1
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We put a rudder on our plane. It helps stabilize the plane.

2
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This looks like it moves. What does it do?

3
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This is an elevator. It helps the airplane go up and down.

4
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When the pilot moves the control yoke inside the airplane, they pull back on it.

5
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This elevator comes up and makes the airplane climb.

6
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If they push forward, the elevator goes down and the airplane is going to descend.

7
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During takeoff, are all four forces of flight being used?

8
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Yes, they are. We always have gravity and drag.

9
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We have to overcome those by creating the thrust and the lift.

10
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We do the thrust with the engine, causing the propeller to turn at maximum power.

11
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And then we use the elevator to create lift on the wings.

12
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The best way to find out is, guess what?

13
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What?

14
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You're going to get your first flying lesson today.

15
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Me, up in the air, flying?

16
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Yep.

17
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All right, I'm ready. Let's go.

18
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That was so cool. I can't believe I was flying the plane.

19
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I have a question. What's the biggest challenge you run into when you're flying a plane?

20
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Seeing the ground when the weather is bad is the biggest obstacle.

21
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I heard NASA Langley is doing some really cool research that will help pilots fly in foggy weather.

22
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I think it's called synthetic vision. Have you ever heard about it?

23
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Yes, I have.

24
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Synthetic vision will give the pilots a clear electronic picture of what's outside.

25
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Even when it's foggy or dark outside?

26
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Yes. There will be a screen that the pilot can look at and see if there are mountains ahead.

27
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Like a video game?

28
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Almost. Synthetic vision uses satellite signals and global positioning systems to give the pilot a very sophisticated map.

29
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And it will definitely help prevent aircraft crashes in the future.

30
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That's so cool. I hope that by the time I become a pilot, synthetic vision will be in every plane.

31
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This will be an experience I will always remember.

32
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This will be an experience I will always remember.

33
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I can't believe I was really flying a plane.