A Wonderleaf question
How do airplanes fly?
a real page from the book
Airplanes fly because their engines move them forward, and their wings turn moving air into lift. The wing’s shape and tilt make air above and below behave differently, while the wing also pushes air downward. When lift becomes stronger than weight, the airplane rises.
A pilot does not steer an airplane like a car. Small hinged pieces on the wings and tail change the airflow, tipping, turning, slowing, and steadying the plane. On landing, extra wing flaps help it keep flying slowly before the wheels meet the runway.
Wonder words
- airfoil
- lift
- thrust
- rudder
Try it out
Hold a strip of paper under your lips, blow across the top, and watch the paper lift.
Read the whole picture book
Watercolour scenes, straight answers, about three minutes cover to cover.
Open the picture bookKeep wondering
- How does a zipper hold together?
- How does a vacuum cleaner pick up dirt?
- How are books made?
- How do electric cars work?
- How do refrigerators keep food from spoiling?
And the next question?
Ask anything — Wonderleaf writes and illustrates a picture book for it. That's the whole idea.
Ask your own question