic
movements, although this will not directly affect the air ahead of the shock wave, because
the resulting pressure disturbances are prevented from travelling forwards. The pressure
distribution over the front of the wing is however altered; which will vary the position of the
wing’s centre of pressure, and it’s overall pitching moment. This will alter the wings angle of
attack, and will result in rapid backwards and forwards movements of the shock waves.
A kind of instability will be set up, and the rapid changes in the pressure distribution will result
in vibration of the whole aircraft. This is primarily due to the distributed airflow behind the
shock wave hitting the tailplane. If shock waves form on the control surfaces it will also
affect the stick forces by altering their hinge moments (Fig. 14.28).

F F
SHOCK WAVE
d d

CENTRE OF
HINGE PRESSURE
HINGE LINE

FIG. 14 28

Since the hinge moment, which opposes the movement of the control surfaces is the product
of the force acting through its centre of pressure times its distance from the hinge line, it will
fluctuate, as will the stick force in phase with any shock wave movement. Thus any rearward

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-19 ©Atlantic Flight Training

movement of the shock wave acting on the control surface will result in increasing stick
forces. This will reach a maximum value when the shock wave is at the trailing edge (Fig.
14.29).

HINGE LINE F SHOCK WAVE

CENTRE OF PRESSURE

FIG. 14.29

If the centre of pressure moves ahead of the hinge-line transitory overbalance will occur and
control surface reversibility will take place (Fig. 14.30).

SHOCK WAVE

FIG. 14.30

Since the shock waves move quickly with changes in control surface deflection the effect will
be felt on the flight deck as snatching or buffeting, depending on the position of the control
surface. The disturbed air resulting from shock induced separation also precludes the use of
aerodynamic balance methods, in particular tabs, so power operated controls are normally
used in preference to manually operated controls. Other methods used to overcome these
control problems are:

¾ All moving surfaces.

¾ Surfaces of low thickness/chord ratio.
¾ Larger control surfaces.
¾ The position of the tailplane.
¾ The fitment of vortex generators.

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-20 28 October 2003

Vortex Generators

These are small wing like surfaces, which are fitted in front of the control surface, and project
vertically upwards into the airstream (Fig. 14.31). They operate by forcing high-energy air into
the boundary layer, thus enabling it to overcome the adverse pressure gradient caused by the
shock wave, and thus delaying its separation.

FIG. 14.31

The Effect of Transonic Flight on Aircraft Trim and Stability

In transonic flight it is the nature of the airflow behind a shock wave, which determines the
stability characteristics of the aircraft. The common effects are:-

Longitudinal Stability. This is the most commonly affected form of stability. It is

determined by movement of the centre of pressure, coupled with changes in the
coefficient of lift, and the amount of downwash acting on the tailplane. In straight
and level flight at low subsonic airspeeds the centre of pressure is typically located aft
of the centre of gravity (Fig. 14.32).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-21 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 LIFT

DOWNWASH
TAIL
MOMENT

TAILPLANE
CG CP

WING
MOMENT

WEIGHT

FIG. 14.32

This will result in a nose-down pitching moment, which must be counteracted by

placing a small download on the tailplane. If the shock stall occurs any lift aft of the
shock wave will be destroyed, and the tailplane will become covered in disturbed
airflow (Fig. 14.33).
LIFT
DOWNWASH
ELIMINATED
SHOCK WAVE

TOTAL
PITCHING CG CP
MOMENT

WING
MOMENT CHANGE IN RELATIVE
TAIL AIRFLOW OVER THE
MOMENT TAILPLANE
WEIGHT

FIG. 14.33

The downwash acting on the tailplane will consequently be eliminated causing a

smooth and radical change in its angle of attack. The angle of attack will become
more positive and the download acting on the tailplane will become an upload, which
in conjunction with the wing pitching moment will cause a violent nose-down
pitching moment, known as ‘tuck-under’. The exact nature and strength of the
changes in trim and stability will however be dependent on the design of the aircraft.

Lateral Stability. Disturbances about the longitudinal axis are often encountered in
transonic flight and are characterised as a wing heavy tendency as the critical Mach

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-22 28 October 2003

 number is exceeded. This occurs because shock waves do not always form
simultaneously, nor at identical places on opposite wings. The design features, which
normally provide lateral stability, may consequently reverse the effect, and will
aggravate a dropping wing. This occurs because the downgoing wing sideslips
and causes the airflow to accelerate. This will intensify the shock wave and will
cause the wing to drop further.

Directional Stability. This form of stability is affected by the variation in wing shock
wave formations, which results in different drag characteristics. For example if a
shock wave first forms on the left wing, the associated increase in drag will cause the
aircraft to yaw in the same direction. Whilst yawing to the left the airflow will then
accelerate over the right wing, so intensifying the shock wave and increasing the
drag. This process is thus self-perpetuating and will result in snaking or Dutch roll,
depending on the lateral and directional characteristics of the aircraft

Mach Trim

To guard against nose tuck under frequent pitch trim changes are required. This is carried
out by a variable incidence tailplane, which is automatically positioned by way of a Mach Trim
System. This system is designed to aid aircraft longitudinal stability, and ensures that the
forward stick forces increase proportionally with increasing Mach number. It is operational at
high Mach numbers in the Transonic speed range.

