Ask an Explainer

Q:

How have planes changed over the years?

A:

Some examples of how planes have changed are the materials they're made from, how they're controlled, and what they're used for. The 1903 Wright Flyer was made mostly from wood and a cloth called muslin. Planes today are generally made from aluminum. Also, while the pilot of the 1903 Wright Flyer lay in the middle of the plane and used wing warping to control roll, planes today have seats and the ailerons control roll. Finally, some of the first planes weren't used to carry people, but instead to carry mail. The first passenger airplane in the US was the Ford Tri-motor, in 1926. 

 

Remember, though, even though many things have changed, a lot is still the same.

 

 

Ask an Explainer
Categories: