Category: General knowledge
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Understanding Fuel Dumping: Lessons from British Airways Flight BA207
On November 6, 2024, British Airways Flight BA207, an Airbus A380, departed London Heathrow bound for Miami. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered an engine issue due to an oil leak, prompting the crew to shut down one of the four engines and make the decision to return to London. However, with fuel tanks filled…
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Explained: How This Small Black Triangle Helps Keep Passengers from Becoming Nervous
Explained: How This Small Black Triangle Helps Keep Passengers from Becoming Nervous If you’ve ever glanced up while seated on a plane and noticed a small black triangle above certain windows, you might have wondered, What’s that for? Rest assured, it’s not a mysterious omen or an Illuminati marking—although it does have an important job.…
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No Duct Tape, Just Data: Debunking The Low-Cost Airline Safety Myth
I recently saw a LinkedIn post comparing low-cost airlines to premium carriers, implying that low-cost airlines are unsafe. The post featured a cartoonish image of an aircraft, clearly from a low-cost airline, covered in duct tape, alongside a well-maintained aircraft from a classic airline. First, let’s clear up a common misconception: there’s no “duct tape”…
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Explained: The Mystery of the Yellow Marker on the Wing
Sometimes, as an aviation enthusiast and frequent flyer, you notice things that leave you puzzled. For me, one of those moments came when I looked out over the wing during a flight and spotted a small yellow object near the trailing edge. Too small to be a suspender for holding the wing, too singular to…
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Understanding Codeshares, ACMI, Dry Leases, and Alliances
In today’s aviation industry, partnerships and leasing arrangements allow airlines to expand their networks and manage fleets efficiently. However, terms like codeshare, ACMI, dry lease, and alliance can often cause confusion for travellers. In this guide, we’ll explain these concepts, explain how they impact your travel, and provide practical insights. To make this guide easy…
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Grounded by MEL: When Your Flight Can’t Go
In aviation, safety takes precedence over every other priority. At the heart of these safety protocols lies the Minimum Equipment List (MEL). This document, unique to each airline and approved by aviation authorities, dictates which equipment must function for an aircraft to legally fly and specifies what can be inoperative without compromising safety. MEL decisions…
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14,000 Bird Strikes a Year in the U.S. Alone – Why Most Pose Little Risk
Bird Strikes: A Challenge for Aviation Do you know how many bird strikes occur each year. According to the FAA, around 14,000 bird strikes are reported annually in the U.S. alone. Fortunately, most are inoffensive, thanks to aviation safety standards and proactive wildlife management. However, a small number can lead to significant damage or even…
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Not Every Media-Reported ‘Emergency Landing’ Is an Emergency
Emergency Landing vs. Diversion: Clearing Up the Confusion If you’ve ever followed aviation news, you’ve probably seen headlines announcing an “emergency landing” when, in reality, it was a simple diversion. The media often uses the terms interchangeably, but in aviation, they represent very different situations. Let’s dive into the differences and clear up this confusion,…
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What to Do in an Aircraft Evacuation: Real-Life Lessons and Certification Standards
Imagine being on a routine flight when, unexpectedly, the crew gives the signal to evacuate. While such events are rare, when they do happen, every second counts. Quick decisions and fast action can make all the difference. From the crucial role of cabin crew to the standards aircraft must meet, let’s dive into the key…
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Why Thunderstorms Are Dangerous for Aircraft – And It’s Not Just About Lightning
We’ve already talked about how lightning strikes, while spectacular, aren’t the major concern for aircraft safety. In fact, when compared to other risks associated with thunderstorms, lightning is probably the least dangerous aspect of flying through stormy skies. So, let’s dive into what really makes thunderstorms a challenge for pilots and why avoiding them is…