How an Aeroplane Flies (4 Parts)

Synopsis

The four-part series introduces the subject of heavier-than-air, low-speed flight. It is a remake of the six-part 1947 series of the same title. Part 1 explains, by means of a series of demonstrations with a smoke tunnel the principles on which the wing of an aeroplane is constructed. Demonstrations with a wing section connected to manometers show the pressure pattern which is formed. Animation and live-action photography explain take-off and landing, angle of attack and stalling.
Part 2 explains two of the forces acting upon an aeroplane - thrust and drag. Drag can be reduced by streamlining and by keeping the aeroplane’s surface smooth and polished, but the total drag force on an aeroplane in flight must always be equal to and opposite to the force of thrust.
Part 3: The balance of the forces acting upon an aeroplane is such that, in straight and level flight at a steady speed, lift equals weight and thrust equals drag. Stability is the tendency to return to straight and level flight when an outside force, such as a gust, disturbs the aeroplane from that path; it is achieved through the design of the aeroplane and, in part, by the stabilising effect of the tail surfaces acting along the arm of the rear fuselage.
Part 4 shows how an aeroplane is controlled by movements of the control column which operates the ailerons and elevator and pedals which operate the rudder. Live action photography, animation and the smoke tunnel are used to demonstrate the effect of using the controls.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of production

1975

Availability

Out of distribution

Documentation

Teacher’s guide available.

Subjects

Technology

Keywords

aircraft; aviation; flight

Credits

Director

Derek Armstrong

Sections

Title

Lift and weight

Synopsis

Part 2 explains two of the forces acting upon an aeroplane - thrust and drag. Drag can be reduced by streamlining and by keeping the aeroplane's surface smooth and polished, but the total drag force on an aeroplane in flight must always be equal to and op

Title

Thrust and drag

Synopsis

Part 3: The balance of the forces acting upon an aeroplane is such that, in straight and level flight at a steady speed, lift equals weight and thrust equals drag. Stability is the tendency to return to straight and level flight when an outside force, suc

Title

Balance and stability

Synopsis

Part 4 shows how an aeroplane is controlled by movements of the control column which operates the ailerons and elevator and pedals which operate the rudder. Live action photography, animation and the smoke tunnel are used to demonstrate the effect of usin

Title

Controls and their effect

Production Company

Name

Shell

Distributor

Name

Shell Film Services

Contact

Jane Poynor

Email

Filmservices@Shell.com

Web

http://www.shell.com/ External site opens in new window

Address

Shell International
Creative Solutions
Shell Centre
London
SE1 7NA

Notes

The Shell Film Unit collection has been deposited in the BFI’s National Film & Video Archive