Getting ready to fly: Three important stages in flight

Image source: howstuffworks.com

Now, while NORAD isn’t just about airplanes, a number of personnel are devoted to making sure the jets are air-worthy for the protection of the United States and its allies. Probably, the most basic concept to know is the mechanics of flight. Here’s a quick refresher on the three most important stages in flight.


Towards the runway

The initial stage sees the jet being moved from its terminal to the runway. Normally, jets are pulled by a motorized vehicle, such as the ones found in commercial airport terminals. When the jet reaches the runway, it no longer needs the assistance of a tug to move.


Take off and climb

On the runway, pilots usually release the brakes to allow the jet to move forward on its own power. They push the throttle forward slowly to help the aircraft gain speed.


Looking at the take-off from a physics standpoint, airplanes are designed to have more air hit the bottom of the craft than the top – enough air to at first equal, then later on, overwhelm the gravitational pull of the Earth. This process is known as the production of “lift.”


Lift combine with thrust, allows the jet to not only move up, but forward as well. Adjusting the flaps on the wings allows for more lift.

Image source: explainthatstuff.com

Cruise

Airplanes normally reach a “cruising altitude” wherein the pilot reduces power until it matches that of the gravitational force. Through this, pilots maintain a level altitude in flight.


Scott Beale is an aerospace defense expert. He is the former CEO and president of Aerodynamics Incorporated and Flight works Inc. and most recently, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales and Development for Tempus Applied Solutions. Visit this blog to learn more about the aerospace defense industry.