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The airplane is a unique man-made creation that has allowed us to not only travel

traverse ground quicker but to also see views that previously only birds could take in.
As technology has advanced since the first airplane took flight back in 1903, both the
effectiveness and safety of these aircrafts have increased drastically. In this short
article, we’re going to dive into the basic parts of the airplane and discuss how they
work together to make air travel possible.

The Engine
The engines can also be referred to as the powerplant of the plan. This is the part of the
plane that works to generate thrust to lift the plane into the sky. The engine also creates
hydraulic and electric power for which the plane uses to operate.
The Wing
The wings of the plane are their most identifiable parts. These wings work just like those of
a bird to lift the plane into the air and control the airflow as the plane flies. The tilt of the
wings is a crucial part of the overall structure of the airplane as they allow the pilot to
decrease or increase the descent rate of the plane when flying. It’s a big deal when a wing
suffers damage, and it’s one of the reasons planes are generally kept in hangars when out of
use – but building a hangar can be its own issue.
Aileron
The ailerons are the hinged surfaces of wings that aids in controlling lateral balance. These
work to move the aircraft left or right by allowing the plane to roll in the desired direction.
The ailerons work asymmetrically when flying. This means when the right aileron goes up,
the left one goes down. When the right goes down, the left aileron goes up.
Slats
Slats are identified as the front most portion of the wing. They are adjustable so the pilot
can alter the slat to the desired level during lift off of the entire plane.

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Horizontal Stabilizer
At the tail of the plane, there is a horizontal wing-like structure that protrudes out. These are
the horizontal stabilizers and help to keep the aircraft’s equilibrium when flying up and down.
Vertical Stabilizer
On the tail section of the plane, you’ll notice a shark-like fin. This is referred to as the vertical
stabilizer. This helps to prevent lateral movements of the craft which could easily lead to
slippage, making the plane uncontrollable to handle.
Pylon
Pylons are existent on the wings of the aircraft between the wing and the engine. Its main job is to
help to stabilize the airflow behind the wing. Without pylons, the drag on the wing will reduce the
aircraft’s speed and overall performance.
Flap
Located at the back of the wing, the flaps are included to help increase the lift of the plane into the
air. These flaps are fitted to trail the edge of the wing sections. These flaps extend out from the wing
and increase the camber of the wings airfoil so that it can lift at low speeds, which is vital to landing
successfully.
Propeller
Most aircraft have at least one propeller to thrust the plane forward at a specific pitch, depending on
the angle of the propeller blades. In smaller crafts, you’ll see the large propeller blades on the front.
For commercial crafts, these tend to be integrated into the wings of the plane.
Spoilers
Airplane spoilers are located on the top surface of the wing and can be extended upward to reduce
airflow. The whole concept of the spoiler is to intentionally reduce the lift of the plane so that it can
land properly.
Elevator
The elevators work to control the pitch motion of the craft. These are hinged surfaces that are fitted
to the rear of the horizontal stabilizers. These work as a symmetrical pair. When the elevators go up,
the aircraft goes up. When the elevators go down, the aircraft goes down.
Fuselage
This is the centermost piece of the aircraft that is responsible for the structural integrity of the cargo
and passengers. Most of the modern day aircraft can hold up to 800 passengers and about 250,000
pounds in the cargo.
Rudder
The rudder is responsible for controlling the yaw motion of the aircraft. This is the side to side
movement of the nose of the craft. You’ll find the rudder as a hinged section at the rear of the
vertical stabilizer of the plane.

