Science Buddies: Flight Simulators: From Flaps to Flying

Before pilots ever step behind the controls of a real jet they've already logged thousands of virtual air miles. It might not qualify you to fly a real jumbo jet, but you too, can learn the logistics of aviation by experimenting with the types of flight simulators sold at computer game retailers. Use a flight simulator to investigate the relationship between flap settings and the stall speed of your favorite aircraft, and whether the relationship is the same or different for other airplanes.