Why Do Airplanes Stay in the Sky?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do airplanes stay in the sky?

The Big Idea

A plane wing is curved on top and flatter underneath. When air rushes over that shape, the wing gets an upward push called lift. Fast air over a wing makes lift, and when lift beats weight, the plane stays up in the sky! That is how a heavy airplane can float on the air!

Step 1

Step one: engines give speed. The engines push the plane forward, faster and faster down the runway. Speed is what gets air rushing over the wings. Without speed, there is no lift, so every takeoff starts with a long, fast run.

Step 2

Step two: air splits around the wing. Some air goes over the curved top, and some goes under the flat bottom. The wing shape steers the air, and the wing gets pushed up. That's lift! It is a bit like sticking your hand out of a car window and feeling the air push it up.

Step 3

Step three: climb, then cruise. The pilot tips the nose up a little to climb. Once the plane is high, lift equals weight, and it glides along steadily. Then the plane settles into a smooth, level flight.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a wing! The upper side of the wing is curved. The lower side is flat. Air flows over it, lift pushes up, and weight pulls down. Shape plus speed makes lift! Curve on top, flat underneath, and speed. Those are the secrets!

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The Wright Flyer took off in 1903 and flew for just 12 seconds. Big jets cruise at about 35,000 feet, higher than any mountain. Wings also make drag, which is air slowing the plane down. So the engines must keep on pushing to keep the plane moving. A plane's wings are wide, so a lot of air can push on them at once.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! First, fold two paper planes that are exactly the same. Next, gently curve the wings of one plane. Then ask, which one glides farther? And ask a grown-up to come along if you throw them outside! Paper planes make a great test, because you can change one thing at a time.

Outro

Wings turn speed into lift. That is why planes stay in the sky. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!