Airlines

How does a Black Box Work ? its importance in an Aircraft.

What is Black Box in an aircraft, how does it work, and it’s significance in a crash investigation?

The Black Box, also referred to as a Flight Data Recorder, is a device that tracks every action of an airplane or other aircraft takes while in flight. Two black boxes are often located aboard an airplane, one in the front and another towards the back.

Usually, an airplane has two black boxes located in the front and rear of the aircraft. These keep track of flight data and aid in the reconstruction of an aircraft crash’s sequence of events.

The Titanium material that makes up Black Box and the Titanium box that it will be contained and give it strength to survive any shock if it falls into the water or from a great height.

The Black Box’s history.
A gadget that can provide information about the causes of plane accidents and might possible help in preventing accidents was thought to be necessary given the rising frequency of airplane crashes. Consequently, a black box was created. Earlier the box was red in colour and hence the name ‘Red Egg’. The inner walls of the box were black in colour, so it came to be known as a ‘Black Box’.

The Black Box has two separate boxes:

1. Flight Data Recorder: This device records data on direction, altitude, fuel consumption, speed, turbulence, cabin temperature, and other factors. It is possible to record roughly 88 of such values around 25 hours. This container can endure temperatures of 260°C for ten hours and around 11000°C for one hour. These boxes are easily recognizable since they are either red or pink in colour.

A Red Air MD-82 crashed and caught fire at Miami International Airport.(Opens in a new browser tab)

2. Cockpit Voice Recorder: This device stores the last two hours’ amount of flight sound. In order to forecast the state of the plane before any accidents occurred, it records the sound of the engine, the emergency alarm, the cabin, and the cockpit.

China’s TP500 freight drone makes its maiden flight.(Opens in a new browser tab)

How does a Black Box Work ?
The Black Box is formed with solid metal, as it was previously stated. Without any electricity, it can function for 30 days. A temperature of 11,000 °C won’t affect it. If this box is lost somewhere, it will continue to beep and emit out waves for roughly 30 days.

The investigators can recognize this voice at a distance about 2-3 kilometers. The Black Box’s ability to emit waves from a depth of 14,000 feet in the water is a fascinating fact. Although a black box does not always provide a clear picture of a plane accident and in some uncontrolled circumstances it may be difficult to locate, one thing seems certain it is essential to investigate plane crash.

Airlines

Singapore Airlines Ordered to Pay $3,580 to Couple over Faulty Seats

Image:Wikipedia

Following a dispute over defective seats during their voyage from India to Australia last year, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been compelled to pay a sum exceeding S$3,500 to an Indian couple.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Hyderabad ruled in favour of Ravi and Anjali Gupta, who on May 23, 2023, had problems with their business class seats that were meant to automatically recline on their flight from Hyderabad to Australia via Singapore.

Reports from media outlets in India highlighted the discomfort experienced by the couple, who were compelled to endure the entire journey without the benefit of reclining seats, despite having paid a significant amount which cost around 66,750 rupees (S$1,090) for each ticket, lodged a complaint during the flight, expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation.

Singapore Airlines initially offered compensation in the form of 10,000 KrisFlyer miles per person, which was declined by the passengers. As reported by CNA, Singapore Airlines apologised for any difficulty the technical failure may have caused and acknowledged the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Hyderabad’s ruling.

SIA clarified that while the automatic recline feature on Mr. and Mrs. Gupta’s seats experienced a glitch, the manual recline function remained operational during the flight from Hyderabad to Singapore.

Regrettably, due to a fully occupied flight, SIA staff were unable to arrange alternative seating within the business class cabin. However, the airline asserts that its crew diligently monitored the couple’s comfort throughout the journey, offering to manually adjust the seats as needed.

Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.