Book 23, Question 17
Why Does a Plane Tilt to the Side When It Turns?
Have you noticed a plane tilts when it turns? It leans into the curve like a bike rider. There is a good reason! Passengers usually feel only a gentle push into their seats during turns.
More fun facts
- To turn, a plane first rolls, or banks, to one side.
- When the plane tilts, its lift tilts too.
- Part of the lift still holds the plane up, and part pushes it sideways.
- That sideways push curves the plane's path into a turn.
- When the wings level out, the plane flies straight on its new heading.
- The rudder doesn't turn the plane. It keeps the nose pointed along the path.
Sources: NASA
Questions kids ask
Who figured out how to use the rudder in turns?
The Wright brothers. Orville decided the rudder should move, and Wilbur suggested linking it to the wing controls.