The fact that airplanes stay up in the sky is truly amazing. They lift things and people off the ground, propelling them through the air at incredible speeds with no strings attached. They amaze us by going from point A to point B without literally dropping from the sky. Though airplane flight may appear to be nothing short of a true miracle, there is actual science behind it. Airplanes stay up in the air because of the aerodynamic force referred to as lift.

Airplane lift can be described as a force that works in direct opposition to the weight of an aircraft. Lift is generated by each part of an aircraft and air plays a starring roll. When considering how airplanes stay up, keep in mind that air is typically referred to as a fluid in aerodynamic descriptions. This fluid is vital for ensuring that airplanes stay up in the sky. Without it, they’d come crashing down-fast.

Lift is present when a solid object deflects or turns a moving flow of fluid. Flow turns in one direction, while lift is produced in the opposing direction. Solid surfaces of all types are able to cause the flow to turn aside, ensuring that airplanes stay up in the air. For example, both the upper and lower portions of an airplane’s wing surface are important in deflecting the flow of fluid.

Motion is also vital in ensuring that airplanes stay up and don’t come crashing down. Without movement, lift is not generated. Also, there must be a velocity difference between the plane and the fluid. Airplane lift is generated perpendicular to motion. Motion does not act alone when airplanes fly through the sky, however; drag opposes motion, contributing to the science of flight as well.

Besides lift, motion, and drag, weight and thrust are also important in making sure airplanes stay up in the sky. The weight of an airplane is spread out, keeping it balanced. It is this force that pulls a plane toward the ground. Thrust, provided by the airplane’s engines, moves it forward and drag slows it down. Without these forces, each working in its own way, an airplane could not fly.