Here at Flyingbynumbers, “What happens when a plane gets hit by lightning?” alongside, “Is lightning dangerous for aircraft?” Are two of our most user requested questions… And for a good reason. We appreciate when you’re happily cruising along watching an…
In a world that once celebrated the audacious scale and bold design of the Airbus A380, it’s hard to imagine that this “aircraft of the future” has already been quietly retired mid-pandemic in 2021. (That’s a mere 16 years after…
Ah, the age-old question, often murmured by weary travellers crammed into coach with a stranger’s elbow invading their personal bubble space: “How much longer can this flight possibly go on for?!” The answer is… further than you think, and possibly…
Once upon a time, in the golden age of aviation, flight engineers were, arguably, the unsung heroes of the skies. Responsible for monitoring the aircraft’s intricate systems, tweaking engine performance, and juggling fuel consumption, flight engineers were called upon to…
Let’s face it, there’s something weirdly enjoyable about sitting down in the airport — perhaps with a nice cup of coffee or a cold beer — and watching frantic travellers running past! As a seasoned aviation expert with years of…
If you have ever taken a longhaul flight, there’s a 50/50 chance you’re familiar with one of Boeings newest twin-engined longhaul aircraft! These two models form a staggering 52% of the global wide body aircraft fleet. Boeing’s 777 and 787…
The thought of a heroic passenger landing a plane after the pilots have been incapacitated is a plot that’s been featured in countless movies and TV shows. But in real life, can passengers actually land a commercial aircraft? The short…
When you’re flying as a passenger on a commercial airliner, it’s hard to imagine the level of coordination and planning that goes into ensuring your flight is safe. As this coordination is largely behind the scenes, airline pilots and flight…
If you’ve ever been on an aeroplane, you will have walked past the crew seating, located near the exits and in the cockpit. These seats are often referred to as jumpseats, and they’re typically only for airline staff. However, there…
Have you ever looked at the back of a plane wing and seen a row of small metal spikes? They’re officially called static wicks, and they play an important role in keeping your flight safe. But, what are they exactly?…
