A chart that relates velocity to load factor. It is valid only for a specific weight, configuration and altitude and shows the maximum amount of positive or negative lift the airplane is capable of generating at a given speed. Also shows the safe load factor limits and the load factor that the aircraft can sustain at various speeds.
A design which utilizes two slanted tail surfaces to perform the same functions as the surfaces of a conventional elevator and rudder configuration. The fixed surfaces act as both horizontal and vertical stabilizers.
See takeoff decision speed.
See takeoff safety speed.
The design maneuvering speed. The maximum speed at which full, abrupt control movement can be used without overstressing the airframe.
A problem that mostly affects gasoline-fuelled internal combustion engines. It occurs when the liquid fuel changes state from liquid to gas while still in the fuel delivery system. This disrupts the operation of the fuel pump, causing loss of feed pressure to the carburetor or fuel injection system, resulting in transient loss of power or complete stalling. Restarting the engine from this state may be difficult. The fuel can vaporize due to being heated by the engine, by the local climate or due to a lower boiling point at high altitude.
Compass error caused by the difference in the physical locations of the magnetic north pole and the geographic north pole.
See visual approach slope indicator.
A force vector is a graphic representation of a force and shows both the magnitude and direction of the force.
Navigational guidance by assigning headings.
The speed or rate of movement in a certain direction.
A specially shaped tube attached to the outside of an aircraft to produce suction to allow proper operation of gyro instruments.
An imaginary line passing vertically through the center of gravity of an aircraft. The vertical axis is called the z-axis or the yaw axis.
A magnetic compass that consists of an azimuth on a vertical card, resembling a heading indicator with a fixed miniature airplane to accurately present the heading of the aircraft. The design uses eddy current damping to minimize lead and lag during turns.
A rate-of-pressure change instrument that gives an indication of any deviation from a constant pressure level.