Why Planes Can Fly?

Why Can Planes Fly?

Planes nowadays are one of the most common ways of transportation. But have you ever taken the time to think why is it possible for such big pieces of metal to cruise the sky at thousands of feet above you? There actually is a lot going on during the flight. Very advanced technology is used onboard the airplane to help pilots fly safer. A lot of physical laws are followed during the entire flight. Many scientists and physicists have worked hard during the past decades to improve the way airplanes fly and make flights more efficient.

To understand this better you must know why planes can actually fly. First, let´s talk about physics and the dynamics of flying. 

How Can Wings Lift An Airplane?

Airplane wings are designed in a very special way so that the air that flows on top of the wing moves faster than the wind below the wing. The difference of airspeed creates a higher pressure under the wing and that force is called ¨lift¨.

The Forces Of Flight.

Lift: it is the force that brings the airplane up.

Drag: is the force created by the wind that tries to slow down the aiplane.

Weight: it is the force of the gravity that pulls the airplane towards the ground.

Thrust: it is the firce created by the engines that pushes the airplane forward.

How Can Airplanes Moves In The Air?

To control a plane a pilot uses several instruments. The pilot controls the engine power using the throttle. Pushing the throttle increases power, and pulling it decreases power. 

The ailerons raise and lower the wings. The pilot controls the roll of the plane by raising one aileron or the other with a control wheel. Turning the control wheel clockwise raises the right aileron and lowers the left aileron, which rolls the aircraft to the right.

The rudder works to control the yaw of the plane. The pilot moves rudder left and right, with left and right pedals. Pressing the right rudder pedal moves the rudder to the right. This yaws the aircraft to the right. Used together, the rudder and the ailerons are used to turn the plane.

The elevators which are on the tail section are used to control the pitch of the plane. A pilot uses a control wheel to raise and lower the elevators, by moving it forward to back ward. Lowering the elevators makes the plane nose go down and allows the plane to go down. By raising the elevators the pilot can make the plane go up.

How Does The Pilot Control The Plane?

The pilots onboard an airplane use all the cockpit instruments to control the plane during the entire flight. The picture below shows how the cockpit is designed in a way so that it is easy to use for pilots.

Javier Monzón 9th Grade ¨C¨ Teacher Alecio.

Why Flying Is Safer Than Driving?

Why Flying Is Safer Than Driving?

Have you ever flown in a plane? I think most people have. Were you scared to get on the plane? Are you scared of the thought of flying? Many people are  indeed. If so, you are not alone because many people feel that the plane is going to crash, or that the plane is going to fall to the ground because of turbulence. But the fact is that flying is even safer than driving your car down the road. I`m going to tell you why flying is safe and why is it safer than driving.

Flying is safe because of many reasons but I`m going to list the most relevant ones.

1) Crash rate:

According to USA Today, the number of fatalities due to car accidents is drastically lower than those from plane accidents each year. In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found there were 1.27 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. To provide a contrast, that same year, the equivalent aviation data, compiled by the National Transportation Safety Board could report only 20 accidents for U.S. air carriers operating scheduled service. While plane crashes are often highlighted by the media, the occurrence is extremely rare. In fact, these statistics suggest that "you are more likely to die driving to the airport than flying across the country." So, don`t be so scared of flying.

2) Flying is getting safer everyday:

Ever since the Wright brothers invented the airplane in 1903, flying has only become safer. According to a Huffington Post article, "the past 10 years have been the best in the country's aviation history with 153 fatalities." To put this statistic into perspective, the Associated Press determined it is equivalent to two deaths per each 100 million passengers flying commercially. Compare that tiny fraction with the 30,000 plus deaths from motor vehicles that take place every year. 

3) ATC or Air Traffic Control:

While no one is helping you watch the road from behind your steering wheel, pilots have many eyes assisting them from take-off through landing with Air Traffic Control. They rotate around the clock 24 hours a day using radar procedures to track the planes in the sky, give instructions, clearance and information about flight conditions. Your pilots are never the only people in charge of your safety in the air. 

4) Training:

If you have a license, think back to your driver's test. To pass your test you must do several exercises and parkings so you can pass. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pilots, on the other hand, go through rigorous training and certification processes. Many pilots are retired members of the U.S Air Force. Plus, one must go to flight school and receive a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most airline companies also require pilots to attend at least 2 years of college. Unlike on the road, there is an intense screening process to determine those licensed to fly.  

5) Technology:

Without putting down your car's latest technology, airline technology makes motor vehicles look like vessels from the stone age in comparison. Sure, your GPS might be able to detect traffic and highlight an alternate route, and maybe you like driving in cruise control, but technology on airplanes controls almost the entire flight. According to Executive Travel magazine, planes contain turbulence detection programming that can "predict the intensity, altitude and movement of turbulence." In addition, runway safety technology communicates between planes to "warn pilots to stop if another plane or vehicle might be coming." These technological improvements control all aspects of flying, from the run way to the cockpit. The responsibility of a pilot to steer a plane is almost obsolete. "Fly-by-wire" planes, which include the most recent and common vessels in the sky, feature electronic controls that have replaced outdated mechanical controls.

These are five of the most and relevant aspects of flying I think anyone thinking about flying should know. These five reasons may help you to:
* Understand why flying is safe.
* Reassure you that flying is not dangerous.
* Help you overcome your fears and help you relax and enjoy your flights.

Javier Monzòn 9th Grade ``c`` Teacher Alecio.