Parts of a Plane

What is the fuselage?

The airplane's main body; houses the cabin, cockpit, pilots, passengers, and cargo.

What is semimonocoque construction?

A structure where bulkheads and supports beneath the skin help hold the airplane together.

What is the purpose of wings?

To generate lift as air flows around them.

How are wings designed?

Shaped to maximize lift.

Where can wings be attached?

At the top, middle, or bottom of the fuselage.

What is a monoplane?

An airplane with one set of wings.

What is a biplane?

An airplane with two sets of wings.

What is a triplane?

An airplane with three sets of wings.

What is the empennage?

The tail section of the aircraft.

What are the two main surfaces of the empennage?

Horizontal and vertical stabilizers.

What do stabilizers do?

Help keep the airplane stable and under control during flight.

What is landing gear?

The undercarriage that supports the airplane on the ground.

What are the two types of landing gear?

Tricycle and conventional.

What is tricycle landing gear?

One nose wheel and two main wheels behind it.

What are the advantages of tricycle landing gear?

Easier landings and better forward visibility.

What is conventional landing gear?

Two main wheels and a tailwheel.

Why does conventional landing gear reduce visibility?

The airplane sits in a nose-high attitude.

What is an advantage of conventional landing gear?

Allows larger engines and propellers.

What is a disadvantage of conventional landing gear?

Less stable, making landings more difficult.

What is a single-engine airplane?

An airplane with one engine.

What is a multi-engine airplane?

An airplane with two or more engines.

What engines are commonly used in smaller general aviation aircraft?

Reciprocating engines.

What are reciprocating engines similar to?

Car engines.

What are some characteristics of reciprocating engines?

Usually not computer-controlled, liquid-cooled, or fuel-injected.

What can aircraft propellers do besides provide thrust?

Shed ice and change blade angle during flight.

Why can propellers change blade angle?

To improve performance and efficiency during flight.