Exam quiz Principles of Flight (Sailplane) - SPL - Sailplane Pilot Licence

Question 1

Extending airbrakes results in ...

Accepted Answer

More drag and less lift

Answer

Less drag and more lift

Answer

More drag and more lift

Answer

Less drag and less lift

Question 2

Pressure compensation on a wing occurs at the...

Accepted Answer

Wing tips

Answer

Leading edge

Answer

Trailing edge

Answer

Wing roots

Question 3

What leads to a decreased stall speed Vs (IAS)?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing weight

Answer

Lower density

Answer

Lower altitude

Answer

Higher load factor

Question 4

At stationary glide and the same mass, what is the difference when using a thick airfoil instead of a thinner airfoil?

Accepted Answer

More drag, same lift

Answer

Less drag, less lift

Answer

More drag, less lift

Answer

Less drag, same lift

Question 5

Number 2 in the drawing corresponds to the... See figure (PFA-010)

Accepted Answer

Chord line

Answer

Profile thickness

Answer

Chord

Answer

Angle of attack

Question 6

The pressure compensation between wing upper and lower surfaces results in ...

Accepted Answer

Induced drag by wing tip vortices

Answer

Laminar airflow by wing tip vortices

Answer

Profile drag by wing tip vortices

Answer

Lift by wing tip vortices

Question 7

How do lift and drag change when approaching a stall condition?

Accepted Answer

Lift decreases and drag increases

Answer

Lift and drag increase

Answer

Lift increases and drag decreases

Answer

Lift and drag decrease

Question 8

During a stall, the lift...

Accepted Answer

Decreases and drag increases

Answer

Increases and drag increases

Answer

Decreases and drag decreases

Answer

Increases and drag decreases

Question 9

The ratio of span and mean chord length is referred to as...

Accepted Answer

Aspect ratio

Answer

Trapezium shape

Answer

Tapering

Answer

Wing sweep

Question 10

What is the function of the static rudder balance?

Accepted Answer

To prevent control surface flutter

Answer

To trim the controls almost without any force

Answer

To increase the control stick forces

Answer

To limit the control stick forces

Question 11

The angle of attack is the angle between...

Accepted Answer

The chord line and the oncoming airflow

Answer

The chord line and the longitudinal axis of an aeroplane

Answer

The wing and the fuselage of an aeroplane

Answer

The undisturbed airflow and the longitudinal axis of an aeroplane

Question 12

The angle (alpha) shown in the figure is referred to as... See figure (PFA-003) DoF: direction of airflow

Accepted Answer

Angle of attack

Answer

Lift angle

Answer

Angle of incidence

Answer

Angle of inclination

Question 13

Which statement about lift and angle of attack is correct?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the angle of attack too far may result in a loss of lift and an airflow separation

Answer

Increasing the angle of attack results in less lift being generated by the aerofoil

Answer

Decreasing the angle of attack results in more drag being generated by the aerofoil

Answer

Too large angles of attack can lead to an exponential increase in lift

Question 14

Stability around which axis is mainly influenced by the centre of gravity's longitudinal position?

Accepted Answer

Lateral axis

Answer

Longitudinal axis

Answer

Gravity axis

Answer

Vertical axis

Question 15

Which point on the aerofoil is represented by number 4? See figure (PFA-009)

Accepted Answer

Separation point

Answer

Transition point

Answer

Stagnation point

Answer

Centre of pressure

Question 16

A sailplane is operated with additional water ballast. How do best gliding angle and speed of best glide change, when compared to flying without water ballast?

Accepted Answer

Best gliding angle remains unchanged, best glide speed increases

Answer

Best gliding angle decreases, best glide speed decreases

Answer

Best gliding angle remains increases, best glide speed increases

Answer

Best gliding angle remains unchanged, best glide speed decreases

Question 17

Differential aileron deflection is used to...

Accepted Answer

Keep the adverse yaw low

Answer

Reduce wake turbulence

Answer

Avoid a stall at low angles of attack

Answer

Increase the rate of descent

Question 18

Pressure drag, interference drag and friction drag belong to the group of the...

Accepted Answer

Parasite drag

Answer

Main resistance

Answer

Induced drag

Answer

Total drag

Question 19

Which statement regarding a spin is correct?

Accepted Answer

During recovery the ailerons should be kept neutral

Answer

During the spin the speed constantly increases

Answer

During recovery the ailerons should be crossed

Answer

Only very old aeroplanes have a risk of spinning

Question 20

Which kinds of drag contribute to total drag?

