Just like a driver should know the basic parts of an automobile, a pilot should know the basic parts of the aircraft. General aviation aircraft’s have very similar designs and part, yet not every part on the plane may be in the same place.
Fuselage
This is the part of the aircraft that houses the cabin and/or cockpit which contains seats for the occupants. While the fuselage of some aircrafts can look very large, you’ll notice when you look inside, they can actually be very little cabin space (mostly to the front). This is especially true with general aviation or prop planes like I’m learning to fly. This has to do with where the center of gravity is. I’m sure I’ll talk more about that in a later post.
Wings
Of course most of us know this is the part that allows for flight. In an earlier post, I briefly mention the difference in the placement of the wing (high vs. low). Also, they have monoplanes (one set of wings) and Biplanes (two set of wings). On the rear edge of the wings you’ll find the aileron and the flaps. (see the above photo)
· Ailerons extend from the midpoint of the wing to the tip and move in opposite directions to create an aerodynamic force that causes the plane to turn. The pilot controls the ailerons with the stick/yoke. Turn the stick to the left and the left aileron moves up and the right aileron moves down. During flight, this how you would start a left turn.
· Flaps extend outward from the fuselage to about the mid-point of the wing. The flaps are normally flush with the wings’ surface during cruising flight. When extended, the flaps move simultaneously downward to increase lifting force during takeoffs and landings. The flaps are controlled by a switch in the cockpit.
Empennage
The “tail” as it is sometimes called consists of the vertical stabilizer, or fin, and the horizontal stabilizer. These two surfaces act like the feathers on an arrow to steady the airplane and help you maintain a straight path through the air. Also attached are the rudder and the elevator.
· The rudder is attached to the back of the vertical stabilizer and can be used to move the nose of the airplane left or right (similar to a boat rudder). In the air, both the rudder and the ailerons are needed to turn. While on the ground, just the rudder is required. The rudder is operated by foot pedals.
· The elevator is attached to the back of the horizontal stabilizer. During flight, the pilot can move the nose of the aircraft up or down using the elevator. The elevator is controlled by the forward/backward movement of the stick/yoke.
Landing Gear
Yes, the landing gear is the wheels on the aircraft. Usually 3 tires, normally two of the tires are located under the wings.
· Conventional landing gear has the 3rd wheel at the rear of the plane and is called a tailwheel (also referred to as a tail dragger). The when the 3rd wheel is located at the nose of the plane the design is referred to as tricycle gear (or nosewheel). In my limited experience, the tricycle gear planes are more common, and I hear they are easier to land/take off.
· Fixed gear planes have their landing gear exposed at all times, while the retractable rear planes hide the landing gear during flight. Retractable rear systems are normally reserved for more expensive planes.
· Some planes are designed to land/take off from the water. Seaplanes are planes that appear have normal looking landing gear but they are supported by twin floats. Amphibian planes will look more like a boat with wings. True amphibian planes have a retractable wheels used for ground landings.
 |
| Seaplane |
 |
| Amphibian Plane |
Powerplant
The powerplant includes both the engine and propeller
No comments:
Post a Comment