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Planes are more than just machines that whisk us away to vacation spots or business meetings; they are flying marvels packed with incredible technology, physics, and unexpected trivia. Here are ten fascinating, lesser-known facts about airplanes that will blow your mind!

You Can’t Open a Plane Door Mid-Flight

While it might seem alarming that airplane doors aren’t locked with keys or sensors, the truth is that you physically can’t open them during a flight. The difference in pressure between the cabin (which is pressurised) and the outside (where the air pressure is much lower) makes it impossible for anyone to open a door mid-flight. In fact, you would need to exert a force equivalent to lifting 9,000 kilograms to even budge it! So, rest easy; you’re safe from accidental door openings while cruising at 35,000 feet.

Planes Fly High for Money, Not Just Safety

The typical cruising altitude for a commercial jet is around 35,000 feet (about 10.7 kilometers). While this altitude does help avoid bad weather and turbulence, the primary reason is economic. At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, meaning there is less drag on the plane, which reduces fuel consumption. This saves airlines millions of dollars every year, allowing them to operate more efficiently and pass on some of the savings to passengers.

Jet Engines Love the Cold

Jet engines work more efficiently in cold air. At high altitudes, the temperature can drop to -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit), which helps engines compress air more effectively, burn fuel more efficiently, and produce thrust more powerfully. This is why planes fly so high; the colder it is, the less fuel they need to burn, saving both money and the environment.

Planes Can Fly Safely on One Engine

Most commercial jets can safely fly for hours even if one of their engines fails. Modern planes are designed to glide and operate on just one engine, ensuring that even if there’s an issue, the aircraft can still reach a safe landing. Some planes, like the Boeing 747, can glide over 17,000 feet (about 5.2 kilometers) for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) of altitude lost, meaning they can cover a great distance without any engines at all!

Why Does Airplane Food Taste So Bad?

It’s not just a myth—airplane food really does taste different, and it’s not entirely the airline’s fault. The dry air inside the cabin reduces our sense of smell, which is crucial for tasting food. Additionally, lower air pressure can decrease the intensity of flavors, especially salty and sweet ones. Interestingly, one flavor that actually tastes better at altitude is umami, which explains why tomato juice and Bloody Mary cocktails are so popular on flights.

Lightning Strikes Are Common, But Not Dangerous

Planes are struck by lightning roughly once a year, but don’t panic—modern aircraft are designed to handle it. The last time an airliner crashed due to a lightning strike was in 1967. The metal frame of the aircraft acts like a Faraday cage, allowing the electricity to pass around it and dissipate safely into the atmosphere.

The World’s Shortest Commercial Flight is Just Over a Minute

If you thought a 45-minute flight was short, think again! The shortest commercial flight in the world operates between two Scottish islands, Westray and Papa Westray, and covers a distance of just 1.7 miles (2.7 km). It takes about 90 seconds from takeoff to landing, and you barely have time to buckle your seatbelt!

Why You Feel Gassy on Planes

Ever notice you feel a bit more gassy at 35,000 feet? That’s because, as the plane ascends, the cabin pressure drops, causing the gas in your body to expand. This can lead to some discomfort or, well, a little more “air traffic” in your digestive system. It’s a completely normal physiological reaction, so no need to feel embarrassed!

Pilots and Co-Pilots Eat Different Meals

To minimise the risk of food poisoning affecting both the pilot and co-pilot, airlines have a policy requiring them to eat different meals. This rule ensures that if one meal causes food poisoning, there is always another crew member healthy enough to land the plane.

Phones Don’t Really Interfere with Plane Equipment

The rule requiring passengers to switch their phones to airplane mode is mostly to prevent potential interference with ground networks, not because it interferes with the plane’s instruments. In fact, airplane cabins are designed like Faraday cages, blocking most signals. Still, it’s better to comply, as the DGCA and airlines are cautious about taking any risks with passenger safety.

Airplanes are among the safest and most technologically advanced vehicles ever created. From mind-boggling engineering to surprising safety protocols, there’s always something fascinating to learn about these flying giants. So, the next time you buckle up for a flight, remember—you’re part of a remarkable blend of physics, engineering, and human ingenuity soaring across the skies!