Accepted Answer

Induced drag and parasite drag

Answer

Interference drag and parasite drag

Answer

Induced drag, form drag, skin-friction drag

Answer

Form drag, skin-friction drag, interference drag

Question 21

Which parts of an aircraft mainly affect the generation of induced drag?

Accepted Answer

The wing tips

Answer

The front part of the fuselage

Answer

The outer part of the ailerons

Answer

The lower part of the gear

Question 22

Which constructive feature is shown in the figure? See figure (PFA-006) L: Lift

Accepted Answer

Lateral stability by wing dihedral

Answer

Differential aileron deflection

Answer

Directional stability by lift generation

Answer

Longitudinal stability by wing dihedral

Question 23

Through which factor listed below does the load factor increase during cruise flight?

Accepted Answer

An upward gust

Answer

Lower air density

Answer

A forward centre of gravity

Answer

Higher aeroplane weight

Question 24

Rotation around the vertical axis is called...

Accepted Answer

Yawing

Answer

Slipping

Answer

Pitching

Answer

Rolling

Question 25

When increasing the airflow speed by a factor of 2 while keeping all other parameters constant, how does the parasite drag change approximately?

Accepted Answer

It increases by a factor of 4

Answer

It decreases by a factor of 2

Answer

It increases by a factor of 2

Answer

It decreases by a factor of 4

Question 26

What structural item provides directional stability to an aeroplane?

Accepted Answer

Large vertical tail

Answer

Differential aileron deflection

Answer

Wing dihedral

Answer

Large elevator

Question 27

With different aircraft weights, the critical angle of attack is...

Accepted Answer

Is not changed by different aircraft weights

Answer

Increases with a front centre of gravity

Answer

Is changed by different aircraft weights

Answer

Decreases with a rear centre of gravity

Question 28

Bernoulli's equation for frictionless, incompressible gases states that...

Accepted Answer

Total pressure = dynamic pressure + static pressure

Answer

Total pressure = dynamic pressure - static pressure

Answer

Static pressure = total pressure + dynamic pressure

Answer

Dynamic pressure = total pressure + static pressure

Question 29

In a co-ordinated turn, how is the relation between the load factor (n) and the stall speed (Vs)?

Accepted Answer

N is greater than 1, Vs is greater than in straight and level flight

Answer

N is smaller than 1, Vs is greater than in straight and level flight

Answer

N is greater than 1, Vs is smaller than in straight and level flight

Answer

N is smaller than 1, Vs is smaller than in straight and level flight

Question 30

The laminar boundary layer on the aerofoil is located between...

Accepted Answer

The stagnation point and the transition point

Answer

The stagnation point and the centre of pressure

Answer

The transition point and the separation point

Answer

The transition point and the centre of pressure

Question 31

Which point on the aerofoil is represented by number 1? See figure (PFA-009)

Accepted Answer

Stagnation point

Answer

Centre of pressure

Answer

Separation point

Answer

Transition point

Question 32

Considering longitudinal stability, which C.G. position is most dangerous with a normal sailplane?

Accepted Answer

Position beyond the rear C.G. limit

Answer

Position beyond the front C.G. limit

Answer

Position too far aside permissible C.G. limits

Answer

Position far back within permissible C.G. limits

Question 33

Number 3 in the drawing corresponds to the... See figure (PFA-010)

Accepted Answer

Camber line

Answer

Thickness

Answer

Chord

Answer

Chord line

Question 34

Following a single-wing stall and pitch-down moment, how can a spin be prevented?

Accepted Answer

Rudder opposite lower wing, releasing elevator to build up speed

Answer

Deflect all rudders opposite to lower wing

Answer

Pushing the elevator to build up speed to re-attach airflow on wings

Answer

Pulling the elevator to bring the plane back to normal attitude

Question 35

Which statement about induced drag during the horizontal cruise flight is correct?

Accepted Answer

Induced drag decreases with increasing airspeed

Answer

Induced drag has a minimum at a certain speed and increases at higher as well as lower speeds

Answer

Induced drag has a maximum at a certain speed and decreases at higher as well as lower speeds

Answer

Induced drag increases with increasing airspeed

Question 36

The elevator moves an aeroplane around the...

