Pilots Explain the Secrets of Aircraft That Are Rarely Revealed

Pilots are not allowed to have beards, they must use the restroom one at a time, and the oxygen supply only lasts for 15 minutes—these are some surprising facts that many people do not know.

Pilots Are Not Allowed to Have Beards

Many airlines have regulations prohibiting their pilots from having beards. The reason is that if a pilot has facial hair, particularly a mustache, it can prevent the oxygen mask from sealing properly in case of an emergency. This could lead to gas leakage, putting the pilot at risk. The health of pilots is always prioritized since they are responsible for the lives of hundreds of people, which is why regulations for them are stricter.

Planes Do Not Fly in a Straight Line

Many people think that planes fly in a straight line, but this is not the case, especially when looking at flight maps. Most flight paths are curved or sometimes zigzag. This is partly because the Earth is spherical, and planes follow the curvature of the Earth’s surface, while maps display a flat view, which often results in curved or winding lines. Additionally, factors such as weather, flight routes, safety regulations, and security measures in different regions dictate the specific flight paths planes will take.

How Do Pilots Use the Restroom?

When a pilot needs to use the restroom, a flight attendant will enter the cockpit and wait for the pilot to return.

When one of the pilots needs to use the restroom, a flight attendant will enter the cockpit and wait until the pilot returns. This prevents situations where the remaining pilot could lock the cockpit door and take control of the aircraft.

Airplane Food Is Often “Tasteless”

This is a scientific observation rather than a subjective opinion. It is not the “fault” of the ground crew; rather, at high altitudes, our sense of taste and smell diminishes, making it hard to accurately perceive the flavors of the food served. When descending to lower altitudes, this condition improves, and the food may taste better.

Pilots Communicate with Flight Attendants Through a Bulletproof Door

Many airlines and modern aircraft are equipped with bulletproof doors in the cockpit with a security code. This code activates if the pilot does not take any action within 120 seconds after entering, ensuring safety not only for the pilot but also for all passengers in case of a terrorist attack or pilot incapacitation. Additionally, flight attendants must regularly check in with the pilots; during daytime flights, this occurs every 40 minutes, and at night, every 20 minutes to ensure everything is normal in the cockpit.

The Most Comfortable Seats Are Near the Wings

The middle of the plane, near the wings, is the most comfortable area.

This is an insight shared by pilots. An airplane functions like a bus in the air, and the bumpiest spot is at the back of the plane. Therefore, if you want a smooth flight experience without too much turbulence, choose a seat in the middle of the plane, near the wings.

Heavy Landings Are Sometimes Intentional

Passengers often wish for a soft and gentle landing, which is also a measure of a pilot’s skill and experience. However, a heavy landing can sometimes be intentional. If the runway is slick from rain or there is excessive moisture, this method can help reduce the risk of losing control during landing.

Night Lights Are Always Dimmed

In addition to saving fuel, dimming the lights helps passengers fall asleep more easily. It also allows their eyes to adjust better to the dark environment. This is beneficial in case of an emergency when passengers need to exit quickly without being overwhelmed by bright lights.

The Oxygen Supply Only Lasts for 15 Minutes

15 minutes is enough time for the pilot to descend the aircraft to a safer pressure level for normal breathing.

This fact may alarm and surprise many, as people often perceive oxygen masks as a solution that can provide air for hours. However, there is no need to worry too much; 15 minutes is sufficient for the pilot to descend the aircraft to a better pressure area where passengers can breathe normally without oxygen masks.

Flight Delays Affect Flight Attendants Too

Do not take out your frustrations on flight attendants whenever your flight is delayed, as most airlines pay flight attendants based on flight hours. Their time on the ground is compensated at a lower rate. Therefore, delays also directly affect flight attendants, and they face the same challenges as you do.

Exits Are Usually on the Left

Not all, but most airplanes have their main passenger entry on the left side. The right side is typically reserved for luggage (the cargo hold is also on the right), making it less safe for passengers, and this has been a long-standing convention in the airline industry. Additionally, since the exit is on the left, pilots usually sit on this side to facilitate easier landing at the airport.

