Question 1

What makes a plane fly?

Accepted Answer

Planes fly because their wings are shaped to push air downwards and create lift. The engines help by pushing the plane forward, which allows the wings to keep lifting it into the sky.

Question 2

Why do planes have wings?

Accepted Answer

Wings help planes fly by lifting them into the air. They are specially shaped to make air move faster over the top, making it easier for the plane to go up.

Question 3

How do planes stay in the air without falling?

Accepted Answer

Planes stay in the air because of the lift from their wings and the forward push from their engines. The shape of the wings and the speed they fly at work together to keep the plane up.

Question 4

What is lift?

Accepted Answer

Lift is the force that pushes the plane up into the sky. It's created by the wings as they move through the air.

Question 5

How do pilots steer a plane?

Accepted Answer

Pilots use controls to move parts of the plane's wings and tail. This changes the direction the plane is pointing and helps it turn, go up, or go down.

Question 6

What are the big engines on a plane for?

Accepted Answer

The engines help push the plane forward in the sky. This forward push helps the wings create lift to keep the plane flying.

Question 7

Why do planes take off on a runway?

Accepted Answer

Planes use runways to get enough speed to lift off the ground. The faster they go, the more lift their wings create, helping them take off.

Question 8

How do planes land safely?

Accepted Answer

Planes land by slowing down and pointing their nose slightly up. The pilots lower the plane gently onto the runway using wheels that help it roll safely to a stop.

Question 9

What happens if a plane goes too fast or too slow?

Accepted Answer

If a plane goes too fast, it can be hard to control. If it goes too slow, it might lose lift and start to fall, so pilots keep it at a safe speed.

Question 10

What is the tail of the plane for?

Accepted Answer

The tail helps the plane stay stable and move in the right direction. It's like a steering wheel for controlling the plane's tilt and turn.

Question 11

Why are planes mostly made of metal?

Accepted Answer

Planes are made of metal because it's strong and can hold the plane's shape. It helps the plane stay sturdy and safe while flying.

Question 12

Why do planes have to do safety checks before flying?

Accepted Answer

Safety checks make sure everything on the plane works properly. It helps keep everyone safe by catching any problems before the plane takes off.

Question 13

What is turbulence?

Accepted Answer

Turbulence is when the plane moves up and down because of bumpy air. It's like hitting a small bump in the road but in the sky.

Question 14

Why do planes fly so high?

Accepted Answer

Planes fly high to avoid bad weather and to save fuel. The air is thinner up high, which makes it easier and more efficient for the plane to move.

Question 15

How do planes know where to go?

Accepted Answer

Planes have special computers and equipment to help them navigate. Pilots use these tools along with instructions from air traffic control to know where to fly.

Question 16

Why do we feel pressure changes during a flight?

Accepted Answer

As planes climb higher, the air gets thinner, which can make our ears feel funny. Planes have systems to help balance the air pressure to keep it comfortable inside.

Question 17

What is a cockpit?

Accepted Answer

The cockpit is the front part of the plane where pilots sit and control the plane. It's full of buttons, screens, and controls to help them fly safely.

Question 18

Why do planes have lights on their wings?

Accepted Answer

Planes have lights on their wings to help them be seen by other pilots, especially at night. They make sure everyone can see where the plane is going.

Question 19

How do pilots talk to people on the ground?

Accepted Answer

Pilots use radios to talk to air traffic control and other people on the ground. This helps them get instructions and stay safe during the flight.

Question 20

Why do we have to wear seat belts in a plane?

Accepted Answer

Seat belts keep us safe if the plane hits turbulence or makes a sudden move. They help keep us in our seats, just like in a car.

The Mechanics of Flight - 20 FAQs Explained Simply