Flying

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Flying is the process of movement through the air or space, often achieved using wings. In the context of human transportation, flying is commonly achieved through the use of aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters.

Types of Flying[edit | edit source]

There are several different methods of flying, each with their own unique characteristics and requirements. These include:

  • Fixed-wing aircraft: These are aircraft that have wings that do not move relative to the main body of the craft. This category includes most commercial and private airplanes.
  • Rotary-wing aircraft: These are aircraft that use rotating wings, or rotors, to achieve flight. This category includes helicopters and drones.
  • Ornithopters: These are aircraft that achieve flight by flapping their wings, similar to how birds fly.
  • Spacecraft: These are vehicles designed for travel or operation in outer space.

Physics of Flying[edit | edit source]

The physics of flying is a complex subject that involves several different scientific principles. These include:

  • Lift: This is the force that opposes the weight of an aircraft and holds it in the air. Lift is generated by the movement of air over the wings of an aircraft.
  • Drag: This is the force that opposes the forward movement of an aircraft. Drag is caused by the resistance of the air to the movement of the aircraft.
  • Thrust: This is the force that propels an aircraft forward. Thrust is generated by the engines of an aircraft.
  • Gravity: This is the force that pulls an aircraft towards the Earth. Gravity must be overcome by lift in order for an aircraft to achieve flight.

Health Effects of Flying[edit | edit source]

Flying can have several effects on the human body, including:

  • Jet lag: This is a condition that can occur when a person travels across several time zones in a short period of time. It can cause fatigue, disorientation, and other symptoms.
  • Deep vein thrombosis: This is a condition that can occur when a person remains seated for long periods of time, such as during a long flight. It involves the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the body.
  • Radiation exposure: People who fly frequently can be exposed to higher levels of radiation than those who do not, due to the higher altitudes at which planes fly.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Flying Resources
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