Why Each Passenger Is Limited to 7kg of Carry-On Luggage

For example, on aircraft like the A320, which has 186 seats and 42 overhead bins, the weight limit for each bin is usually around 38 kg. This means that, on average, each passenger can bring about 8.5 kg. However, for safety reasons, airlines often reduce this allowance to prevent the total weight of the flight from exceeding the maximum takeoff and landing limits. Additionally, imposing limits on each piece of luggage can save time when boarding as passengers manage their belongings.

Pilots Speak Very Little

You may notice that pilots speak very little. Professionally, they only communicate what is necessary and reach out to passengers primarily for alerts regarding flight duration and weather conditions. They must maintain this approach to avoid psychological stress during the flight. Pilots only inform passengers about essential matters and do not provide excessive information. For example, if an engine fails, they will not disclose that to the passengers.

Food Serviced Is Not Just to Satisfy Hunger

The food served during flights is not only meant to satisfy passengers’ hunger. It also serves to entertain, as time seems to pass more quickly when people are eating.

The process of preparing meals for flights is quite complex, involving preparation, storage, and logistics. This is managed by reputable large companies with thousands of professional employees.

Why Must Seats Be Upright?

All seats on flights must be in an upright position, and flight attendants also request passengers to return to this position during takeoff and landing to minimize the risk of injury in case of impact. This helps avoid back issues or injury risks and ensures weight balance. Furthermore, it helps prevent congestion in the aisles in case of an emergency on the aircraft.

Primarily Automated Flight

During most flights, the autopilot mode is typically activated. This is beneficial as it allows the aircraft to make the most precise adjustments. In the event of turbulence, pilots take complete control of the aircraft. Autopilot is rarely used during takeoff or landing, as these processes rely heavily on the pilot’s expertise.

Never Place Food Directly on the Tray

According to many flight attendants, you should avoid placing food directly onto the tray or picking up dropped food. The reason is that the food tray is highly unsanitary. It’s quite common for previous passengers to have used the tray for changing diapers or even vomiting.

While airline staff are responsible for cleaning after each flight, this is often not done thoroughly due to time constraints, especially between short flights.

Moreover, areas with high contact, such as the seatback pockets (where magazines, safety guides, etc., are stored) are also not cleaned meticulously. Many passengers frequently dispose of trash in these locations.

Knowing this, you might want to bring a mini sanitizer on each flight, even if the health situation has improved significantly.

Aircraft Remains “Safe” Even if One Engine Fails

Most commercial airplanes have up to four jet engines on two wings. If one engine malfunctions or fails, in most cases, the aircraft can still fly relatively safely, and the crew may not even inform the passengers. Other parts of the aircraft can fail, but it can still land safely.

Aeronautical turbulence is not a significant issue; it’s similar to driving over a bumpy road.

Statistically, the takeoff and landing phases are the most critical for the safety of a flight. In 2020, 49% of serious accidents occurred during descent and landing, while another 14% occurred during takeoff and ascent.

According to statistics, the safest position in the event of an aircraft incident is in the rear third of the fuselage, especially in seats away from the windows.

About 99% of landings and a full 100% of takeoffs are performed manually by pilots.

The True Role of Seatbelts

In normal circumstances, the primary role of a seatbelt is to keep passengers securely in their seats. This is crucial during stages like takeoff, landing, or when the aircraft encounters turbulence or bad weather.

However, what’s alarming is that in the event of an accident, the seatbelt’s role is merely to keep the body in place for easier identification.

Why You Should Put on Your Oxygen Mask First

The oxygen mask is a critical item that flight attendants emphasize and demonstrate at the beginning of each flight. It is used to provide oxygen to passengers in case the aircraft experiences an emergency and cabin pressure changes.

But why do attendants advise passengers to put on their oxygen masks before assisting children and others? First, in an emergency, not everyone remains calm enough or has the experience to immediately put on their mask, and in the event of a pressure drop, the time before you could lose consciousness is only about 30 seconds.

If you don’t have time to help others and yourself in that situation, both will be at risk. More importantly, children can endure a lack of oxygen without suffering severe harm for much longer than adults. Conversely, adults can suffer permanent brain damage if deprived of oxygen for just a few minutes.

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