What Are These Weird Airplane Features Even For?
Air travel is filled with intriguing features that often go unnoticed. Airplanes, in particular, are designed with elements that serve specific purposes to improve safety and efficiency. Understanding these features can enrich your flying experience and satisfy your curiosity about the complexities of modern aviation. What are some of these lesser-known aspects of airplane design and functionality? Let’s find out below.
Mysterious Triangle Symbol
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Flight attendants rely on a small black triangle above select windows to check the wings for ice, damage, or mechanical issues. This spot offers the clearest view of the wings and makes inspections quicker and more efficient. Engineers place these markers in precise locations to align with optimal sightlines. They’re rarely noticed by most passengers.
Hum
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A deep mechanical hum fills the cabin before takeoff, and it’s not coming from the main engines. That noise is from the auxiliary power unit, which supplies electricity and air conditioning while the engines are off. This compact system allows pilots to operate essential functions without running the turbines. The hum disappears once the engines fire up and the APU powers down.
Tomato Juice
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Some passengers love to order tomato juice on flights without ever realizing they’re part of a strange travel phenomenon. The loud background noise from the engines alters how taste buds perceive flavors by reducing sensitivity to sweet and salty tastes. Tomato juice has an umami-rich flavor, which keeps taste buds strong and satisfying.
Opening Window Shades
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When flight attendants ask passengers to open their window shades before takeoff and landing, it’s not to enjoy the view. Letting in natural light helps everyone’s eyes adjust in case of an emergency. It also allows the crew to spot potential dangers outside, like fires or debris. Quick visibility is crucial during evacuations.
Winglets
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Aviation engineers added upward extensions to the tips of airplane wings to tackle a major efficiency problem. These winglets prevent swirling air currents from forming at the edges, reduce drag, and improve fuel economy. The tiny adjustment saves airlines millions on fuel annually. They look like decorative fins but significantly increase flight stability and overall performance.
Side Stick
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Pilots on modern aircraft don’t rely on bulky center control yokes like older planes. Many now use a side stick, similar to a joystick, that allows precise and ergonomic handling. These lightweight controls free up space in the cockpit and reduce fatigue on long flights. They make flying smoother and more efficient for pilots.
Bleed Air System
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Airplane cabins remain pressurized at high altitudes because of a clever system that pulls air straight from the jet engines. This bleed air system takes compressed air, regulates its temperature, and pumps it into the cabin to maintain comfortable pressure. Passengers would struggle to breathe at cruising altitude without it.
Eye-Level Indicator
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Pilots don’t simply hop into the cockpit and start flying without adjustments. A small knob on the cockpit window helps them align their seat to the correct height. This eye-level indicator ensures they have a perfect view of the runway and instruments. Takeoffs and landings are safer and more precise when this position is gotten right.
Hole in the Window
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The tiny holes you often spot in airplane windows aren’t defects or mistakes. These minuscule openings regulate pressure between the inner and outer windowpanes, thus preventing cracks caused by pressure differences. They also reduce fogging by keeping views clear at high altitudes. Window integrity could weaken without these holes.
Hidden Handrails
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Overhead bins don’t just store luggage. The bottom edges have discreet grooves designed as handrails for flight attendants. These hidden grips provide stability when walking through turbulence, preventing them from grabbing passenger seats for balance. They help keep the movement smooth and professional, even in rough air.
Secret Crew Rest Areas
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Passengers rarely see where long-haul flight crew members go for breaks. Many large planes contain secret sleeping compartments above the main cabin, accessible through a discreet hatch. These small but comfortable spaces allow flight attendants and pilots to recharge during extended journeys. The indispensable hidden areas keep crew members well-rested for better service provision.
Wing Hooks
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Many people are unaware of the purpose of the airplane’s emergency exits, which have small yellow hooks on the wings. These hooks are anchor points for ropes during a water landing and help evacuees cross the plane’s wet wing safely. Without them, it’s possible to slip off before reaching a raft.
Magic Button for Extra Space
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Finding the release button in a plane’s aisle seats isn’t a walk in the park since they don’t always have fixed armrests. The button for extra space hidden under the armrest allows it to lift to make it easier to exit the seat. It provides extra comfort and accessibility for those needing assistance.
Lavatory Door Latch
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Locked airplane bathrooms aren’t as private as passengers assume. A small latch behind the “Occupied” sign allows flight attendants unlock the door from the outside. This feature exists for medical emergencies, unruly passengers, or maintenance issues mid-flight. The discreet latch ensures safety and quick access when needed.