### Introduction We often refer to the "Four Fundamentals of Flight", which are - Straight and level flight (at various speeds and configurations) - Turns - Climbs, and - Descents While these may seem simple, proper technique and practice form a foundation that allows the pilot to fly with precision while focussing on other tasks. We'll be practicing these fundamentals in every flight, but in this lesson we'll talk about the techniques, tips, and tricks that make each maneuver smooth and controlled. We'll also talk about the aerodynamics of flight in all these configurations, which a pilot is expected to understand, and which often comes up in the oral exam. **Pre-Lesson Reading/Homework:** [[~ PPL Pre-Lesson Reading]] **Schedule:** Ground 1.0 hr, Flight 2.0 hr ### Lesson Elements > [!tip] > Pitch + Power = Performance > [!tip] > Lift can be increased by increasing velocity, increasing angle of attack (up to [[Critical Angle of Attack]]), or adding flaps. #### Use of Primary and Secondary Control Surfaces This follows the topics covered in a demo flight, if not previously flown. ![[PPL0.0 Optional Introductory or Demo Flight#Lesson Elements]] #### Straight and Level **Aerodynamic Principles** ![[Forces in Stabilized Flight]] **In Practice** 1. Always be [[scanning for traffic]]! 2. Use the visual horizon to maintain direction and pitch attitude ([[NoseReferenceForSL.jpeg|image]]) 3. Use wingtip reference to maintain level flight 4. Periodically cross-check the altimeter and heading indicator ([[90%-10% Outside vs Inside|aim for 90-10 split of time looking outside vs inside]]) 5. Keep a light grip on the controls 6. Use trim to help #### Level Turns **Aerodynamic Principles** 1. The plane turns because the lift vector tilts, not because of the rudder ![[Forces in Level Turn.jpeg]] 2. To maintain altitude, additional lift is needed 1. Apply back-pressure to the controls, increasing lift 2. Sometimes add power, to overcome increased drag 3. [[Adverse Yaw]] requires using the rudder to maintain coordinated flight 4. [[Overbanking Tendency]] means you need to apply a bit of opposite aileron to keep the bank angle constant. 5. Back-pressure results in load factor > 1.0, and increased stall speed 6. Sight picture differs slightly in left vs right turns **In Practice** 1. Check for traffic (high wing plane - lift wing slightly before banking) 2. Roll into turn while adding rudder, and pulling back lightly on the controls 3. Neutralize ailerons once the turn is established; also, less rudder is required 4. Maintain coordination (counteract [[Adverse Yaw]]) using the rudder ([[Indications of Slip and Skid.jpeg]]) 5. Relax, make adjustments, scan for traffic 6. Use opposite aileron to roll out, while relaxing back pressure, and staying coordinated > [!maneuver]- 3D Visualizer: Level Flight and Turns > <iframe src="https://maneuvers.cfijack.com/?embed&m=level-flight-and-turns" width="100%" height="520" style="border:0;border-radius:12px"></iframe> #### Climbs and Descents **Notes** - Different situations require climbs at [[Vx]], [[Vy]], or normal/cruise climb - It's useful to memorize power settings for repeatable climbs/descents - During climb, [[Four Left Turning Tendencies#P-Factor (Asymmetric Loading)|P-Factor]] increases the need for right rudder - Q: What happens, starting from straight-and-level flight, if you add throttle? Why? - Q: What happens, starting from straight-and-level flight, if you extend flaps? Why? **In Practice** ![[Maneuver - Four Fundamentals]] #### Climbing/Descending Turns Establish climb or descent, then initiate turn. #### Common errors 1. Forgetting to scan for traffic 2. Overcontrolling - use pressure, not movement, of controls 3. Chasing the instruments - looking at the instruments too often 4. Too firm grip on controls - relax, use fingertip pressure 5. Lack of rudder coordination ### Completion Standards Learner must demonstrate ability to use external visual references to maintain appropriate pitch and bank attitudes, with occasional cross-check of aircraft instruments. Learner must develop habit of visual scanning for traffic, and check for traffic before maneuvers. > [!success]- Tolerances (Partial) from [[Private Pilot ACS|ACS]] > ±10 knots, ±10° degrees, ±100 feet^[These are a reasonable blend of minimums from other ACS standards, since four fundamentals is assessed as part of other maneuvers in the checkride.] ### Required Homework None ### Recommended Homework - [ ] Chair fly four fundamentals *Return to [[~ PPL Lesson Plan Outline|Table of Contents]]^*