Principles of Flight
Lift and the four forces
Understand how lift is generated by pressure distribution and Newtonian deflection, and how the lift formula (L = ½ρV²SCL) shows the effect of density, speed, area and angle of attack. Know the critical angle of attack, the stall, and that a wing stalls at the same angle regardless of speed, mass or attitude. Study induced, parasite and total drag, and the L/D maximum as the best glide condition.
Stability and control
Know static and dynamic stability in pitch, roll and yaw, and the role of the horizontal tail, dihedral, sweep and fin. Understand load factor, the V-n diagram, and how load factor raises stall speed (stall speed increases with the square root of load factor). Study adverse yaw, aileron drag, and the use of rudder.
Traps
Questions often claim a heavier aircraft stalls at a different angle of attack - it does not; it stalls at a higher speed. Another trap is confusing best glide (L/D max) with minimum sink speed. Also watch for the effect of flaps on stall speed and on the approach path.
Worked example - load factor
In a 45° bank the load factor is 1/cos 45° ≈ 1.41. If the 1 g stall speed is 50 kt, the accelerated stall speed is 50 × √1.41 ≈ 59 kt. In a 60° bank, load factor 2, stall speed becomes 50 × √2 ≈ 71 kt.