Private Pilot License (PPL) Aerodynamics Practice Exam

The amount of excess load that can be imposed on the wing of an airplane depends on the:

1. Weight of the aircraft

2. Configuration of the wing

3. Speed of the airplane

4. Material strength of the wing

The correct answer is: Speed of the airplane

The amount of excess load that can be imposed on the wing of an airplane is significantly influenced by the speed of the airplane due to the relationship between airspeed, lift, and the resulting aerodynamic forces acting on the wings. As the speed of the airplane increases, the dynamic pressure increases, which enhances the lift generated by the wings. This phenomenon is described by the lift equation, where lift is proportional to the square of the airspeed. Therefore, if the airplane is moving faster, it can generate more lift before reaching the aircraft's critical lift limit. This increased lift in a maneuver, such as turning or climbing, contributes to a greater load factor, which is the ratio of the lift generated by the wings to the weight of the aircraft. Consequently, as speed increases, the potential for generating greater lift also increases, allowing for a higher excess load on the wings. This is critical for maneuvers that require more lift than what is simply being countered by the aircraft's weight. Understanding this relationship is essential for pilots during various phases of flight, especially when maneuvering at higher speeds to ensure safe operation within the aircraft's structural limits.