Aerodynamics explains how and why an aircraft flies. It is the physics behind every manoeuvre, every climb and every landing — and it is one of the first, and most important, subjects in your aviation theory study.
What pilots learn in aerodynamics
In this subject you learn the basic physics of aircraft flight and how, by using aerodynamic forces, pilots can fly a controlled and safe flight. The concepts may sound technical at first, but they are fully explained step by step — which is what makes this an exciting and informative subject rather than a confusing one.
You will build an understanding of the forces that act on every aircraft in flight:
- Lift and how wings produce it
- Drag and what slows an aircraft down
- Thrust and how it keeps an aircraft moving
- Weight and how it is balanced against the other forces
Why aerodynamics matters in pilot training
Understanding these forces is not just theory for an exam. When you know why an aircraft behaves the way it does, you fly with more confidence and make better decisions in the air. Every good Australian pilot studies aerodynamics early — because the principles you learn here appear in almost every other subject, from air law to performance and planning.
Study aerodynamics with CBT Systems
At CBT Systems, Aerodynamics is taught as part of the Aeroscience Aviation Theory course, delivered online in partnership with TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275). The subject uses clear tutorial videos, quizzes and assessments so you can study at your own pace, with our team of professional pilots, engineers and instructors behind the material.
See the full subject list or talk to us about getting started.