Wings

The definition of an airplane according to Marks Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, is “a mechanically driven fixed-wing aircraft, heavier than air, which is supported by the dynamic reaction of the air against the wings.” For an airplane to fly, it has three basic concepts. One for the airplane to be dynamically shaped for maximum efficiency. Two for the airplane to have the power to fly, the engines. Three, for the wings are dynamically shaped …

…lift greatly. The streamline affect told us that the top of the wing has to be longer than the bottom so the air would “stick” to the wing and give it more pressure. The third concept included the flaps and slots. Without those slots and flaps the airplane would not be able to fly so smoothly. When flying on an airplane next time, remember these three concepts and you will know why the airplane flies.