Solving Problems about Flight 

Problem #1 - How long does the runway need to be?

As planes prepare to take off, they need a long runway so that they can gain the speed required to get off the ground.  The heavier the plane, the more runway space needed.  Why do you think that a heavier plane needs more room?  Well, try out this activity- Taking off and Runways   It will help you understand.

Problem:
You are going to think about the amount of runway room required for different planes to take off.   As engineers design airports, they have to consider the same question.
First, you need to gather information.

1.  Find out how much room planes need to take off.
Generally, a plane needs 20 feet of runway for every 1,000 pounds of weight.
But certain conditions could cause the plane to need more room.  Can you think of any?
This site will give you some helpful information.

2. Visit these sites to find out about the weight of various airplanes.  Record the information you collect in your science journals.

The 737 Family Jet
The 747 Jet
The 727 Jet
The DC-10 Jet

3. Visit these sites to find ou about the lengths of the runways at different airports.  Record the information you collect in your science journals.

Phoenix:
Scottsdale:
Tucson:
Chandler:
 

3.  Now, using the information you gathered, try to solve these problems.

For each of the planes that you researched, figure out whether or not they would be able to land or take off on the four runways in Arizona.  Use what you know about HOW MUCH ROOM a plane needs to take off and to land.
 

4.  Here is a problem with a twist.  Now, your plan must also carry argo from the zoo.
Click here to find out more!