Slamming on the Brakes… How are pilots able to bring the airplane to a stop after landing? How is it possible to get an airplane that weighs almost a hundred tons to slow down from over 170 miles per hour to a mere crawl in such a short distance after landing? Why doesn’t the plane […]
How do pilots land the plane in bad weather?
How do pilots land the plane in bad weather? For some flyers, much of the flight is perceived to be relatively routine and does not evoke any negative emotions or feelings. That is, until we get to the landing… The grand finale of every flight, the landing is often the phase of flight that really […]
What happens if the plane hits a bird?
How dangerous is a bird strike for an airplane? What will happen to the plane? Will we be safe? Ever since the world was introduced to “Sully” Sullenberger, some passengers have been wondering what danger birds pose to their flight. How much damage could a bird or several birds do to an airplane? Just how […]
Are “go-around’s” in an airplane unsafe? (Part II)
Even for frequent fliers, a “go-around” can be a pretty unnerving experience. What is most important to recognize about this infrequent, but stressful event, is that the pilots have avoided what COULD have potentially been a less safe landing. Let’s remember that pilots operate with safety as their primary concern, with strict limitations for every […]
Are “go-around’s” in an airliner unsafe?
Nothing surprises a passenger more than when the pilots of an airliner elect to perform a “go-around” maneuver. Landings are already one of the most unsettling parts of a flight for a majority of flyers (even those who do not have a fear of flying). And anyone who has had the displeasure of being on […]