CPL Aerodynamics case studies
CPL Aerodynamics · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CPL Aerodynamics examination is one of the knowledge examinations a candidate must pass on the path to an Australian Commercial Pilot Licence. It is aimed at pilots who already hold, or are completing, a private licence and are moving into commercial operations, where a far deeper understanding of why an aeroplane behaves as it does is expected. The CPL Aerodynamics case studies are 5 cases and about 3,352 words.
1Rotation on a Short Runway with a Forward CG
You are flying a light twin (MTOW 2,100 kg, wing span 11.8 m) from a 1,150 m sealed runway at 1,200 ft pressure altitude, ISA +12°C. The load sheet places the CG 4 cm forward of the mid-point of the permitted envelope, and the aircraft is 60 kg below MTOW.
715 words, about 4 min2Cruise Altitude Choice with a Deteriorating Headwind
You are planning a 640 nm leg in a normally aspirated single (best-range TAS 128 KT at 8,000 ft, 138 KT at 11,000 ft). Forecast winds at 8,000 ft are 350/25 and at 11,000 ft are 340/45.
693 words, about 3 min3Approach to the Stall in a Turn with Ice Accretion
You are practising steep turns at 5,000 ft in a single-engine trainer (clean stall speed 52 KCAS at 1,000 kg). During the sortie the aircraft picks up a thin but continuous rime ice on the leading edges and the tailplane after a climb through a stratus layer; the ice is not shedding.
660 words, about 3 min4High-Speed Descent and Mach Trimming
You are flying a light jet at FL410, Mach 0.78, when ATC instructs a descent to FL310 at 2,500 ft/min. The aircraft has a Mach trimmer and a stick shaker with a low-speed (high-altitude) mode.
663 words, about 3 min5Crosswind Landing with a Contaminated Runway
You are landing a light single (MTOW 1,100 kg, wing span 10.7 m) on a 1,400 m runway, surface reported as compacted snow with a braking action of medium to poor. The tower reports wind 250/18 gusting 26, runway 27, temperature −3°C.
621 words, about 3 min