Whether you’re studying to become a pilot or are just an avid traveler, the aviation industry plays a big part in the way our world works. Anyone who has ever purchased a product online should be aware that the speedy shipping they’re used to can only happen because of the tireless efforts of the aviation industry. And it’s also an industry that is proving to change at a rapid pace. Here are a few interesting facts about aviation today that you may not be aware of.
- Complex Compositions
If you’ve ever flown with a commercial airline, you might be one of the many people who board planes without seeing what they look like from close up. You may not realize just how massive planes are and how many parts go into making them functional, while still remaining lightweight enough for efficient fuel use. The Boeing 747, for instance, is made up of six million different parts.
In addition, the 747’s engine alone weighs almost ten thousand pounds, one of many reasons why Boeing 747s are such expensive planes to build. All that power and mass is controlled by just a couple of pilots with a control panel with tools like CORSIA. Passengers rarely understand just how much goes into the entire experience of a flight, but years of science and engineering have had to happen so you can take that cross-country flight.
- Meal Strategy
A fun fact that not many frequent-fliers know is that the pilots and co-pilots are often fed different meals during flights. The pilots eat whatever is being distributed to the first class, while co-pilots will get a different option. That’s because it’s essential for there to be at least one pilot healthy and prepared to handle emergencies, and if a food-poisoning situation were to take place, it’s better for only some pilots to be affected, rather than the entire crew. Not every airline does this, so if you know any pilots it might be interesting to ask them if that’s something they’ve experienced on the job.
- A Rare Experience
Depending on where you are from, most of the people you know might take plane flights fairly frequently. However, you might be surprised to hear that only 5% of the world’s people have been on an airplane. If you’re someone who flies frequently, then, you’re part of a very small minority of those who do. In addition, it’s reported that over 75% of the population has a fear of flying. With those statistics, it might seem surprising that the airports are always so jam-packed with eager flyers.
- Lifespan vs. Mileage
While it’s normal for us to consider lifespan in terms of years, the lifespan of an aircraft is estimated through mileage, as well as how much stress it has experienced. Aircraft have to go through pressurization cycles during flights, which subject them to a large amount of stress. Over time, this can cause cracks or other signs of fatigue that can contribute to an aircraft being taken off the rotation. While it usually takes an aircraft about 20 years to get to that point, it could happen in less or more time, depending on how often the craft is flown. Aircraft that are taken on lengthy flights are subjected to fewer pressure cycles, meaning they’ll usually have longer lifespans.
- Busiest Airport on Earth
The world’s busiest commercial airport is the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, GA. This airport sees over 900 thousand “movements” every year, counting both landing, take-off, and passenger activity. That’s a busy airport! For the busiest overall airport, the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China is ranked number one this year, with over forty million total passengers in a single year. It’s amazing how many people are shuttled back and forth on these gigantic aircraft, and how much the world has changed due to the innovations within the airline industry in the last few years alone.