Supersonic Flight

The supersonic flight range starts at about Mach 1.2 to 1.3, depending on the individual
aircraft design. The airflow about a surface varies immensely from that in transonic flight and
forms a series of oblique shock waves and expansion waves.

Oblique Shock Wave

An oblique shock wave is a compression wave and is similar to a normal shock wave, except
that the airflow changes direction into a corner and its velocity decreases to a lower
supersonic value (Fig. 14.34).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-23 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 V1 > V2
P1 < P2
T1 < T2 OBLIQUE
SHOCK WAVE
ρ1 < ρ2

WAVE ANGLE

V2 P2 T2 ρ2
V1 P1 T1 ρ1
SUPERSONIC FLOW
WEDGE

FIG. 14.34

The wave angle depends on the Mach number of the approaching flow, and the angle of the
wedge. This type of shock wave is weaker than the normal shock wave, but the energy loss
still has to be overcome by the aircraft engines. As the air passes through an oblique shock
wave its pressure, temperature and density all increase.

Mach Cone

Only the region behind the oblique shock wave will be affected by disturbances and is
sometimes referred to as the zone of action. The region ahead of the oblique shock wave is
not affected by the disturbances, and is called the zone of silence. In three dimensions the
disturbances emanating from the moving body expands outwards as spheres and not circles.
When the speed is above Mach 1 these spheres are enclosed within a cone, the Mach Cone
and it is within the Mach Cone that disturbances are felt.

If the source of the disturbance is a wing then the Mach Lines generate two oblique plane
waves forming a wedge.

Expansion Wave

Expansion waves are the opposite of shock waves (compression waves), and form where the
airstream turns around a convex corner (Fig.14.35).

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-24 28 October 2003

 V1 < V2
P1 > P2
T1 > T2
EXPANSION WAVE
ρ1 > ρ2

SUPERSONIC FLOW V1
V2
P1
P2
T1
T2
ρ1
ρ2

FIG. 14.35

Pressure, temperature and density all decrease as the air flows through an expansion
wave. The velocity of the air also increases to a higher supersonic value as it passes
through the wave, but no energy is lost, and lift is produced as the static pressure decreases.
This is the main reason for using double wedge aerofoils for supersonic flight, although the
subsonic characteristics will be very poor. To avoid these subsonic problems circular arc or
bi-convex aerofoil sections are used, which uses two arcs of circles to define their shape.

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-25 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Summary of Supersonic Wave Characteristics

Below is a table summarising the changes that occur as the airflow passes through various
forms of supersonic waves.

Normal Shock Wave Oblique Shock Expansion Wave

(Compression) Wave (No Shock)
(Compression)
Change of Direction No Change “Into a Corner” where “Around a Corner”
of Flow it turns into the where it turns away
preceding airflow from the preceding
airflow
Effect on Velocity Decreases to Decreases but Increases to a Higher
and Mach No Subsonic Speed remains Supersonic Supersonic Speed
Effect on Static Large Increase Increases Decreases
Pressure

Effect on Density Large Increase Increases Decreases

Effect on Large Increase Increases Decreases

Temperature
Effect on Total Large Decrease Decreases No Change since
Pressure there is no Shock

ATPL Principles of Flight 14-26 28 October 2003

 Chapter 15.

Flight in Adverse Weather Conditions

Introduction

When considering flight in adverse weather conditions it is vital to know how windshear and
any accumulation of ice or frost on the aircraft will affect its flight performance. Either
condition will seriously affect the aircraft's climb capability, and may even prove fatal if
ignored.

The Effect of Ice, Frost and Snow on the Aircraft’s Performance

Any accumulation of ice, frost or snow on the main surfaces of the aircraft will have a
detrimental effect on its overall performance and handling characteristics. The most
critical areas of contamination are the wings and tail surfaces for frost, snow or ice, and the
engines and pitot-static systems for ice (Fig. 15.1).

WING & TAIL SURFACES

ENGINES

PITOT-STATIC SYSTEM

FIG. 15.1

The most important areas are the wings and tailplane, where the lift capability depends on
the section shape and camber. For example a clean modern wing will produce approximately
twice the amount of lift developed by a flat plate at the same angle of attack. If the aerofoil is
contaminated with frost, snow or ice its maximum lift capability will steadily deteriorate
and under severe contamination may reduce to that achievable from a flat plate (Fig. 15.2).

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 COEFFICIENT
OF LIFT

CLEAN

ICE

FLAT PLATE FROST

ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 15.2

Any surface contamination will reduce the aircraft's stalling angle of attack and it’s overall
climb performance. Pitch and roll pre-stall flight characteristics may also occur before the
stick shaker activates during a normal take-off.

The Effects of Contamination on Maximum Wing Lift Capability

The formation of ice along a wing's leading edge will greatly alter its aerodynamic contour
and will also lead to premature separation of the boundary layer. This will reduce the
wing's stalling angle of attack, and also its maximum coefficient of lift by up to 50% (Fig.
15.3).

POTENTIAL DROP
CLEAN
COEFFICIENT
OF LIFT

ICE

CONTAMINATED HIGH LIFT SHAPE

ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 15.3

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-2 28 October 2003

The formation of ice will additionally increase the aircraft's gross weight, and may even
increase the stalling speed by up to 30%. Ice on the surface’s will also cause a large
increase in drag, and will require additional thrust for the aircraft to be able to maintain steady
level flight (Fig. 15.4)

INCREASE IN STALLING SPEED

THRUST & DRAG INCREASE IN DRAG

CLEAN WING

CONTAMINATED WING

SPEED

FIG. 15.4

By comparison a coating of hard frost will not significantly alter a wings aerodynamic contour,
but it will produce a surface of considerable roughness (Fig. 15.5).