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1. Types of Commercial Airplanes
Jumbo Passenger Jets
The Boeing 747 was the first wide-body commercial jet to earn the moniker “Jumbo Jet.”
Boeing never imagined that the subsonic 747 would continue to hold popularity, in light
of the supersonic jets in development at the time. Nevertheless, Boeing went on to sell
over 1,554 of these jumbo passenger jets, which can be quickly converted into
passenger or cargo planes.
Airbus is Boeing‘s only major rival in Jumbo Jet sales. Although it is only four decades
old, Airbus has taken a marginal lead in market share. The chief weakness of Airbus is
that their A380 models have steadily lost popularity among airliners because of their
massive size. The profitability of such a massive jet is limited unless you are flying from
a large central hub to a large central hub.
Mid-Size Passenger Jets
Mid-size passenger jets, such as the Airbus 350-1000, have a narrower body. Although they can
still carry over 350 passengers, these planes can’t match the 600-passenger capacity of a Boeing
747 in a single class configuration. The Airbus A380 further dwarfs that number with its 853-
passenger capacity in a single class configuration. But the Boeing 737 recently expanded
its range by 900 nautical miles to reach 3,000 for transcontinental flights.
Of course, these mid-size commercial jets are desirable among airliners because they sustain
greater profitability in seasonal routes and on smaller flights. The lower price tag also makes
them attractive from an investment standpoint. When you consider the flexibility of configuring
the Airbus 380 or even a Boeing 787 for different routes, it makes sense to hedge against
market trends by choosing a model that is more flexible.

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Light Passenger Jets
In the light passenger jet range, the seating for passengers is typically 60 to 100.
The Embraer 175 can travel 1,800 miles at a cruising speed of 545 miles per hour. The
smaller size of light passenger jets makes them the ideal choice for economy airlines. The
seating is evenly divided into two sections on each side of a center aisle. Larger jets have
three sections and two aisles.
The light passenger jets are popular for regional routes. Because they consume less fuel and
require less investment, an owner can quickly reap a profit by flying their plane to popular
destinations from larger central hubs. A plane from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, for example,
would be an easy way of generating revenue off the investment without facing the strict
regulations imposed by flights over seas.
Passenger Turboprops
Although turboprops are not as reliable as jet engines, aircraft are much safer than ground
transportation because they are built for reliability. In addition, once the planes reach cruising
altitude, there are not many factors which can negatively influence planes that fly over the weather.
The friction and geography of the terrestrial landscape and weather are the hardest burdens for
automotive engineers to face.
Turboprop engines are more fuel-efficient than jet engines, however. Since fuel is one of the greatest
expenses for an airliner, this makes them a better investment. A passenger turboprop can also
operate and take off from shorter runways. This opens up the doors to flying a greater variety of short
flights to meet the market demands. The larger prop planes, such as the Bombardier Q400, can carry
up to 80 passengers.
Cargo Airplanes
Cargo planes have a larger scope than any of the other types because they are a conversion of the
subtypes. As stated, the Boeing 747 can be converted into a cargo plane if desired. But Boeing also
manufacturers jets specifically for cargo, such as the Boeing Dreamlifter. The Dreamlifter hauls up to
65,000 cubic feet of cargo. This is only defeated by the 78,000 cubic feet of the Airbus Beluga XL.
At the bottom of the range, Cessna makes cargo planes on a small propeller-driven aircraft design.
This aircraft can carry 340 cubic feet or 12 passengers. As stated, the propeller-driven airplanes will
reach remote areas with smaller airstrips. This makes them busier than the larger flights because they
can fill a lot of voids in the chain of distribution. Airplanes age better when used because the
aluminum, otherwise, deteriorates.

2. Types of Private Jets

VLJ (Very Light Jets)


