Short Wave How Does An Airplane Stay In The Air?
21 snips
Dec 23, 2024 
This week features Mark Drela, an MIT aeronautical engineer and expert in flight mechanics. He explains how airplanes lift off and navigate the skies, demystifying the physics of flight for anxious travelers. Mark discusses the mechanics of lift, comparing it to water skiing and the feel of a hand out of a car window. He reassures listeners about safety, illustrating how aircraft are designed to embrace their natural inclination to fly. By breaking down complex theories, he provides clarity on the wonders of air travel.
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Ramey's Fear of Flying
- Ramey Barnwell, a longtime friend of the show, experiences intense anxiety when flying.
- She uses coping mechanisms like bringing a stuffed animal and sleeping during takeoff.
Ramey's Questions
- Ramey wants to understand how a plane stays in the air despite its weight.
- She questions the physics of flight, especially during takeoff.
Lift Explained
- Lift, like a hand out a car window, supports a plane's weight.
- Air pressure below the wing is higher than above, creating lift.