The Forces in Play
Let’s first briefly understand the forces that influence the world of aviation. In flight, there are four main forces: lift, gravity (weight), thrust and drag.
- Lift: The upward force which allows an aircraft to lift off the ground. The shape of the wing and angle of attack as well as speed of the aircraft generate this force.
- Gravity (Weight): The Earth’s gravity pulls down on the plane.
- The thrust is the force that propels the aircraft forward. It propels aircraft through the air.
- Drag: Drag is resistance to the forward motion of the aircraft. The shape of the aircraft and the density in the air are factors that influence drag.
Taxiing is the first step in the journey towards flight. It’s not about speed but rather precision. Pilots will check that all systems, including the engines and control surfaces, are working. The pilot will then contact air traffic control to get the final take-off clearance. The nose of the plane must also be aligned with the centreline of the runway. This will set the scene for the rest. For Aircraft part suppliers, contact https://www.aerfin.com/beyond-fleet-services/beyond-engine
The pilot will then push the throttle forward to produce the initial thrust. The jet engines will then take in huge amounts of air and mix it with fuel. They’ll ignite the mixture, and send it back to the rear as a powerful jet exhaust gas. Newton’s Third Law of Motion is at the forefront: For every action there is an equal and opposite response. The aircraft moves forward due to the force created by the engine gases being pushed backward.
The rush of air is felt as the plane accelerates along the runway. Drag is generated by the wings, horizontal and vertical tails. The wheels of the aircraft will bounce on the uneven tarmac and the pilot must work hard to maintain a steady speed. This is not a casual speed-up; it’s an energy burst that propels the plane forward.