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Airplane Parts/Functions Problems

If so instructed by your teacher, print out a worksheet page for these problems.


Open the slide called Airplane Parts Definitions (with text) and read the explanation of the parts of an airplane and their functions. For more information on airplane parts and their functions refer to the following slides: Fuselage, Wing Geometry, Jet Engines, Flaps and Slats, Spoilers, Elevator, Aileron, and Rudder (with text).

 

Image of Airplane Parts


Using the picture above and a little imagination, answer the following questions. The motion of all airplane parts is as if you were looking at the airplane from the front.

  1. What are the names of the parts of the airplane pictured above?
    1. A:_____________________________________________
    2. B:_____________________________________________
    3. C:_____________________________________________
    4. D:_____________________________________________
    5. E:_____________________________________________
    6. F:_____________________________________________
    7. G:_____________________________________________
    8. H:_____________________________________________
    9. I:_____________________________________________
    10. J:_____________________________________________

       

  2. Describe the following aircraft motions.
    1. Pitch: ____________________________________________
    2. Roll: ____________________________________________
    3. Yaw: ____________________________________________
    4. Loop: ____________________________________________
    5. Dive: ____________________________________________
    6. Climb: ____________________________________________
    7. Lift: ____________________________________________

     

  3. What are the functions of the parts of the airplane pictured above?
    1. A:_____________________________________________
    2. B:_____________________________________________
    3. C:_____________________________________________
    4. D:_____________________________________________
    5. E:_____________________________________________
    6. F:_____________________________________________
    7. G:_____________________________________________
    8. H:_____________________________________________
    9. I:_____________________________________________
    10. J:_____________________________________________

     

  4. Which parts are used to control lift at low speed for takeoff and landing?

     

  5. Which parts, installed one to each wing, operate in opposite directions (i.e., one up and one down)?

     

  6. If the part in Problem 4 on the right wing is up and the one on the left wing is down, what will the airplane do?

     

  7. If the pilot lowers the elevator, what will the airplane's tail do?

     

  8. What will this in turn cause the airplane's nose to do?

     

  9. If the pilot moves the rudder to the left, what will the airplane's tail do?

     

  10. What will this in turn cause the airplane's nose to do?

     

  11. What motion will occur in an airplane with the elevator deflected up and the rudder deflected to the right?

     

  12. What is a spoiler? 

 


Enrichment Activity:

Have students make paper airplanes with control surfaces. Then have them predict airplane movement and test their predictions for different combinations of elevator, rudder, and aileron positions. For other paper airplane activities, go to the following sites:

1. Paper Airplane Activity (http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/aerosim/LessonHS97/paperairplaneac.html)

2. How to Build a Paper Jet Model (http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/WindTunnel/Activities/foldairplane.html)


Related Pages:
Standards
Worksheet
Lesson Index
Aerodynamics Index

 

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Editor: Tom Benson
NASA Official: Tom Benson
Last Updated: Thu, May 13 02:38:26 PM EDT 2021

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