Parts of the Wing

An airplane wing has several parts that help maintain a plane's altitude and speed.

The feat of human flight is attained from manipulating physics on an airplane wing. An airplane wing is the essential tool to manipulate the surrounding atmosphere, allowing a plane to fly.

Takeoff

Slats are retractable parts of a wing. They are out when the plane is about to take off, providing greater lift. While the plane is in the air, the slats are retracted inward. Flaps are another key wing component during takeoff. They are also retractable parts but take up a lot of space on the wing. When the flaps are out, wind speeds help lift the plane to higher altitudes.

During Flight

Turbine engines are the integral part of all airplane wings. In all large commercial airplanes, the turbines push the airplane through the sky. The engines are powered by jet fuel. Smaller plans use propeller blades to push the aircraft through the air. On the edge of many planes are devices called winglets, curved parts of the wing that help reduce drag from wind.

Landing

Spoilers are on top of wings. They are compartments that open up and counteract the air. The spoilers are open during landing to slow and lower the plane. The flaps are also brought back and aimed downward to allow the plane to lower in altitude.

References

• NASA: Airplane Parts and Function
• NASA: Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics