What evidence could an engineer use to construct an explanation about the energy of airplanes? Btw (this is not part of question) this is really science.

The following evidence could be used by an engineer;

The study of areodynamics and the fact that there are four parameters lift, weight, thrust and drag can explain the flying of airplanes in sky

Lift is a force that pushes the plane to rise ad it is actually the design of wings and their movements that create this lifting force

Weight is the force necessary to consider to make the plane fly and land

Then comes thrust, developed via engines or propellers of an airplane.

Last force is drag which defines the force needed to keep the plane pass through air.

A well calculated combination of all four forces actually make a plan fly