I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane Part II

Aviaphobia/Aerophobia : The fear of flying

As promised, the continuation...


Why reduce the power after take-off?

There are basically two basic reasons.

Firstly, there are noise laws for countries. Blasting an aeroplane engine full max is deafening you know! Even the people at the runway wear ear protectors. So you can imagine the noise levels where airports are situated in built-up areas. That is why most airports are located as far away as possible from densely populated places.

Secondly it is due to engine reliability. Reducing the engine power helps to conserve fuel as well as any wear and tear. And pilots usually cut back on the power once the plane reaches about one thousand feet (roughly about 20 seconds after lift-off.)

Another cause of concern for those who have a fear of flying is TURBULENCE. Yer noe those rattles, bumps and sideways movement of the aeroplanes. Perhaps ur wondering, why can't the pilot just avoid them?

In reality, air turbulence forecasts are not accurate enough to help much. Pilots get the best information from listening to remarks between Air Traffic Control and other aircraft. Turbulence are avoided by changing altitudes, but in some situations, the smooth altitudes are already taken by other aircraft, and in other situations, all practical altitudes have turbulence.

A different kind of turbulence can exist around thunderstorms. It can be seen on radar. If the thunderstorm is isolated, pilots would go around it. But if there is a line of thunderstorms, a gap is picked between two storms which may still be somewhat turbulent.

No pilot would want to give his passengers a thrill ride in a turbulence. Turbulence is often an unavoidable part of flying, but remember, as long as you are buckled into your seat belt, you will be safe!