Due to changes in situational training for flight attendants and pilots , as well as the improvement of aircraft systems, passengers can be sure that even in an emergency they will be in order. Here are a few more safety features that may not be known to everyone, but which play an important role in ensuring the peace of mind of passengers.
Let's start with the most, perhaps, the most famous.
A tiny hole in the porthole of an airplane
Why is it in every window?
Most passengers enjoy window seats for stunning views during daylight hours. At the bottom of each window there is a small hole, which at first glance looks like a manufacturer's defect. In fact, these holes perform an important function related to the pressure in the cabin. The inside of the plane is pressurized to a certain level to be able to breathe, and the plane needs a way to equalize it.
The windows of modern liners usually consist of three layers of plexiglass, where the inner glass helps protect the other two. They act as a system to smooth out the difference in pressure between what is maintained in the cabin and what exists outside at an altitude of 10,000 meters. The exhaust port helps balance the difference.
A mixture is stored above each seat chemicals
Before every takeoff, flight attendants remind us that in the event of an aircraft depressurization, face masks are “ejected automatically” to provide us with oxygen. As a result, many assume that compact oxygen tanks, such as scuba divers use, are mounted above each seat. But that would be extremely inefficient.
Instead, when the masks are thrown away, sodium chlorate, barium peroxide and potassium perchlorate begin to mix in the right proportion. As a result of a chemical reaction, oxygen is formed, which is enough for 10 & ndash; 12 minutes, — enough for the plane to descend to an altitude of 3 000 meters or below, where the air is breathable.
Fireproof seat structure
Although very unlikely, a fire could break out on board. And if it happens in the passenger cabin, the flight attendants have several fire extinguishers to quickly eliminate the danger. However, the seats themselves are made from fire resistant materials to prevent and contain the spread of any potential fire. All new seat designs are pre-tested by forcibly igniting with an oil burner.
Equipment for inadequate passengers
Although the lifting of restrictions on COVID-19 has been a lifesaver for the aviation industry, one of the facts with a minus sign is is an increase in the aggressiveness of passengers. Since any situation could potentially get out of hand, a restraint kit is available as a last line of defense to the crew. It includes a pair of handcuffs with which the offender is “chained”; to the seat before the plane lands and is handed over to the local authorities.
The special design of the dining tables
This is really very subtle and almost unknown detail. However, it can play a significant role in the event of an evacuation. Most aviation tables are attached to the back of the front seat with a clip that rotates in either direction. However, passengers in an emergency exit row may find that their latches are “working”. just away from the window.
If you need to evacuate, you have to quickly move down the lane to get out of the plane, and if the latch moves in both directions, it can easily accidentally turn towards the window, that is, in the direction of travel. Then everything is clear: the tray table unfolds and completely blocks the emergency exit for everyone who was behind. With all the ensuing consequences in a situation where every second is precious.
