PHAK-CH3: Aircraft Design, Certification, and Aerodynamics

In this episode, we explore the foundations of aircraft design, certification, airworthiness, and basic aerodynamics. We examine how the FAA establishes safety standards through 14 CFR, including the certification requirements for airplanes, rotorcraft, engines, propellers, and special classes of aircraft.We’ll break down the certification process, the role of Type Certificates and Type Certificate Data Sheets, and the importance of conformity inspections and airworthiness certificates. We’ll also look at the differences between Standard and Special airworthiness certificates and how these classifications affect aircraft operations.Finally, we return to the fundamentals of flight—thrust, lift, weight, and drag—and explore how aircraft move around their three axes. We’ll examine why the Center of Gravity is so critical to aircraft stability, performance, loading, and overall flight safety.