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Every time you board a flight, you’re stepping into one of the safest forms of transportation ever created. But have you ever wondered why the lights are dimmed before take-off and landing? Or have you ever questioned why turbulence shakes the cabin, but may not shake the pilot’s confidence? In this article, your most widely asked questions about flying and aviation will be answered.

Some planes still have ashtrays in the bathroom. Why?​

It goes back to a time when smoking was still allowed on board. They were added as a safety measure to give passengers a safe place to stub out cigarettes and helping to prevent fires caused by tossing them into waste bins with all the paper towels. Today, with smoking banned on flights and less common in public spaces, EASA recognises that the need for ashtrays inside the lavatory is no longer as relevant from a safety perspective.

EASA has updated the rules, so new aircraft designs no longer need to include an ashtray inside the lavatory. However, most large aircrafts flying today were certified under earlier rules which still require an ashtray. That means removing the ashtray is not as simple as it sounds. It would count as a design change and would require formal approval. That is why you’ll continue to spot ashtrays in lavatories as for now they are still art of the certified design.

Back in the day, if you were a heavy smoker on a flight, you needed a safe spot to put out your cigarette. Tossing it into a bin with paper and other flammable waste could easily cause a fire, so ashtrays were built in as a secure, fireproof option.

Why should I keep my phone on airplane mode for the duration of the flight?​

Although most modern aircraft are well protected from signal interference, a plane full of devices trying to connect to ground networks at high speeds could potentially interfere with ground communication networks. More importantly, the crew needs your full attention during critical phase of the flight and having your phone on could be a distraction.

Why should I open the window blind for take-off and landing?​

This is as important as having your seat in the upright position, but not as obvious. An open window shade allows the crew to quickly identify any problems and alert the flight crew. Additionally, having the window open helps your eyes to adjust to the outside light which could improve your visibility during a potential evacuation.

Why are the lights dimmed before take-off and landing?​

In a similar vein, in case of an emergency the plane’s electrical system may shut down. Dimming the lights beforehand can help acclimatise crew and passengers to low-level lighting, promoting clear vision in case of an evacuation.

What happens after I use the airplane bathroom?​

After you flush, the airplane toilet uses vacuum suction to pull waste into a sealed tank, which is stored until the plane lands. The waste is then safely disposed of by ground crew. Despite the limited space, the bathrooms are designed to manage waste efficiently and hygienically, ensuring a smooth flight experience.

Why is turbulence not as dangerous as it feels?​

If you think about the plane following a road in the sky, turbulence can resemble the potholes. It can certainly be unpredictable, but most of the time it is harmless as planes are built to withstand extreme conditions and pilots are trained to navigate through them. The real safety risk is when passengers ignore the crew’s instructions to keep their seatbelt on throughout the flight. Even when the seatbelt signs are off the planes sudden jolts can leave people injured, which is why staying buckled up is always a good idea.

In general, EASA also recommends that passengers keep their seatbelts fastened at all times whilst seated. For take – off and landing, your seatbelt should be securely tightened to ensure maximum protection in case of sudden movements. Once the aircraft is in cruising altitude, you can loosen it for comfort, but it is important to keep it fastened throughout the flight in case of unexpected turbulence

Do pilots sleep during the flight?​

Yes, absolutely! On long haul journeys, flights are staffed with extra crew, so the pilots can take scheduled rest break – usually in a tucked away bunk close to the cargo, or a quiet seat behind the cockpit. But don’t worry, there’s always at least two pilots awake and monitoring everything while the other rests. Auto pilot handles the cruising, but humans are still running the show ultimately. So yes, they sleep – but only when it is safe to, and never all at once.

Why can I not unfasten my seatbelt even though the plane has already landed?​

Although it is tempting to grab your bags and exit the plane after it’s come to stop, aircraft engines hydraulics and electrical systems need to be safely powered down before passengers start moving around. On top of that, if there are any last-minute issues such as obstruction at the gate or instructions from air traffic control, the plane may need move again.

In conclusion​

Next time you fly, some rules and routines might make a little more sense. From take-off to landing, aviation safety is a carefully choreographed system designed to protect you at every stage. So, sit back, buckle up and enjoy the flight - because behind the scenes, everything is working to ensure you reach your destination safely.

Do you have other questions you would like to have answered? Send them to: info@easa.europa.eu