Aerodynamic Theory - Climb & Descent

Do forces need to be balanced in a constant speed climb?

Yes

What is the equation for climb gradient?

(Thrust/Weight) - (Drag/lift) OR

(Thrust - Drag)/Weight

How do you maximise climb gradient?

- Maximum Thrust - Drag

- Minimum drag

- Maximum Lift/Drag ratio

How do you convert climb gradient to percentage?

Climb gradient (e.g 0.05) x 100 = 5%

What is the equation for RoC?

TAS(Thrust - Drag)/Weight OR

TAS x climb gradient

When is RoC maximum?

When excess power is maximum

How does increasing altitude affect climb gradient and rate of climb?

Climb gradient reduces

Rate of climb reduces

How does increasing temperature affect climb gradient and rate of climb?

Climb gradient reduces

Rate of climb reduces

How does increasing weight affect climb gradient and rate of climb?

Climb gradient reduces

Rate of climb reduces

How does a headwind affect climb gradient and rate of climb?

Climb gradient increases

Rate of climb, no effect

How does a tailwind affect climb gradient and rate of climb?

Climb gradient reduces

Rate of climb, no effect

What is Vx?

IAS for best angle/gradient of climb

What is Vy?

IAS for best rate of climb

What is Vxse?

IAS for best angle/gradient of climb, single engine

What is Vyse?

IAS for best rate of climb, single engine

What is the equation for descent gradient?

No thrust

-Drag/Weight OR

-1/(Lift/Drag)

How is decent gradient minimised?

- Minimise Drag

- Maximise Lift/Drag ratio

How to minimise RoD?

- Minimum TAS x Drag

- Maximum Lift/Drag for a TAS

How does increasing altitude or temperature affect descent gradient and rate of descent?

It doesn't

How does increasing weight affect descent gradient and rate of descent?

Descent gradient reduces

Rate of descent reduces

How does a headwind affect descent gradient and rate of descent?

Descent gradient increases

Rate of descent, no effect

How does a tailwind affect descent gradient and rate of descent?

Descent gradient reduces

Rate of descent, no effect