Air Travel

Jetpacks: How You Can Fly Like Iron Man!

AirWhizzApr 30, 2018 No Comments

Jetpacks: How You Can Fly Like Iron Man!

Aviation Insider

The future is finally here! We’ve got tiny supercomputers in our pockets, virtual reality headsets, and now we’ve got actual jetpacks.

The idea of a personal flying machine was thought of as science fiction by comic book enthusiasts and sci-fi movie buffs. But, with the rapid advancement in technology over these past few years, companies have invested in the concept of jetpacks, and finally they are now here.

Before we get into how you can fly like Tony Stark a.k.a Iron Man from the Avengers series, let us see how jetpacks came into being.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF JETPACKS

The concept of a personal flying personal was first implemented in 1960. Bell AeroSystems engineer Wendell Moore developed the ‘Bell Rocket Belt’ for the U.S. Army, but the only problem with the jetpack was that it could stay in the air for only 21 seconds.

They dropped the idea and for a few years people tried and failed at making the perfect Jetpack.

In 2008 Yves Rossy, a Swiss pilot and engineer, created one of the first actual Jetpacks and flew it over the Alps like a superhero in movies. Despite being called the ‘Rocket Man’ by the media, he did not sell the Jetpack for commercial use. The cost of making it was also very high that time.

PIONEERS IN JETPACK TECHNOLOGY

By 2013 people were introduced to water-powered Jet Packs, but ‘Martin Jetpack’, a New Zealand-based company, introduced the world to a flying machine called the “P12 Jetpack”.

The company’s P12 jetpack has a maximum speed of 74 kilometres per hour and can rise to 3,000 feet.

Another company ‘JetPack Aviation’ build the ‘JB-9’ and demonstrated its effectiveness by flying around the Statue of Liberty in 2015.The ‘JB-9’ can reach a height of 1000 Feet at a speed of 160 Kilometres Per Hour.

BENEFITS OF A JETPACK

Applications of the jetpack are wide due to its small size and ease of handling –

  • Military – Using jetpacks is ideal for search, rescue and extraction of soldiers in the battlefield. Live reconnaissance, minefield avoidance, and ship-to-ship transfers are only a small example of the practical military applications for which Jetpacks can be used.

 

  • First Responders – Jetpacks enable firefighters to reach high floors faster. Police gain an eye-in-the-sky for observation and analysis. Disaster rescue workers can reach survivors in remote or unstable locations when roads are damaged.

 

  • Commuting – There’s no need for us all to sit in traffic. Some will drive, some will ride the bus, and some of us will fly.

 

  • Recreation – Imagine having a lake party with your guests showing off some party tricks with jetpacks. It’s a lot of fun and people are already in talks for Jetpack racing.

HOW SAFE IS IT

The Jetpack is built around safety from the start.

Jetpacks safety system is very similar to that of a Formula One car. Plus, whenever you strap on to the machine you will have to wear a flying suit, boots and a helmet. Inside the helmet, a radio system will allow you to converse with air traffic control in the same way as pilots on airplanes.

The ‘P12’ Jetpack mentioned above, also has a parachute system which opens at very low altitude and saves both the aircraft and the pilot in case of an emergency.

HOW CAN YOU GET YOUR JETPACK?

You can fly!

Anyone can be a Rocketeer by strapping on a rental jetpack or by stepping onto a flyboard.

Companies like Fly High Skyboard, X- Jetpacks rent out their flying machines and are a popular attraction at graduation parties and corporate events abroad.

In, fact Martin Jetpacks will soon start selling its ‘P12” jetpack to the public, once it gets its permissions. It will cost $150,000 excluding special gas charges and training cost.

You will need to complete a training course of 20 days. You don’t need a Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) recognized pilots license since the jetpack is classified under the “ultralight aircraft” category.

With machines like Jetpack, you will soon be able to fulfill your dream of flying like your favourite superhero from the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

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10 Airlines That Serve The Best In-Flight Meals!

AirWhizzApr 27, 2018 No Comments

10 Airlines That Serve The Best In-Flight Meals!

Travel Like a Pro

We all have at some point made jokes about how boring and tasteless In-flight meals are. Well! Those old jokes about airplane food are getting harder to make these days.

Airlines have managed to replace menus of bland inflight-meals with menus of tasty and exotic food prepared by celebrity chefs whose restaurants have received Michelin stars.

We at AirWhizz present to you a list of airlines which serve the best in-flight meals not only in first class but in the economy cabin as well.

1.EMIRATES

Emirates treats its guests to regionally inspired cuisine presented on Royal Doulton fine bone china providing a fine dining experience.

If you are flying First Class, you can enjoy a sumptuous seven-course meal in the privacy of your own exclusive suite.

The airline also treats its guests in the economy cabin to smoked tuna served with marinated vegetable salad, followed by charcoal grilled lamb brochette with cinnamon scented sauce, date pudding, cheese, biscuits, and chocolates.

2.ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Etihad has a crew of award-winning chefs and food & beverage managers who are recruited from the finest Michelin-starred restaurants from around the world.