LIFT LIFT
HIGH LIFT

DROP
IN LIFT

CLEAN ROUGH

- INCREASING SURFACE ROUGHNESS +

FIG. 15.5

The roughness of frost is similar to that of sandpaper and produces a proportionately large
increase in skin friction, which results in a substantial reduction in boundary layer energy.
A wing contaminated with frost will thus stall at a lower angle of attack compared to a
clean wing, and will also have a reduced maximum coefficient of lift (Fig. 15.6).

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 POTENTIAL DROP

COEFFICIENT
OF LIFT
CLEAN WING

FROST ON WING

ICE ON WING

ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 15.6

The overall reduction in these values is however not normally as great as those associated
with an ice contaminated wing.

The Effects of Contamination on Flaps and Slats

Most transport category aircraft are fitted with a combination of slotted trailing edge flaps and
leading edge slats, to improve the low speed handling characteristics, and any
contamination will have a detrimental effect on their overall efficiency. Firstly consider a
slotted flap, which operates by venting high energy air through a slot, to re-energise the low
energy upper surface boundary layer, and delay the separation of the airflow over the flap
(Fig. 15.7).

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-4 28 October 2003

 LOW ENERGY
BOUNDARY LAYER

RE-ENERGISED
BOUNDARY LAYER

ACCELERATION
OF THE AIRFLOW

STAGNATION SEPARATION
POINT FROM THE FLAP

FIG. 15.7

Air passing through the slot from the lower surface will increase the flap lift capability, reduce
the thickness of the separation wake behind the flap, and give an overall reduction in profile
drag. Any upper surface contamination will reduce the energy possessed by the
boundary layer, and will result in earlier separation of the airflow. This will lead to a
reduction in the flap lift capability, and will increase the form drag (Fig. 15.8)

IC E O R FRO ST AT L EADING EDG E

AND UPP ER SUR FAC E

E ARL IER SE PAR AT IO N

FRO ST O R SLU SH INCRE ASE D

F O RM DRAG
O N LO W ER SURF AC E
ICE IN SLOT S

F IG . 15.8

A coating of frost or frozen slush on the lower surface of the wing will also act to decelerate
the flow, and will further reduce the energy possessed by the upper surface boundary layer.
This will result in earlier separation of the airflow, and if ice forms in the slot the condition
will be worsened. Slats operate in the same way as slotted flaps by venting high velocity air
into the upper surface boundary layer (Fig. 15.9).

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 ACCELERATED FLOW

STAGNATION POINT

FIG. 15.9

This will produce a 20-50% increase in the maximum coefficient of lift, but if ice forms on the
leading edge of the slats this may reduce to only 5-10%. Contamination of the slats will also
create boundary layer disturbances, which will tend to downgrade the efficiency of the
slotted trailing edge flaps, and will reduce the wing's stalling angle of attack (Fig. 15.10).

T HICKENED BO UNDARY LAYER

REDUCES REDUCES FLAP LIFT CAPABILIT Y
ST ALL
ANG LE EARLIER SEPARAT IO N

INCREASED DRAG

FIG . 15.10

The Effect of Contamination on Take-off Performance

Any wing contamination will greatly affect the take-off performance of the aircraft, with the
associated increase in drag not only extending the take-off run, but also reducing the
aircraft's climb performance (Fig. 15.11).

DECREASED CLIMB PERFORMANCE

INCREASED
T/O DISTANCE
DUE TO INCREASED T/O SPEED

FIG. 15.11

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-6 28 October 2003

Any increase in the stall speed may also dangerously reduce the margin to stall on take-
off, and may even reach a critical level, especially when operating in turbulent conditions (Fig.
15.12).

INCR. STALLING SPEED INCREASED DRAG

THRUST THRUST AVAILABLE

OR
DRAG

REDUCED THRUST
FOR CLIMB CLEAN

CONTAMINATED

SPEED
V
R

REDUCED MARGIN TO STALL

FIG. 15.12

The resulting increase in aircraft drag will also reduce the amount of excess thrust available
at a given climb speed, thus decreasing the aircraft's angle of climb. The aircraft's rate of
climb is similarly reduced. With severely contaminated wings, the pitch and roll pre-stall
buffet characteristics compared to a clean wing, may occur before the stick shaker
activates (Fig. 15.13).

STICK SHAKER
ACTUATES
V2 + 15 V2 STALL

CLEAN NORMAL MANOEUVER ENVELOPE

AIRCRAFT BELOW STICK SHAKER STALL ONSET

WING STICK SHAKER

10° 12° ANGLE OF 14° 16° 18° 20°
ATTACK
INCREASING WING LIFT

CONTAMINATED
STALL ONSET
AIRCRAFT

V2 + 15 V2 STALL

FIG. 15 13

This occurs because the stick shaker normally activates at a specific angle of attack, and a
contaminated wing normally stalls before this angle is reached. The stick shaker may
therefore not provide adequate stall warning, although pre-stall warnings in the form of buffet

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

should normally be sufficient to warn of an impending stall. A contaminated aircraft may even
stall at an angle of attack lower than that associated with normal rotation. Any wing and
tailplane contamination can also upset the trim characteristics of an aircraft, and may
lead to a nose-up out of trim condition during the rotation (Fig. 15.14).

