Name:

MODULE 8.3 HOMEWORK

1. Explain why specific endurance increases as aircraft weight reduces.

The thrust required to keep the aircraft at L/D max is reduced as the weight reduces. Less
thrust required means less fuel flow per hour. Hence more flying time.

2. what is the difference between rate of climb and angle of climb?

AOC is the greatest altitude gain in shortest horizontal distance. ROC is greatest altitude gain at
the shortest time.

3. why best angle of climb decreases as altitude increases?

As altitude increases, the maximum thrust available decreases. Hence Excess Thrust decreases
which reduces the AOC.

AOC = Excess Thrust/W

4. what is effect of weight on descending angle and descending rate?

Weight has no effect of the descending angle.

Sin∅ = D/W (When weight changes, drag also changes directly with it. So, no change in the
descending angle)

The Air speed changes Directly with weight given that AOA is constant. Lighter aircrafts will
have less air speeds at the best L/D than heavier aircrafts. Hence Descending rate is less for
lighter aircrafts than Heavier aircrafts.

5. what is meant by service ceiling?

The altitude at which the steady rate of climb has fallen to just 100 ft/min.