Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Types of aircraft

Any vehiccle that travels through the air is called an aircraft. The ability to soar over obstacles such as oceans and mountains makes aircraft the fastest form of travel. An airliner (a large passenger plane) can fly a passenger thousands of kilometres in hours.

The same Journey would take several days by boat or car. Airliners and military aircraft are complex machines. Their frames are built with Iightweieht metals, such as aluminiuml and hi-tech materials, such as plastics. Inside their sophisticated electronic controls help pilots fly effciently and safely. Smaller aircraft such as gilders and hot-air balloons, are olen used for sport and leisure.

Anatomy of airliner

Most airliners, such as this Boeing 747-400, have the same basic design. The main part is the fuselage, which is similar to a long, thin, metal tube. The wings are attached to the middle of the fuselage, and the tailplane and fin are attached at the back. A Roor separates the passenger cabin from the baggage hold.

Cockpit

The aircraft is controlled from the cockpit. The pilot and co-pilot fly the plane using control columns, and insuruments show the status of all the plane's equipment. The cockpit also contains radar and radio controls.

In-flight food

Pre-prepared meals are stored in trolleys, which lock into spaces in the aircraft's galleys until it is time for the cabin staff to serve them.

Entertainment

Some airliners feature screens and headphones that can be tuned to music channels.

Types of aircraft

The word aircraft covers all flying machines - from balloons to helicopters. Most aircraft are aeroplanes, which have wings, and jet engines to give them speed. Other types of aircraft are gliders, which have no engines, helicopters, balloons, and airships. An aircraft's function determines its size and shape.

Biplanes

Many planes before World War II (1939-1945) had two 1945) had two pairs of wings, and were called biplanes.

Transport aircraft

Armies need aircraft  to transport troops and equipment. Special aircraft are designed to carry very heavy objects, such as tanks.

Concorde