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Eric Poquillon

In this course, you will understand the influence of the angle of attack and speed on the lift. Then we will focus on hazards and limitations, like stall, spiral dive, or flutter.

You will understand why stall phenomenon and Mach number limit the maximum lift and altitude the airplane can achieve. Then, you must understand what is flutter and why the altitude and speed of the airplane must be restricted to a safe domain.

In the end, we will explain how to control the trajectory of the airplane and the relation with lift and load factor.

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In this course, you will understand the influence of the angle of attack and speed on the lift. Then we will focus on hazards and limitations, like stall, spiral dive, or flutter.

You will understand why stall phenomenon and Mach number limit the maximum lift and altitude the airplane can achieve. Then, you must understand what is flutter and why the altitude and speed of the airplane must be restricted to a safe domain.

In the end, we will explain how to control the trajectory of the airplane and the relation with lift and load factor.

This course is a part of the specialization "Fundamentals of Flight mechanics".

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What's inside

Syllabus

Lift and Angle of Attack
At the end of this module, you will understand the influence of the angle of attack and speed on the lift.
Limitations: Stall & Flight envelope
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Explores aerodynamic principles underlying lift with a focus on hazards and limitations like stall, spiral dive, and flutter, helping students enhance their understanding of flight mechanics
Taught by Eric Poquillon, an aviation expert, assuring learners of high-quality instruction
Aligned with the specialization in "Fundamentals of Flight Mechanics," indicating a comprehensive approach to flight mechanics
Suitable for students with a background in aviation or related fields, as it delves into advanced concepts like stall and flutter
Requires a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as it involves discussions of aerodynamics and aircraft performance

