“Wings, Wind, and Wonder: How Airplanes Fight the Forces of Nature” Summary: This session takes you inside the science of flight — how airplanes lift, balance, and maneuver through the skies. We’ll explore the key forces acting on an aircraft — lift, drag, thrust, and weight — and how control surfaces such as the elevator, rudder, and ailerons allow precise motion along pitch, yaw, and roll axes. The discussion then dives into one of aviation’s most dangerous weather phenomena: the microburst — a sudden, powerful downdraft that can destabilize even the most advanced aircraft during takeoff or landing. Through simplified explanations and real-world examples, the session will uncover how pilots and engineers combat microbursts using aerodynamic design, control strategies, and weather detection systems. By the end, attendees will understand not just how airplanes fly, but how they fight to stay flying when nature challenges their stability.

Date: Wednesday, November 19th, at 10:00 a.m., US Eastern Time.
Topic: Vehicule Engineering