Aviation History
In 1903, these two brothers made the first successful powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Who are the Wright brothers?
In this 1986 blockbuster, Tom Cruise plays a daring Navy pilot with the call sign “Maverick.”
What is Top Gun?
This part of the plane provides lift and is designed to generate airflow above and below it.
What is the wing?
This U.S. airline's logo features a red widget, and it’s known for its hub near the world’s busiest airport.
What is Delta Air Lines
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing in this river, earning the name "Miracle on the Hudson."
What is the Hudson River?
This American aviator was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932.
Who is Amelia Earhart?
This 2004 film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as aviation pioneer and eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes.
What is The Aviator?
On most commercial flights, this is the typical cruising altitude, in feet.
What is 35,000 feet?
Known for its bright yellow planes and ultra-low fares, this carrier is often associated with a “bare bones” experience.
What is Spirit Airlines
This airline was grounded for several days in December 2022 due to a scheduling software meltdown, stranding thousands of passengers during the holidays.
What is Southwest Airlines?
This aircraft, introduced in 1970 by Boeing, revolutionized commercial air travel with its wide-body design and capacity.
What is the Boeing 747?
Denzel Washington plays an airline captain who saves a plane from crashing—but faces scrutiny for flying under the influence in this 2012 drama.
What is Flight?
Pressurized air in airplane cabins comes from this hot, compressed source—not from tanks.
What is the engine (or bleed air from the engines)?
This airline is famous for its award-winning service, its flight attendants' sarong kebayas, and operating the world’s longest nonstop flight.
What is Singapore Airlines
In 1978, this airline’s flight 173 crashed in Portland, Oregon, after running out of fuel due to a landing gear issue distraction.
What is United Airlines?
This now-retired supersonic jet could cross the Atlantic in under four hours and was known for its sleek design
What is the Concorde?
This 2016 film tells the true story of Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger’s emergency landing on the Hudson River.
What is Sully?
This is the term for the invisible air currents that can cause sudden bumps or jolts during flight.
What is turbulence?
Founded by a flamboyant entrepreneur, this airline’s red livery and mood lighting became its signature look.
What is Virgin Atlantic
This major airline ceased operations in 2001, ending nearly 60 years of service and marking one of the largest airline collapses in U.S. history.
What is TWA (Trans World Airlines)?
Founded in 1919, this airline is often recognized as the world’s oldest operating airline under its original name.
What is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?
In this satirical 1980 comedy, a traumatized ex-fighter pilot must land a commercial flight after the crew falls ill.
What is Airplane!?
The black box on a plane is actually this bright color to make it easier to find after a crash.
What is orange?
This now-defunct airline was once the largest international air carrier in the U.S. and was known for its iconic blue globe logo.
What is Pan Am
In 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashed into a mountain, becoming the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history with 520 lives lost.
What is Mount Takamagahara (or simply, What is Japan Airlines Flight 123)?