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Reviews summary

Essential flight mechanics: lift and trajectory

According to students, this in-depth theoretical course on flight mechanics provides an incredibly solid foundation in areas like lift generation, trajectory control, and critical flight limitations. Learners consistently praise the clear, concise lectures and the expert instructor's ability to make complex topics digestible. While the course delivers exceptional clarity on theoretical principles, some students note its highly theoretical nature, suggesting a need for more practical examples or interactive elements. Prospective students should be aware it assumes strong prior knowledge in relevant physics and mathematics, making it challenging for absolute beginners without a solid background.
Instructor's expertise and teaching style are highly praised.
"...the instructor's explanations were top-notch, making complex topics digestible. I particularly appreciated the detailed breakdown..."
"Excellent dive into the physics of flight... The instructor's passion shines through."
"The instructor is phenomenal, breaking down complex topics into understandable segments... I learned a lot from this course."
Provides a deep, lucid understanding of flight mechanics.
"This course provided an incredibly solid foundation in lift generation and trajectory control. The lectures were clear, concise, and the instructor's explanations were top-notch..."
"Excellent dive into the physics of flight. The concepts of angle of attack and load factor were explained with great clarity."
"The instructor is phenomenal, breaking down complex topics into understandable segments. This built perfectly on prior knowledge."
Focuses on academic theory with fewer practical applications.
"My only minor suggestion would be to include more interactive elements or practical examples, but overall, excellent."
"I did feel that some sections, especially flutter, could have benefited from a bit more visual aid or perhaps a real-world case study..."
"The course covers its topics well, but it is very theoretical. For me, it would have been more beneficial if there were more practical applications..."
Assumes strong prior knowledge in relevant subjects.
"It assumes a lot of prior knowledge in fluid dynamics and calculus that wasn't clearly stated as a prerequisite."
"The content is dense and highly theoretical... I found it quite challenging to keep up. More beginner-friendly explanations..."
"Found this course extremely difficult... Not recommended for absolute beginners without a solid math/physics foundation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Flight mechanics - Lift and trajectory with these activities:
Review Basic Physics Concepts
This course assumes a basic understanding of physics concepts such as motion, forces, and energy. If you need to brush up on these concepts, you can review them online or in a textbook.
Browse courses on Physics
Show steps
  • Review your notes from a previous physics course.
  • Read a textbook on basic physics.
  • Find some online resources that explain physics concepts in a clear and concise way.
  • Take a practice quiz to test your understanding of the concepts.
Mentor Other Students
Mentoring other students can help you to solidify your understanding of the course material and develop your leadership skills.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify a student who is struggling with the course material.
  • Offer to help them.
  • Meet with the student regularly to provide support and guidance.
  • Encourage the student to ask questions and seek help when needed.
Participate in a Study Group
Studying with other students can help you to learn the material more effectively and efficiently.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Find a study group to join.
  • Attend the study group regularly.
  • Participate in the discussions.
  • Help other students with their understanding of the material.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Practice Angle of Attack and Lift Drills
Start by reviewing the basics of angle of attack and lift. Then, go online and find some practice drills that will help you to master these concepts.
Browse courses on Angle of Attack
Show steps
  • Review the basics of angle of attack and lift.
  • Find some practice drills online.
  • Complete the drills.
  • Review your results and identify areas where you need to improve.
Practice calculating lift and drag
Practice regularly to enhance your understanding of lift and drag and their influence on an airplane's flight.
Browse courses on Aerodynamics
Show steps
  • Review the concept of lift and angle of attack
  • Solve practice problems involving lift and drag calculations
Watch Tutorials on Stalling and Spiral Dives
Stalling and spiral dives are two of the most common hazards that pilots face. By watching tutorials on these topics, you can learn how to recognize and avoid them.
Show steps
  • Find some tutorials on stalling and spiral dives.
  • Watch the tutorials.
  • Take notes on the key points that you learn.
  • Discuss the tutorials with other students or your instructor.
Read 'Flight Mechanics' by Etkin and Reid
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of flight mechanics. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the subject.
Show steps
  • Purchase a copy of the book.
  • Read the book carefully, taking notes as you go.
  • Discuss the book with other students or your instructor.
  • Complete the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Tutorial: Understanding Flutter and its Impacts
Explore guided tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of flutter and its implications on airplane safety.
Browse courses on Flutter
Show steps
  • Watch video tutorials on flutter and its causes
  • Read articles and research papers on flutter
Write a Report on Flutter
Flutter is a phenomenon that can occur when an airplane's wings vibrate excessively. By writing a report on flutter, you can learn more about this hazard and how to prevent it.
Browse courses on Flutter
Show steps
  • Research flutter.
  • Write a report on your findings.
  • Present your report to your instructor or classmates.
Create a Presentation on Stall and its Avoidance
Produce a presentation on stall to reinforce your understanding of its causes and preventive measures.
Show steps
  • Gather information on stall and its avoidance techniques
  • Develop a presentation outline and slides
  • Practice your presentation and get feedback
Run Simulations to Control the Trajectory of an Airplane
By running simulations, you can practice controlling the trajectory of an airplane in a safe environment.
Show steps
  • Find a flight simulator.
  • Create a flight plan.
  • Run the simulation.
  • Analyze the results of the simulation.
  • Make adjustments to your flight plan as needed.
Project: Design an Airplane Wing for Improved Lift
Embark on a project to design an airplane wing that optimizes lift, enhancing your knowledge of aerodynamics.
Browse courses on Aerodynamics
Show steps
  • Research different wing designs and their impact on lift
  • Use simulation software to model and test your wing design
  • Optimize the wing design based on simulation results

