Aircraft Characteristics/
Aircraft Recognition
3-15-11
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20111
Aircraft Characteristics and
Recognition
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20112
Lesson Objectives
1. Identify aircraft using common recognition features
A. Categories.
B. Weight classes.
C. Designators.
D. Performance characteristics.
E. Identification features.
2. Recognize selected aircraft
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20113
Aircraft Categories
Category I
(CAT I)
Category II
(CAT II)
Category III
(CAT III)
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20114
CAT I Aircraft
• Weight: 12,500 lbs. or less
• Single-engine
• Propeller-driven
All helicopters
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20115
CAT II Aircraft
• Weight: 12,500 lbs. or less
• Twin-engine
• Propeller-driven
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20116
CAT III Aircraft
Any other aircraft not described in either CAT I or CAT II
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20117
CAT I General Performance
Characteristics
Speed: 100-160 knots
Altitude: 10,000 feet and below
Climb Rate: 1,000 feet per minute or less
Weight Class: Small (S)
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20118
CAT II General Performance
Characteristics
Speed: 160-250 knots
Altitude: FL240 and below
Climb Rate: 1,000-2,000 feet per minute
Weight Class: Small (S)
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-20119
CAT III General Performance
Characteristics
Speed: 300-550 knots
Altitude: FL450 and below
Climb Rate: 2,000-4,000 feet per minute
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201110
Helicopter’s General Performance
Characteristics
Speed: 90-160 knots
Altitude: FL200 and below
Climb Rate: 500-2,150 feet per minute
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201111
Weight Class Definitions
Small: Aircraft of 41,000 pounds or less maximum certified takeoff weight.
Large: Aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds, maximum certified takeoff weight, up to 300,000 pounds.
Heavy: Aircraft capable of takeoff weights of more than 300,000 pounds whether or not they are operating at this weight during a particular phase of flight.
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201112
Examples of Civil Designators
Model Name Designator
COMMANDER AC68
SUPER KING AIR BE20
BARON 58 BE58
SKYHAWK C172
CITATION C550
(CHEROKEE) ARCHER P28A
GULFSTREAM GLF3
BOEING 737-300 B733
MD11 MD11
BELL 222 B222
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201113
Examples of Military Designators
A - Attack A10 B - Bomber B1 C - Cargo Transport C5
E - Electronic (ECM) E8 F - Fighter F15
H - Helicopter H60 P - Patrol P3 T - Trainer T37
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201114
Aircraft Identification Features
1. Size
2. Engine location and number
3. Engine type
4. Wing placement
5. Wing configuration
6. Tail configuration
7. Windows
8. Fuselage shape
9. Landing gear
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201115
Size
Boeing
B767
Boeing
B737
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201116
Engine Locations and Numbers
B737 under wing (2)GLF2 on fuselage (2)
DC10 under wing and through tail (3) B747 under wing (4)
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201117
Three Basic Aircraft Engine Types
Reciprocating C421 Golden Eagle
TurbopropBE20
Super King Air
Turbojet C550Citation II
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201118
Wing Placement
High-Wing Cessna Skyhawk C172
Mid-WingFighting
Falcon F-16
Low-Wing Cherokee Arrow P28R
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201119
Straight-Wing ConfigurationPiper Saratoga PA32
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201120
Swept-Wing ConfigurationDC-10
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201121
Delta-Wing ConfigurationFighting Falcon F16
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201122
Conventional TailPiper Saratoga-PA32
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201123
“T” TailBeech Super King Air 200-BE20
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201124
Question
• What is the general speed range for CAT II
aircraft?
A. 100 to 160
B. 160 to 250
C. 250 to 500
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201125
Question
• What category do helicopters fall under?
– ANSWER: CAT I
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201126
Question
• What category do turbojet engine aircraft
fall under?
– ANSWER: CAT III
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201127
Question
• A twin-engine, turboprop aircraft weighing
12,500 pounds or less will fall under which
category?
– ANSWER: CAT II
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201128
Question
• An aircraft capable of 300,000 pounds of
takeoff weight, but which currently only has
a takeoff weight of 225,000 pounds, would
fall into what weight class?
– ANSWER: Heavy
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201129
Question
• An aircraft in the small weight class has a
maximum certified takeoff weight of
________ pounds or less.
– ANSWER: 41,000
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201130
Question
• If an aircraft has a 250,000 pound maximum
certified takeoff weight, what would its
weight class be?
– ANSWER: Large
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201131
“V” TailStealth Fighter-F117
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201132
Horizontal Stabilizer Above Fuselage
(Mid-Tail)Dassault-Breguet Mystere/Falcon 20-FA20
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201133
Twin Boom TailCessna Super Skymaster 337-C337
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201134
Forward Slant Vertical StabilizerMooney Mark 21-M20P
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201135
Bubble Canopy
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201136
Round
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201137
Oval
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201138
Teardrop
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201139
Square
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201140
Question
Are these two aircraft the same model?
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201141
Windows
The side window on this aircraft has a teardrop shape.
