chapter 3 FAA

Aircraft Overview

  • Definition of Aircraft: Devices intended for flight as per Title 14 CFR part 1.

  • Categories for Airman Certification:

    • Airplane

    • Rotorcraft

    • Glider

    • Lighter-than-air

    • Powered-lift

    • Powered parachute

    • Weight-shift control aircraft

  • Definition of an Airplane: Engine-driven, fixed-wing aircraft supported by dynamic air reactions against its wings.

  • Advanced Avionics Aircraft: Not codified yet in 14 CFR, referring to those equipped with GPS navigation and autopilot systems.

  • Handbooks: Light Sport Aircraft have distinct handbooks for detailed info on aerodynamics and control.

Aircraft Design, Certification, and Airworthiness

  • FAA Certification Types:

    • Aircraft

    • Aircraft engines

    • Propellers

  • Airworthiness Standards: Established to ensure safety. Different standards per category:

    • Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, Commuter category airplanes: 14 CFR part 23

    • Transport category airplanes: 14 CFR part 25

    • Normal category (Rotorcraft): 14 CFR part 27

    • Transport category (Rotorcraft): 14 CFR part 29

    • Manned free balloons: 14 CFR part 31

    • Aircraft engines: 14 CFR part 33

    • Propellers: 14 CFR part 35

  • Special Classes: Aircraft like gliders do not have specific airworthiness standards, following a consensus on standards.

  • Type Certificate (TC): Issued when an aircraft meets airworthiness standards, includes Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS).

  • Light Sport Aircraft: Not individually type certificated for engines and propellers. TC issued as a whole for airframe, engine, and propeller;

  • Manufacturing Process: Depends on size and manufacturer, includes conformity inspections. Once completed, an airworthiness certificate is issued if standards are met.

  • Airworthiness Certificate Types:

    • Standard: White, for common categories.

    • Special: Pink, issued for light sport and certain specialized aircraft.

    • Must be maintained during flight.

Lift and Basic Aerodynamics

  • Basic Forces:

    • Thrust: Forward force overcoming drag, typically parallel to the longitudinal axis.

    • Drag: Rearward force caused by airflow disruptions.

    • Weight: Downward force due to gravitational load.

    • Lift: Upward force produced by air acting on the wing.

Major Aircraft Components

Fuselage

  • Definition: Central body housing crew, passengers, and cargo; provides structural support for wings and tail assembly.

  • Types of Structures: Monocoque and semimonocoque discussed in detail in later sections.

Wings

  • Function: Principal lifting surfaces attached to the fuselage. Varied designs according to performance needs.

  • Design Types: Monoplanes (single set of wings) vs. biplanes (two sets), high, mid, and low wing configurations.

  • Lift Explanation: Produced by airfoil dynamics explained further in Chapter 5.

Empennage

  • Components: Includes vertical and horizontal stabilizers, rudder, elevator, and trim tabs.

  • Functionality: Controls lateral and elevation movements during flight.

Landing Gear

  • Purpose: Principal support when parked and during taxiing, takeoff, and landing.

  • Types: Wheeled, floats, and skis, with categories of tricycle gear or tailwheel setups.

Powerplant

  • Components: Engine and propeller; the engine drives the propeller and provides power for other systems.

  • Aerodynamics of Propellers: Key in creating thrust through design factors like blade angle and pitch.

Aircraft Structure Evolution

  • Construction Types:

    • Truss Structure: Early aircraft design lacking streamlining.

    • Monocoque: Supports loads via an outer skin minimizing internal framework needs.

    • Semimonocoque: A hybrid structure with support from both the skin and a sub-structure.

  • Composite Materials: Introduced in modern aerospace designing, offering lighter and corrosion-resistant alternatives. Includes epoxy resin systems, and various reinforcing fibers (e.g. carbon fiber, fiberglass).

Challenges and Future Considerations of Composites

  • Disadvantages: Hidden damage problems from impacts, susceptibility to heat damage, and issues with chemical cleaners.

  • Lightning Strike Protection: Vital in composite aircraft, where specialized conductive materials are needed to dissipate energy.

  • Future Trends: Composites play an integral role in modern aircraft design focusing on durability, flexibility, and efficiency advantages.