Power Curve

This short video explains one of the most misunderstood concepts in general aviation, the power curve. The subject is explained by Gene Benson, long-time flight instructor, professional pilot, and FAASTeam Lead Representative.

[@brandonmiller4632]

Nice instructional video! The explanation I give regarding induced drag begins with an understanding that the lift vector is perpendicular to the relative wind, and not the chord line. There is a pressure differential that exists between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing that induces a vortex to form at the wing tips, which causes a downward force on the air at the trailing edge (this occurs throughout the span of the wing, but is greatest at the tips). It is this downward component, or downwash, that causes the airstream to depart at a downward angle from the incoming air, or relative wind. The lift vector is now tilted backward in the streamwise direction. And it is a force in that direction that we know to be drag. Looking forward to more videos! Thank you for your dedication to flight instruction!

[@ukrainetrain84]

best explanation of drag I've seen. simple and concise.

[@LeftSeat2006]

Excellent Video Mr. Benson!

[@0RespectMyAuthority0]

These videos are great. Keep making more!

[@pilgrimdust7511]

an excellent explanation

[@fwoodbridge]

Great tip, RT'd to twitter.

[@jeffery7756]

In "the pilot's handbook of aeronautical knowledge," the section on climb performance talks about the difference between "Thrust" & "Power." Although I have read this several times, I am having difficulty understanding the difference between "Thrust" & "Power.". In your video, at 3:15, your example adds a "thrust available" line, where the book labels it as a power available line. And the book example of "thrust vs climb angle" shows the curve in a different shape. Can you do a video that can demystify the differences in thrust & drag please?

[@GeneBensonAviation]

The difference between thrust and power is actually quite simple. Power is what is output from the engine measured at the crankshaft. Thrust is is the force delivered by the propeller. Since no propeller is 100% efficient, thrust will always be less than power. The power curve compares the thrust available at different airspeeds. The curve presented in this video represents a fixed-pitch propeller and assumes full-throttle at a constant density altitude. The shape of the curve will be different for a constant speed propeller.

[@ferhatsevivindik6938]

Good