Summary
Flying at High Altitudes
Airplanes fly at an altitude of around 30,000 to 38,000 feet, which is high in the troposphere, above most weather and turbulence. The main reason for flying at this altitude is not to avoid weather or collisions, but because it allows planes to fly faster and more efficiently, saving time and fuel, as the air density is lower at higher altitudes.
Flying at high altitudes is more fuel-efficient due to lower air temperatures, which make jet engines more efficient. Additionally, flying high allows pilots to take advantage of jet stream tailwinds, reducing fuel consumption and costs.
Pressurization and Airplane Doors
The air at high altitudes is unbreathable due to low air pressure, which affects the partial pressure of oxygen, making it difficult for humans to function normally. Airplanes that fly at high altitudes must be pressurized to maintain breathable air, which is achieved by continuously bringing in air from the compression stage of the engines, albeit at the cost of engine performance.
This required a radical redesign of aircraft, including changing doors to be plug-shaped to create an airtight seal, and making them impossible to open in mid-flight due to the significant pressure difference between the cabin and exterior.
Airplane Cabins and Flatulence
Airplane cabins are not fully pressurized to sea level pressure, but rather to a minimum pressure of 77 kilopascals at cruising altitude, which is necessary for passengers to feel normal. This lower pressure causes the air in the body to expand, which can lead to flatulence.
The reason for this minimal pressurization is due to a past incident, Aloha Airlines 243, where a small crack in the plane’s fuselage led to a catastrophic failure, and pressurizing the cabin to prevent such incidents.
Fuselage Fatigue and Safety Rules
A plane’s fuselage is subjected to repeated stretching and relaxation due to pressure changes during flight, which can lead to fatigue, cracking, and corrosion. This was the case with the Aloha Airlines plane had nearly 90,000 flight cycles, exceeding its design limit, resulting in an explosive decompression.
Despite planes being pressurized to minimize stresses, a passenger in 2023 managed to open an Airbus emergency exit in flight, highlighting the importance of following safety rules, such as putting phones on airplane mode, to prevent potential mishaps.
Cell Phone Use on Flights
The ban on personal electronics, including phones, on flights was initially implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1961 due to concerns about interference with plane systems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) later banned cell phone use in flight in 1991, citing concerns that multiple phones on a plane could overload cell infrastructure.
However, this theory has been disputed, as the plane’s metal enclosure and window orientation make it difficult for phone signals to reach cell towers, reducing the likelihood of interference. The rules banning cell phone use during flights may be unnecessary, as there is no evidence of phones causing air accidents, and airplane mode only saves battery life.
Airplane Food and Drinks
Airplane food is often criticized for being bland and unappetizing, which may be due to the extremely dry air in the cabin that affects taste and smell.
On airplanes, people tend to order unusual drinks, with a quarter of flyers opting for tomato juice, and 23% of them never consuming it on the ground. This might be due to the loud cabin noise stimulating the chorda tympani nerve, enhancing the sense of umami, a savory taste found in tomatoes.
Misinformation and Ground News
The media often prioritizes sensationalized headlines over key details, which can lead to misinformation. A recent study on the increase in turbulence due to climate change was barely reported on, with some outlets arguing it makes flying more dangerous, while others dismiss the study.
It’s essential to look at all sides of the story, comparing coverage and verifying sources, as Ground News allows, to get a comprehensive understanding of the issue. By supporting Ground News, viewers are not only getting a valuable tool but also directly supporting the channel and its work.
Ground News is offering unlimited access at a 40% discount. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay informed!
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Troposphere | The lowest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 12 km (7.5 miles) high. | Airplanes fly at an altitude of around 30,000 to 38,000 feet, which is high in the troposphere. |
| Jet stream | A fast-moving band of air in the upper atmosphere that can affect the weather and air travel. | Flying high allows pilots to take advantage of jet stream tailwinds, reducing fuel consumption and costs. |
| Pressurization | The process of maintaining a higher air pressure inside an aircraft cabin than the surrounding atmosphere. | Airplanes that fly at high altitudes must be pressurized to maintain breathable air. |
| Fuselage | The main body of an aircraft, excluding the wings and tail. | A plane’s fuselage is subjected to repeated stretching and relaxation due to pressure changes during flight. |
| Fatigue | A state of physical or mental exhaustion. | A plane’s fuselage can lead to fatigue, cracking, and corrosion due to repeated pressure changes. |
| Umami | One of the five basic tastes, often described as savory or meaty. | The loud cabin noise may stimulate the chorda tympani nerve, enhancing the sense of umami in tomato juice. |
| Misinformation | False or inaccurate information. | The media often prioritizes sensationalized headlines over key details, leading to misinformation. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘the state of being unable to function normally due to low air pressure’?
A) Turbulence
B) Fatigue
C) Unbreathable
D) Decompression
2. Which word means ‘the minimum pressure required in airplane cabins for passengers to feel normal’?
A) Sea level pressure
B) 77 kilopascals
D) Atmospheric pressure
3. Which word means ‘the stretching and relaxation of a plane’s fuselage during flight’?
A) Fatigue
B) Corrosion
C) Decompression
D) Fuselage fatigue
4. Which word means ‘a savory taste found in tomatoes’?
A) Umami
B) Sweetness
C) Bitterness
D) Sourness
5. Which word means ‘information that is incorrect or misleading’?
A) Misinformation
B) Disinformation
C) Sensationalism
D) Propaganda
Answer Key:
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. A
5. A
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: The Causal Relationship between Clauses
Grammar Quiz:
1. The air at high altitudes is unbreathable ____________________ the partial pressure of oxygen is affected by / affects / because / due to
2. Flying at high altitudes is more fuel-efficient ____________________ jet engines are more efficient at lower air temperatures. because / since / as / due to
3. The reason for minimal pressurization is ____________________ a past incident, Aloha Airlines 243. due to / because of / since / as
4. The ban on personal electronics on flights was initially implemented ____________________ concerns about interference with plane systems. because of / due to / since / as
5. The loud cabin noise stimulates the chorda tympani nerve, ____________________ the sense of umami. which / that / because / due to
Answer Key:
1. due to
2. because
3. due to
4. because of
5. which