40
CLEAN AIRC R AFT
P U LL
CO NT AM IN AT ED AIRC RAFT
W ING AN D T AIL

ST IC K
F O R CE 0 SEC O ND S
LBS 4 12 20 28

T RIM C HANG E DU E
TO CO NT AM IN ATIO N
PUSH
-40
F IG . 15.14

Surface contamination may also cause a decrease in stick force, and in conjunction with the
out of trim condition will result in higher rotation rates for the same stick-force input, and will
require a push force to counter these effects. On twin engined aircraft with both engines
operating any wing contamination will result in a reduction in the climb capability, but with one
engine inoperative the reduction in climb capability will be much more pronounced, and may
even produce a rate of sink. It is therefore important to ensure that all the lifting surfaces are
free of ice, frost and snow before a take-off is commenced.

The Effect of Contamination on Aircraft Landing Performance

Wing and tail contamination affects an aircraft's landing performance, because it

increases the aircraft's stall speed by up to 20-30%, and also reduces the margin to stall.
To compensate for this it is necessary to increase the landing speed to provide a safe margin
above the stall speed. This will substantially increase the aircraft's landing distance, and
will also reduce its braking efficiency (Fig. 15.15).

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-8 28 October 2003

 INCREASED.
STALLING SPEED INCREASED DRAG
THRUST
OR THRUST AVAILABLE
DRAG

REDUCED THRUST CLEAN AIRCRAFT

FOR CLIMB
CONTAMINATED AIRCRAFT

V SPEED
L

REDUCED MARGIN TO STALL

REDUCED CLIMB IN GO AROUND

INCREASED LANDING. DIST

DUE TO INCREASED. SPEED

HIGH DRAG CAUSES AIRCRAFT
TO MUSH INTO GROUND

FIG. 15.15

If the margin to stall is not increased then high sink rates will result due to increased drag, and
may even cause an uncontrollable loss of altitude, particularly during windshear conditions. If
the landing is subsequently aborted it must be remembered that the reduction in excess thrust
due to contamination will reduce the aircraft's overall climb capability, particularly at large flap
angles, to a marginal level. The formation of ice along the leading edges of the wing and
tailplane during flight must thus be prevented. This is achieved using aircraft anti-icing
systems; such as hot engine bleed air or pneumatic boots.

Tail Icing

As the trailing edge flaps are extended on an aircraft the wing centre of pressure moves
steadily rearwards, producing a large nose-down moment, tending to rotate the aircraft
nose-down (Fig. 15.16).

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-9 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 LIFT FORCE MOVES AFT

THEORETICAL TAIL
CHORD A of A
INCREASED
DOWNLOAD ON
WING
TAILPLANE

RELATIVE DOWNWASH
AIRFLOW

FIG. 15.16

To compensate for this the down load acting on the tailplane will naturally increase due to
the change in downwash and direction of the airflow behind the wing. With increasing
forward airspeed the nose-down moment will steadily increase and will require a further
increase in the download acting on the tailplane. On aircraft with highly efficient flaps the
download on the tailplane will become excessively large, and the tailplane may even stall if
the flaps are extended at too high a speed. Any accumulation of ice along the leading edge
of the tailplane will seriously affect its maximum lift capability, and it may even stall at the
normal approach airspeed (Fig. 15.17).

REDUCED STALLING
THEORETICAL ANGLE OF ATTACK
CHORD TAIL

AOA
LOSS OF
WING DOWNLOAD
AOA ON TAILPANE
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW DOWNWASH

AIRCRAFT PITCHES
UNCONTROLLABLY
NOSE DOWN

FIG. 15.17

If the tailplane stalls, the download will be suddenly removed, the aircraft will pitch nose-
down, and will go into an uncontrollable dive. Care should therefore be taken when
increasing an aircraft's forward airspeed to compensate for ice on the wings, since every knot
of airspeed added to prevent wing stall, will be a knot closer to tailplane stall. It is therefore
vital that the tailplane, like the wing, is free from contamination. This type of stall does not
usually occur, but if it does, recovery is normally impossible.

Windshear

Windshear is one of the leading causes of weather related aviation accidents and can occur
at any altitude, but is particularly serious below 1500 feet. This is Low Level Windshear
(LLWS) and occurs, whenever, the aircraft is configured for the take-off, approach, and

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-10 28 October 2003

landing phases of flight. Windshear by definition is a variation in wind velocity and/or
direction over a short period of time or distance. It alters the direction of the relative
airflow, thereby greatly affecting the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the aircraft.
This alters the response of the aircraft to control inputs, and may require substantial control
action in order to effect a recovery.

The following types of windshear exist:

Vertical Windshear. This is caused by wind-speed and direction changes with

altitude.

Horizontal Windshear. This is caused by changes in wind-speed and direction

along a given horizontal distance.

Updraught/Downdraught Shear. This is caused by changes in the vertical

component of wind with horizontal distance.

The most potent forms of windshear are normally associated with thunderstorms or
cumulonimbus clouds, although severe windshear can also be experienced due to
topography or buildings, particularly in the presence of strong winds. By comparison with
swept-wing aircraft, light high winged piston engined aircraft tend to react totally differently
when entering a windshear of given strength.

