Reply #47: OK...it's simple [View All]

the combined faith of everyone on board, everyone who built it, and everyone who designed ...in tandem.

Seriously though...next time you have a chance...stick your arm out the window of your car on the freeway...cup your hand and feel your arm rise or lower depending on the position of your hand.

The wing of the airplane works on the same principle. It is curved. If you have enough forward momentum, the airplane will rise naturally because of the curvature of the wing. Less momentum is required if the wing is bigger, hence the flaps and slats are raised and lowered as required...I'd be happy to explain it over a cocktail...lol...

and aircraft aren't really all that heavy...several hundred tons at the outside. the powerplants are more than adequate.

edit for spelling and weight discussion