Know About Yourself :-
Did you know that the longest bathroom break lasted nearly an hour, or that there is an documented case of someone sneaking back onto a plane after having been caught drinking onboard?
Or that one flight had to make an emergency landing because an intoxicated passenger started screaming and tried to open the emergency exit?
Documenting our lives through photos, videos, and drawings are important, but oftentimes we forget to record all the humorous details of life that happen daily.
Everyday activities often leave small details behind that we often neglect or overlook, from trivial matters to strange experiences.
Here are a few facts you may not know about flying–or any other form of transportation!
Know About Yourself
1) Flying Facts
When we fly, our bodies naturally shed weight due to mild low-pressure conditions at higher altitudes. In addition, all air in the cabin is completely refreshed every two to three minutes.
Pilots and crew must remain silent during takeoff and landing as cabin noise tends to outweigh engine vibrations.
Most commercial flights use autopilot systems designed to ascend to 35,000 feet before descending gradually until reaching their destination.
At cruising altitude, cabin air density is actually less dense than outside air density; thus allowing passengers to open the window shade and observe clouds outside.
2) Bathroom Break
If you have ever wondered how long the average person needs to relieve themselves during a flight, 13 minutes is typically sufficient.
One passenger holds the record for longest flight ever, spending nearly an hour using the bathroom during their entire flight, according to flight attendants on board the plane.
His fellow passengers became suspicious of his activities and reported them to the flight crew, prompting an emergency landing at an available airport where the individual was arrested upon landing.
Although no official records exist regarding how long children spend sitting on the toilet, one case was recorded of an adult man who, due to an expired ticket, sneaked into a restroom and concealed himself within it for extended periods.
He managed to evade detection but was apprehended after landing.
3) Airline Proposals
To date, over 200 instances have been documented of passengers proposing during airline flights. One such proposal took place when Darren Firman noticed his seatmate wearing a promise ring during Valentine’s Day travel from Sydney to London in 2004.
After engaging in some light conversation, he asked her if she were engaged, when she replied she wasn’t. At this point he pulled out his ring and proposed marriage.
She agreed, and they wed within a year. In 2009, an Indian passenger traveling from New Delhi to Paris decided to propose to his girlfriend using the flight crew’s help in order to propose to her onboard the aircraft.
The pilot had their names and wedding date illuminated using lights from their plane, creating a romantic touch to their special day.
4) Confirmed Drunk Passengers
In 2007, an Air New Zealand flight passenger caused extensive damage after drinking excessive alcohol. They caused extensive structural damage when they consumed a significant quantity.
He attempted to gain entry into the cockpit while the plane was still on the ground and after taking off began damaging and kicking at its emergency exits.
Once subdued by flight crew members, he was arrested upon landing and charged with reckless endangerment, criminal damage and breaching airport security. A similar situation arose on a British Airways flight in 2010 when an intoxicated passenger became aggressive towards flight staff and attempted to open up emergency exits.
After several attempts at soothing him down and some threats of restraint from the pilot, an emergency landing was made in Iceland and an intoxicated passenger was arrested upon arriving there; she would then return back home via another flight.
5) Emergency Landings Due To Intoxicated Passengers
Since 1990, 15 emergency landings were caused solely by intoxicated passengers. One such case involved a woman drinking alcohol at the beach who became angry when she couldn’t locate her drink.
She then started screaming and threatening to kill everyone on board the plane, prompting the crew to divert the flight to its nearest airport so as to remove her from it. In 2002.
An intoxicated passenger on a Virgin flight from London to New York threatened the pilot and attempted to open up an emergency exit, according to reports.
Emergency landing was made in Boston, MA and upon landing the man was immediately arrested by authorities.
6) Unlimited Baggage Fee
There was one recorded instance where a passenger brought a concrete mixer as their carry-on bag; security confiscated and kept it instead of disposing of it.
It was then loaded onto the flight and sent directly to their destination, where it was unloaded from the plane and they were charged an extra $100 fee for having such an extra bag.
There has also been one documented instance where a passenger was permitted to bring their pet snake on board as a carry-on item.
The passenger claimed their snake was a service animal and helped them cope with anxiety.
7) Seatbelt And Mask Confusion
There have been instances of passengers wearing their seatbelts during takeoff but then removing them and donning oxygen masks once their captain announces the flight will pass 10,000 feet.
Erroneously believing they won’t need their seatbelt is a major mistake as this is the only thing ensuring their safety during any turbulent parts of the flight.
There have been instances of passengers donning oxygen masks prior to fastening their seatbelts, which is against FAA regulations.
The FAA advises passengers to fasten their seatbelts first, followed by their oxygen masks if cabin pressure decreases.
Most passengers do not realize that oxygen masks must be worn above your head or they become useless pieces of plastic in your hands.
If the air pressure in your cabin drops and oxygen becomes scarce, these masks provide you with essential supplemental support – all the vital life-sustaining support that’s necessary.
8) The Shortest Flight Of All Time
In 2007, an aircraft pilot accidently started its engine while pressing its brakes, sending the plane flying off before he realized his mistake and landing safely 41 seconds later. This short flight record is held by a turboprop flying from Glasgow to Edinburgh.
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Conclusion
Flying is an efficient means of travel, yet that doesn’t mean it is without surprises or unusual experiences. From everyday inconveniences to life-altering incidents, air travel offers something for everyone – be it trivial things or unusual encounters.
Here are a few facts you may not know about flying, or anything else for that matter. Every two or three minutes, all the air in a cabin is completely replaced.
Pilots and crew must remain silent during takeoff and landing as cabin noise tends to outshout engine vibrations.
Most commercial flight autopilots are programmed to ascend to an altitude of 35,000 feet and remain there until reaching their destinations.
At cruising altitude, cabin air density is actually lower than outside air density; thus enabling passengers to open the window shade and observe clouds outside.