[quote=gunnut;403592]I marvel at the design of an aircraft every time I see one works. The flaps, the ailerons (or are those the elevators, farther out near the tip of the wings),
Yes.
and most of all, thrust reversers on the engines.
The most nervous time is when the plane goes through turbulence and I can see the wings flap like a bird...
You would be astonished if you knew just how far they have been designed to flex. The action also helps (believe it or not) to give a smoother ride. You would definitely not want to be a pax on a truly rigid design as your dental fillings would be in jeopardy