Aerospace

Can you open an aircraft door mid flight?

Ultimate Guide to Surviving Long-Haul Flights: Tips for Comfort and Well-Being

It is actually impossible to open a door mid flight! With the recent spate of news stories about inflight incidents involving unruly passengers, youmay wonder if it is indeed possible to open the door of an airliner inflight.

You cannot – repeat, cannot – open the doors or emergency hatches of an airplane in flight. You can’t open them for the simple reason that cabin pressure won’t allow it. Think of an aircraft door as a drain plug, fixed in place by the interior pressure. Almost all aircraft exits open inward. Some retract upward into the ceiling; others swing outward; but they open inward first, and not even the most musclebound human will overcome the force holding them shut.

At a typical cruising altitude, up to eight pounds of pressure are pushing against every square inch of interior fuselage. That’s over 1,100 pounds against each square foot of door. Even at low altitudes, where cabin pressure levels are much less, a meager 2 p.s.i. differential is still more than anyone can displace — even after six cups of coffee and the aggravation that comes with sitting behind a shrieking baby. The doors are further held secure by a series of electrical and/or mechanical latches and follows with important aspects given below. (source)

Cabin pressurization:

Cabin pressurization is a process in which conditioned air is pumped into the cabin of an aircraft or spacecraft, in order to create a safe and comfortable environment for passengers and crew flying at high altitudes. For aircraft, this air is usually bled off from the gas turbine engines at the compressor stage, and for spacecraft, it is carried in high-pressure, often cryogenic tanks.

Pressurization becomes necessary at altitudes above 12,500 feet (3,800 m) to 14,000 feet (4,300 m) above sea level to protect crew and passengers from the risk of a number of physiological problems caused by the low outside air pressure above that altitude. It also serves to generally increase passenger comfort and is a regulatory requirement above 8,000 feet (2,400 m).

Plug door

The term “plug door” may also refer to a sliding bus door that is not actually held in place by pressure, but is mechanically wedged into place when closed.

A plug door is a door designed to seal itself by taking advantage of pressure difference on its two sides and is typically used on aircraft with cabin pressurization. The higher pressure on one side forces the wedge-shaped door into its socket, making a good seal and preventing it from being opened until the pressure is released.

Non-plug doors rely on the strength of the locking mechanism to keep the door shut whereas a plug door relies on the pressure differential to keep it shut.

Aircraft door safety devices

Due to differences in air pressure, it is usually not in fact possible to open an airplane door during flight at normal cruising altitudes, despite what you may have seen in the movies. This goes for all doors of an aircraft, including emergency exit and main doors. You could fuss with the opening mechanism as much as you like, but you wouldn’t ultimately be successful.

Warn!
Interfering with the operation of an aircraft is a criminal offense in some regions, however, so you may be penalized for touching the door during flight.

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Aerospace

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN

Coutresy : Boeing planes

India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.

Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.

For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.

Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.

FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.

Aerospace

Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?

Courtesy : Tony Fernandes (Linked in Story)

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.

C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders

COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.

Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.

During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.

Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.

Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements

The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.

Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.

In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.

Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).