Vertical Gusts

Vertical gusts acting on the aircraft principally alter its angle of attack. An up-gust will
increase the angle of attack, whilst a down-gust will reduce the angle of attack. The
variation in angle of attack is determined by the interaction between the vertical gust velocity
and the aircraft's forward air velocity (Fig. 15.18).

INCREASING LIFT
NORMAL
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW

UPGUST
RELATIVE
AIRFLOW
UPGUST
INCREASING ANGLE
OF ATTACK

FIG. 15.18

Any change in angle of attack will alter the total amount of lift developed by the wing, and if a
strong up-gust occurs at high airspeeds it may even cause structural damage to the
aircraft. Conversely, if vertical gusts are encountered at low airspeeds, e.g. during the
approach, landing or take-off phases of flight, the changes in angle of attack will lead to

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-11 ©Atlantic Flight Training

incipient stalling or sinking, rather than overstress. The wing shape that is least affected
by turbulence is the Swept Wing, since it is a low aspect ratio, low lift wing.

Horizontal Gusts

Horizontal gusts differ from vertical gusts because they result in a change in airspeed,
rather than a change in angle of attack, initially without any change in pitch attitude. For
example consider an aircraft trimmed for straight and level flight whose airspeed reduces by
20% to 80% of its original value when acted on by a sharp horizontal gust. This will result in
the aerodynamic forces of lift and drag at the same angle of attack falling to 64% of their
original values. Due to the inertia of the aircraft it will momentarily continue to fly along the
same flight path, but the subsequent reduction in airspeed and lift, will cause it to sink,
and lose altitude until a new equilibrium condition is reached (Fig. 15.19).

LIFT
REDUCED LIFT

DRAG THRUST DRAG THRUST

WEIGHT WEIGHT

FIG. 15.19

Conversely if a sharp windshear is encountered, which increases the airspeed, the aircraft
will tend to float, and gain altitude before equilibrium conditions are again reached (Fig.
15.20).

INCREASED LIFT

LIFT

DRAG THRUST

WEIGHT WEIGHT

FIG. 15.20

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-12 28 October 2003

Downdraughts and Updraughts

If the aircraft enters a vertical up-draught or down-draught from a horizontal airflow its
momentum will temporarily maintain its original flight path relative to the new direction of the
airflow. In either case the airspeed will reduce and the aircraft's angle of attack will either
increase or decrease in magnitude. For example consider the effect of a downdraught
acting on the aircraft (Fig. 15.21).

SHEAR LINE

AIR SPEED 225KTS

AIR SPEED 240KTS

DOWNDRAUGHT
REDUCTION RELATIVE
IN LIFT AIRFLOW
DOWNDRAUGHT

NORMAL
RELATIVE DECREASING
AIRFLOW ANGLE OF ATTACK

FIG. 15.21

The resulting reduction in airspeed will initially cause an energy loss and a subsequent
reduction in aircraft performance. The reduction in the angle of attack will lead to a reduction
in lift, and will cause the aircraft to pitch nose-down. Conversely if the aircraft is subject to an
updraught it will cause the angle of attack to increase, thus increasing the aircraft's lift
capability. Any small increase in the angle of attack will pose no significant problems in the
controllability of the aircraft, but if operating at high angles of attack, which are normally
associated with the approach and landing phases of flight, the wing may stall. Neither
condition is desirable, especially when operating close to the ground.

Indications of a Windshear Encounter

The occurrence of one or more of the following changes will indicate a potentially severe
windshear at altitudes below 1500 feet:-

¾ Any uncommanded change in IAS of ±15 kts

¾ Any uncommanded change in vertical speed of ± 500 feet per minute
¾ Any uncommanded change in pitch angle ± 5°

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-13 ©Atlantic Flight Training

These indications will be displayed on the airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator and
attitude indicator respectively

General Recovery from a Windshear Encounter

To counter the effects of a windshear at low altitude the following actions should be taken:

¾ Briskly increase power (Full thrust if necessary)

¾ Increase the pitch attitude to check the descent
¾ Co-ordinate power and pitch
¾ If on the approach, be prepared to carry out a missed approach rather than risk
landing from a destabilised condition.

Recovery from a Windshear Encounter During the Take-off, Approach and Landing

If preventative action following a windshear encounter is unsuccessful, or flight path control

becomes marginal below 500 feet during the take-off or landing phases of flight the following
actions should be carried out simultaneously.

¾ Disengage the auto-throttle and aggressively advance the thrust levers to ensure
maximum rated thrust is attained.
¾ Disengage the auto-pilot and smoothly increase the aircraft pitch attitude using
the stick shaker as an upper limit if necessary in order to check the descent.

In general flight director guidance should be ignored and the attitude director indicator
used as the primary reference for pitch attitude during the recovery from a windshear
encounter. The aircraft configuration, e.g. undercarriage and flaps, should also not be
altered until the vertical flight path is under control. Any attempt to regain lost airspeed
should also be disregarded until ground contact is no longer a factor.

Note: During the recovery refer to the vertical speed indicator and altimeter when
co-ordinating power and pitch attitude until the rate of sink reduces to zero, or a
positive rate of climb is achieved. Conversely if a windshear encounter occurs
near the normal point of rotation, indicated by a sudden rise in IAS, and quickly
followed by a decrease in airspeed, the subsequent loss of lift may totally preclude a
successful take-off. If insufficient runway remains left to stop in at this stage, then
either increasing the airspeed and/or increasing the pitch attitude can alternatively
obtain the required lift. Additional thrust will also help to accelerate the aircraft, but if
the remaining runway is insufficient to reach the normal take-off speed, even at
maximum thrust, the pitch attitude should be increased to make use of the available
airspeed in order to generate enough lift, thus trading airspeed for altitude.

