Comic：Knowledge about flying high
【明報專訊】Eason and the Smarties are discussing some fun facts about aircraft.
Eason: ”Hey, Smarties! Do you know if lightning can strike a plane? ”
Dr Panda: ”Yes! Planes are struck by lightning all the time, but they're designed to handle it! ”
Eason: ”But what about turbulence? Why does it happen? ”
Pat: ”That's when the plane hits uneven air. It makes the flight feel like a rollercoaster! ”
Eason: ”Even if lightning strikes and turbulence happens, a brave guy like me should become a pilot! ”
Dr Panda: ”Eason, you're unskilled and careless. You'll make flying even bumpier! ”
◆Know more
Aircraft typically fly at high speeds of 800–900 km/h. However, due to their distance and height, they appear slower when viewed from the ground. When we are inside the aircraft, we also do not feel this incredible speed because there are no external reference points, which are objects like trees and buildings that help us perceive movement and speed.
Before takeoff, an aircraft gains speed on the runway, allowing air to flow over its wings. This creates a force which counters gravity and raises the aircraft into the sky. Once in the air, the engines continue to provide power, allowing the aircraft to fly continuously.
To handle the high air pressures in the sky safely, aircraft are built with rounded windows instead of square ones. Rounded windows distribute pressure evenly and prevent cracks, which could otherwise occur at sharp corners. This design detail is one of many ways in which aircraft are carefully engineered to ensure a safe and comfortable flight. In the world of aviation, safety is always the name of the game.
■English highway﹕The name of the game
''The name of the game'' is an idiom which means the most important thing in a particular activity or situation.
E.g. In sports, teamwork is the name of the game.
■Glossary
turbulence (n) 不穩定氣流
bumpy (adj) 顛簸的
counter (v) 對抗
crack (n) 裂縫
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第423期]
