10 questions to the pilots you've always wanted to ask

3/6/2018

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Society Story: 10 questions to the pilots you've always wanted to ask

When we see a plane getting off the ground, it really looks like a kind of magic.

It's difficult to believe that one man can make that big metal bird fly. As many people don't know the way it is done, they have fear of flying. To overcome these fears, pilots and flight attendants answer different questions about planes and flights. Here are the most popular ones.

#1 How to get inside the cockpit if it is blocked?

There's a special code that is entered by a flight attendant. Pilots use it in case of emergency. After the code is entered, the door will open in a minute. Pilots have a camera and can see who is entering the code. They can block the door completely if a stranger is trying to open it.

#2 Why is engine power reduced after takeoff?

When an aircraft has gained some altitude (about 1000 ft), a pilot reduces the thrust to make sure that engines work equally and to minimize the noise of the engines in the city area. When a plane is at cruising altitude, a pilot reduces the thrust again in order to use fuel effectively.
It's a usual thing for jets to fly with engines run back to a zero thrust condition. So, don't worry: all main systems are working and a plane is gliding. It is like you shift into neutral when you go down the hill in a car.

#3 Can a plane fly without engines?

A plane can glide and land even in case of engines breakdown. There were such flights and all the passengers grounded safely.

#4 Can pilots have a piercing or a mustache on their faces?

Usually, it is not allowed and there is an objective reason. In case of emergency, an oxygen mask must fit closely and a beard or mustache can make it impossible.

#5 How long can oxygen masks provide passengers with oxygen?

Actually, they are needed for a short period of time in case of cabin pressure loss. It takes 10-15 minutes to descent and reach the safe altitude where you don't need to use these masks.
As for pilots, they have masks that can be used for more than 15 minutes in order to land a plane safely without loosing concentration.

#6 Do pilots sleep while flying?

Pilot fatigue is a very important issue. Usually there are 3 or 4 pilots on board during long flights. Each pilot gets a rest on a special seat or bunk inside the cabin.

#7 Why does a plane perform a go around?

No worries, it is a routine situation. A plane can do a go around due to different reasons, for example, in case of a strong side wind or if there is an animal on a landing runaway.

#8 Is it possible to land a plane using autopilot?

That is no news, modern airplanes have autopilots that control the whole flight starting at a height of 300 meters and practically up to the landing. It is possible to use an autopilot mode while landing but it must be activated, controlled and configured by pilots.

#9 What kind of rough landing is safer: on water or ground?

There is no universal answer to this question. Everything depends on a plane but pilots say, in most cases it is easier to land on ground than on water. Water landing is rougher because of the water density.

#10 What do pilots eat during a flight and where?

There's a special menu for pilots with several dishes to choose. For example, if a captain chooses a chicken dish, his co-pilot will have fish or meat. This is the best way to avoid food poisoning. Pilots eat in turns, they have special tables to do that.

What questions would you like to ask a pilot? Are you afraid of heights or flights? Tell us in comments!

More on QuizzClub.com:

Share if pilots have answered to some of your questions in this article!

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What are your thoughts on this subject?

52 Comments

Wesley Mann

A plane landed in Gimli, Manitoba at an old airforce base because it did not have enough fuel due to conversion at the time from Gallons to Litres. It was estimated the guided over 500 miles with no fuel. Even though it was a pilot error during the plane check everyone aboard landed safely and we're basically unaware of the situation. This is why we should be grateful that well trained former Airforce pilots fly for most of the major airlines when they retire. Thank you for your service.

Ludmila Mofet

My son his is captain! I am proud of him, very good person, good son, he start his carier in Manitoba . I visited a lot of countries in the word, and I was so proud to be in the plane ,when the employee talking about him how he is good and nice to people.

Glenn Davis

500 miles is stretching it a lot 50 more like it

Thyamagondlu Siddagangappa Ramaiah

So much of unknown things which I am first time reading. However, one more question should have been added people like me who is having FOBIA means fear for Air Journey, then what could have been for persons like me.