Very light jets are primarily for short trips to regional destinations. They typically offer seating for up
to eight passengers. The advantage of these jets is that you can hire a single pilot to fly them instead
of an entire flight crew. Some models also boast of low operating costs that are on par with
turboprop planes. They are the ideal solution for reaching more remote destinations that airlines
avoid.
These planes are mainly used for flights that are 40 to 80 minutes in duration. As such, they do not
offer a separate lavatory compartment but only an emergency style toilet with a privacy curtain.
These planes are still a relatively new concept. The first design, the Cessna Citation Mustang, wasn’t
produced until November of 2006. These jets are the lightest business jets on the market for air taxi
services.
Light Business Jets
Some light business jets are capable of transcontinental flights of 2,400 nautical miles or more. The
definition of a light business jet is that the maximum takeoff weight is 20,000 lbs. compared to just
half that for very light jets. And most light business jets can still maintain an average cruising speed of
about 500 mph. Glory Jane
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jets but ideal
These jets usually have a dedicated lavatory compartment and offer more cabin space than VLJ
models. They are also loaded with all the technology that you could ever need to conduct business
meetings remotely while in flight. Satellite phone, Wi-Fi, and XM radio communications are all
onboard. They also feature cabin pressurization that you won’t find in many smaller aircraft. Cabin
pressurization is necessary to sustain oxygen levels at higher altitudes.
Mid-Size Business Jets
While the typical VLJ and light jet carry a maximum of six passengers, a mid-size business jet offers
comfortable seating for up to 10 passengers. You will find that the luxuries and amenities grow with
each class. While they all hover around 500 miles per hour at cruising speed and offer the ability to
land on smaller runways, a mid-size jet has larger parties in mind for longer transcontinental trips.
Take a non-stop flight in a range of 2,000 to 3,000 nautical miles and work comfortably in the larger
pressurized cabin. Indeed, there is even a subtype of mid-size business jets called super mid-size.
These planes are fuel-efficient and designed to travel even longer distances faster. A super mid-size
can travel as much as 580 mph over a distance of 3,600 miles or more.
Heavy Business Jets
These jets are often converted from larger commercial airline jets into luxury liners. The advantage of
a heavy business jet is the ability to conduct full-scale meetings and conferences. They accommodate
anywhere from 10 to 18 passengers and are able to fly at high altitudes above the weather for
maximum comfort and reliability. They also have single flight ranges that exceed 6,000 miles over a
span of six to eight hours.
The Boeing 747 8 VIP is an example of a conversion from commercial passenger to a private luxury
business jet. The large cabin space is what makes these planes so attractive. A business can literally
build offices and work departments inside the jet as they would in a building. The focus on luxury and
convenience is just a perk to make the workers more productive during long and critical business
flights.
Military Jets
Although it would not be legal for you to own a fully armed F 18 hornet, military jets are among the
best performance airplanes on the market. Most military jets are supersonic fighter jets that are used
to engage with enemy combatants or to bomb strategic targets in a top-secret mission. These jets
cost billions of dollars to develop. They are deployed from air force bases and navy carriers.
It is amazing to see them land on the tiny airstrip of the carrier by hooking a cable. Most also have
the capability to refuel in the air without landing. They are often flown in flight formations that are
led by a single jet in the same manner that birds migrate in V-shaped formations. U.S. fighter jets are
renowned for their ability to maneuver and roll in acrobatic precision.

3. Types of Propeller Planes


Private Single Engine
Although you would think that the propeller-driven engine has been outmoded by modern-day jet
engines, think again. Over 27 percent of the flights are still by propeller-driven airplanes. This is
because over 80 percent of U.S. domestic flights are only one to two hours long. Why go through all
the hassles of boarding a jet when you can take a small private propeller plane to even the remotest
destination.
Private propeller planes are especially popular in remote areas of the country, such as Alaska. In many
regions of Alaska, there is no other method of transportation unless you have a dog sled. A single-
engine propeller plane is suitable for distances of 100 to 500 miles. To go any further than that, you
will probably need a turboprop engine that is rated for travel of 1,200 miles or more.