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-14 28 October 2003

Microbursts

These are the most lethal forms of windshear. They normally occur within the viscinity of
thunderstorms, and are mainly associated with cumulonimbus clouds (Fig. 15.22).

CUM ULO NIM BUS

CLO UD

ST O RM
MO VEM ENT
T HUNDERSTORM

DO WNDRAUG HT S

RAIN

FIG . 15.22

As the thunderstorm progresses intense downdraughts of air (microbursts) are generated,

which travel towards the ground at speeds of up to 60 knots. The columns of air then splay
out in all directions as they impact with the ground, and reduce in velocity. These are typically
5 km in diameter, and last between one and five minutes.

Microbursts can however also occur below altocumulus clouds where evaporative cooling
enhances the strength of the downdraught. If an aircraft enters a microburst it will firstly
encounter increasing headwinds, which will be followed by a downdraught, and finally
increasing tailwinds. This sequence of events can prove disastrous, especially if they are
encountered during the approach, or during the take-off phases of flight.

The Effect of a Microburst Encounter During the Approach

Fig. 15.23 depicts how an aircraft typically reacts when subject to a microburst during the
approach. The sequence of events which occur are:

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-15 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 ¾ Increasing headwinds, causing the IAS to rise (Temporary Energy Gain), and the
aircraft to climb above the glidepath. A reduction in thrust to increase the rate of
descent, and/or a change in pitch attitude may counter this.
¾ A downdraught that increases the rate of descent and reduces the IAS, thereby
causing the aircraft to drop further below the glidepath. This is further worsened
if the nose is still high and the thrust setting low. To counter this power is re-
applied, but with transport category aircraft the thrust does not increase
instantaneously because the engines take time to speed up, and the IAS
continues to fall.
¾ On leaving the downdraught increasing tail winds will cause a further reduction in
IAS (Temporary Energy Loss), and the rate of descent may lessen due to
increased thrust availability. To counter this full power must be achieved whilst
maintaining pitch attitude, to check the descent, and the approach abandoned.
¾
A C
ENERGY GAIN - INCREASING HEADWIND ENERGY LOSS - INCREASING TAILWIND
AIRSPEED INCREASING AIRSPEED STILL REDUCING
RATE OF DESCENT REDUCING RATE OF DESCENT CHECKED BY MISSED
TENDENCY TO GO HIGH ON GLIDEPATH APPROACH. SUCCESS DEPENDS ON POWER,
HEIGHT AND SPEED RESERVES AVAILABLE
B
ENERGY LOSS - REDUCING HEADWIND
AND DOWNDRAUGHT
AIRSPEED REDUCING
RATE OF DESCENT INCREASED
TENDENCY TO GO LOW ON GLIDEPATH

B
C

FIG. 15.23

A successful recovery from a microburst encounter will depend on the altitude, thrust,
and speed reserves available. In addition to these effects severe wind turbulence, heavy
rain and blinding flashes of lightning often accompany microbursts.

The Effect of a Microburst on Take-off

If a microburst is encountered on take-off the increasing headwind component will initially

be beneficial because of the temporary increase in performance, but the rapid transition to
a downdraught will quickly kill any rise in airspeed, and may even result in a drop in
airspeed. The rate of climb will lessen, or may even show a rate of sink, which will be
worsened by the shift to an increasing tailwind, and will cause a further reduction in
airspeed. This is because the amount of excess power available on take-off to provide a
good climb capability may only be enough to balance the drag associated with the higher

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-16 28 October 2003

pitch attitudes. The aircraft may or may not have enough excess power to enable it to
successfully traverse a microburst on take-off, particularly when operating at marginal
airspeeds. If the airspeed falls below the trim airspeed, unusual stick forces may also be
required to minimise any reduction in the pitch attitude. Attention must be particularly paid to
the stick shaker, and if activated the pitch must be reduced just enough to silence the stick
shaker. Flight with intermittent stick shaker may also be required to keep the aircraft
climbing.

Airborne Windshear Detection Systems

Because low level windshear (LLWS) is mainly encountered during the take-off and landing
phases of flight, between the ground and 1500 feet, it is important to provide as much
warning as possible of windshear activity, since any encounter may rob an aircraft of lift.

To provide the necessary warnings, airborne detection systems are fitted to most modern
aircraft. Flight-deck warnings are normally displayed as red annuciators for windshear, and a
single amber one for turbulence. This is additionally accompanied by an Aural Alert (Master
Warning Sound) on the flight-deck speaker, followed by a voice annunciation of
"WINDSHEAR, WINDSHEAR, WINDSHEAR" (Fig. 15.24)

AURAL ALERT: MASTER WARNING SOUND

FOLLOWED BY:
"WINDSHEAR...WINDSHEAR...WINDSHEAR"

RED OR AMBER RED MASTER RED

WINDSHEAR WARNING LIGHT WINDSHEAR
MESSAGE LIGHT

Collins

20

10

5
1 76

10

WINDSHEAR
20

FIG. 15.24

Some aircraft are additionally fitted with visual cues, e.g. the word ‘Windshear’ appears in
red across the lower portion of the electronic attitude director indicator (EADI).

