What volcano nearly brought down a 747?

Mount GalunggungMount Galunggung around 110 miles (180 km) south-east of Jakarta, Indonesia, resulting in the failure of all four engines.

What happens when a plane flies through volcanic ash?

When volcanic ash, which is usually already very hot, enters a jet engine, it heats can melt and stick together as clumps of molten material. This can quickly cool, solidify and destroy an engine, rendering it completely inoperational, and leaving the aircraft without power.

What caused the Jakarta incident?

The plane barely made it back to the airport of Jakarta. Only later the cause of this bizarre incident was discovered: the increased volcanic activity of Mount Galunggung the same night sent volcanic ash more than 16 km into the sky.

Did any 747 ever crash?

Lufthansa Flight 540 was the first fatal crash of a 747. On November 20, 1974, it stalled and crashed moments after taking off from Nairobi, with 59 deaths and 98 survivors.

Why did they stop using the 747?

Boeing has announced that production of the iconic 747 will come to an end in 2022 as dwindling customer demand and low sales for its latest variant became the final nail in the coffin for the aging plane line. The 747 was the first quad-jet engine and dual-level passenger aircraft to roam the skies.

Do scientists drive across moving lava flows?

Q: Do scientists drive across moving lava flows? A: No. Any attempt to drive across an active lava flow, even one that has partly solidified to form a thin crust, is likely to lead to disaster. With a temperature of 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, fresh lava will quickly melt rubber tires and ignite gas tanks.

What happens when a plane flies through a cloud?

When an aircraft moves through clouds containing water vapor of a certain temperature, the sudden cooling caused by the passing of the aircraft, spurs the vapor to freeze into ice crystals, which then fall through lower clouds.

How do pilot see at night?

Pilots typically can’t see at night any better than anybody else can. To fly at night, pilots almost always rely on their instrumentation and onboard computer systems. If a pilot must fly without the aid of their instruments, they use city lights, runway lights, and even night-vision goggles.

Why do pilots avoid clouds?

Moreover, the turbulence inside a cloud can become extreme and break apart an aircraft. Thus, it is extremely dangerous to fly inside such a system.

Why are flying clouds bumpy?

Cumulus clouds are “puffy” shaped and often have updrafts. When flying through cumulus clouds you normally feel few bumps. Another reason the airplane might experience a little turbulence while going through clouds is due to the changes in air density.

What does convective turbulence mean?

Turbulence occurring in convective storms, particularly thunderstorms, that is felt by aircraft. The turbulence is caused by strong updrafts and downdrafts.

Do planes fly above rain?

The wings and engines of today’s aircraft work together to produce “lift,” which moves the plane upward off the ground by changing the direction and pressure of the air. In general, rain does not impede this process—in the majority of cases, the answer to whether planes can fly in the rain in a resounding “yes.”

Why do planes shake when going through clouds?

Clouds create convective or thermal turbulence. This is rising & falling columns of air within the cloud. As the airplane passes into and through the differing air columns it will rise and fall with the currents. This causes the airplane to shake & shudder especially when transitioning between them.

Do planes fly above clouds?

One reason that planes cruise above the clouds is so they can fly fast. The higher airplanes climb, the thinner the air gets, and the more efficiently they can fly because of less resistance in the atmosphere, according to Ryan Jorgenson, an aviation data analyst.

Do pilots avoid clouds?

Pilots will actively avoid taking the aircraft into Cumulonimbus type clouds as they can be hazardous to aviation. They can be very turbulent due to the updrafts and downdrafts, contain icing, heavy rain and hail and lightning.

Do planes fly above storm clouds?

In the case of extreme weather, air traffic controllers will always direct aircraft above or around severe storms to avoid uncomfortable turbulence or any damage being done to the aircraft. Remember that your plane will never be directed to fly through a severe storm.

What do pilots do between flights?

If there is a long layover, pilots will often run or walk to get some exercise. Some will go sightseeing, while others will make use of the hotel’s Internet to catch up on e-mail and bills, or if they are in school they may get homework done.

What do pilots see when flying?

Pilots have a unique viewpoint while flying private or commercial aircraft. They get an unobstructed view of stunning natural sights, such as pink lakes and rectangular-shaped icebergs. Some have reported seeing UFOs, while others have flown over swirling hurricanes. Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

What do pilots do while flying?

But what do pilots do? During long flights, pilots have plenty of things to do to keep themselves busy. While flying, pilots will either be actively flying the plane, checking fuel levels and flight time, sleeping, contingency planning for anything that might happen, and planning for a safe arrival and landing.

What is the most unsafe plane?

Top 5 Most Dangerous Aircraft Models

• Tupolev Tu 154 – 7 Fatal Crashes. Tupolev Tu 154. …
• CASA C-212 – 11 Fatal Crashes. CASA C-212. …
• Ilyushin Il- 76 – 17 Fatal Crashes. Ilyushin Il- 76. …
• LET L-410 – 20 Fatal Crashes. LET L-410. …
• Antonov 32 – 7 Fatal Crashes. This Soviet-era turboprop has been in service since 1976.

How much do pilots get paid?

According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $93,300 per year, which was the the median annual wage in May 2020. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $160,970.

How do pilots stay awake on long haul?

Pilots need to stay awake and alert at all times so they can be ready to take control of the airplane at a moment’s notice. Some of the ways pilots stay awake include drinking caffeine, getting plenty of rest the day/night before, staying busy, keeping the cockpit warm and the lights bright.

Do pilots carry guns?

Do Airline Pilots Carry Guns? The good news is that airline pilots do carry guns, and the even better news is that they’re fully trained to use them should they need to.

How do Navy pilots fall asleep?

Given the space restraints of a typical plane, the pilots were taught to sleep in a seated position. They put their feet flat on the ground, while relaxing their hands in their laps. Breathe slow, deep breaths while relaxing every muscle in your face and letting your forehead, cheeks, mouth, tongue, and jaw go limp.

Do pilots sleep with flight attendants?

Flight attendants and pilots use the crew rests in shifts on intercontinental flights that now routinely run 14-18 hours. After the main meal service on a transoceanic flight, half of the flight attendants will catch some Zzzs while the others staff the galleys. The two teams trade off halfway through the flight.

Why do flight attendants sit on their hands?

This position provides the flight attendant protection to the face from any flying debris (as it will impact their elbows) yet still provides them with the ability to view the cabin and not muffle their commands.

Do most pilots cheat?

Pilots are no more likely to cheat than any other profession.