Wiekes weetjes: 10 facts you shouldn't read if you have a fear of flying
Really a smooth title for me, because I have a fear of flying. Luckily, it's not so bad that I don't get on a plane, but it will never become my biggest hobby. Not even after I dated a pilot for a while: I bombarded him with questions and he patiently answered them all, but there was just too much nonchalance in his voice. As if flying is no big deal. And I think it's a huge big deal. So when you casually tell me that it's really not that bad if an engine fails, I start to stress. But okay, I'm trying to help myself get rid of that fear more and more, so I've started doing some research. Only... I'm not quite sure if it worked. Maybe you shouldn't read these facts if you also have a fear of flying.
1. Turbulence is becoming a bigger deal
Thanks to global warming. Because of that, more carbon dioxide is entering the air, which causes more turbulence. Now my ex told me that no plane has ever crashed due to turbulence. That is— since 1994 — technically true, but turbulence can certainly cause injuries in a smaller plane, luggage to fall, and you to be thrown from your seat. All in all, not a very pleasant experience.
2. Those oxygen masks aren't super useful either
They do work, but only for fifteen minutes and then it's over. The pilots have to safely bring the plane down within those fifteen minutes, otherwise you're really fucked. Pardon my French.
3. Pilots aren't always awake during the flight
Hey, what a nice thought. According to research, more than half of pilots have fallen asleep in the cockpit at some point. What if the co-pilot and the captain are napping? Do I want to think about that?
4. Just a bit about flying with that one engine
That's something my ex was really right about. Only pilots don't often mention that over the intercom because that's — understandably — not necessarily useful info for passengers and it can cause quite a panic. I personally find it a really relaxed idea, but planes can make long flights with one engine running.
5. Where you sit affects your chances of surviving a crash
People sitting in the back have up to 40 percent more chance of surviving a plane crash compared to those sitting in the front. And if you want to have the best chance, sit by an emergency exit, because if a plane goes down and you survive that part, you have about 90 seconds to exit the craft before the fuel tanks explode.
6. Taking off and landing are the most dangerous
Once the plane is flying, I feel a lot calmer. And that's logical, because 80 percent of all plane accidents happen in the first three minutes after takeoff or three minutes before landing. So set that timer next time.
7. It. Is. SO. Gross.
If you eat something during a long flight, then watch a movie and try to sleep, just think about all the bacteria. Research has shown that the headrest is the dirtiest part of the entire plane. And also consider that the pocket for the magazines is hardly ever cleaned. And that foldable table? I wouldn't eat anything off of that...
8. Avoid the coffee
Yes, it's made on board in a kettle with water from a tank... And those are really never cleaned. Yes, planes are gross. Shocking, I know.
9. You can run out of fuel
Budget airlines sometimes send planes out with less fuel than the recommended amount. That means they can reach the destination, but it becomes tricky if problems arise along the way and you need to divert to another airport. Ryanair has been in the news for this reason.
10. Toilets can be opened from the outside
Okay, okay, I'll end with a fun fact. Cabin crew can access them. Behind the ‘no smoking’ sign, they can remove the lock, in case you wanted to attempt membership in The Mile High Club.