Etihad presents its guest with a variety of options to choose from, including beef, chicken, lamb and seafood, along with a range of delicate sauces, sides and delicious desserts.

Whichever cabin you fly in, you will find that Etihad’s food is delicious, and portions are always generous.

3.QATAR AIRWAYS

Qatar’s in-flight unique and diverse à la carte menu is prepared by celebrity chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aikens, Ramzi Choueiri, and Vineet Bhatia.

Together, they spent months testing their specialty dishes for Qatar’s customers.

Apart from flavours and spices they also take into consideration how the taste buds are altered at 30,000 feet while preparing their dishes. Be prepared for extraordinary mouth-watering dishes when you fly Qatar Airways.

4.CATHAY PACIFIC

Did you know? Cathay Pacific was one of the first airlines to have rice cookers, toasters and skillets on board their aircraft to serve freshly prepared food!

Carefully prepared and selected by Cathay’s food culinary team, the dishes in all cabin menus are inspired by the flavours of China.

Those in the premium seats get to choose signature dishes from Hong Kong, such as slow-cooked pork with Hakka mustard greens, wok-fried chicken with black bean, or Hong Kong-style curry prawns.

5.SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Singapore airlines in-flight meal reputation is backed by its collaboration with world-acclaimed chefs who own Michelin-starred restaurants.

The airline is famous for its “Book the Cook” service where you can select your gourmet main course from a premium selection of dishes at least 24 hours before departure.

Economy Class passengers also benefit from the airline’s dedication to serving world-class food. Passengers can treat themselves to appetizers like potato salad with baby shrimp, wok-fried chicken and bamboo shoots in sesame oil.

6. AIR NEW ZELAND

A long flight to or from New Zealand is made better by menus from Air New Zealand’s Executive Chef Peter Gordon, a celebrated chef with restaurants in both London and Auckland who decides the menus for each class.

Fresh New Zealand cuisine, mainly seafood, is served on elegant crockery, designed specifically for the airline.

Air New Zealand also takes pride in serving native wines. If you get thirsty between mealtimes, there’s a self-service refreshment bar that contains drinks and snacks.

7.AIR FRANCE

Given the high culinary standards of the French, it should be no surprise to find Air France on this list of the best food in the skies.

Air France meal service is a truly pleasant experience.

Every 6 months, a different renowned French chef serves special dishes on long-haul flights departing from Paris. Also, menus are changed every 10 days.

8.TURKISH AIRLINES

Turkish Airlines certainly knows how to impress its customers when it comes to food.

When you are boarding the airline, you will be greeted by a chef at the airplane door as if to welcome you into a restaurant. The “flying chef” is in charge of all cuisine on board.

Passengers in the economy cabin are treated to starters like olive oil–poached artichoke and grilled beef with creamy eggplant.

9.SWISS AIRLINES

Food on Swiss Airlines is inspired by the best cuisines from different regions of Switzerland.

In the First class, menus change every 3 months and include dishes such as beef tenderloin with Ofetori or Nidwalden-style mashed potatoes with veal, bacon and cheese. Meals are also complemented by regional wines and a selection of local cheese.

Business and Economy Class passengers also have good things to say about the food onboard Swiss International Airlines.

10.QANTAS

Qantas has its meal service down to an art. The food comes from DO & CO, a catering company that has upscale restaurants and cafés in cities like Vienna, London and New York.

On top of that, the airline hires wine tasters to develop wine pairings for its cuisine onboard for Business Class passengers.

When you need a caffeine kick, you get to choose from 11 different types of premium Australian coffee.

If you want to know more about what else your airline offers, look no further. Simply Download the AirWhizz app and get all the information you want to know about your airline on the move.

Treat your taste buds to culinary delights your airplane has to offer and Fly Stress-Free!

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Do You Know Why Airplanes Are White In Colour?

AirWhizzApr 23, 2018 No Comments

Do You Know Why Airplanes Are White In Colour?

Aviation Insider

Have you noticed that the vast majority of airplanes are white?

Sure, some have stripes, decorations, and airline branding in different colours, but the base colour is almost always white.

We at AirWhizz, did some digging and found logical explanations as to why white is almost always the colour of choice for airplanes.

1.IT KEEPS YOU COOL

White is a very good reflector of sunlight. Darker colours absorb most of the light and heat of the sun. But white ensures that the heat bounces away from the airplane, reducing the temperature inside the cabin.

This is a good thing, not only when the airplane is in the air, but also when it lands, because it takes less time to cool down. Parked aircrafts also remain cooler after sitting on the ground in a hot, sunny environment.

2.EASIER TO INSPECT A WHITE AIRPLANE

Airplanes are checked for cracks, dents and any other form of surface damage for safety reasons on a regular basis.

Nothing works better than white when it comes to spotting cracks, corrosion marks and oil leak stains on the surface as these are easily visible and leave a dark coloured trail.

3.INCREASES VISIBILITY

One good reason for an aircraft being painted in white is increased visibility.

In the event of an airplane crash or any other mishap, the white colour makes it easy to spot, both, on water and land. It is also easy to spot a white airplane in the dark.

