Before you board an airplane, there are a few things you usually need:

• A ticket or boarding pass: Your grown-up will have this and show it to the person at the gate.
• A valid ID for the grown-ups traveling with you (for older kids and adults). For a 6-year-old, you usually don’t need a separate ID, but you should have your passport if you’re flying to another country or as required by the airline.
• A name tag on your luggage, if you’re checking a bag.
• A small bag with essentials: a snack, a water bottle (empty at security unless allowed), a comfort item like a blanket or toy, and a small activity to do during the flight.
• Security check: You’ll walk through a security line with your belongings. You’ll need to show your boarding pass and ID if asked, and you may be asked to put your things through a scanner or X-ray machine. The people there are kind and will guide you.
• Do not bring dangerous items. Most things like scissors or sharp objects are not allowed in carry-on items.
• Dress comfortably: wear easy-to-remove shoes and comfortable clothing, since you may need to remove jackets or belts at security. If you’re unsure, ask a grown-up or a flight attendant—they’re there to help you have a safe, smooth trip.

Aircraft can do many different jobs to help people. Here are some examples explained simply:

• Police and safety: Police helicopters or airplanes help officers watch, chase bad guys from the air, and keep people safe.
• Medical help: Medical helicopters or planes bring doctors and supplies to people who are hurt or sick and fly patients to hospitals quickly.
• Firefighting: Some planes and helicopters drop water or special fire foam to put out big fires.
• Transportation: Airplanes carry people and things from one place to another, like a school trip or delivering packages.
• News and storytelling: Some planes take pictures or video from above to tell stories on TV or about a town.
• Agriculture: Planes can spread seeds or safe sprays over fields to help farmers grow food.
• Weather and science: Planes fly to learn about the weather or space by taking measurements.
• Search and rescue: Small planes or helicopters search for people who are lost or in trouble and help bring them home.
• Military and national defense: Some aircraft help protect countries and complete missions that keep people safe. These jobs show how aircraft help in emergencies, everyday travel, health, safety, farming, and science.

An airplane (aeroplane) is a big flying machine with wings. It uses its engines to move fast on a runway and then the wings lift it into the sky. Airplanes fly forward and stay up because of the air pushing under the wings. People fly in airplanes to go long distances quickly, like to other cities or countries. Different airplanes are used for different jobs, like carrying people, delivering packages, or helping during emergencies.

A glider is a special kind of airplane that doesn’t have an engine. It starts by being launched into the air, often from a hill or a tow plane, and then it stays in the air by using the wind and the way its wings are shaped. Gliders are very smooth and quiet, and they glide gently from up high to the ground, coast by coast, just like a bird. Because they don’t have an engine, pilots use the air to stay up and steer by tilting the wings a little. Gliders are great for learning how to fly cleanly and quietly.

A hot air balloon is a big, colorful basket floating under a big colorful bag called a balloon. The balloon is made of fabric. To rise into the sky, a flame heats the air inside the balloon. Warm air is lighter than the cooler air outside, so the balloon rises. To fly down, the pilot lets the air cool or lets some hot air escape. The basket carries people and is attached to the balloon by ropes. When it’s windy, the balloon can drift with the wind. It’s gentle and quiet, and people ride hot air balloons to see big, beautiful views from above.