## Aerodynamics of Flight Chapter 3 

## Introduction 

To understand what makes a glider fly, pilots must first have an understanding of aircraft aerodynamics and how flight is possible. An understanding of aerodynamics and how it affects takeoffs, flight maneuvers, and landings allows pilots to be more skillful and aware of the capabilities of the glider. A thorough discussion about aeronautical terminology and concepts related to aircraft in flight can be found in the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), which new pilots should review before learning about the aerodynamics specific to gliders. This chapter discusses the fundamentals of aerodynamics as it relates to gliders and glider performance. The study of aerodynamics is a complicated science, and pilots should consider the task of learning aerodynamics as critical as learning how to land safely. 

