Training Flight

The Piper Tomahawk, widely used for flying lessons, has a liftoff speed of about 55 knots and a landing speed of about 46 knots. The listed ground-roll for takeoff is 820 feet, and for landing is 635 feet.

Part A

Assuming constant acceleration, what is the Tomahawk's acceleration during the takeoff run?

System: In each of the parts, we will treat the Tomahawk as a point particle.

Model: One-Dimensional Motion with Constant Acceleration.

Approach: Once we have determined that we are using 1-D Motion with Constant Acceleration, we have essentially reduced the problem to math. The Constant Acceleration model is somewhat unique in that there is an overabundance of equations to choose from. In order to select the proper equation or equations, we have to clearly understand the information presented in the problem (often called the givens) and also what we are asked to find (the unknowns).

Part B

What is the time required for takeoff?

Part C

How far does the plane travel in the first 1.0 seconds of the takeoff?

Part D

What is the acceleration during landing?

Part E

How far does the plane travel in the first 1.0 seconds of the landing?

Part F

Suppose that the Tomahawk was landing in a tailwind of 5 knots, so that it actually approached the runway moving at 51 knots along the ground instead of 46 knots. How much distance would the plane require to stop?