AerodynamicsBasic Principles
Relative Airflow
Relative airflow is the direction of airflow produced by the movement of the aircraft through the air. It flows in a direction exactly parallel and opposite to the flight path of the aircraft, and is not dependent on the aircraft's pitch attitude.
Key Points
- •Relative airflow always flows in the direction opposite to the aircraft's actual flight path.
- •It is used as the reference direction when measuring the angle of attack against the wing chord line.
- •Relative airflow changes instantly as the aircraft's flight path changes.
Exam Relevance
Required to correctly identify the angle of attack and understand how flight maneuvers alter the aerodynamic forces on the wings.
Related Terms
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