Performance and Limitations

Question 1

What is atmospheric pressure?

Answer 1

Measure of the total weight of air at a given altitude.

Sea level it is 14.7 pounds but can also be expressed as 29.92

Question 2

As the density of air decreases how does that affect performance?

Answer 2

Lowers it

Question 3

What factors change air density?

Answer 3

Pressure: as pressure increases, density increases.

Temperature: as temp increases, density decreases.

Altitude: as altitude increases, density decreases.

Humidity: as humidity increases, density increases.

Question 4

How does less dense air affect performance specifically?

Answer 4

As the air becomes less dense it reduces:
-power: since the engine takes in less air.
-thrust: since the propeller is less efficient in thin air.
-lift: the thin air exerts less force on the airfoils.

Question 5

What is the difference between calculated and actual performance values?

Answer 5

performance is based on specific aircraft configuration, procedures, and airspeeds, etc.
Any deviation from predicted performance will change the results.

Question 6

What are the effects of increased weight on airplane performance?

Answer 6

-higher takeoff speed and longer takeoff run.
-reduced rate and angle of climb.
-lower maximum altitude.
-slower cruise speed and reduced range, and increased fuel consumption.
-reduced maneuverability.
-higher stall speed.
-higher approach speed and longer landing roll.
-excessive weight on the nose/tail wheel.

Question 7

What can occur if you overload the weight limit?

Answer 7

may make it impossible to clear an otherwise normal obstacle or obtain the manufacturer’s max altitudes.

Overheating during climbs, added wear on engine parts

Over stress the aircraft

Question 8

Characteristics of a forward loaded plane?

Answer 8

+increased stall speed
+increased stall recovery
+increased AOA
+increased drag
-decreased cruise speed
-decreased fuel economy
+increased stability

Question 9

Characteristics of a rearward loaded plane.

Answer 9

-decreased stall speed
-decreased stall recovery
-decreased AOA
-decreased drag
+increased cruise speed
+increased fuel economy
-decreased stability

Question 10

What must you do to maintain straight and level flight?

Answer 10

lift must equal weight and thrust must equal drag.