Page 698 - PPL-engelsk 2025

Aircraft general knowledge

8.4 Fuselage loading (stress)

The fuselage is exposed to very large impacts from the air.

However, it is not only in the air that the aircraft can suffer overload. It can also

be exposed to overload when parked. In strong winds, the controls can swing

back and forth strongly if control gust locks are not used. It may also be necessary
to tether the aircraft to the ground.

- Take-off: Normally not a heavy load, unless the take-off runway is uneven

- Climb: Normally not a heavy load. In turbulent weather, the wings can be

affected

- En-route: Turbulence and icing can damage the aircraft. In severe

turbulence, the speed is reduced to Va (max. maneuvering speed).

- Turn: High load on wings

- Landing: Load on undercarriage. It can be very hard when landing in

crosswinds and when landing where the aircraft comes into contact with

the lee and loses lift.

8.4.1 POH and the aircraft's limitations

There are very specific limitations for each individual aircraft that must not be
exceeded. Any aircraft can be blown to pieces if these limitations are exceeded.

It is therefore extremely important that the limitations set for the aircraft type

are observed.

A thorough review of the aircraft's POH (Pilots Operating Handbook) indicates in

an entire chapter the limitations or restrictions that must be observed in order

to avoid damage to the aircraft.

Limitations can be exceeded by, for example, banking or climbing sharply and by

flying too fast, but too much weight or the wrong center of gravity are also

important to avoid for safety reasons.

Flyveteori PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 698