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Twin Turboprops
Although the operating cost of a turboprop is more on par with a jet, they often have a larger hauling
capacity than many light jets. The turboprop jet engines can also dive and climb straight up without
stalling out. The other key advantage of the twin turboprop is its ability to land in grassy fields or
other makeshift runways. Most twin turboprop planes can also be flown with just a single pilot.
The turboprop engine is a lot more like a jet engine. However, instead of using the exhaust gases,
themselves, to propel the aircraft, the shaft is rotated to turn a variable pitch propeller. The downside
of a propeller is that it loses its efficiency at higher speeds. This is why they are not used in
supersonic aircraft; although they can still perform well at speeds of 0.6 Mach.
Aerobatic
Many former air force pilots find themselves missing the thrill of high-speed maneuvers in fighter
jets. While it may be impossible for them to ever get their hands on a fighter jet again, an aerobatic
plane is a suitable substitute. These planes are fast and perform stunts in the air, such as dives and
rolls. Because they are light and easy to maneuver, they are often involved in choreographed drills.
In order to properly fly an aerobatic stunt plane, the pilots require hours and hours of advanced
training. If they have a military background, this can reduce the learning curve significantly.
Accustoming oneself to the g-forces and disorientation that occurs under intense acrobatic
performances is something that is much easier if they went through years of flight school and spent
significant time in military fighter jets.
Amphibious
Amphibious aircraft are specially designed to take off and land in freshwater lakes and seas. Some
planes can even be fitted with keels that are reinforced to handle a landing on terrain covered by
snow or ice. Tourism to remote areas may also require the use of an amphibious aircraft. In fact,
some models of amphibious aircraft also have retractable wheels that allow them to land on ordinary
landing strips.
The downside of an amphibious plane is that the models which boast of a full range of landing
capabilities are heavier and require greater maintenance. It is always better to use a plane for
dedicated purposes by landing on either land or water. Positioning the wheels for a terrestrial or
aqua landing is another problem that pilots face in convertible planes. If the wheels aren’t adjusted
properly, damage will ensue.
Military Turboprops
The military is still developing and using turboprop planes for cargo transport and light attack
fighters. Because the turboprops provide better fuel economy and are cheaper to manufacture and
deploy into regions where light-duty fighters are needed, they are still preferred over jets in some
applications. Nevertheless, the Embraer Super Tucano still carries an amazing 3,300 pounds of
weaponry. Because the military has a limited operating budget, turboprops are practical.
And because they have the advantage of modern engineering, military turboprops are still just as
lethal as jet fighters. Furthermore, turboprop engines provide stronger forward thrust than jets do.
Although a jet can operate more efficiently at Mach speeds, Mach speeds are rarely needed for most
combat missions or supply transports. The turboprops also perform much better at lower altitudes
than jet engines. And most missions require low altitude combat fighters.

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International Airports in the
Philippines
All of the airports under this category include airports that are capable of handling international
flights or have served international destinations before.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)


The airport is named after Ninoy Aquino, husband of the former president Cory Aquino. In 2016, this
international airport underwent some major upgrade in services and facilities. The Philippine
government is determined to make this airport one of the best in the world. The airport has 4
terminals and all of them have Wi-Fi access.
Terminal 1 Address: Ninoy Aquino Ave., Pasay, Metro Manila
Terminal 2 Address: NAIA Rd., Pasay, Metro Manila
Terminal 3 Address: Andrews Ave., Pasay, Metro Manila
Terminal 4 Address: Aurora Blvd., Pasay, Metro Manila

Bacolod-Silay International Airport


If you are planning to visit the enchanted forests of Negros Oriental then you are surely going to see
this airport. Bacolod-Silay International Airport is the main airport serving the metro area of Bacolod
and Negros Oriental. It is designed to handle an excess of one million passengers and around 16,715
tons of cargo yearly. It has 21 buildings and a floor space of 10,075 square meters.
Address: Airport Rd., Silay City, Negros Occidental

Clark International Airport


If you do not want to experience the rush in NAIA, you can book at Clark International Airport, also
known as the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. This is a historical airport and was once the
largest overseas base of the United States Air Force until it was closed down in 1991 and transferred
over to the Government of the Philippines.
The airport has three terminals and currently, renovations are being made to improve service. Also,
this airport is now easier to access due to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
Address: Andres Bonifacio Ave., Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat, Pampanga

Puerto Princesa International Airport


Located in one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Puerto Princesa International Airport
serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Puerto Princesa Underground River. It
is part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Address: Rizal Ave., Brgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Mactan–Cebu International Airport


