Remove Airfoil Remove Descent Remove Longitudinal Axis
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Quiz: Basic Aircraft Aerodynamics

Flight Training Central

Straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents. The term 'angle of attack' is defined as the angle between the airplane's longitudinal axis and that of the air striking the airfoil. Air traveling faster over the curved upper surface of an airfoil causes lower pressure on the top surface. Centrifugal force.

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The Role of Newton’s Third Law in Aviation

Pilot Institute

They are designed with a special shape called an airfoil, which encourages passing air to turn and deflect downward. This is why the typical airfoil shape has a curved top and a flat bottom, especially in slower-speed general aviation aircraft. They allow roll control about the aircrafts longitudinal axis.

Lift 52