Short Wave

How Does An Airplane Stay In The Air?

Dec 23, 2024 · 15 min · Episode 1190 · 14.6 MB
0:00-15:10

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There are many statistics out there that prove that flying on a commercial airplane is safe, that plane crashes are overall pretty unlikely. Still, up to an estimated 40% of Americans feel some fear at the thought of flying. So, amid the travel rush of the holiday season, we ask MIT aeronautical engineer Mark Drela: How does a plane lift off and stay up in the air?

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