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Module 8. Basic aerodynamics

The power required at low altitude for a given IAS is

  • unchanged with altitude.
  • higher.
  • lower.

Explanation

For a given indicated airspeed the dynamic pressure and therefore the drag are the same at any altitude. However, at low altitude the air is denser, so the true airspeed is lower for that same IAS. Since power required equals drag times true airspeed, the lower TAS at low altitude means less power is required.

kspyroglou asking:

How is that possible? The air is more dense, therefore the drag is increased, thus the thrust (power) should be increased

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