On the A320, which of these has a larger arc during a turn?

On the A320, which of these has a larger arc during a turn?

• A. Wing
• B. Fuselage
• C. Tail cone
• D. Fin

Answer: (A)

When a plane turns, each point on the aircraft follows an approximately circular path about the turn center, and the distance from that center (the radius) determines how big the arc is. For a given turn angle, the arc length is proportional to that radius (s = r × θ). The wings extend farthest from the turn center, especially at the wing tips, so their points have the largest radius and therefore describe the largest arc. The fuselage midline, tail cone, and vertical fin are closer to the center, giving them smaller radii and smaller arcs. So the wing traces the larger arc during a turn.

When a plane turns, each point on the aircraft follows an approximately circular path about the turn center, and the distance from that center (the radius) determines how big the arc is. For a given turn angle, the arc length is proportional to that radius (s = r × θ). The wings extend farthest from the turn center, especially at the wing tips, so their points have the largest radius and therefore describe the largest arc. The fuselage midline, tail cone, and vertical fin are closer to the center, giving them smaller radii and smaller arcs. So the wing traces the larger arc during a turn.