Transportation

Many of us take public transportation or fly in airplanes on a regular basis, but have you ever wondered how all of these things work? This collection of transportation articles help explain how people get from place to place.

Topics to Explore

How Hydraulic Cranes Work

10 Unsolved Airplane Mysteries

Boeing 707

How Airline Freight Works

Learn More

Electric Boats Make Emission-free Sea Travel a Reality

Electric-propelled boats, which are much quieter and more environmentally friendly than gas-powered motorboats, are finally beginning to hit the waves and find their market.

By Patrick J. Kiger Sep 18, 2019 Transportation / Engines & Equipment

How Atlanta Became the World's Busiest Airport, Again

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was just named world's busiest airport for the 21st time. So how has a city in the Deep South reigned king for decades?

By John Donovan Sep 16, 2019 Flight / Modern

Ghost Train Station Is Symbolic Hope of Korean Reunification

The Dorasan train station was built near the DMZ to connect North and South Korea. But the only people using this fully functional station are some tourists.

By Dave Roos Jul 22, 2019 Transportation / Engines & Equipment

What's the Difference Between Airspeed and Ground Speed?

Measuring how fast an aircraft travels depends on whether you factor in the speed of the wind behind it.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jun 14, 2019 Flight / Modern

How Maglev Trains Work

Magnetic levitation trains, aka maglev trains, can travel much faster than even bullet trains, with less environmental impact. But they're very expensive to build. So, what's the future of maglev trains?

By Kevin Bonsor & Nathan Chandler Transportation / Engines & Equipment

5 Reasons Commercial Airplanes Crash

Although it doesn't happen often, large passenger jets crash for many reasons, from mechanical failure to pilot error.

By Patrick J. Kiger Flight / Modern

Windowless Airplanes: The Future of Flight?

A Boston-based company plans to manufacture a supersonic business jet that will replace windows with video screens.

By Patrick J. Kiger Apr 3, 2019 Flight / Future

How Airlines Clean Planes So Quickly

Cleaning an airliner for the next flight is a complex undertaking that must be carried out rapidly.

By Patrick J. Kiger Mar 25, 2019 Flight / Modern

How Sanitary Are Airline Blankets and Pillows?

A blanket and pillow can transform a long, uncomfortable flight into a sleepfest, but not all airlines still hand them out. When they do, are they clean and safe to use?

By Patrick J. Kiger Mar 21, 2019 Flight / Modern

Fast Facts on the Grounded Boeing 737 MAX 8

The Boeing 737 first flew into the world a half century ago. Here's the scoop on Boeing's fastest-selling airplane.

By Patrick J. Kiger Mar 20, 2019 Flight / Modern

How Do Pilots Make Up Time in the Air?

Your pilot apologizes for your plane leaving late but then assures you she can make up the lost time in the sky. Is she pressing extra-hard on the accelerator or what?

By Nathan Chandler Feb 28, 2019 Flight / Modern

How Do Airplanes Get Inflight WiFi and Live TV?

Ever sat on an airplane and wondered how your laptop works at 30,000 feet?

By Patrick J. Kiger Jan 31, 2019 Flight / Modern

The Hoverbike: The Future of Flight?

The Dubai police force got the world's first legal personal drone. Are these flying motorbikes coming to streets near you?

By Cherise Threewitt Jan 7, 2019 Flight / Modern

Boeing's Everett Facility Is the Largest Building on Earth

With 36,000 workers, it has its own fire department, banks, day care facilities, medical clinic and water treatment plant.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jan 3, 2019 Flight / Modern

Will the FAA Ever Regulate Legroom on Commercial Planes?

Airlines keep cramming in more and more seats, making flying nearly unbearable for some. But does that also make it unsafe?

By Dave Roos Oct 8, 2018 Flight / Modern

Got a Drone? Learn the Laws Before You Take Flight

You better know the rules before you get out and fly your drone or you could end up violating FAA regulations.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Sep 14, 2018 Flight / Modern

HowStuffWorks Illustrated: How Physics Helps Animals Fly

HowStuffWorks explains how physics helps animals get airborne.

Flight / Modern

'Tree-niner-fife': The Global Language of Pilots

Pilots on international flights use Aviation English, a stripped-down, specialized version of the language, to communicate with air traffic controllers.

By Patrick J. Kiger May 22, 2018 Flight / Modern

If Cars Have Shoulder Seat Belts, Why Not Airplanes?

Commercial flight is extremely safe. But could it be even safer if airplanes had shoulder harnesses instead of lap belts?

By John Donovan Apr 20, 2018 Flight / Modern

Should We Be Jittery About Train Travel?

Train crashes are in the news lately, but are our fears justified?

By Stell Simonton Feb 14, 2018 Transportation / Engines & Equipment

State-issued IDs May No Longer Be Enough to Board U.S. Flights

Your license is good enough for you to drive, but is it good enough to get you on a plane?

By Cherise Threewitt Jan 19, 2018 Flight / Modern

Atlanta's Airport Disaster Sounds Aviation Alarm Bell

What does Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's massive power failure tell us about U.S. infrastructure and vulnerability?

By John Donovan Dec 20, 2017 Flight / Modern

Will Drones Replace News Helicopters?

Camera-equipped commercial drones are cheaper and require less training. Is it time to say goodbye to your local eye-in-the-sky traffic reports?

By Patrick J. Kiger Sep 27, 2017 Flight / Modern

Flying, On-demand Taxis Are Taking Off

And in less than a decade they could save you from being stuck in heavy traffic.

By Tracy Staedter Sep 20, 2017 Flight / Modern

When Your Face Is Your Boarding Pass

It's happened to all of us. You're at the front of the line, about to board, when you realize you can't find your paper boarding pass. Or it won't pull up on your phone. Facial recognition technology could change that — and help with security, too.

By Tracy Staedter Jun 25, 2017 Flight / Modern