Career center

Learners who complete Flight mechanics - Lift and trajectory will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Aerospace Maintenance Manager
An Aerospace Maintenance Manager supervises the maintenance and repair of aircraft and other aerospace vehicles. This course can help you understand the principles of flight mechanics, which is essential for ensuring the safety of aircraft. The course covers topics such as lift, angle of attack, stall, and flutter, which are all important considerations for aircraft maintenance.
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. This course can help you build a foundation in flight mechanics, which is a critical field of study for aerospace engineers. The course covers topics such as lift, angle of attack, stall, and flutter, which are all important considerations for aircraft design.
Air Traffic Controller
An Air Traffic Controller manages the flow of aircraft in airspace. This course can help you understand the principles of flight mechanics, which is essential for ensuring the safety of aircraft. The course covers topics such as lift, angle of attack, stall, and flutter, which are all important considerations for air traffic control.
Flight Test Engineer
A Flight Test Engineer conducts flight tests to evaluate the performance and safety of aircraft and other aerospace vehicles. This course can help you build a foundation in flight mechanics, which is a critical field of study for flight test engineers. The course covers topics such as lift, angle of attack, stall, and flutter, which are all important considerations for flight testing.
Avionics Technician
An Avionics Technician installs, maintains, and repairs avionics systems on aircraft and other aerospace vehicles. This course can help you understand the principles of flight mechanics, which is essential for ensuring the safety of aircraft. The course covers topics such as lift, angle of attack, stall, and flutter, which are all important considerations for avionics systems.
Aircraft Mechanic
An Aircraft Mechanic inspects, maintains, and repairs aircraft and other aerospace vehicles. This course can help you understand the principles of flight mechanics, which is essential for ensuring the safety of aircraft. The course covers topics such as lift, angle of attack, stall, and flutter, which are all important considerations for aircraft maintenance.
Airline Pilot
An Airline Pilot flies commercial aircraft to transport passengers and cargo. This course can help you understand the principles of flight mechanics, which is essential for ensuring the safety of aircraft. The course covers topics such as lift, angle of attack, stall, and flutter, which are all important considerations for airline pilots.
Meteorologist
A Meteorologist studies the atmosphere and its phenomena, such as weather and climate. This course may be useful for meteorologists who want to understand the effects of weather on aircraft flight.
Air Traffic Manager
An Air Traffic Manager supervises air traffic controllers and manages the flow of aircraft in airspace. This course may be useful for air traffic managers who want to understand the principles of flight mechanics.
Airport Manager
An Airport Manager oversees the operation of an airport and manages its staff and resources. This course may be useful for airport managers who want to understand the principles of flight mechanics.
Aerospace Technical Writer
An Aerospace Technical Writer writes technical documents and manuals for aerospace products and systems. This course may be useful for aerospace technical writers who want to understand the principles of flight mechanics.
Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer
An Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer designs and develops manufacturing processes for aerospace products and systems. This course may be useful for aerospace manufacturing engineers who want to understand the principles of flight mechanics.
Aerospace Project Manager
An Aerospace Project Manager manages the development and production of aerospace products and systems. This course may be useful for aerospace project managers who want to understand the principles of flight mechanics.
Aerospace Business Development Manager
An Aerospace Business Development Manager develops and implements business strategies for aerospace companies. This course may be useful for aerospace business development managers who want to understand the principles of flight mechanics.
Aerospace Sales Engineer
An Aerospace Sales Engineer sells aerospace products and systems to customers. This course may be useful for aerospace sales engineers who want to understand the principles of flight mechanics.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Flight mechanics - Lift and trajectory.
Provides a comprehensive overview of flight dynamics, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It offers a solid foundation in flight mechanics, complementing the course's focus on lift and trajectory.
Focuses specifically on airplane aerodynamics and performance, offering a detailed analysis of lift, drag, and flight characteristics. It enhances understanding of the practical aspects of flight mechanics.
Provides a detailed examination of aerodynamics, covering fundamental concepts and applications relevant to flight mechanics. It offers a deeper understanding of lift and its impact on flight dynamics.
Expands on the course's coverage of flight stability and control. It provides a comprehensive analysis of aircraft stability and handling qualities, enhancing understanding of trajectory control.
Provides more in-depth knowledge on the physics and engineering behind the concepts covered in the course. It provides a solid foundation in aerodynamics and flight dynamics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of flight dynamics principles. It covers fundamental concepts, equations of motion, and stability analysis, complementing the course's coverage of lift and trajectory.
While the course primarily focuses on fixed-wing aircraft, this book offers insights into helicopter aerodynamics, complementing the understanding of lift and trajectory in different flight regimes.
While the course primarily covers fixed-wing aircraft, this book provides insights into helicopter flight dynamics. It complements the understanding of lift and trajectory in different flight regimes.

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