Airplanes are undeniably massive structures. In fact, according to the National Air and Space Museum, the Boeing 737-800, which is an average-sized craft, weighs around 41,000 kg on its own, without fuel, cargo, crew, or passengers taken into account. Considering this, it is interesting how these crafts can stay afloat for a remarkable number of hours.
How Do Airplanes Actually Fly?
Airplanes fly by traveling through the flow of wind. They are also clearly designed with wings that carry their bodies.
The shape of airplane wings is carefully made to enable faster air movement on top of these parts. Faster air movement leads to a decrease in air pressure. Hence, the air pressure above the wing is less than that below the wing. These pressure differences produce a force that enables the wing to be lifted up and to soar through the skies.
What Keeps a Plane in the Air?
As for how planes stay afloat in the sky, NASA notes that there are four forces at work. These are, namely, lift, weight, thrust, and drag.
The first one, lift, is what pushes the machine upward. The movement of air around the plane's wings enables the airplane to be lifted. Wing shape assists lift as well.
While lift pushes the airplane up, weight pulls it toward the earth. These massive crafts are constructed in such a way that their weight is spread from their front all the way to their back. With such a design, the airplane maintains balance.
On the other hand, thrust pushes the plane forward. The engines thrust the massive craft forward. At times, it could be a jet engine or one that turns propellers. What matters is that the air moves over the plane's wings.
The last force at work is drag, which is responsible for slowing down the flying machine. This force can be felt when one walks against strong winds. Airplanes are constructed to allow air to pass with minimal drag.
When all of these forces work hand in hand, an airplane is able to fly and blaze over the skies.
How Do Planes Fly Even If They Are So Heavy?
Though all of these forces are at work to lift a plane and maintain its flight, it is still quite interesting how these massively heavy machines could soar through the skies.
The National Air and Space Museum also adds that, though planes are extremely heavy, the force of air is actually remarkably strong as well. The heavy craft remains afloat when the force of air pushes it up harder compared to the force of weight pushing it down.
Can Plane Wings Break Off?
Passengers and crew members alike are familiar with how turbulence can be felt during flight. Some may be wondering if turbulence could be strong enough to destroy the plane's wings.
USA Today reports that according to captain Sean Marc, practically speaking, turbulence will not cause wing loss for a modern airline, though he adds that it may be theoretically possible. Nevertheless, these lines are extremely tough and were created with the capacity to endure strong turbulence.
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