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Q:

Is gravity necessary for flight, or just for landing?

A:

On the one hand, weight makes it difficult to fly plane. More thrust is needed to keep it in the air. On the other hand, gravity pulling the plane down helps pull it through the air, thus forcing more air over the wing, creating more lift. This is how paper airplanes fly. 

Ask an Explainer
Posted on February 12, 2014 at 11:21 am
Categories:
Forces of Flight
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