Accepted Answer

Lateral axis

Answer

Vertical axis

Answer

Longitudinal axis

Answer

Elevator axis

Question 37

Which statement about the airflow around an aerofoil is correct if the angle of attack increases?

Accepted Answer

The stagnation point moves down

Answer

The centre of pressure moves down

Answer

The centre of pressure moves up

Answer

The stagnation point moves up

Question 38

How do induced drag and parasite drag change with increasing airspeed during a horizontal and stable cruise flight?

Accepted Answer

Induced drag decreases and parasite drag increases

Answer

Parasite drag decreases and induced drag increases

Answer

Parasite drag decreases and induced drag decreases

Answer

Induced drag increases and parasite drag increases

Question 39

Which statement about the airflow around an aerofoil is correct if the angle of attack decreases?

Accepted Answer

The centre of pressure moves aft

Answer

The centre of pressure moves forward

Answer

The stagnation point moves down

Answer

The stagnation point remains constant

Question 40

What types of boundary layers can be found on an aerofoil?

Accepted Answer

Laminar layer at the leading wing areas, turbulent boundary layer at the trailing areas

Answer

Laminar boundary layer along the complete upper surface with non-separated airflow

Answer

Turbulent layer at the leading wing areas, laminar boundary layer at the trailing areas

Answer

Turbulent boundary layer along the complete upper surface with separated airflow

Question 41

What has to be considered when operating a sailplane with water ballast?

Accepted Answer

It should stay below freezing level

Answer

Best glide angle decreases

Answer

Significant CG shifts

Answer

Best glide speed decreases

Question 42

What has to be considered when operating a sailplane equipped with camber flaps?

Accepted Answer

During approach and landing, camber must not be changed from positive to negative

Answer

During approach and landing, camber must not be changed from negative to positive

Answer

During winch launch, camber must be set to full negative

Answer

During winch launch, camber must be set to full positive

Question 43

Which constructive feature has the purpose to reduce steering forces?

Accepted Answer

Aerodynamic rudder balance

Answer

T-tail

Answer

Differential aileron deflection

Answer

Vortex generators

Question 44

Point number 1 in the figure indicates which flight state? See figure (PFA-008)

Accepted Answer

Inverted flight

Answer

Slow flight

Answer

Stall

Answer

Best gliding angle

Question 45

The centre of pressure is the theoretical point of origin of...

Accepted Answer

All aerodynamic forces of the profile

Answer

Only the resulting total drag

Answer

Gravity forces of the profile

Answer

Gravity and aerodynamic forces

Question 46

How does a laminar boundary layer differ from a turbulent boundary layer?

Accepted Answer

The turbulent boundary layer can follow the airfoil camber at higher angles of attack

Answer

The laminar boundary layer is thinner and provides more skin-friction drag

Answer

The laminar boundary layer produces lift, the turbulent boundary layer produces drag

Answer

The turbulent boundary layer is thicker and provides less skin-friction drag

Question 47

Where is interference drag generated?

Accepted Answer

At the wing root

Answer

At the ailerons

Answer

At the gear

Answer

Near the wing tips

Question 48

Rotation around the lateral axis is called...

Accepted Answer

Pitching

Answer

Yawing

Answer

Rolling

Answer

Stalling

Question 49

What describes "wing loading"?

Accepted Answer

Weight per wing area

Answer

Wing area per weight

Answer

Drag per weight

Answer

Drag per wing area

Question 50

The right aileron deflects upwards, the left downwards. How does the aircraft react?

Accepted Answer

Rolling to the right, yawing to the left

Answer

Rolling to the left, no yawing

Answer

Rolling to the left, yawing to the right

Answer

Rolling to the right, yawing to the right

Question 51

How is the balance of forces affected during a turn?

Accepted Answer

Lift force must be increased to compensate for the sum of centrifugal and gravitational force

Answer

A lower lift force compensates for a lower net force as compared to level flight

Answer

The horizontal component of the lift force during a turn is the centrifugal force

Answer

The net force results from superposition of gravity and centripetal forces

Question 52

Point number 5 in the figure indicates which flight state? See figure (PFA-008)

Accepted Answer

Slow flight

Answer

Best gliding angle

Answer

Inverted flight

Answer

Stall

Question 53

What structural item provides lateral stability to an aeroplane?

Accepted Answer

Wing dihedral

Answer

Vertical tail

Answer

Differential aileron deflection

Answer

Elevator

Question 54

What is the difference between spin and spiral dive?

