Look at the wingtip
Some airplanes have upturned tips called winglets. These are carefully designed parts of the wing, rather than decorative fins.
A three-dimensional flow
Pressure differences around a lifting wing produce a complex wake with trailing vortices. Wingtip devices can help manage the resulting induced drag.
Design is a tradeoff
A winglet adds weight and structural loads. Whether it helps depends on the airplane and its mission. Next time you see one, notice how its shape differs between aircraft.
FURTHER READINGFAA — Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Reference link checked October 27, 2026. Starter content awaits editorial review.
