terms in reference to Aviation

​The four forces acting on any body are

By MacKenzey Stewart

​Newton’s Third Law of Motion

• Definition: This law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In aviation, this means that the force generated by the engines (thrust) pushes the aircraft forward, and the exhaust gases are pushed backward, creating an equal and opposite force.

​Thrust Definition: Thrust is the forward force produced by an aircraft’s engine (jet or propeller). It is needed to overcome drag and propel the aircraft forward, enabling flight.

Inertia

• Definition: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. In aviation, this means that an aircraft will continue in its current state (whether at rest or in motion) unless acted upon by an external force (like thrust or drag).

Momentum

• Definition: Momentum is the product of an object’s mass and velocity. In aviation, the momentum of an aircraft influences its ability to maintain speed or change its direction and is important in terms of energy management during flight.

Gravity

• Definition: Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the Earth. In aviation, it is the force that the aircraft must overcome with lift to stay in the air.

Drag

• Definition: Drag is the resistance that an aircraft faces as it moves through the air. It is caused by friction and air pressure differences over the surface of the aircraft. The engine’s thrust must overcome drag to maintain forward motion.

The Law of Conservation of Energy

• Definition: This law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. In aviation, this can refer to how an aircraft’s energy is transformed between potential (altitude) and kinetic (speed) energy, especially during maneuvers like climbing, descending, or turning.

Center of Gravity (CG)

• Definition: The center of gravity is the point where the aircraft’s mass is considered to be concentrated. The position of the CG affects the aircraft’s stability and control. If the CG is too far forward or aft, it can make the aircraft difficult or dangerous to control.

Pitch

• Definition: Pitch refers to the rotation of an aircraft around its lateral axis (from wingtip to wingtip). When the nose of the aircraft moves up or down, this is called a pitch. This motion is controlled by the aircraft’s elevators.

Yaw

• Definition: Yaw refers to the rotation of an aircraft around its vertical axis (up and down). This motion causes the aircraft’s nose to move left or right. Yaw is controlled by the aircraft's rudder.

Roll

• Definition: Roll is the rotation of an aircraft around its longitudinal axis (from nose to tail). This movement causes the aircraft to tilt left or right. Roll is controlled by the aircraft's ailerons