Course detail

Principles of Flight I

FSI-OZ1Acad. year: 2025/2026

Explaining of aerodynamic force and moment emergence on aircraft. Basic aerodynamic laws –equation of continuity, Bernoulli’s equations. Aerodynamic characteristic of profile and finite aspect ratio wing, drag due to lift. Aircraft aerodynamic characteristic – parasitic drag, interferential drag. High lift and drag devices. Compressibility effect on aircraft aerodynamic characteristic – subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speeds. The swept effect, Mach number, shock waves.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Ivo Jebáček, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Aerospace Engineering (LÚ)

Entry knowledge

The basics of mathematics - differential and integral calculus, common differential equations. The basics of common mechanics – force effect on a body, kinematics and dynamics. The basics of fluid mechanics.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The course ends with a classified credit. The condition for granting a classified credit is 95 % physical participation in all forms of teaching. Furthermore, it is necessary to submit completed assignments within exercises and self-study. Demonstration of knowledge takes place in the form of a test. Classification according to the Study and Examination Regulations of the FME.
Lectures and seminars are compulsory, and attendance is checked and recorded. The absence (15%-20%) can be compensated by personal consultation with the lecturer and elaboration of individually assigned topics and exercises. All tasks must be finished and handed in the credit week at the latest.

Aims

The goal is to familiarize students with the basic aerodynamics of atmospheric aircraft, the principle of forces and moments emergence on aircraft. Students will learn to apply practically their knowledge of aerodynamics in pilot practice for the purpose of higher flight safety.
The students gain basic knowledge and habits for the aerodynamic application usable for flying from the piloting point of view. They acquire knowledge of flying theory necessary for effective and safe aircraft traffic.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

EASA ATPL (A) Theory Training: Principles of Flight. 7th Edition. United Kingdom: Bristol Groundschool International Limited, 2019. ISBN 978-1-912679-34-8. (EN)
EASA ATPL Ground Training Series: Principles of Flight. Book No 13, EASA-First Edition, Revised for NPA29. United Kingdom: CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, 2020. (EN)

Recommended reading

Daněk,V.- Filakovský,K.: Základy letu. Učební texty pro teoretickou přípravu dopravních pilotů dle předpisu JAR-FCL-1. Brno: Akademické nakladatelství CERM, 2006. 314 s. ISBN 80-7104-449-4. (CS)
Daněk,V.: Mechanika letu I - Letové výkony. Brno: Akademické nakladatelství CERM, 2009, 293 s. ISBN 978-80-7204-659-1. (CS)
Daněk,V.: Mechanika letu II - Letové vlastnosti. Brno: Akademické nakladatelství CERM, 2011. 334 s. ISBN 978-80-7204-761-1. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-PRP-P Bachelor's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Ivo Jebáček, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Basics, definitions and laws. Equation of continuity. Bernoulli´s equation.
2. Airfoil aerodynamic forces and moments. Airfoil coefficients.
3. Viscosity effects. Boundary layer. Reynold´s number. Flow separation.
4. Aerodynamic characteristics of wings. Induced drag.
5. Airplane aerodynamic characteristics. Interference drag. Total drag of airplane.
6. Means of increasing lift. Influence of ground effect.
7. Stall. Stall speeds.
8. Means of increasing drag. Spoilers. Aerodynamic brakes.
9. Influence of ice and contamination on the aerodynamic characteristics.
10. Compressibility effects. Speed of sound. Mach number.
11. Subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speed aerodynamics. Critical Mach number.
12. Shock waves. Normal and oblique shock waves. Expansion waves.
13. Buffet onset. Buffet free range. "Coffin Corner".

Exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Ivo Jebáček, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Equation of continuity. Bernoulli´s equation.
2. Airfoil aerodynamic forces and moments. Airfoil coefficients.
3. Viscosity effects. Boundary layer. Reynold´s number. Flow separation.
4. Aerodynamic characteristics of wings. Induced drag.
5. Airplane aerodynamic characteristics. Interference drag. Total drag of airplane. D = f(V).
6. Means of increasing lift. Influence of ground effect.
7. Stall speeds.
8. Means of increasing drag. Spoilers. Aerodynamic brakes.
9. Influence of ice on the aerodynamic characteristics.
10. Compressibility effect. Speed of sound. Mach number.
11. Critical Mach number.
12. Normal and oblique shock waves. Expansion waves. 
13. Buffeting. Beginning of buffeting, operational restrictions.