Ask the Pilot: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel
Sure, something could go wrong when you're on a plane, says commercial pilot, Salon.com columnist and author Patrick Smith--but even post-9/11, "statistically, it almost never does." Some reassuring facts:
WHAT ARE THOSE DINGS YOUR HEAR DURING FLIGHT? Signals between cockpit and cabin crew often meaning "we are at such and such distance from landing." It's innocuous.
WHAT IF THE OXYGEN MASKS COME DOWN?
The crew will fix the problem or descend to where you can breathe normally—it's not like you have five seconds to live.
CAN A BIRD TAKE DOWN A PLANE?
Theoretically. But planes are built with bird strikes in mind, and everything's tested for resistance—they even toss frozen chicken carcasses into the engines. Usually the result is minor, except from the bird's point of view.
COULD SOMEONE OPEN THE EXIT DOORS IN FLIGHT? The open function is locked once the plane is pressurized. Think about it: Would they tantalize you by putting the "lift" latch there?
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