Aircraft Motion and Control

Warm-Up Questions CPS Questions 1-2 Chapter 1, Lesson 4

Lesson Overview The axes of rotation and how the primary flight controls work The effects of flaps on flight The effects of slats on flight The effects of spoilers on flight The elements of controlled flight Chapter 1, Lesson 4

Quick Write Colonel Lowe had the training, the experience, and the ability to stay calm in the middle of chaos. He used these qualities to rescue others. What are some ways you can develop those qualities in yourself? (Note to teacher: Use “Pick a Student” button in CPS) Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Courtesy of USAF/Don Lindsey

The Axes of Rotation An aircraft rotates around its center of gravity, the central point of three- dimensional coordinate system Yaw axis (vertical axis) starts at the center of gravity and runs perpendicular to wings Pitch axis (lateral axis) starts at the center of gravity and runs from wingtip to wingtip Chapter 1, Lesson 4

The Axes of Rotation, cont. Roll axis (longitudinal axis) begins at the center of gravity, is perpendicular to the yaw and pitch axes, and runs from nose to tail Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from NASA/Glenn Research Center

How the Primary Flight Controls Work Pilot works with control surfaces to direct aircraft yaw, pitch, and roll Rudders control yaw or side- to-side motion of aircraft Elevators control pitch or up and down motion of aircraft Aileron is a small hinged section on the outboard portion of a wing Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from NASA/Virtual Skies

Activity 1: The Axes of Rotation View animations on aircraft yaw motion, pitch motion, and roll motion Fill in the blanks for each airplane’s control system and axis of rotation Illustrate the axes of rotation, the primary control surface, and motion direction on the image provided Chapter 1, Lesson 4

Activity 1—Yaw Motion Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from NASA

Activity 1—Pitch Motion Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from NASA

Activity 1—Roll Motion Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from NASA

The Effects of Flaps on Flight Aircraft have primary and secondary control systems Rudders, elevators, and ailerons are primary control surfaces, they make aircraft controllable and safe to fly Flaps, slats, and spoilers are secondary control systems, they let the pilot maintain more control over aircraft’s performance Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Courtesy of US ARMY/SSgt S. Patrick McCollum

Types of Flaps Wing flaps come in four varieties Plain flap is the simplest; it attaches at the trailing edge of wing, and increases camber and lift when deployed Split flap is hinged under the wing’s trailing edge and rotates down to help generate lift and increase drag Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from US Department of Transportation/Federal Aviation Administration

Types of Flaps, cont. Slotted flap sits in a groove carved into the underside of the wing’s trailing edge and generates more lift than plain and split flaps Fowler flap uses metal tracks to slide backward and pivot down; it increases lift by greater camber and wing area Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from US Department of Transportation/Federal Aviation Administration

The Effects of Slats on Flight Slats generate more lift; aircraft use four types of slats Fixed slot doesn’t move or increase wing camber Movable slats slide along tracks Leading edge flaps increase lift and wing camber and decrease the size of the nose-down pitch Leading edge cuffs are slipped onto a wing’s leading edge Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from US Department of Transportation/Federal Aviation Administration

Activity 2: Aircraft Motion and Function Describe the terms and answer the questions pertaining to aircraft motion and functions in flight   Chapter 1, Lesson 4

The Effects of Spoilers on Flight Spoilers are small, flat plates that attach to the tops of the wings with hinges Raising spoilers on both wings slows aircraft in any phase of flight Raising spoilers on only one wing causes a rolling motion Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from of NASA/Glenn Research Center

Learning Check Questions CPS Questions 3-5 Chapter 1, Lesson 4

Activity 3: Aileron Roll Problems Make the modifications to airplane as directed on the worksheet Answer the questions about ailerons, spoilers, flight motion, and control Chapter 1, Lesson 4

The Elements of Controlled Flight—Takeoff Takeoff begins from a standstill and accelerates to takeoff speed to get into the air Aircraft weight, wind, and runway slope and conditions determine how long a runway is needed for safe takeoff Headwinds reduce takeoff distance because they increase the rate of airflow over the wings contributing to lift Tailwinds increase takeoff distance for the opposite reason Chapter 1, Lesson 4

Climb Once an aircraft has accelerated to a sufficient takeoff speed, the pilot raises its nose and the plane becomes airborne; the aircraft now enters the climb phase The pilot raises the flaps and accelerates to climb speed; climbs until reaching the assigned level-off altitude Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Reproduced from US Department of Transportation/Federal Aviation Administration

Cruise Aircraft remains at cruising altitude until arriving near the destination airport Sometimes the aircraft must change altitude because of weather or turbulence Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Copyright © Boeing. All Rights Reserved.

Descent and Landing Aircraft descends from cruising altitude by decreasing thrust and/or engaging the secondary control systems Once the aircraft decelerates sufficiently, the pilot has to rely on brakes for any continued deceleration Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Courtesy of USAF

Learning Check Questions CPS Questions 6-7 Chapter 1, Lesson 4

Activity 4: Observing Flight Motion and Control Watch the NASA video Use the chart to record any observations about aircraft, aircraft movement, axes of rotation, and control systems Chapter 1, Lesson 4

NASA Dryden 2010 Video Highlights Flight Projects Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Courtesy of NASA

Summary The axes of rotation and how the primary flight controls work The effects of flaps on flight The effects of slats on flight The effects of spoilers on flight The elements of controlled flight Chapter 1, Lesson 4

Review Questions CPS Questions 8-9 Chapter 1, Lesson 4

Next…. Done – aircraft motion and control Next – flight power Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Courtesy of NASA/Jim Ross