Aviation and the Lift Equation

The lift equation is one of the defining equations in aviation. Every variable dictates design choices in the manufacturing of airplanes and Pilots use their understanding of the equation to safely fly and maneuver their aircraft. In this presentation we will explore one aspect of the coefficient of lift, the “angle of attack”, and how pilots use their understanding of this variable to maneuver their aircraft. I will be looking at a maneuver used in pilot training, the “steep turn” or “45 degree turn”. The goal of my talk is to help us visualize how a pilot’s control over the airplane can keep all other lift variables and the altitude of the plane constant during the maneuver.