An explanation of Air transport

By connecting international boundaries, air transport is a form of public transport and it is one of the quickest modes of transport available to the public. For business, tours, personal requirements, and medical purposes, air transport is used by people from different countries to cross international boundaries. There are several air transport companies, such as Indigo, Air India, Aeroflot, etc. Air transport is the quickest way to travel, so it saves both time and energy. Air transport ensures passengers’ comfort and provides various facilities such as on-board meals, toilet access and staff assistance.

Types of air transport

There are several types of air transport, and they differ in the way they operate. Air transport serves various purposes. It provides transport faster than all other transport methods. The types of air transport are as follows –

• Airplanes

Airplanes,one of the types of air transport, are also called simple planes, aircraft or aeroplanes. The Wright Brothers invented and flew the first plane in the year 1903. Airplanes are the most famous air transport rather than other air transports. A plane flies in the sky through the air using jet engines or propellers. The airplane comes in various sizes and shapes with several wing configurations. Aircraft are also used within the military for transporting goods and other materials. The onboard pilots run the plane using automated technologies. During World War I, airplanes were used but in a limited form. From then onwards humans began developing better airplanes and the development continued with various new technologies being created.

• Hot Air Balloons

It was the first air transport that was successful to carry human beings. Generally, hot air balloons are used for tourism purposes. Hot air balloons consist of a large balloon, which is generally made of nylon. Hot air is pumped into the balloon, and because the balloon is warmer than the surrounding air, the balloon rises. Beneath the balloon, a basket is present which carries the source of heat – generally an open flame burning propane; a flammable liquid.

• Gliders

The glider is a fixed-wing aircraft. Most gliders do not have motors, but some contain a small engine. The gliders that do not have engines are dependent on the lift generated by the huge wings. There are different types of gliders and each of them has a unique property, like the sitting position of the pilot, the wings’ shape, aerodynamic efficiency, and the control methods. Gliders are generally used in sports like paragliding, hand gliding, and gliding. 

• Helicopters

In the year 1936, the operational helicopter was built for the first time. The working of the helicopter is based on thrust and lift actions which are provided by spinning rotors that rest horizontally on top of the craft. As a result, the helicopter can fly backwards, forwards, laterally, and it can take off and land vertically, as well as being able to hover statically. The helicopter has an advantage that fixed-wing airplanes do not have: they can be used in congested areas. Helicopters are used by media companies, rescue groups, and other people who wish to pilot a craft through busy or treacherous terrain. Helicopters are also used in filming because they can hover in a particular area for a long time, which aircraft cannot do. Helicopters are also used by tourists to get a beautiful view of the surrounding area, while not travelling very quickly, like they would in an aircraft.

• Blimps

Blimps are a type of airship. They are non-rigid balloons that have no keel or framework inside. Lifting gas, such as helium, is contained within the huge balloon that makes up the main body of the craft. Blimps contain propellers and to fly they need overpressure, which is when the balloon is overly pressurized, putting the balloon close to bursting point. Sometimes we can see something floating above the field at the cricket matches, or at large open programs, etc. These are blimps, and they generally display a brand name for advertising purposes.

Conclusion

To conclude, air transport is the easiest and most convenient method of transport to cover long distances in a short period. There are five types of air transport – airplanes, hot air balloons, gliders, helicopters, and blimps. Each one of them has a different structure and has different uses.