Aeronautics

Aeronautics

The branch of science that deals with flight aerodynamics and with the operation of all types of aircraft.

Contributors in Aeronautics

Aeronautics

A maintenance tool used to determine the functional condition of a reciprocating engine cylinder. A regulated air pressure of 80 psi is directed into the cylinder through a calibrated orifice, and ...

Slip

Aviation; Aeronautics

A manoeuvre in which the aircraft moves through the air sideways, rather than straight ahead. Slipping produces a large amount of drag so the airplane can descend at a steep angle without gaining ...

Cold cylinder test

Aviation; Aeronautics

A maintenance test used to identify the cylinder in an air-cooled engine which is not firing. When a cylinder is not firing, the temperature of the exhaust stack near the head is colder than the ...

Spiral

Aviation; Aeronautics

A manoeuvre in which an airplane descends in a steeply banked, turning flight path. A spiral is sometimes confused with a spin, but the two manoeuvres are totally different. In a spin, one wing is ...

Missed approach

Aviation; Aeronautics

A manoeuvre conducted by a pilot when an instrument approach cannot be completed to a landing. The route of flight and altitude are shown on instrument approach procedure charts. A pilot executing a ...

Compression test

Aviation; Aeronautics

A maintenance test performed on a reciprocating engine to determine the ability of the cylinders to hold air pressure. A cylinder will fail a compression test if an excessive amount of air leaks past ...

Chattering

Aviation; Aeronautics

A malfunctioning condition of aircraft brakes that produces heavy vibrations. Chattering is caused by a glazed surface on the disc that alternately produces friction and then allows the lining to ...