How Airplanes Fly

Have you ever wondered how a heavy airplane stays up in the air? It all comes down to science! Airplane wings have a special curved shape that creates lift. Engines push the plane forward fast enough for the wings to do their job.

The Four Forces of Flight

Four forces act on every airplane. Lift pushes the plane up. Gravity pulls it down. Thrust pushes it forward. Drag slows it down. When lift is stronger than gravity, the plane rises into the sky. Pilots control these forces to fly safely.

Wings and Engines

Airplane wings are curved on top and flatter on the bottom. Air moves faster over the top, which creates lift. Jet engines suck in air and blast it out the back to create thrust. Flaps on the wings help the pilot turn, go up, or come down for landing.

Fun Facts

• A Boeing 747 has about 6 million parts.
• Airplane windows are round because square corners can crack under pressure.
• Pilots and co-pilots eat different meals so they don't both get sick at the same time.

Did You Know?

Airplanes actually fly better in cold air! Cold air is denser, which means the wings get more lift. That's one reason why planes climb to high altitudes where the air is very cold.