Flight & Aerodynamics
Start with four forces. Follow the airflow, wing design and control concepts that make flight possible.
How do airplanes actually fly?
A little curiosity. Four forces. A whole new perspective.
Open the introductionYour subject map.
Choose your next connectionA starting point for this subject.
How do airplanes actually fly?
A little curiosity. Four forces. A whole new perspective.
The four forces of flight
Meet lift, weight, thrust and drag.
The reference shelf.
Definitions & aircraft profilesLift
The aerodynamic force component perpendicular to the relative airflow.
Drag
The aerodynamic force component parallel to and opposing relative motion through the air.
Thrust
The propulsive force produced by an engine and propeller or jet.
Weight
The gravitational force acting on an aircraft.
Pitch
Rotation about an aircraft’s lateral axis: the nose moves up or down.
Roll
Rotation about the longitudinal axis: one wing rises as the other falls.
Yaw
Rotation about the vertical axis: the nose moves left or right.
Airfoil
A shaped surface designed to produce useful aerodynamic forces as air flows around it.
Make the connection stick.
Cleared for takeoff
5 questions · Answer explanations · Optional timer
Explainers in development.
Watch resources are labeled in production until a verified video is attached.