How do airplanes fly upside down?

Answer 1

A plane can fly upside down, sideways, or in any other position, besides backwards, because the same rules in physics (lift and drag) still apply. However, the plane will try to level out if the wings are swept up.

The ability to fly upside down depends on the plane. The wings have to be able to provide enough lift when upside-down. The plane has to have enough power to give it enough speed to provide the lift. You can't fly any airliner upside-down because it would be too heavy.

Dog-fighter pLanes can do this to evade enemies if they have a more powerful engine. It is basically a 180. They start flying straight, then they turn it upside-down, then pull back on the yoke. This increases their speed greatly, which is why you need about 5,000 feet in elevation to do this (depending on the plane).

Answer 2

Airplane lift is the result of two things: (1) the shape of the wing, which has to do with the Bernoulli principle, and (2) the angle at which the wing meets the wind, known as the "angle of attack." The most efficient wings make use of both factors.

The Bernoulli principle for now you're going to have to take on faith. Angle of attack is easier. You see angle of attack in action whenever you stick your palm out the window while driving down the highway. Angle your palm upward and the wind forces your hand higher. Angle your palm down and the wind forces your hand lower.

Same with planes. When you're zipping down the runway during takeoff, the Bernoulli principle generates a certain amount of lift. But to get that last crucial boost you pull up the plane's nose. Actually, increased angle of attack provides the lift needed to get you flying.

Generating lift is easier at cruising speed, so stunt pilots can flip the thing over and rely on high angle of attack alone to keep them in the air (i.e., they keep the nose up and the tail down). This isn't a very efficient way to fly, since increasing your angle of attack also increases your aerodynamic drag. Too much drag = stall = plane drops like rock. For that reason stunt planes need low-drag wings, heavy-duty construction (so they won't disintegrate in midair), and powerful engines designed so they won't conk out when they're upside down. Also you want a pretty good seat belt. It is SO embarrassing when you're in a stunt plane, it flips over, and the pilot falls out.

Answer 3

because it can't be bothered enough to fly the right way up. haha, lol.