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-17 ©Atlantic Flight Training

The Effect of Heavy Rain on Aircraft Performance

Windshear is often accompanied by heavy rain, which greatly affects the aircraft's overall
performance. This is because it increases the gross weight of the aircraft due to the weight
of the rainwater film and degrades the aerodynamic properties of a wing when the water film
is roughened by the impact of raindrops. Rain induced surface roughness has the greatest
effect on aircraft performance because it:

¾ increases the coefficient of drag (Skin Friction).

¾ reduces the maximum coefficient of lift (premature separation of the boundary
layer).
¾ reduces the wing's stalling angle of attack.

ATPL Principles of Flight 15-18 28 October 2003

 Chapter 16.

Operating Limitations

Introduction

Every aircraft structural component comprises of an array of members, which are

manufactured from various materials, and are, designed to safely distribute the forces or
stresses acting on the aircraft. However some structures do not carry any structural stresses,
and are purely designed to provide a streamlined shape, eg. engine cowlings and wing
fairings. The various structures must also be capable of dissipating additional stresses,
which exist during the manoeuvring phases of flight, e.g. banking and turning, when an
aircraft is subject to acceleration forces (g forces). All aircraft are therefore built to safely
accommodate the highest stress level anticipated during normal operations, i.e. the maximum
load its structure must withstand without causing permanent damage. All aircraft also have a
specific range of g forces and speeds at which they can be safely operated. During the
normal working life of the aircraft its structure is also constantly subject to varying stresses,
which occur due to:

¾ Flight manoeuvres.
¾ Atmospheric turbulence.
¾ Ground loads.
¾ Cabin pressurisation and depressurisation.
¾ Thermal effects.
¾ Vibrations.

The Flight Operating Envelope

Each type of aircraft has its own specific flight envelope, within which it can be safely
operated in accordance with the Joint Airworthiness Requirements (JAR's). This is
represented on a velocity against load factor, or V-n diagram (Fig. 16.1)

ATPL Principles of Flight 16-1 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Section 1

The above graph illustrates the limit load factors and limit speeds, which if exceeded, may
result in permanent structural damage. The limit loads vary dependent on aircraft type,
but for transport category aircraft these are generally +2.5g and -1g.

To provide a safety margin all aircraft are built to be able to withstand loads up to 1.5 % limit
load without failure occurring. This produces ultimate load limit factors of +3.75g and -
1.5g. Some structural damage may however occur if the structure is loaded between the load
limit and the ultimate load limit. It is thus not always safe to assume that the load factor may
be increased above the limiting value just because a safety factor exists.

The high speed limit is the never exceed speed (VNE) and is a design reference point for
the aircraft beyond which structural damage or failure may occur. Conversely the stall
governs the low speed limit, and this limit increases with increasing load factor.

At low airspeeds the stall may occur before the limit load factor is reached, but at high
airspeeds the limit load factor may be reached before the stall. Gusts also affect the load
factor, and the additional acceleration forces (g forces) associated with turbulence, e.g. due
to an upgust at high airspeeds, can result in structural damage. In these conditions it is
therefore advisable to limit the airspeed to the maximum normal operating speed (VNO) to
avoid excessive flight loads. Other important reference speeds the pilot should be aware of
are:-

VS - Unaccelerated stall speed in the clean configuration

VA - Maximum design manoeuvring speed and is the highest speed where the aircraft
will stall before it exceeds the maximum load factor.
VB - Maximum design speed for maximum gust intensity.
VC - Maximum design cruising speed.

ATPL Principles of Flight 16-2 28 October 2003

 VNO - Maximum normal operating speed normally associated with light aircraft.
VNE - Never exceed speed.
VMO / MMO- Maximum operating speed limit. VMO is normally expressed as IAS.
Where MMO is the same as VMO but is stated as a Mach Number and is the high
altitude limiting speed since it is achieved before limiting IAS in the less dense air. In
the climb and maintaining a constant IAS the Mach Number will increase, therefore
MMO may be exceeded. Similarly when descending at MMO then care should be
taken not to exceed VMO.
VD / MD - Maximum design diving speed.
VLE - Maximum landing gear extended speed.
VLO - Maximum landing gear operating speed and may be the same as VLE depending
on aircraft design
VRA - Maximum speed in rough Air. This speed must be less than VMO.
VFE - Maximum Flap Extension Speed

VD is airspeed, which is set sufficiently above VC to allow a safe margin for the effects of a
defined upset.

Fig 16.2 illustrates the effect on the manoeuvre envelope with the flaps down. It can be
seen that VF, VC and VD have also been added.

FIG 16.2

ATPL Principles of Flight 16-3 ©Atlantic Flight Training

Manoeuvre and Gust Loads

The loads imposed on an aircraft in flight are the result of manoeuvres and gusts. Using the
basic lift equation, a relationship between airspeed and aircraft mass can be established:-

1
Lift = CL ρV2 S = Mass
2

Mass is directly proportional to V2, so if the aircraft mass is reduced then the new value
of VA will be as follows:

New Mass
New VA = Original VA
Original Mass

For example if the aircraft mass is reduced by 19% then new value of VA will be as follows:

0.81M
New VA = Original VA = 0.9 x Original VA
M

VA will be reduced by 10% of its original value, because the lighter aircraft will respond
more quickly to any given input, thus preventing overstress. In addition to maximum
manoeuvring speeds vertical gusts may have an adverse effect on the aircraft, since they
directly affect its angle of attack (Fig. 16.3).

