Summary Plane size doesn't affect basic aerodynamics: The same principles apply to small and large aircraft. Subjective handling differences exist between planes, influenced by a pilot's background and preferences. Widebodies present unique challenges while taxiing and landing but also offer benefits with augmented crews.

Many airline pilots get the opportunity to fly both narrowbody and widebody airliners throughout a long career. Many differences between big and small airliners have to do with the flying the planes perform. Namely, widebodies often fly international operations with augmented crews.

Additionally, plenty of handling differences exist, particularly during taxing and landing. This article will talk about some of these differences. A subjective topic Regardless of an aircraft's size or weight, a plane is still a plane.

This is to say that the aerodynamic principles of flight remain largely unchanged between a Cessna and an A380. Lift, drag, thrust, and weight are the four forces influencing flight. Larger planes just have larger numeric factors (and a myriad of more advanced aerodynamic properties, of course).

The gap between narrowbodies and widebodies is even narrower than the bridge from general aviation planes to airliners, though. Every plane handles differently, and pilots notice these minor handling differences as they gain experience on a fleet (especially at lower altitudes). Keep in mind that describing handling characteristics is somewhat subjective.

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