Accepted Answer

Spin: stall at inner wing, speed constant; Spiral dive: airflow at both wings, speed increasing rapidly

Answer

Spin: stall at inner wing, speed increasing rapidly; Spiral dive: airflow at both wings, speed constant

Answer

Spin: stall at outer wing, speed constant; Spiral dive: airflow at both wings, speed increasing rapidly

Answer

Spin: stall at outer wing, speed increasing rapidly; Spiral dive: airflow at both wings, speed constant

Question 55

During approach to the next updraft, the vertical speed indicator reads 3 m/s descent. Within the updraft you expect a mean rate of climb of 2 m/s. According to McCready, how should you adjust the speed during approach of the updraft?

Accepted Answer

The McCready ring should be set to 2 m/s, the recommended speed can be read at the McCready scale next to the current rate of descent (3 m/s)

Answer

The McCready ring should be set to 2 m/s, the recommended speed can be read at the McCready scale next to the sum of current rate of descent at expected rate of climb (5 m/s)

Answer

The McCready ring should be set to 3 m/s, the recommended speed can be read at the McCready scale next to the expected rate of climb (2 m/s)

Answer

Outside of thermal cells, the McCready ring should be set to 0 m/s, the recommended speed can be read at the McCready scale next to the current rate of descent (3 m/s)

Question 56

The drag coefficient...

Accepted Answer

Cannot be lower than a non-negative, minimal value

Answer

Is proportional to the lift coefficient

Answer

Increases with increasing airspeed

Answer

May range from zero to an infinite positive value

Question 57

What engine design at a Touring Motor Glider (TMG) results in least drag?

Accepted Answer

Engine and propeller mounted stowable on the fuselage

Answer

Engine and propeller mounted fixed on the fuselage

Answer

Engine and propeller mounted fixed at the aircraft's nose

Answer

Engine and propeller mounted fixed at the horizontal stabilizer

Question 58

Which of the following options is likely to produce large induced drag?

Accepted Answer

Small aspect ratio

Answer

Large aspect ratio

Answer

Low lift coefficients

Answer

Tapered wings

Question 59

What is the function of the horizontal tail (among other things)?

Accepted Answer

To stabilise the aeroplane around the lateral axis

Answer

To stabilise the aeroplane around the longitudinal axis

Answer

To initiate a curve around the vertical axis

Answer

To stabilise the aeroplane around the vertical axis

Question 60

What effect is referred to as "adverse yaw"?

Accepted Answer

Aileron operation results in a yaw to the opposite side due to more drag at the down-deflected aileron

Answer

Aileron operation results in a yaw to the desired side due to less drag at the down-deflected aileron

Answer

Rudder operation results in a rolling moment to the opposite side due to more lift generated by the faster moving wing

Answer

Aileron operation results in a yaw to the opposite side due to more drag at the up-deflected aileron

Question 61

Which option states a benefit of wing washout?

Accepted Answer

At high angles of attack the effectiveness of the aileron is retained as long as possible

Answer

With the washout the form drag reduces at high speeds

Answer

Greater hardness because the wing can withstand more torsion forces

Answer

Structurally the wing is made more rigid against rotation

Question 62

In which way does the position of the centre of pressure move at a positively shaped profile with increasing angle of attack?

Accepted Answer

It moves forward until reaching the critical angle of attack

Answer

It moves to the wing tips

Answer

It moves backward until reaching the critical angle of attack

Answer

It moves forward first, then backward

Question 63

Which statement concerning the angle of attack is correct?

Accepted Answer

A too large angle of attack may result in a loss of lift

Answer

Increasing the angle of attack results in decreasing lift

Answer

The angle of attack cannot be negative

Answer

The angle of attack is constant throughout the flight

Question 64

What is the result of extending flaps with increasing aerofoil camber?

Accepted Answer

Minimum speed decreases

Answer

Maximum permissible speed increases

Answer

Minimum speed increases

Answer

C.G. position moves forward

Exam simulation Principles of Flight (Sailplane) - SPL - Sailplane Pilot Licence

Exam simulation SPL Sailplane Theory Exam Questions in English Principles of Flight (Sailplane) 120 questions on 120 minutes

Exam simulation Principles of Flight (Sailplane) - SPL - Sailplane Pilot Licence

Exam simulation SPL Sailplane Theory Exam Questions in English Principles of Flight (Sailplane) 120 questions on 120 minutes

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