An airplane is loaded to maximum gross weight instead of a light weight. Compared with the light airplane, it will stall at
- the same angle of attack but a higher airspeed
- a higher angle of attack and a higher airspeed
- the same angle of attack and the same airspeed
- a lower angle of attack but the same airspeed
Show the answer
A. the same angle of attack but a higher airspeed
A given wing always stalls at the same critical angle of attack. Extra weight means more lift is needed, so that angle is reached at a higher airspeed. The critical angle itself does not move with weight.
Reference: FAA-H-8083-25 (PHAK), Chapter 5
What must be true for an airplane to enter a spin?
- The airplane must be in a steep spiral with high airspeed
- One wing must be stalled while the other is fully flying
- The airplane must be above its maneuvering speed
- The wings must be stalled, with one more stalled than the other
Show the answer
D. The wings must be stalled, with one more stalled than the other
A spin is an aggravated stall with yaw: both wings are stalled, but one is more deeply stalled than the other, which drives the rotation. A steep spiral is different; there the wings are flying and airspeed builds rapidly.
Reference: FAA-H-8083-25 (PHAK), Chapter 5; FAA-H-8083-3, Chapter 5
What force actually makes an airplane turn?
- The deflection of the rudder
- The horizontal component of lift
- The vertical component of lift
- Centrifugal force acting outward
Show the answer
B. The horizontal component of lift
Banking tilts the lift vector, and its horizontal component pulls the airplane around the turn. The rudder only keeps the turn coordinated by countering adverse yaw; it does not turn the airplane.
Reference: FAA-H-8083-25 (PHAK), Chapter 5