M1C1 Flight

Module 1 Introduction to Flight

aero

pertaining to air

aerodynamics

relating to the forces of air in motion

aeronautics

the science of flight within the atmosphere

aerospace

a combination of aeronautics and space

AGL

Above Ground Level

air

a mixture of gasses that contain approximately 79% nitrogen, 19% oxygen, and 2% other gasses

aircraft

any machine that is capable of flying through the air; included are ultralights, airplanes, gliders, balloons, and helicopters are all included

airplane

an aircraft that is kept aloft by the aerodynamic forces upon its wings and is thrust forward by a propeller or other means of propulsion, such as a jet rocket

airfoil

a component, such as a wing, that is specifically designed to produce lift, thrust, or directional stability

airport

a place on either land or water where aircraft can land and take off for flight

altitude

height expressed in units above sea level, or ground level

aviation

the art, science, and technology of flight within the atmosphere

aviator

a person who operates an aircraft during flight

camber

the curved part of an airfoil that goes from the leading to the trailing edge

chord

a line drawn through an airfoil from its leading to its trailing edge

drag

A force which retards the forward movement of an aircraft in flight

dynamic

forces in motion

leading edge

The front edge of an airfoil

lift

the upward force, which opposes gravity, that supports the weight of an aircraft

relative wind

the flow of air which moves opposite the flight path of an airplane

static

standing still, or without motion

supersonic

faster than the speed of sound. Subsonic is below the speed of sound

thrust

the force which moves an aircraft forward in flight

trailing edge

the back part of the airfoil

wind

air in motion