Things to Know About Landing an Airplane
Air travel has become one of the most common forms of transportation today. However, many people who travel by plane are concerned about how to land a plane without a pilot in an emergency. Research shows that a large portion of people believe they can land a passenger plane without any aviation training. In this article, we will discuss important information and points to consider regarding this issue.
Self-Confidence and Gender Differences
A 2023 survey in the US found that almost two-thirds of respondents believed they could land a plane in an emergency. Men, in particular, were more confident in this regard than women. 50% of male respondents believed they could land a plane in an emergency, compared to only 20% of female respondents. This shows that differences between genders are an important factor in self-confidence.
Difficulties of Aircraft Landing in Emergency Situations
Landing a plane in an emergency is not as simple as you might think. Experts say it is very rare for an inexperienced passenger to successfully land a plane. According to a study conducted at Griffith University, inexperienced passengers are often successful in emergency landings of small aircraft. This highlights how complex and difficult it is to land large passenger aircraft.
Pilot Duties and Use of Autopilot
Pilots largely use the autopilot system during flight. However, landing and takeoff operations are difficult stages that pilots must manage manually. In these stages where the autopilot is not used, pilots have to control many different parameters. During takeoff, the aircraft needs to gain speed to create sufficient lift, and the pilot has to deal with more than one instrument. During landing, the pilot must maintain speed, make gear adjustments and comply with air traffic rules.
Vital Moves When the Plane Approaches the Runway
When an aircraft approaches a runway, there are some vital moves that the pilot must make. The pilot must correctly judge the altitude, reduce power, and adjust the rate of descent. It is also the pilot's responsibility to ensure that the aircraft lands in the correct runway area. Once the aircraft touches down, the pilot must stop the aircraft using the brakes and reverse thrust.
Educational Processes and Expertise Requirements
To become a pilot, it is necessary to go through a long training process. First, it is necessary to receive training in subjects such as flight preparation, aerodynamics, flight safety, meteorology and navigation. Then, practical training is given with an instructor and aircraft control, landing, takeoff and maneuvering skills are developed. This practical training process usually takes 40 to 60 hours.
Importance of Civil Aviation Education
According to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, people who want to work in airlines need to receive an average of 18 months of training. Pilots go through different trainings depending on the type of aircraft they will be using. This training shows that it is almost impossible to successfully land a passenger plane without learning the basics of flight. Experts emphasize that landing a plane is difficult even with the help of air traffic control.
As a result
Landing a passenger plane is an extremely challenging task for an inexperienced person. Without training and experience, it is almost impossible to successfully land in this type of emergency. Therefore, being smart and careful while flying is always the best approach.
