Buffeting is caused by unsteady flow or gusts leading to irregular motion of which component?

• A. An aerodynamic surface
• B. A landing gear strut
• C. An engine nacelle
• D. The vertical stabilizer

Answer: (A)

Buffeting occurs when gusts or turbulent air create unsteady flow that makes an aerodynamic surface move irregularly. The surface affected is any part that interacts with the airflow and generates lift or control forces—such as a wing or tail plane. That interaction is what causes the surface to vibrate or oscillate as pressures rise and fall with the gusts. The general idea is captured by saying it involves an aerodynamic surface, not a purely structural component like a landing gear strut or a non-airflow part like an engine nacelle. While the vertical stabilizer is itself an aerodynamic surface and can experience buffeting, the concept centers on the surface’s response to gusty flow.