INCREASING LIFT
AIRCRAFT
VELOCITY (Ve)

UPGUST
RESULTANT
VELOCITY
VELOCITY (KU)

INCREASING ANGLE
OF ATTACK

FIG. 16.3

At high airspeeds a sudden resultant change in angle of attack will momentarily alter the
load factor, and may lead to possible overstress. The increment change in load factor due
to a vertical gust can be determined from the following equation:-

m σ
<n = 0.115 Ve (KU)
W/S
where <n = change in load factor due to gust

ATPL Principles of Flight 16-4 28 October 2003

 m = slope of the lift curve, unit of CL per degree of angle of attack
σ = altitude density ratio
W/S = wing loading (N/m2)
Ve = equivalent airspeed (knots)
KU = equivalent gust velocity (m/s)

For example, consider an aircraft flying at sea level at 200 knots (103m/s), which encounters
a gust of 9m/s (30 ft/s). If the slope of the lift curve is 0.08 and the wing loading is 15 N/m2,
the gust would produce a load factor of increment of 0.57. This increment when added to the
flight load factor of the aircraft prior to the gust, gives a new load factor of (1.0 + 0.57) = 1.57.
Gusts in the region of 21.34 m/s (70 ft/s) are considered to be extreme, and flight in these
regions should be avoided.

Aeroelastic Distortion (Aileron Reversal)

During high-speed flight any aileron deflection may cause the wing to twist about its
torsional axis (Fig.16.4).

WING
TWIST

TORSIONAL AXIS

FIG. 16.4

This is because the wing is flexible and the ailerons are fitted near the wingtip, where the
wing is less rigid. The actual torsional rigidity of a wing depends on its structure, but will
normally be strong enough to prevent any distortion at low airspeeds. Aileron power
however increases as the square of forward airspeed, whereas the torsional stiffness of
a wing remains constant with speed. At high airspeeds a twisting moment due to aileron
deflection will eventually overcome the torsional rigidity of the wing and alter its angle of
attack, thereby reducing the rate of roll. The rising wing will twist nose-down, so reducing
its effective angle of attack, and thus its coefficient of lift (Fig. 16.5).

ATPL Principles of Flight 16-5 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 REDUCTION IN C L
DUE TO WING TWIST

WING
TWIST

TORSIONAL AXIS

FIG. 16.5

Conversely the lowering wing will twist nose-up, so increasing its effective angle of attack,
and its coefficient of lift (Fig. 16.6).

INCREASE IN C L
DUE TO WING TWIST

WING
TWIST

TORSIONAL AXIS

FIG. 16.6

Eventually an airspeed will be reached where the incremental change in the coefficients of lift
due to aileron deflection will be completely nullified by the wing twisting in the opposite sense.
At this speed the lift produced by each wing will be the same irrespective of aileron deflection,
i.e. the ailerons will become totally ineffective. Above this speed a downward deflection of
the aileron will result in a reduction in lift, whilst an upwards deflection of the aileron will result
in an increase in lift, and the aircraft will roll in the opposite direction to that applied by the
control input. This is known as ‘aileron reversal’, and the speed at which it occurs is known
as the ‘aileron reversal speed’. This airspeed normally occurs outside the aircraft's flight
envelope, but at any airspeed below this point there will be an apparent reduction in roll rate
for a given aileron deflection.

ATPL Principles of Flight 16-6 28 October 2003

Emergency Descents

An emergency descent made if a sudden and complete failure of the cabin pressurisation
system occurs. If the aircraft is operating at a typical maximum operating altitude of
43,000 feet the average person will become unconscious within 15 seconds, but will
reduce the crew’s capability sooner. If this occurs the emergency descent procedure
should be initiated immediately, although the structural integrity of the aircraft must not be
compromised. The procedure varies between aircraft types, but all involve retarding the
throttles to their flight idle position, operating the speedbrakes, and placing the aircraft
in a steep descent (Fig. 16.7).

295
285
290
275
FLIGHT LEVEL

265
255 MMO

245

340
VMO

0.76 0.77 0.78 0.79 0.80 0.81 0.82 MACH No

FIG. 16.7

This should be initially carried out at a target speed of MMO where the aircraft is Mach
limited, and VMO where the aircraft is speed limited at lower altitudes. To assist the pilot
some aircraft are fitted never exceed speed needles on the airspeed indicator, which is
datumed to MMO at high altitude, and VMO at lower altitudes. Whether the aircraft is cruising at
MMO, or not the effect of reducing the thrust setting, and operating the speedbrakes will
initially reduce the airspeed, and will require a fairly steep descent to return to MMO. Care
should be taken not to overshoot MMO during the descent and when the aircraft reaches the
altitude where MMO = VMO, at approximately 24 500 feet, the dive angle must be reduced to
prevent the aircraft exceeding VMO. At about 15 000 feet the cabin pressure is acceptable
and the aircraft should be slowly returned to level flight. If the aircraft is pulled out of the dive
too quickly it may result in overstress.

ATPL Principles of Flight 16-7 ©Atlantic Flight Training

 Intentionally Left Blank

ATPL Principles of Flight 16-8 28 October 2003