To control and maneuver the aircraft, smaller wings are located at the tail of the plane. Smaller, low-speed airplanes use propellers for the propulsion system instead of turbine engines. The turbine engines, which are located beneath the wings, provide the thrust to overcome drag and push the airplane forward through the air. Modern airliners use winglets on the tips of the wings to reduce drag. The air resists the motion in the form of aerodynamic drag. To generate lift, the airplane must be pushed through the air. The wings generate most of the lift to hold the plane in the air. Wingsįor any airplane to fly, one must lift the weight of the airplane itself, the fuel, the passengers, and the cargo. The airplane shown on this slide is a turbine-powered airliner which has been chosen as a representative aircraft. Airplanes come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the mission of the aircraft. Airplanes are transportation devices which are designed to move people and cargo from one place to another. This page shows the parts of an airplane and their functions. Home > Beginners Guide to Aeronautics Airplane Parts and Function