The Parts of an Airplane

All airplanes have basically the same parts, no matter whether they are big jets or tiny trainer planes. Here are the parts of the airplane that help it stay in the air.

Propeller. The propeller is a blade on the front of the plane that is connected to the engine. The engine causes the blade to rotate, which creates thrust and pulls the airplane through the air.

Wings. The wings support the weight of the airplane and provide lift. The heavier the airplane, the longer and wider the wings need to be.

Flaps. The flaps are part of the back part of the wing near the body or fuselage of the airplane. They bend down and can slow the airplane down.

The parts of the airplane that allow the pilot to control the direction of the plane are as follows.

Ailerons. Ailerons are part of the wing in back away from the body of the airplane. When you turn the yoke left or right, the ailerons move up and down to bank the airplane.

Rudder. The rudder is the vertical, moveable part of the airplane’s tail. It helps the pilot direct the plane right or left.

Elevator. The elevator is the horizontal, moveable part of the tail. It helps the pilot move the airplane up or down.

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