Course detail
Flight Mechanics I
FSI-OMZ Acad. year: 2025/2026 Summer semester
Comprehensive explanation of theoretical foundations and methods of determination of flight performance of atmospheric aircraft. The forces acting on the aircraft and the equations of motion are analyzed, the basic characteristics and flight performance of the aircraft being obtained.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
5
Supervisor
Department
Entry knowledge
Fundamentals of university mathematics – differential and integral calculus, ordinary differential equations. Fundamentals of general mechanics – force effects on bodies, kinematics and dynamics of the bodies’ motion. Fundamentals of aerodynamics.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The condition for obtaining the course-unit credit is participation in seminars. Obtaining credit is a condition for admission to the exam. The exam is written and oral, while the knowledge base is based on a written exam. Classification according to the Study and Examination Regulations of FME.
90% participation in exercises, further it is necessary to present all completed calculations. Missed lessons are replaced by guided consultation and self-study.
Aims
The aim of this course is to familiarize students with the basic tasks of the flight mechanics of aircrafts, to acquaint students with the methods of determination of classical flight performance and the assessment of the influence of aerodynamic, inertial and propulsion characteristics on flight performance.
The graduate will acquire the ability to determine the classical flight performance of an airplane by numerical methods. Evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the relation of flight performance with the design of the airplane and its optimal use during operation.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme N-LKT-P: Aerospace Technology , Master's
specialization STL: Aircraft Design, compulsory
Programme N-LKT-P: Aerospace Technology , Master's
specialization TLT: Airtransport and Airport Technology, compulsory
Type of course unit
Lecture
26 hours, optionally
Syllabus
1. Introduction. Definition, classification and basic concepts of flight mechanics.
2. Kinematics of atmospheric aircraft motion. Coordinate systems.
3. Forces acting on the airplane. Load factor.
4. Basic equations of motion.
5. Horizontal flight. Required thrust and power.
6. Characteristic regimes in horizontal flight.
7. Equilibrium diagrams of thrust and power. Flight regimes envelope.
8. Climb and ceiling of aircraft. Barograms and trajectories of flight.
9. Gliding flight. Hodograph diagram.
10. Flight performance in turns. Turn limitations.
11. Range and endurance of the airplane.
12. Take-off and landing performance.
13. CS Performance Requirements.
Exercise
13 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
1. Coordinate systems. Transformation of forces, moments and kinematic quantities.
2. Calculation of minimum and maximum airspeeds.
3. Equilibrium diagrams of thrust and power.
4. Economical and optimal flight regime – connection to the aerodynamic polar of the airplane.
5. Gliding flight. Hodograph diagram.
6. Influence of operating conditions on the hodograph. Practical use of the hodograph.
7. Calculation of climb performance. Diagram w = f (V). Climb regimes.
8. Effect of height on climb. Calculation of ceiling.
9. Calculation of barograms and flight trajectories.
10. Flight performance in steady horizontal turn.
11. Turn diagrams.
12. Calculation of take-off lengths.
13. Calculation of landing lengths.