Why do you have to keep the shutters open on an aeroplane when landing?

Show all answers

fffrrreeeddd

Good question!! I have the correct answer...it is historically procedure started by the FAA when planes were hi-jacked in the 1970's. If a pilot calls in some sort of trouble call, or there is suspect that the plane is hi-jacked all hi-jackers ask that windows shades are shut so they can not be shot at from outside. If the ground crew sees the shades down - it confirms that the plane is being hi-jacked. Also - if there is an emergency at landing (like fire in the engine) the flight crew can see it immediately.

iansun

no idea

staff,

Nikki, please tell me you have Blonde hair. but the answer regarding Emergency services does sound the most reasonable explanation.

OriginalBubble

Ohh I dunno, Ive been trying to find that out myself, on my last flight they told us to keep the blinds open

Hazza

All i know is it's during Daylight hours and it's the regulations that airlines MUST abide to.

RRM

Depends on whether it's light outside. If it's light then you keep them open for safety, if you have to evacuate the plane your eyes don't need to adjust.

Lisa

In case of emergency.......the crew (and the passengers) would need to see outside so as not to hinder an escape if necessary

That's just a guess by the way....but it sounds reasonable I think!

nikki m

i think it slows tha plane down or something...

HangTheDJ

I don't think that you have to.

rainy-h

Its so that if you crash in the daytime, your eyes will be acclimatised to the light and the environment outside and you'll find it easier to get out and look after yourself if you have to. That's the same reason that they always turn the lights off if you land or take off at night.

Filthy Lucre

So you can see if the plane is about to crash.

warb34stc

It is so that in the event of an incident the fire and rescue services can see in from the outside of the plane; whether all passengers have successfully evacuated from the plane or whether there are casualties remaining.
Separately, and an often-asked question, it is the dimming of the cabin lights which allows the pupils of the eyes of the passengers and crew to adjust to a lower level of light, and therefore to react better in an emergency situation with limited light.

ccx806

they dont say to keep them open or closed
next time close them and see

aflumpire

I dont know but here is my question. Why do you have to keep them shut for international flights. My friends say its to prevent Jet Lag but From Australia to Japan, the time difference is one hour. They urged all pasengers to shut the curtains even after the movies had finished!

They also told us to have our Curtain open for landing. They do have a reasion but I ferget what it is. They made up some load of crap.

Banderes

So the 'little' light that emits from the window doent confuse other pilots...

craftykid22

I don't know, never been on one.

flossâ™¥

its so the crew can see if there is anything on the runway

Izzy

It helps to slow the plane down.

When you fly in a plane the air goes over and under the wing, but it takes the air going under parts longer than the other because of the shape. That is how you get lift. So when you come into land its the other way round and you make the top air take longer so it helps to bring you down and once you've landed to slow the plan down even more.

Oh ok i thought you meant shutters on the wings! Its so that your eyes are adjusted to the natural light outside incase anything happens.

Michael H

So you can see the ground approaching, hopefully at the right speed.

Imagine the tense atmosphere if everyone was in the dark waiting for the bump.

Chunkylover53

Do you mean the window things? it brings an atmospherwe of light and relief onj the plane, but I never knew you had to..

Jeff L

Because if there was some sort of accident, most likely there would be no power to the onboard lights in the cabin. Therefore, any ambient light through the windows could assist passengers in allowing them to find the escape. This of course is all theoretical -- depends upon how severe the accident is.

Georgie

god knows and why do they have to turn the lights off if you are landing / taking off in the dark?

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: