How do the parts of an aircraft stabilize and control its flight?

Targets

At the end of this Unit you should be able to answer the following questions 

3. What parts are needed for things to fly?

3.1 How does a hot-air balloon fly?

3.2 What adaptations enable birds and insects to fly?

3.3 How do the parts of an aircraft stabilize and control its flight?

targets

Birds are born having all the parts they need to fly. When the time is right, they know how to use all those parts to fly when they jump out of the nest.

For humans, inventing a machine that flies has been difficult. Many years of observations, tests, and failures were required to reach the point where we are today.

Flying is complex. Pilots must understand all the parts of the airplane and how to control them. They must know how the forces of flight are acting on an airplane and how best to use them to direct the airplane.

Let's see if you can apply what you have learned this far to build an airplane. Click on the link and give it a try!

Build an Airplane


  Career Connection

Pilots need many hours of training to learn about the forces of flight and how to control the parts of an airplane. Find out more about becoming an airplane pilot by watching this video.