Unusual Things That You Probably Never Heard About – Travel By Plane

An amazing feat of modern engineering, flying lets us cover great distances in few hours. Underneath the surface of familiarity, though, the aviation industry is full of startling and hardly talked about facts.

Although most pilots have experienced a lightning strike during their careers, they remain rather unconcerned about it. One pilot said the experience was just hearing a loud noise and seeing a flash of lightning, without any negative impact on the aircraft. This apathy results from the design of airplanes to withstand lightning strikes, so guaranteeing the safety of the passengers and crew.

Though it may surprise you, many aircraft carry organs and dead people. Air travel becomes a need when people die far from their intended burial sites. Likewise, organs for transplantation sometimes depend on quick delivery over large distances. Usually, passengers are not aware that the dead person is on board since the embarkation procedure is executed with great discretion.

Pilots have an occupational risk from fatigue; some have even admitted falling asleep in the cockpit. Actually, more than half of the pilots the British Pilots Association asked admitted to having slept while on duty. Although this could cause some issues, passengers should know that a co-pilot is always there to help to keep the aircraft under control. A more concerning figure, though, shows that 29 percent of pilots have woke up to discover their co-pilot asleep also.

Renowned aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce uses an unusual testing technique: high speed firing dead chickens. Launched at up to 300 kilometers per hour to mimic bird strikes, these feathered missiles guarantee the engines’ resistance against such impacts.

Not for self-defense but rather as a tool for accessing specific areas of the aircraft in case of an emergency, many aircraft carry an axe on board. The Germanwings Flight 9525 disaster tragically brought the axe’s presence to light when the pilot tried to use it to enter the cockpit after the co-pilot locked himself inside and started a purposeful crash.

The headphones offered on airplanes might not be as brand-new as they first seem. Although they seem perfect and are wrapped, after every usage they are often cleaned and repackled. Although this approach may draw criticism, it fits airlines’ initiatives to keep hygienic standards and cut waste.

Pilots have power that transcends just running the aircraft. Under some conditions, they are empowered to arrest passengers, render decisions, and even document the wishes of dying passengers. This surprising aspect of their job emphasizes the special difficulties and obligations they deal with.

For those who get nervous on flights, timing morning departures could be wise. Because of atmospheric conditions, turbulence usually strikes more often in the afternoon; hence, morning flights could be more seamless.

Pilots are not allowed to eat the same food during a flight. Since incapacitating both pilots would compromise the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, this precaution seeks to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Against common assumption, lavatories on airplanes can be accessed from outside. This function is meant to handle cases when passengers might get locked inside or go through medical emergencies.

Prince Charles and Prince William are under orders from Queen Elizabeth II not to travel together on the same aircraft. This preventive step seeks to protect the royal line in case of an aircraft accident.

With an amazing safety record, air travel ranks second among all forms of transportation following elevators. In terms of safety, it outperforms vehicles, boats, and other ground transportation options, so providing comfort to passengers.