CPL Aerodynamics · Mock exam

The critical Mach number (Mcrit) of an aerofoil is best defined as the freestream Mach number at which:

• A.the aircraft's Mach meter first registers supersonic speed in level flight
• B.the airflow separates from the upper surface, causing loss of lift and increase in drag
• C.the aircraft's drag starts to increase due to shock wave formation on the upper wing surface
• D.the airflow at the point of maximum local velocity over the aerofoil surface first reaches Mach 1.0