What effect might a temperature of -10°C have on aircraft performance during flight?

What effect might a temperature of -10°C have on aircraft performance during flight?

• A. Increase in performance
• B. Decrease in performance
• C. No effect on performance
• D. Variable effect depending on speed

Answer: (B)

When considering the effect of a temperature of -10°C on aircraft performance, it's important to understand how temperature impacts air density and engine efficiency. At lower temperatures, the air is denser. This increased air density can enhance the lift generated by the wings during flight since lift increases with airflow density. However, while this might seem beneficial, colder temperatures can also lead to other considerations that might adversely affect performance, such as increased drag. Moreover, the colder air can affect engine operation, particularly in terms of fuel injection and combustion efficiency. Depending on the engine type and its temperature operating range, very cold air might lead to suboptimal performance. In terms of overall aircraft performance, particularly during takeoff or climb, colder temperatures can increase the chances of ice formation on critical surfaces or in the engine, which can lead to performance degradation. Therefore, the combined effects of airflow characteristics, engine efficiency, and potential icing risks result in a decrease in overall performance in flight at -10°C, making this the correct choice.

When considering the effect of a temperature of -10°C on aircraft performance, it's important to understand how temperature impacts air density and engine efficiency.

At lower temperatures, the air is denser. This increased air density can enhance the lift generated by the wings during flight since lift increases with airflow density. However, while this might seem beneficial, colder temperatures can also lead to other considerations that might adversely affect performance, such as increased drag.

Moreover, the colder air can affect engine operation, particularly in terms of fuel injection and combustion efficiency. Depending on the engine type and its temperature operating range, very cold air might lead to suboptimal performance.

In terms of overall aircraft performance, particularly during takeoff or climb, colder temperatures can increase the chances of ice formation on critical surfaces or in the engine, which can lead to performance degradation.

Therefore, the combined effects of airflow characteristics, engine efficiency, and potential icing risks result in a decrease in overall performance in flight at -10°C, making this the correct choice.