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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.
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Why Is 'Mayday' the International Distress Call?
The words aren't arbitrary, so why do pilots and sailors call out 'Mayday!' rather than something else?
How Are Airplane Cabins Pressurized?
Without the system that pumps unused air from an aircraft's engines into the cabin, passengers and crew would be unable to breathe at 30,000 feet. But how does that system work?
What Is a Ghost Flight?
Airlines are flying planes with no passengers, due in part to the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus, but also for economic reasons that have nothing to do with disease.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
5 Reasons Commercial Airplanes Crash
Although it doesn't happen often, large passenger jets crash for many reasons, from mechanical failure to pilot error.
Windowless Airplanes: The Future of Flight?
A Boston-based company plans to manufacture a supersonic business jet that will replace windows with video screens.
How Airlines Clean Planes So Quickly
Cleaning an airliner for the next flight is a complex undertaking that must be carried out rapidly. And it's even more important now during the coronavirus pandemic.
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?
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.
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?
How Do Airplanes Get Inflight WiFi and Live TV?
Ever sat on an airplane and wondered how your laptop works at 30,000 feet?
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?
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.
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?
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.
HowStuffWorks Illustrated: How Physics Helps Animals Fly
HowStuffWorks explains how physics helps animals get airborne.
'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.
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?
Should We Be Jittery About Train Travel?
Train crashes are in the news lately, but are our fears justified?
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?
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?
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