Pilots answer 16 passenger questions

Almost everyone knows that, statistically, the chance of a plane crashing is very small, one in 1.2 million. That is, out of every 1.2 million flights, one may crash. But if you’re still terrified of being on that flight that, according to statistics, you can crash, Incrível.club has a few more reasons to lose your fear of flying.

We’ve curated 16 pilot responses to the most exciting and complex questions in the world of aviation.

There is a special code that the stewardess uses to enter the cabin. This is necessary for episodes where, for example, both pilots lose consciousness. Before the flight, the captain checks the code and informs his crew. After entering it, the door will open for a minute, but only if the pilots take no action. If they see through the video camera that there is no crew member near the door, they block it completely and if there is someone with bad intentions, that person will not be able to enter.

Beards, thick mustaches, piercings and any other adornment and “protrusions” on the face prevent the pilot from using the oxygen mask properly: it must be “tight” on the face. Therefore, the pilot’s face must always be clean. Sometimes a very low beard is allowed. Otherwise, in an emergency situation, it creates a context that endangers the lives of passengers.

A complete failure of the engines happens very rarely, and in this case there is a special instruction to restart them. But even without engines, the aircraft is still capable of performing a normal landing. The most famous case occurred with a Boeing 747 passing over the island of Java in 1982. When the plane passed through an ash cloud caused by a volcano explosion, all four engines stopped working. The crew managed to land the aircraft at the nearest airport and none of the 263 people on board were injured.

The oxygen level and pressure inside the plane are artificially maintained. In case of cabin depressurization at a high altitude, our body enters a state of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) which has as symptoms delusions, loss of consciousness, fainting and subsequent death. Therefore, the oxygen mask is essential.

Passenger oxygen masks are designed to last for 10 to 15 minutes. This time is enough for the pilot to lower the plane to an altitude where it is possible to breathe normally. The pilot has his own oxygen mask: it is larger than those available to passengers and is directly attached to an oxygen bottle. It was designed to last longer, allowing him to lower and even land the aircraft without losing concentration. Before each flight, pilots check the functioning of their masks.

A survey by the UK Pilots Association showed that 56% of pilots surveyed had short naps during the flight. But it is good to be clear that, even in these cases, there are no great risks. Fortunately, modern aircraft almost always operate in autopilot mode. In addition, electronic operators demand a constant reaction response from pilots.

On longer flights, two crews or three pilots can work at the same time, taking turns to rest. The pilot, having completed his shift, sleeps in a special cabin. It is important that the crew is constantly in communication with the operators and that at least one pilot controls the flight.

This is a common situation. This is called rushing. It can happen for various reasons, for example, if there are strong gusts of crosswinds or if the airport is temporarily closed for an emergency landing of a special flight – the plane in emergency has priority.

In general, passengers worry because they see that the plane, which was about to land, suddenly lifts up again. In reality everything is under control.

There are several options. The child can have the nationality:

the country in which the airline is registered; the country where you were born; of the country where the plane landed.

In most cases, according to practice, the first option is chosen. But, if you want to register your child as Brazilian, don’t worry. The Constitution in art. 12, allows that, even if born on a flight over another country and by a foreign company, the baby can be registered as Brazilian. It is enough for the country to register with a Brazilian consular body. Some companies give a bonus as a gift to newborns: the opportunity to fly free on their planes anywhere in the world, for life.

In modern aircraft, automatic control systems guide the plane on its course from a height of 300 meters and practically until it lands. During the descent, it is possible to use the autopilot, but the commander needs to activate this mode and control it, providing certain settings for the maneuver.

Long before the direct landing on the runway, the aircraft is guided by the instrument landing system, Epirb. He steers the plane, correcting its trajectory. This system works even if the plane is completely out of power.

It depends on the model of the plane, but in most cases it is easier to land on land. The water will not only quickly flood the plane, it will also be “harder” than the ground due to its density and consistency. According to statistics, an emergency landing on land is more likely to be successful than on water🇧🇷

In many airlines, a special menu is prepared for the pilots, with several dishes to choose from: if the captain wants chicken, the second pilot will receive fish or meat. This is the best way to avoid poisoning from the same types of foods. They eat in turns and some do so directly behind the yoke, at special tables.

But there are airlines where this rule is not used and the pilots’ meal is the same for all passengers.

Sometimes pilots have to fly passengers from one airport to another. If they are wearing the uniform on board, they are prohibited from sleeping, eating or watching movies with headphones. The image of a pilot in uniform performing such actions can cause panic among passengers. But often, pilots in uniform fly in reserved seats in the cockpit or first class.

The plane is often hit by lightning, but the passengers don’t notice. In extremely rare events, this could lead to the aircraft being disabled. If this happens, pilots have several instructions to re-establish electronic communications on board and continue the flight normally.

Birds are more dangerous than they seem. Due to the impact on the propeller or turbine, it is possible that there is destruction, failure and even fire of the engine. Not all windshields survive a bird strike. Therefore, airports use noise generators and even helicopters to eject them.

Hail is no less dangerous, but it is possible to be detected to fly in less aggressive weather conditions.

The turbine can work almost soundlessly. If anyone approaches it at any time while it is running, they will be thrown a few meters away and suffer serious injuries. Due to a series of accidents, it is now common for the turbine center to be projected with spirals and/or other signs to show that the engine is running or at rest.

If it is a modern aircraft, there is a chance that an ordinary passenger will land. A recent experience in a simulator demonstrated that a flight attendant performed this task to perfection. In many cases, flying and landing a plane is a merit of electronic systems, provided that, through radio communication, the person in the cabin receives the correct instructions.

This sounds strange, but if the plane starts to go down, it is very unlikely that a parachute will save your life. Most people, even in a calm state, will not be able to put it on and land it safely. To be able to jump and not suffer any damage, the plane must fly slowly at an altitude of no more than 5,000 meters. But commercial jets fly at about 10,000 meters. Under these conditions, as we have already mentioned in the case of masks, the person can lose consciousness due to the thin air and low pressure.

But there are those more desperate passengers who carry their parachutes in their hand luggage. You can follow their example. However, having your own parachute will cost the same as buying an imported car.

The biggest plane crash in history did not take place in the sky, but on the ground. In 1977, two planes collided on the runway. As a result, 583 people died. Collisions in the air rarely occur. According to statistics, most incidents occur in the first 3 minutes after takeoff and in the 8 minutes before landing. However, even after an air disaster, 95.7% of people survive.

If you want to increase your chances of survival, sit in the middle seats (between two other passengers) and in the back of the plane. Or choose locations near emergency exits.

In fact, pilots are delighted to hear from flight attendants that their landing was applauded. Some even stop at the exit to accompany passengers and thank them in person.