Which statements about an aeroplane entering ground effect at a constant angle of attack are correct or incorrect?

Study for the ATPL Intensive Program Exam. Use multiple choice questions and flashcards, each with hints and explanations. Master your exam preparation and succeed!

When considering an airplane entering ground effect at a constant angle of attack, it is important to understand the aerodynamic principles involved.

Ground effect occurs when an aircraft is flying close to the ground, typically within a wingspan height above the surface. In this situation, the airflow around the wings is affected due to the proximity of the ground, which leads to increased lift and reduced drag.

For the first statement to be correct, it would likely discuss how lift behaves in ground effect, which is influenced by factors such as reduced downwash and the formation of a stronger vortex at the wing tips when close to the ground. Recognizing that the aircraft in ground effect, while maintaining a constant angle of attack, experiences these changes is foundational in understanding the impacts of ground effect.

The second statement, which is found to be incorrect, could touch upon the consequences of ground effect on handling characteristics or stall behavior. In ground effect, although the aircraft may experience increased lift, it does not change the stall characteristics in the same way as it might when not close to the ground. This means that while the lift may be enhanced, it doesn't provide additional safety margins regarding stall behavior when the aircraft remains at a constant angle of attack.

This understanding leads to the conclusion that the first

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