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Ok this is scaring me. I have a transatlantic flight soon.
Mac, for starters, I doubt there are many people in America, Canada, or the middle of the Atlantic that are going to shoot down your plane. And second, you are still far more likely to die on your way to or from the airport, then in the plane itself.
Revisiting some flying issues now that it's on my mind:
1. On take off why are there a few instances of a dip or a sensation like falling? Is the plane laboring to get into the air
- Seriously? Planes don't labor to get into the air, planes can actually glide without engine power for a considerable distance without power, how far depends on the aircraft, weight, speed, weather. As a matter of fact, you may not realize this but during the initial part of your decent in an airliner, the engines are actually usually fairly idle and the airplane is actually "gliding" and descending gently. More than likely the "dipping" sensation was a little wake turbulence experienced upon the initial climb out coming just off the field where other aircraft taking off and landing have stirred up the air a little bit in the vincinity of the airfield..just a little "bump" in the air. Struggling? Hardly LOL
2. Are the same standards and walk through done at all airports for any international flight - I cant say to be quite honest and dont have any stats on this.
3. Why do planes shake a lot on descent? (much more than on take-off and cruise)
- To slow down and maintain lift airplanes have to make the wing bigger and change the shape of the wing somewhat. All those flaps coming down creates "drag" in affect slowing down the airplane. Added to this the wheels detracting ( this adds considerable drag ) and the increase in power necessary, as well as the noise from the hydraulics moving all of that stuff outside the airplane....well...there you have it. All of this together causes the airplane to shake and vibrate and make more noise. Quite normal, and, to be expected.
4. Will new aircraft be safer...? It's worrying that MALs were 777s which are supposed to be modern. How soon until most transatlantics are A350s, 787s or the new 747s
- You worry to much and watch to much CNN. Aircraft are quite regularly inspected, especially the older ones and the FAA has very strict rules on inspection and maintenance. The older Airbus and Boeing 757's and 767's are great aircraft and VERY safe to fly. When aircraft are retired and phased out, its unlikely because of safety issues, rather the new equipment coming out are generally cheaper to fly, maintain and more fuel efficient. So, the airlines phase out the older stuff. However as long as the older stuff is still cheap to fly and maintain, theyll continue to fly them until they arent.
5. What does it mean when captain says "cabin crew to your seats" while the plane is in cruise even when there is no turbulence?
- Because maybe they are passing through an area of forecasted turbulence that was expected in a given area? However, doesnt mean it will be bad or even there by the time your flight begins to traverse the area. Relax and enjoy flying!!
Last edited by EricOldTime; 09-20-2014 at 03:17 PM..
Revisiting some flying issues now that it's on my mind:
1. On take off why are there a few instances of a dip or a sensation like falling? Is the plane laboring to get into the air
- Seriously? Planes don't labor to get into the air, planes can actually glide without engine power for a considerable distance without power, how far depends on the aircraft, weight, speed, weather. As a matter of fact, you may not realize this but during the initial part of your decent in an airliner, the engines are actually usually fairly idle and the airplane is actually "gliding" and descending gently. More than likely the "dipping" sensation was a little wake turbulence experienced upon the initial climb out coming just off the field where other aircraft taking off and landing have stirred up the air a little bit in the vincinity of the airfield..just a little "bump" in the air. Struggling? Hardly LOL
What does all that have to do with take off? You're correct about the landing phase (descent) as far as I know.
What does all that have to do with take off? You're correct about the landing phase (descent) as far as I know.
I was using that description of how planes can glide to reinforce my point that planes dont struggle to get into the air unfortunately like to many people erroneously seem to think. There is alot of misconception out there about the abilty of aircraft so I just kinda used that to make a point.
Everything I mentioned was based on discussions I've had with my late father, who was an experienced line captain with 1000's of flying hours.
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