MAIN PARTS OF AN AEROPLANE

MAIN PARTS OF AN AEROPLANE

THE DEFINITIONS LISTED BELOW ARE COMMON
TO MOST ALL AEROPLANES. THIS IS ALSO THE
CASE FOR THE INSTRUMENTS DESCRIBED ON
THE PREVIOUS PAGE.


AIRPLANE - An airplane is a vehicle heavier than air, powered by an engine, which travels through the air by the reaction of air passing over its wings.

FUSELAGE - The fuselage is the central body portion of an airplane de¬signed to accommodate the crew and the passengers or cargo.

COCKPIT - In general aviation airplanes the cockpit is usually the space in the fuselage for the pilot and passengers; in some aircraft it is just the pilot’s compartment.
LANDING
GEAR - A landing gear is underneath the airplane and supports it while on the ground.

PROPELLER - A propeller is a rotating blade on the front of the airplane. The engine turns the propeller which pulls the airplane through the air.

WINGS - Wings are parts of airplanes which provide lift and support the entire weight of the aircraft and its contents while in flight.

FLAPS - Flaps are movable sections of an airplane wing closest to the fuselage. They both move in the same direction (down) and enable the airplane to fly more slowly.

AILERONS - Ailerons are outward movable sections of an airplane wing which move in opposite directions. They are used in making turns.

RUDDER - The rudder is the movable vertical section of the tail which controls lateral movement.

HORIZONTAL
STABILIZER - The horizontal stabilizer is the horizontal surface of the aft part of the fuselage used to balance the airplane.

ELEVATOR - The elevator is the movable horizontal section of the tail which causes the plane to move up and down.


AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES


There are many kinds of aircraft today that are used in many different ways.
Here are a few common categories to start with:

PERSONAL AND BUSINESS

Most common type seen at your airport. Often can be compared to family automobile. There are business jets that also fit into this category.

COMMERICAL AIRLINERS

Carry large numbers of passengers safely from city to city and even from country to country around the world.

HELICOPTERS

Can take—off and land in very small places. Sometimes called “Steep gradient” aircraft. New designs are able to fly almost as fast as an aeroplane.

MILITARY AIRCRAFT

Both very high performance fighters and other special purpose aircraft are needed. Many other aircraft like those in the other categories are also used.

EXPERIMENTAL

Very special aircraft used to discover new knowledge about flight. Also to test new aircraft designs.

GLIDERS

They are without engines and must be towed into the air by another aeroplane. Once free, they soar like birds using the upward air currents to stay up.

LIGHTER THAN AIR

Balloons and blimps float like corks in water. Some use a light gas and others depend upon heating the air inside for the lift force.



1. How many types of aircraft have you seen?

2. What are the advantages of air travel?

3. Can you think of other ways aircraft are used?

4. If you were a pilot, what kind of aircraft would you want to fly? Why?