Flight

Our planet's rising temperatures are making it harder for planes to take off at some airports, presenting yet another challenge to civil aviation. So, how does warmer air affect takeoff?

By Talon Homer

Fear of flying? Here are 10 airports where location, terrain, weather and design limitations make takeoff and landing a challenge for pilots and a nail-biter for passengers.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Air travel is far more than getting from point A to point B safely. How much do you know about the million little details that go into flying on airplanes?

By Alia Hoyt

As we all have heard, the friendly skies have gotten a lot less friendly over the past few years, but is a no-fly list for unruly passengers the answer?

By Dave Roos

The C-band spectrum used by 5G carriers is close to the frequencies used by key electronics that aircraft rely on to land safely, and that can garble the signals.

By Prasenjit Mitra

Many airlines around the world put planes in hibernation during the pandemic because of reduced demand for air travel. What does it take to wake them up?

By Patrick J. Kiger

The first commercial jetliners had square windows. So why did engineers change the design to the rounded windows we know today?

By Sharise Cunningham

Although certain security measures were in place due to high profile hijackings during previous decades, U.S. airports were fairly easily and quickly navigated in the past. Then 9/11 happened, and flying would never be the same.

By Janet Bednarek

It can definitely be done — we saw Capt. Sully Sullenberger successfully land an Airbus A320 without any engines, in the Hudson River no less. But just how far a plane can fly without its engines depends on a few different factors.

By Mark Mancini

Investigations into unruly-passenger incidents by the FAA have soared 168 percent through June over 2020's numbers. What's going on in the unfriendly skies? And what is the TSA doing to protect flight crews?

By John Donovan

After all, airports are kind of like mini cities, even if those running the "cities" prefer that no one actually takes up residence there.

By Janet Bednarek

Before Yeager did it, people thought it was impossible to break the sound barrier in flight. But he proved them wrong, even flying the plane while nursing two cracked ribs.

By Nathan Chandler

You've heard all about the exploits of Amelia Earhart, but do you know the story of Bessie Coleman, the first Black American woman to receive a pilot's license?

By Tara Yarlagadda

The words aren't arbitrary, so why do pilots and sailors call out 'Mayday!' rather than something else?

By Nathan Chandler

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?

By Patrick J. Kiger

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.

By Laurie L. Dove

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was just named world's busiest airport for the 23rd time. The Atlanta hub held the title for 22 consecutive years before it was knocked out of the No. 1 spot in 2020.

By John Donovan

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

By Patrick J. Kiger

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

By Patrick J. Kiger

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

By Patrick J. Kiger

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.

By Patrick J. Kiger

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

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

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

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

By Patrick J. Kiger