How a Plane Works

Why it flies, and how fast it dares.

Four chapters in the order the air meets the machine. Every chapter ends in a live demo.

hover a number to reveal that system — press it to read the chapter

Stage 1 · Getting airborne

01Why planes flyWhat a wing actually does to the air.02The enginesThree ways of throwing something backwards.

Stage 2 · Steering & speed

03Wings & control surfacesSteering in three axes with no road.04Drag, speed & the envelopeEvery aircraft has a speed it was born for.