Theory of Flight

6.01 Aircraft Design and Construction

References:
FTGU pages 9-14, 27
 Main Teaching Points

• Parts of an Airplane
• Aircraft Construction
• Landing Gear
• Standard Terminology
 Definition
The airplane is defined as:
• A power-driven…
• Heavier-than air aircraft…
• Deriving its lift in flight from aerodynamic
reactions…
• On surfaces that remain fixed under given
conditions of flight.
Parts of an Airplane
Parts of an Airplane
Parts of an Airplane
Parts of an Airplane
 Fuselage
The fuselage is the main body of the aircraft, where the
passengers, cargo and crew go.
 Fuselage
• The fuselage is normally classified according to the type
of construction:

• -Truss Type
• -Monocoque
• -Semi-monocoque
Fuselage – Truss Type
Fuselage – Semi-Monocoque
 Empennage
• The empennage is the rear portion of the airplane
• It is integral to control and stability during flight
Wing Construction
• Spars
 spanwise members
 wood or metal
 carry bending loads

• Ribs
 web or truss
 give wing its
cambered shape
Wing Construction
 Edges
 Leading Edge
 Trailing Edge
 Strength & Shape

 Wires
 Internal / External
 Bracing for strength

 Covering
 Metal or Fabric
 Metal  strength
Wing Layouts
• High Wing

• Mid Wing

• Low Wing

• Bi-Plane
Wing Layouts
• High Wing

• Mid Wing

• Low Wing

• Bi-Plane
Wing Layouts
• High Wing

• Mid Wing

• Low Wing

• Bi-Plane
Wing Layouts

• High Wing

• Mid Wing

• Low Wing

• Bi-Plane
Confirmation
 Landing Gear
• Conventional (Tail-Dragger) - Two main wheels
and a tail wheel

• Tricycle – Two main wheels and a nose wheel

• Retractable - Wheels may be raised so that they

are enclosed in wings or fuselage (reducing
drag)

• Fixed - Landing gear is not designed to retract

Landing Gear
Landing Gear
Landing Gear
Landing Gear
 Landing Gear
Retractable Landing Gear

• PROS
• Reduced drag at cruise
• Higher cruising speed

• CONS
• Added weight
• Added mechanical complexity
• Risk of “Gear Up” Landing (land based)
• Risk of “Gear Down” Landing (amphibious)
 Landing Gear
Shock Absorption

• Absorb the impact of landing, or the effect of bumps in runway.

• Spring steel Landing Gear

• Air/Oil oleos

• Rubber cords (bungee) or discs

• Low pressure tires

 Landing Gear

Main Landing Gear

- Spring Steel Cantilever -
 Landing Gear

Nose Landing Gear

- Air / Oil Oleo -
 Landing Gear - Brakes
Brakes

• Provide a means of stopping the aircraft

• Assist with steering on the ground
Confirmation
• How would you
describe the aircraft to
the left?

• -tail dragger?
• -tricycle gear?
• -retractable gear?
• -float plane?
• -high wing?
• -low wing?
• -mid wing?
• -biplane?

• Request the use of the

tools to label the
aircraft.
 Wing Span
• Wingspan is the maximum distance from wing tip to wing tip
 Chord
Chord is the imaginary line
between the leading edge and
the trailing edge of the wing

• A measure of the width of a wing

 Wing Area
Wing Area

• Length of the wing multiplied by the average width of wing

 Planform
Planform

• Shape of the wing as

seen from above
 Aspect Ratio
Aspect Ratio

• Ratio of the span to chord of the wing

• A measure of how SLENDER the wing is
 Airfoil
• A structure curved to produce lift
 Camber
Camber

• A measure of the curvature

of an airfoil
• Mean Camber is the line
equidistant between the
upper & lower surfaces
 Angle of Incidence
Angle of Incidence

• Angle between chord line and the longitudinal axis

 Relative Airflow
Relative Airflow

• Airflow over the wing

• Related to the forward motion of the aircraft through the
air
 Angle of Attack
Angle of Attack

• The angle between the chord line and the relative airflow
• It is a measure of how much the wing ‘bites’ into the air
 Confirmation
Confirmation Check
 Confirmation
What kind of landing gear is this?
 Confirmation
What is the angle of attack?
 Confirmation
What are some of the differences between
powered aircraft and gliders?
 Confirmation

• Reading: From the Ground Up, pages 9-

14

• The next Theory of Flight Class covers the

basic flight controls (6.02)