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201142
Windows
The side window on this aircraft has a square shape. In addition, the rear window is a
solid single wrap-around type.
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201143
Answer
BE77 BEECH “SKIPPER”
PA38 PIPER “TOMAHAWK”
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201144
Tricycle Landing GearCessna 150
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201145
Conventional Landing GearCessna 170
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201146
Tandem Landing GearB52 “Stratofortress”
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201147
Fixed Gear
CESSNA 150 CESSNA 152
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201148
Retractable Gear
CESSNA 210 BE35
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201149
C172
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201150
P28A
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201151
C208
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201152
C210
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201153
PA38
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201154
BE35
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201155
B06
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201156
B222
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201157
BE58
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201158
PA34
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201159
C310
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201160
C421
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201161
PAY1
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201162
BE20
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201163
LJ35
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201164
FA20
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201165
BE40
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201166
C550
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201167
C750
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201168
GLF3
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201169
CL60
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201170
CRJ1, CRJ2, CRJ7, CRJ9
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201171
MD81, MD82, MD83, MD87, MD88
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201172
B731 through B739
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201173
A320
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201174
A306
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201175
B752, B753
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201176
B772, B773
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201177
B721, B722, B72Q
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201178
MD11
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201179
B741 through B744
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201180
C130
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201181
C17
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201182
F16
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201183
F15
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201184
F18
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201185
F22
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201186
KC10
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201187
The End Of THE LECTURE –
NOW TO THE TEST!!
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201188
Question
• What are two types of engines having
propellers?
– ANSWER: Reciprocating and turboprop
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201189
Question
• Turbojet engines are limited to what weight
class of aircraft?
– ANSWER: Turbojet engines can be found on ALL
weight classes of aircraft.
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201190
Question
• What are the nine generally-accepted identification features of aircraft?
– ANSWER:
1. Size
2. Engine location and number
3. Engine type
4. Wing placement
5. Wing configuration
6. Tail configuration
7. Windows
8. Fuselage shape
9. Landing gear
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201191
Question
• What are the three basic wing placement
positions?
– ANSWER: High-wing, Mid-wing, Low-wing
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201192
Question
• What are the three basic wing shapes or
configurations?
– ANSWER: Straight-wing, Delta-wingSwept-wing,
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201193
Question
• How many basic tail configurations are
there? Name them.
– ANSWER: Six
1. Conventional Tail
2. Forward Slant Vertical Stabilizer
3. Horizontal Stabilizer above the fuselage
4. “T” Tail (swept or straight)
5. “V” Tail
6. Twin Boom Tail
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201194
Question
• What are the five basic aircraft window
shapes?
– ANSWER: Teardrop, oval, round, square, and
bubble canopy
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201195
Question
• What are the three basic types of landing
gear?
– ANSWER: Tricycle, Conventional (aka „tail
dragger‟), Tandem
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201196
Determine Aircraft Designator
AND
List at least 3 features you
would use to recognize
each aircraft
Identify the Aircraft
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201197
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201198
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-201199
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011100
C172
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011101
P28A
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011102
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011103
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011104
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011105
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011106
C208
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011107
C210
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011108
PA38
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011109
BE35
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011110
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011111
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011112
B06
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011113
B222
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011114
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011115
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011116
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011117
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011118
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011119
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011120
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011121
PA34
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011122
C310
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011123
C421
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011124
PAY1
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011125
BE20
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011126
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011127
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011128
BE40
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011129
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011130
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011131
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011132
LJ35
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011133
FA20
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011134
BE40
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011135
C550
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011136
C750
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011137
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011138
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011139
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011140
GLF3
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011141
CL60
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011142
CRJ1, CRJ2, CRJ7, CRJ9
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011143
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011144
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011145
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011146
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011147
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011148
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011149
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011150
MD11
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011151
B741 through B744
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011152
MD81, MD82, MD83, MD87, MD88
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011153
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011154
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011155
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011156
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011157
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011158
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011159
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011160
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011161
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011162
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011163
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011164
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011165
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011166
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011167
C17
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011168
F16
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011169
F15
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011170
F18
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011171
F22
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011172
The End Of THE TEST
REVIEW
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011173
C210
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011174
PA38
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011175
BE35
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011176
B06
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011177
B222
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011178
BE58
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011179
PA34
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011180
C310
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011181
C421
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011182
PAY1
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011183
BE20
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011184
LJ35
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011185
FA20
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011186
BE40
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011187
C550
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011188
C750
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011189
GLF3
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011190
CL60
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011191
CRJ1, CRJ2, CRJ7, CRJ9
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011192
MD81, MD82, MD83, MD87, MD88
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011193
B731 through B739
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011194
A320
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011195
A306
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011196
B752, B753
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011197
B772, B773
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011198
B721, B722, B72Q
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011199
MD11
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011200
B741 through B744
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011201
C130
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011202
C17
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011203
F16
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011204
F15
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011205
F18
Aircraft Characteristics and Recognition
3-15-2011206
F22
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