Principles of Flight
(PoF)
Understanding how an aircraft flies is fundamental for every pilot. The PPL Principles of Flight course covers the core aerodynamic concepts that influence aircraft performance and handling. From the forces acting on an aircraft to advanced flight maneuvers, this module provides essential knowledge to help pilots make informed decisions in the air. Key Topics Covered: ✅ The four forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust, and drag ✅ How airfoils generate lift and the role of angle of attack ✅ Stability, control, and the effects of flight control surfaces ✅ Stalls, spins, and high-speed aerodynamics By mastering these principles, pilots gain the confidence to understand aircraft behavior in different flight conditions, ensuring safer and more efficient flying.
Course content
PPL Principles of Flight – Course Content
1. Fundamentals of Flight
•The four aerodynamic forces: lift, weight, thrust, and drag
•Newton’s Laws of Motion and Bernoulli’s Principle
•Relationship between airspeed, altitude, and performance
2. Lift & Drag
•How lift is generated and factors affecting it
•Drag components: parasite drag vs. induced drag
•The lift-to-drag ratio and best performance speeds
3. Stability & Control
•Longitudinal, lateral, and directional stability
•The role of the center of gravity (CG) in aircraft control
•How control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, rudder) affect movement
4. Stalls & Spins
•Understanding stall conditions and recovery techniques
•Critical angle of attack and factors leading to a stall
•Spin dynamics and recovery procedures
5. High-Speed Aerodynamics
•Effects of compressibility and shock waves
•Understanding Mach number and critical Mach speed
•Control surface effectiveness at high speeds
Course prerequisites
Before taking the PPL Principles of Flight course, students should have a basic understanding of the following subjects within the Private Pilot License (PPL) program:
1.PPL Air Law & Regulations – Knowledge of aviation rules, aircraft certification, and operational limitations that influence aircraft performance.
2.PPL Aircraft General Knowledge – Understanding of aircraft structures, flight control surfaces, and basic engine operations, which are essential for learning how an aircraft flies.
3.PPL Human Performance & Limitations – Awareness of how physiological factors (e.g., G-forces, spatial disorientation) affect pilot control and aircraft handling.
4.PPL Meteorology – Basic knowledge of atmospheric conditions such as wind, pressure, and density altitude, which influence aircraft lift, drag, and performance.
5.PPL Communications (RT) – Familiarity with standard radio phraseology for in-flight operations, which helps in understanding ATC instructions related to flight maneuvers.
Scheduled dates
None, request by mail