This airport was originally built by the United States Air Force in 1956 as an emergency airport
landing for Strategic Air Command bombers and remained as a Spartan outpost until the Vietnam
War.
Now, it is the second busiest airport in the Philippines with over 4.5 million passengers traveling
yearly. Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority underwent a redesign in 2009 so that it would
be able to handle the increasing volume of passenger traffic.
Address: Lapu-Lapu Airport Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

Subic Bay International Airport


It used to be the Naval Air Station Cubi Point of the United States Navy. It is now Asia’s largest private
aviation port when it comes to its hangar space of 100,000 square feet.
Address: Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
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Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Known as the Davao International Airport, it is considered as the main airport serving Mindanao
business operations. It is able to handle 2 million passengers yearly and this airport is set for
modernization and improvements. The aim is to make it a hub for tourism and foreign
investments.
Address: Buhangin, Davao City, Davao Del Sur

General Santos International Airport


Found in General Santos City and located in Barangay Fatima, the General Santos International
Airport is the largest airport island of Mindanao. It was declared as an international airport by the
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. This airport is now being used as an air station by the
Philippine Air Force.
Address: Filipino-American Friendship Ave., General Santos City, South Cotabato

Iloilo International Airport


Also known as the Cabatuan Airport, the Iloilo Airport was first opened commercially in 2007. It is
the fourth busiest airport in the Philippines and it was built on par with international standards. It
is one of the biggest airports constructed in the country and it is also seen as one of the most
modern in the country.
Address: Iloilo Airport Access Rd., Cabatuan, Iloilo

Bicol International Airport


Costing 3.5 million pesos to create, this airport in the municipality of Daraga is set to change the
way we see international airports in the country.
Address: Southern Luzon International Airport Access Rd., Daraga, Albay, Bicol

Kalibo International Airport


If you are scheduled to go to Boracay, then this is one of the two airports where you can land. The
Kalibo International Airport has the fastest growing number of passenger visits and at times it also
caters to international flights and services in international locations like Taipei.
Address: Kalibo International Airport Access Rd., Kalibo, Aklan

Laoag International Airport


Famous as a charter destination for tourists coming from China, this main airport in Ilocos Norte is
undergoing changes to meet international standards.
Address: Brgy. 43, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Zamboanga International Airport


With 270 hectares, it is the third busiest airport located in the Philippines. It serves both civilian
and military type of flights in the country.
Address: Gov. Camins Rd., Brgy. Baliwasan, Zamboanga City
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Principal Domestic Airports
These airports serve only domestic destinations and are divided into two classes.

Principal Domestic Airport Class 1


Under the Principal Domestic Airports Class 1 category, you’ll find airports that serve aircrafts with a
capacity of at least 100 seats.
Bancasi (Butuan) Airport
Awang (Cotabato) Airport
Dipolog Airport
Sibulan (Dumaguete) Airport
Laguindingan Airport
Naga (Pili) Airport
Pagadian Airport
Roxas Airport
San Jose Airport
Tagbilaran Airport
Tuguegarao Airport
Virac Airport

Principal Domestic Airport Class 2


lass 2 category airports serve propeller airplanes with a capacity of at least 19 seats.
Basco Airport
Sanga-Sanga (Tawi-Tawi) Airport
Francisco B. Reyes (Busuanga-Coron) Airport
Calbayog Airport
Camiguin Airport
Catarman National Airport
Godofredo P. Ramos (Caticlan/Boracay) Airport
Jolo Airport
Dipolog Airport
Marinduque Airport
Moises R. Espinosa (Masbate) Airport
Tugdan (Tablas/Romblon) Airport
Sayak (Siargao) Airport
Surigao Airport

Community Airports
Community Airports in the Philippines are used mostly for general aviation purposes like serving
private jets, medical flights, flight training, and agricultural aviation. A few of the community airports
in the Philippines include:
Baler Airport
Bislig Airport
Borongan (Punta Maria) Airport
Bantayan Airport
Cauayan Airport
Itbayat Airport
Labo (Ozamiz) Airport
Palanan Airport
San Fernando (Poro Point) Airport
Mindoro (Vigan) Airport
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