Hey there! Today, we’re going to learn all about what it’s like to fly on an airplane. Our friends, Squeaks and Jesse, are planning a trip to the Robot Hall of Fame in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It’s Squeaks’s first time flying, and he’s a bit nervous. But don’t worry, we’ll help him understand what to expect!
First, we’ll head to the airport. Airports can be busy with lots of people in a hurry. We might have to wait in line, but bringing a book or a game can make the wait easier. Squeaks can even bring his tablet!
Next, we’ll find a place called a gate. It’s not like a gate on a fence; it’s an area where everyone getting on our flight will meet. We’ll wait there until it’s time to board the plane.
Once on the plane, we’ll buckle up and listen to the flight attendants’ announcements. The plane will go really fast down the runway, almost as fast as a race car, before lifting off into the air. Takeoff can be loud and a bit bumpy, but that’s normal. Once we’re above the clouds, the ride should be smooth.
As the plane climbs higher, the air pressure changes, which might make your ears feel funny. You can chew gum, yawn, or swallow to help your ears adjust. Sometimes, the plane might go through turbulence, which feels like bumps in the air. It’s just the air moving around, and it’s perfectly normal.
When we get close to Pittsburgh, the plane will start to land. You might feel your ears pop again and your tummy drop a bit. Once the wheels touch the ground, we’ll be ready to start our amazing vacation!
Airplanes fly thanks to their engines and wings. The engines create a force called thrust, which pushes the plane forward. The wings are shaped in a special way to create lift, which helps the plane rise into the air. The air moves faster over the top of the wing than underneath, creating a push that lifts the plane up.
Did you know that many animals fly too? Birds, bees, and even penguins use their wings to move around. Birds like the albatross have long wings to fly long distances, while bees have short wings for quick stops. Penguins use their wings to swim underwater, which is similar to flying in the air.
Wind is moving air. It happens when warm air rises and cooler air rushes in to take its place. Wind can affect airplanes, helping them fly faster or slower depending on its direction. Wind also shapes the land over time, creating interesting formations like sand dunes.
Now that Squeaks knows more about flying, he’s not scared anymore. In fact, he’s excited for the adventure! Learning about how things work can make them less scary and a lot more fun. So, are you ready for your next adventure?
