Monday, March 21, 2011

Parts of an Airplane...

 Parts of an Airplane


Just before we fly into designing our own airplane models at the end of this flight unit, let's go over the essential parts of an airplane we learned in science class.  Each part of the airplane has it's own unique function. 

Fuselage is the central body portion of the airplane and it accommodates the crew, passengers and cargo.

Landing Gear
is located right underneath the airplane to support it while it is still on the ground.

Wings
provide lift and they support the entire weight of the airplane and it's content while it is flying.

Propeller
is a rotating blade located in the front of the airplane.  The engine turns the propeller as it pulls the airplane through the air.

Flaps
are the movable sections of an airplane's wings, closest to the fuselage.  They move in  a downward direction and they enable the airplane to fly more slower.

Ailerons
are the outward movable sections of the airplane's wings, they move in opposite directions (while one is up the other is down), and are used to make turns.

Rudder
is the movable vertical section of the tail that controls the lateral movement of the airplane.

Horizontal Stabilizer
is the horizontal surface of the fuselage and it is used to balance the airplane.

Elevator
is the movable horizontal section of the tail that causes the airplane to move up and down.





Watch this video to take a closer look at the location of these parts on a real airplane.  Examine their unique structure.