ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Fixed-wing aircraft

Fixed-wing aircraft are machines that allow humans to fly through the air, just like birds do. These aircraft have wings that don't move, they are fixed! They use engines or motors to move forward, allowing the air to flow across their wings, creating the lift needed to keep them in the air.

The wings on a fixed-wing aircraft are shaped like an upside-down airplane wing. This is called an airfoil. The shape of this wing is designed to create lift. Lift happens when air moving over the wing moves faster than the air moving underneath it. This difference in speed creates a force that lifts the wing up, and the airplane along with it.

In addition to the wings, fixed-wing aircraft have other parts that help it to fly. This includes a fuselage, which is the main body of the aircraft, where the passengers and cargo are located. There's also a tail section, which consists of the horizontal stabilizer and the vertical stabilizer. These parts help to keep the aircraft stable during flight.

Pilots use a steering wheel or joystick to control the fixed-wing aircraft. By moving the wheel or joystick, the pilot can control the angle of the wings, which changes the amount of lift created. They can also control the speed of the engines or motors, which changes how fast the aircraft is moving forward.

Overall, fixed-wing aircraft are amazing things that allow us to travel long distances quickly and safely!