Bad weather makes headlines, and causes chaos to even the best laid travel plans. In the eye of the storm, aviation typically fares the worst, with strong winds generating considerable delays and scattering aircraft and their despondent passengers across the…
In the realm of urban myths, the belief that an airline captain has the authority to officiate a wedding mid-flight is one that occasionally appears up in popular culture. Travelling, especially by air, has always had an air of romance…
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…
