This course focuses on the physics of the atmosphere and its consequences on speed and altitude measurements. At the end of this course, you will understand precisely the meaning of the speed and altitude indication available to the pilot of an airplane. You will understand the difference between standard and actual atmosphere and be able to perform basic altitude and speed correction computations.
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You will understand why jet airliners need to be pressurized, or why a clogged Pitot tube can mislead a pilot.
Although some math equations are used from time to time to justify certain results. This course insists on curve shapes, figures, tables, and you can efficiently follow it while skipping the equation-solving parts if you do not fancy them.
Course 2 of 4 in the Fundamentals of Flight mechanics Specialization.
What You Will Learn
- How is defined the International Standard Atmosphere and how to use the corresponding tables.
- How to position a flight point in terms of true airspeed, calibrated airspeed, Mach number, and altitude.
- What is the basic functioning of an altimeter or an airspeed indicator.
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Atmosphere
This first week is dedicated to the atmosphere that surrounds the airplane and allows it to fly, and to the basis of flight physics. We will focus on the environment in which the airplane evolves: the atmosphere. We will examine its physics to better understand the effect of altitude on pressure, temperature, or the speed of sound.
WEEK 2
Speeds used in flight mechanics
At the end of this second week, you will be able to explain why we are using various speeds in flight mechanics, like Calibrated Airspeed, True Airspeed, or Equivalent Airspeed, and what is the precise definition for each of them.
WEEK 3
Practical: The Zp, Mach, Vc Diagram
To finish this course, we propose to manipulate some data to allow you to really understand the practical implications of all the concepts discussed.
General assessment
In this final graded assessment, you will check your knowledge and apply all the concepts covered in the course.
