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Aviator90 Episode 2

Speaker: [0:31] Welcome to another episode of Aviator 90 from Angle of Attack. [0:36]
In the last episode we discussed lift and what it is essential for flights. Now, we will talk
about the other three forces of flight. You may have remembered one of Sir Isaac
Newton's laws that I mentioned which is for every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction. With that said, I'll now teach you what I know about the other forces on the
aircraft.
[1:00] Because in the last episode we talked about lift, I find it appropriate to talk about
weight. Weight is the opposite of lift. Out of all the forces, I can consider this to be the
simplest of the forces, the flight, because it has a few key aspects that we are both
familiar with.
[1:16] First, a plane is not lighter than air; therefore, it'll fall without the lift component.
Second, gravity. We all know what this is, and thank goodness for it. Otherwise, this
whole flying thing just wouldn't mean anything to us because everything would be on the
ground all the time anyway. In all seriousness, gravity is obviously the biggest
contributor to weight. You can see why it's opposite to the force of life.
[1:46] Thrust can be described in general terms as the force that moves the aircraft
forward. This force largely relies on Newton's third law, again, as you'll see. We'll be
using a propeller, and the aircraft will be flying in Aviator 90.
[2:02] So, let's talk about how the propeller creates thrust. A propeller turns at a rate
determined by the pilot as a result of engine power. The prop is at a pitch or angle of
attack just like the wing we discussed in the lift section. The propeller essentially creates
lift forward rather than up. This pulls the aircraft forward and also sends a blast of air
back that assists a bit with air flow over the control surfaces. If an aircraft produces
enough thrust to outperform drag and we have a sufficient air foil, the aircraft will fly.
[2:42] Drag is generally described as the forces that are upon the airplane that are pushing
it back. These forces are basically friction, disruption and resistance to air flow created by
the forward thrust the aircraft is creating. Drag is broken up into several different types
which are friction, form, induced and parasite drag. We'll now talk about each one of
these.
[3:07] Friction drag is caused by the air flow around the airplane. As the air goes around
the plane, it comes in contact with the aircraft and creates friction as it touches. This, in
turn, creates drag. Form drag is actually something we're all familiar with as it is very
prevalent in car designs. It is basically how the shape of the aircraft interacts with the air
flow around it.

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[3:32] Now, a sports car will be built in such a way that form drag is reduced, smooth,
sleek and at the least resistance possible. Aircraft, as you can imagine, are built in the
same way. You don't see a big van again flying around now, do you? This would not
work.
[3:50] Induced drag is created as a result of lift that is created by the wing. You may or
may not be familiar with winglets present on some airliners. These winglets are in place
partially to reduce this very kind of drag because spoiled air is formed at the tips, and
these winglets reduce that spoiled air.
[4:10] Parasite drag is anything on the airplane that can produce drag, such as rivets,
antennas, pitot instruments, et cetera. Parasite drag can even be produced by an extremely
dirty airplane or a little frost on the airplane, believe it or not.
[4:25] Let's look at a few different phases of aircraft operation and see how the forces
relate to each other.
[4:33] Now, in straight and level flight lift is equal to weight, and thrust is equal to the
drag. When lift and weight are equal, you stay in the same place, right? When
descending, weight is greater than lift. Why? Our gravity is getting the better part of us,
pulling us down. Obviously, angle of attack would have something to do with this as
well. When climbing, lift is greater than weight. Why? Because we're defying gravity in
pushing through it. Again, angle of attack does have a play in this situation.
[5:09] When on the ground and not moving, weight is greater than lift keeping our wheels
planted and thrust and drag equals zero. You may think that these forces of flight aren't
critical to flight. They are. Everything you do in the air is the result of the relationship
between these forces, absolutely everything. Give yourself a big pat on the back. We can
now move onto more advanced things.
[5:35] Next, I'll teach you about control surfaces. Until next time, throttle on.
Transcription by CastingWords