Course detail

Flight Mechanics I

FSI-OMZAcad. year: 2025/2026

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

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Ivo Jebáček, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Aerospace Engineering (LÚ)

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.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Brüning,G.- Hafer,X.- Sachs,G. Flugleistungen. 2.vyd., Berlin: Springer Verlag, 1986. 404 s. ISBN 3-540-16982-2. (DE)
Daněk,V. Mechanika letu I - Letové výkony. Brno: Akademické nakladatelství CERM, 2009. 293 s. ISBN 978-80-7204-659-1. (CS)
Ruijgrok,G.J.J. Elements of Airplane Performance. Delft: Delft University Press, 1990. 452 s. ISBN 90-6275-608-5. (EN)

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Zikmund, Ph.D.

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 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Zikmund, Ph.D.

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.