Y OF AERONAUTICAL TERMS.
Aerodrome.--Literally a machine that runs in the air. Aerofoil.--The
advancing transverse section of an aeroplane.
Aeroplane.--A flying machine of the glider pattern, used in
contra-distinction to a dirigible balloon.
Aeronaut.--A person who travels in the air.
Aerostat.--A machine sustaining weight in the air. A balloon is an
aerostat.
Aerostatic.--Pertaining to suspension in the air; the art of aerial
navigation.
Ailerons.--Small stabilizing planes attached to the main planes to
assist in preserving equilibrium.
Angle of Incidence.--Angle formed by making comparison with a
perpendicular line or body.
Angle of Inclination.--Angle at which a flying machine rises. This
angle, like that of incidence, is obtained by comparison with an
upright, or perpendicular line.
Auxiliary Planes.--Minor plane surfaces, used in conjunction with the
main planes for stabilizing purposes.
Biplane.--A flying-machine of the glider type with two surface planes.
Blade Twist.--The angle of twist or curvature on a propeller blade.
Cambered.--Curve or arch in plane, or wing from port to starboard.
Chassis.--The under framework of a flying machine; the framework of the
lower plane.
Control.--System by which the rudders and stabilizing planes are
manipulated.
Dihedral.--Having two sides and set at an angle, like dihedral planes,
or dihedral propeller blades.
Dirigible.--Obedient to a rudder; something that may be steered or
directed.
Helicopter.--Flying machine the lifting power of which is furnished by
vertical propellers.
Lateral Curvature.--Parabolic form in a transverse direction.
Lateral Equilibrium or Stability.--Maintenance of the machine on an even
keel transversely. If the lateral equilibrium is perfect the extreme
ends of the machine will be on a dead level.
Longitudinal Equilibrium or Stability.--Maintenance of the machine on an
even keel from front to rear.
Monoplane.--Flying machine with one supporting, or surface plane.
Multiplane.--Flying machine with more than three surface planes.
Ornithopter.--Flying machine with movable bird-like wings.
Parabolic Curves.--Having the form of a parabola--a conic section.
Pitch of Propeller Blade.--See "Twist."
Ribs.--The pieces over which the cloth covering is stretched.
Spread.--The distance from end to end of the main surface; the
transverse dimension.
Stanchions.--Upright pieces connecting the upper and low
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