Private Pilot License (PPL) Aerodynamics Practice Exam

In what flight condition is torque effect the greatest in a single-engine airplane?

1. High airspeed, low power, low angle of attack

2. Low airspeed, high power, high angle of attack

3. Medium airspeed, medium power, level flight

4. High airspeed, high power, straight flight

The correct answer is: Low airspeed, high power, high angle of attack

Torque effect is most pronounced in conditions where the airplane is operating at low airspeeds while applying high power, such as during takeoff and initial climb phases or when the aircraft is at a high angle of attack. In these scenarios, the engine produces significant thrust, and the aerodynamics become sensitive to changes in power output and control inputs. Low airspeed means that the influence of control surfaces is reduced, making it harder to counteract the yaw induced by torque. The high power setting amplifies the forces acting on the aircraft, resulting in a more noticeable tendency to roll and yaw in the opposite direction of the propeller's rotation. As the angle of attack increases, the airflow over the wings and control surfaces becomes less effective, which can exacerbate the torque effect, making it more challenging for the pilot to maintain coordinated flight. Therefore, the combination of low airspeed, high power, and high angle of attack creates an environment where the torque effect is the most significant, requiring careful management by the pilot.