A typical first course in fixed wing aircraft flight mechanics covers the following subtopics (ideally covered in the order listed here): Introduction (what is flight mechanics, definitions, standard atmosphere, aerodynamics, types of propulsion systems etc.), steady level flight, climbing and descending flight, turn performance and maneuvers, basic range and endurance. Elements of takeoff and landing are covered depending on time and the Instructor. The concept of level flight envelopes is a subject covered early in the presentation of the steady level flight subtopic. In this teaching demonstration, we will discuss the engineering significance of the flight envelope, introduce briefly the experimental techniques used to obtain the maximum and minimum speeds in level flight and lastly how to calculate said flight speeds for wings level flight for a prescribed flight altitude.

Bruce Alstrom is an aerospace research engineer in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He Is assigned to the Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence where he works in the experimental aerodynamics, flight mechanics and control and human factors disciplines. Bruce holds degrees in aerospace and mechanical engineering. He completed a doctorate in experimental aerodynamics /active flow control with a minor in electrical engineering at Clarkson University and has over 25 years of experience in aerospace engineering, defense and academia.