Air travel is one of the most common modes of transportation in the world, with millions of people flying every day. However, there are several misconceptions about air travel that many people still believe. In this article, we will debunk 10 common misconceptions about air travel.
1. Airplanes are not built to withstand severe turbulence
This is a common misconception about air travel. Airplanes are specifically designed and built to handle various degrees of turbulence. Before an airplane is certified to fly, it must undergo extensive tests to ensure that it can withstand turbulence.
2. The air inside the airplane is filled with germs
Many people believe that the air inside the airplane is filled with germs, making it a breeding ground for diseases. However, the truth is that the air inside the cabin is filtered and cleaned continuously using sophisticated air filtration systems.
3. The oxygen masks are only there for emergency situations
Oxygen masks on airplanes are not just for emergency situations. They are also there for passengers to use in case of sudden cabin decompression. The masks help passengers breathe comfortably until the plane reaches a safe altitude.
4. The airplane door can be opened mid-flight
This is a popular misconception about air travel. The airplane door cannot be opened mid-flight, even if a passenger tries to do so. The cabin pressure makes it impossible to open the door during the flight.
5. An airplane crashing into the ocean is a death sentence
Contrary to popular belief, an airplane crashing into the ocean does not always mean certain death. If the pilot is skilled enough to land the plane on the water, the passengers have a good chance of survival.
6. The pilot is always in control of the airplane
While the pilot is the ultimate authority in the cockpit, the truth is that many different systems and technologies work together to keep the airplane in the air. The pilot relies on these systems to fly the airplane safely.
7. The airplane can be struck by lightning
Although fully loaded airplanes are not immune to lightning strikes, they are designed to withstand them. The airplane’s exterior acts as a Faraday cage, which directs the current around the plane, protecting the passengers and the crew.
8. The airplane is more likely to crash during takeoff or landing
Takeoffs and landings are the most critical phases of a flight. However, statistically, these phases are the safest parts of a flight. About 80% of accidents happen during other phases of a flight.
9. Cell phones can interfere with the airplane’s systems
While cell phones can cause interference with the airplane’s systems, it is highly unlikely. The airplane’s communication and navigation systems operate on different frequencies, which makes interference from cell phones rare.
10. The airplane’s engines can stop working mid-flight
Although it is possible for an airplane’s engine to stop working mid-flight, it is rare. Airplanes are built with multiple engines for redundancy, and modern aircraft can fly just fine with one engine. In the worst-case scenario, the pilot can still safely land the airplane without engine power.
In conclusion, these common misconceptions about air travel dispel fear of flying and the thought of dangerous incidents happening in the air. These are ten various reasons not to be scared of flying, as air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation in the world.
