Topic archive
aerodynamics
Explore aviation articles about aerodynamics.
Do You Think You Can Be a Pilot?
Let’s just say it like it is, not everyone can be a pilot. It’s not easy, there are certain requirements not everyone possess. It’s nothing personal, for example, I can’t be a pharmacist or a lawyer? It makes sense, it’s too late, I’ve…
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What are Spoilers and what do the Aerodynamics of the plane do?
Ever wondered what those large flaps on the wing are which often are open when the plane touchdown? These are spoilers and they work using aerodynamics. Join me as I take a look at what Aerodynamics actually does, and how spoilers help…
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How Do Gliders Fly?
Gliders are planes without an engine. They have four forces acting on them – lift, weight (gravity), drag and thrust. Although gliders do not have their own power to provide thrust, the weight of the glider produces the thrust to keep…
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Birds Fly in Formation. Soon Would Airliners! Read on to Know Why
WHY DO BIRDS FLY IN FORMATION? First, it conserves their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get…
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Critical Mach Number
When talking about Mach, it is pretty common to relate it with supersonic aircraft, but not always. This number of airflow velocity helps to determine the limits of the aircraft performance in terms of maximum airspeed. The critical…
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The Purpose Of Jet Engine Spirals
You may have noticed those spinning white spirals in a jet engine at one point or another. But have you ever stopped to think about why they’re there? As cute and as comical as they look, those spirals on the spinner cones are more than…
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Wing Strakes
It is considered as another way to produce lift, and if this is attached to the wing then it is called a leading-edge extension. But, why put an extension on the wing? What kind of benefits does it bring to the plane? The leading edge…
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Flap Track Fairings: What Are They?
If you ask most people who have flown, they would probably say they have seen these “pod-like” structures under the wings of an aircraft. Some people assume that they hold fuel. This is not correct, but in fact, they house the workings…
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What's Behind A320-xxx Model Designation?
The Airbus A320 family has undoubtedly a wide range of members, visible at any airport. Some of us can see an Airbus and easily identify it whether it's an A320, A321 or A318. They have their differences, in the structure, size, and of…
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The Story of Jessica Cox
An inspirational story about the pilot, Jessica Cox, who achieved what was thought to be impossible. She was able to fly and earn her licence despite being born without arms. Even though she had her fair share of constant…
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The first high speed frontier.
260 years of unsolved and unknown regime of high speed dynamics of gases were broken with the significant flight of the Bell X-1 research vehicle installed under the B-29 bomber of World War II vintage, on October 14, 1947 in the Mojave…
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