Ground School Topics

The Aerodynamic Basis of Lift and Control:

• Angle of attack and pressure patterns.
• Boundary layer and separation.
• Wing planform: stall pattern and vortex effects.

Aircraft Dynamics and Upset Recovery:

• Aircraft axes and derivatives.
• The nature of stability and control.
• The aircraft’s natural modes.
• Lateral/directional coupling.
• Roll dynamics.
• Flying qualities: Some differences between prop trainers and passenger jets.
• Limitations on the use of rudders for large aircraft.
• FAR certification requirements.
• Simulator alpha/beta envelopes.

Hangar and classrooms.

Spin Dynamics:

• The characteristics of departure, incipient phase, and steady state.
• Inertial and aerodynamic moments.
• Aircraft mass distribution and recovery techniques.

Upset Causes:

• NASA vortex studies and encounter dynamics.
• Spatial Disorientation.
• NTSB accident analyses.

See the download page for sample ground school text.