Airlines

Why do airplane tires cause smoke at touchdown?

When an aircraft touches down during landing, the appearance of smoke is a common sight. This occurrence arises from a combination of factors related to the landing procedure and the characteristics of the tires themselves.

As the aircraft descends and prepares for touchdown, the tires are stationary. Upon contact with the ground, they rapidly accelerate from a standstill to an average speed of 240 to 260 km/h. This sudden burst of motion creates friction between the tires and the runway surface, resulting in the emission of smoke.

The smoke stems from the considerable heat generated by the friction between the rubber tires and the asphalt runway. This heat is sufficient to cause the rubber to almost vaporize, resembling the smoke produced when a bike tire skids against the road.

Several variables influence the intensity and occurrence of smoke during landings. The frequency of landings a tire experiences within a specific timeframe, such as within 24 hours, impacts its level of wear and tear. Airlines rigorously inspect tire conditions before each flight, promptly replacing them if any damage or signs of deterioration are detected to uphold safety standards.

The design and resilience of aircraft tires are influenced by the type of aircraft and its operational demands. For example, the tires used on an Airbus A330-200 differ in composition and load capacity compared to those designed for conventional automobiles. Furthermore, environmental factors such as runway temperatures and altitude variations contribute to tire performance.

Aircraft tires are meticulously engineered to endure the demanding conditions of takeoff and landing. They incorporate multiple layers of nylon for reinforcement and a wire core to prevent slippage on the rim. Moreover, these tires are filled with nitrogen, offering superior properties compared to conventional compressed air for aviation purposes.

Airlines

Virgin Atlantic Introduces Sign Language Crew Booking for Inclusive Flights

Virgin Atlantic has set a new standard for inclusivity in air travel by becoming the first UK airline to offer British Sign Language (BSL)-trained crew members on its flights.

As part of its commitment to ensuring every customer has a positive and accessible travel experience, Virgin Atlantic teamed up with deaf Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley and deaf twin content creators Hermon and Heroda Berhane. Together, they helped the airline better understand the needs of its deaf and hard of hearing passengers.

Air India to Roll Out New Guidelines for Cabin Crew

The airline tested its BSL services on a flight from London Heathrow to Washington, with the experience captured in a special film to mark International Week of Deaf People. The BSL-trained crew greeted passengers with Virgin Atlantic’s signature warm welcome, assisted with in-flight navigation, alerted passengers to important announcements, and provided accessible in-flight entertainment options.

Virgin Atlantic’s efforts don’t stop there. The airline has committed to increasing subtitled in-flight entertainment options, enhancing clarity for special assistance services on its website, and introducing Sign Live—an on-demand BSL interpreter service for customer support teams. These new initiatives build on Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing work with Remark!, a leading deaf-led organization that provides BSL training for the airline’s crew.

Qatar Airways Launches new Flights From Doha To Toronto

With a growing number of BSL-trained crew members available on all flights, Virgin Atlantic is taking significant steps to make air travel more inclusive. And also recently it has hire the virgin atlantic down syndrome girl for work. This initiative is part of a larger campaign to promote deaf awareness and improve the flying experience for all passengers with hearing loss. Passengers can now request a BSL-trained crew member when booking their flights through the airline’s website, ensuring they have the support they need throughout their journey.

Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond flights, with partnerships like the one with Channel 4, where BSL-trained crew members appeared in sign language interpreter segments. The airline also proudly supported the England Deaf Rugby team during their tour of South Africa.

By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, Virgin Atlantic is leading the way for other airlines, ensuring that every passenger feels confident, supported, and welcomed when flying.