4.HELPS THE AIRPLANE AVOID BIRD STRIKES

Birds cause airplane damage worth approximately 600 million dollars each year.

Aircraft visibility can be enhanced by white or brightly-coloured exteriors reducing the chances of mid-air bird strikes.

A study was conducted, by the science journal –  ‘Human-Wildlife Interactions’ in 2011, on the correlation between bird strike rates among different airlines and aircraft colour schemes. It showed that darker coloured aircrafts reduce the ability of birds to detect and avoid the aircraft in sufficient time.

5.PAINTING IT IS EXPENSIVE

Painting an airplane is not like painting a fence! It requires a considerable investment in terms of money, manpower, and time.

The cost of painting a regular Boeing aircraft in colour falls between $50k-$200k and takes anywhere between two and seven days, depending on the budget.

With intense competition amongst airlines, it is a wise choice for carriers to cut down on coloured planes to avoid increased costs and loss in revenue.

6.EASIER TO LEASE AND RESELL

White paint helps if the aircraft has to be sold in a hurry.

Also, majority of the airlines don’t own their aircraft. They take it on lease from airplane leasing companies such as Airbus Asset Management and Aircastle Investment.

So, buying or leasing a coloured airplane would mean that the airline would likely have to paint it white again, adding to the cost.

Hence, it makes perfect sense that the airline would pay a lower price for a fancy, coloured airplane and more for a plain white aircraft.

7.WHITE DOESN’T FADE

White colour doesn’t fade away like other colours do. Moreover, maintaining and cleaning is pretty easy.

Usually, coloured paints fade away owing to exposure to sun, particularly at 30,000 feet where there is more UV radiation and thus require a lot of paint jobs to maintain their appeal.

A white airplane, on the other hand, doesn’t appear significantly different, even after spending a considerable amount of time in the air.

8.LESS WEIGHT

Did you know that if a Boeing aircraft painted in different colours, it would add 250kgs of weight to the aircraft?  But a white paint job would not add more than 25kgs!

The more weight you add to an aircraft the higher its fuel consumption. By painting the airplanes white, American Airlines saves over $2 million per year on fuel costs.

So the next time you fly take a moment to admire the fact that even the most insignificant details about an aircraft have a lot of thought and science behind them. Nothing in the aviation industry is done without a good reason. And most importantly, every one of these factors goes toward making flying the most comfortable and safest form of travel!

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10 Tips For Flying When You Are Unwell!

AirWhizzApr 20, 2018 No Comments

10 Tips For Flying When You Are Unwell!

Travel Like a Pro

The sniffles, the sneezing and the cough you try to muffle!

The last thing you want to do is board a plane when you are unwell. It can be the worst.

Cancelling your trip is an option, but what about your business meeting with that important client or the sad faces your children will make when they come to know the dream vacation you have been planning for a month is not going to happen?

Don’t worry we got your back!

We at AirWhizz, have compiled a list of travel hacks that can help you get through to your journey when you are feeling under the weather while you fly.

1.PREPARE BEFORE YOU LEAVE

The first key to a healthful flight anywhere is to make sure you have all the required and recommended travel vaccinations and medical supplies before you depart.

It is always wise to pack a travel sized first-aid kit, so you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Most airport stores have a pharmacy section where you can buy medicine in travel size.

In case you are carrying specially prescribed medicines, carry a prescription note from your doctor to show to the personnel at the security checkpoint.

You can also talk to an airline representative and explain your situation. See if they can help. It may not work, but it’s worth a try.

2.GET YOURSELF VACCINATED

Getting vaccinated before taking a trip is the best way to avoid serious illness and your family doctor can help you figure out the exact flu shots you need for before boarding a flight.

Even if you are just flying domestically, be sure to get your annual flu shot, especially because the busy holiday travel season will put you in touch with more people (and potential carriers of the flu virus) than normal.

3.GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

It may sound like a farfetched idea, but traveller’s insurance can make a world of difference in the event that something serious happens.

Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, emergency cash expenses at the hospital and personal accidents which might occur when you are on-board.

It is a wise decision to buy travel insurance since it costs just a fraction of your total trip and you are at ease while travelling when you are insured.

4.CHECK-IN YOR BAGGAGE

Try to pack light but in case you have to carry suitcases with you, get your luggage checked-in.

Although this can be expensive in some low-cost carriers, it is worth the price!

Carrying extra bags can be downright exhausting while sick, so let the airline do the heavy lifting for you.

5.DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS

There’s nothing new about this tip but people don’t drink as much water as they should even when they’re healthy so don’t forget this one.

Also, the air on the plane is dry, cold and stifling and it can make breathing really difficult when your nose is blocked and your body is weak. Drink a TON of fluids the whole time you are on your flight!

In case you feel like having something other than water, you can drink coconut water, Gatorade or simply ask the cabin crew for some hot tea with honey.

6.EAT HEALTHY

Foods like sandwiches, tuna/chicken salad, burgers etc are easily available at the airport but avoid such deep-fried and fatty foods when you are flying unwell.

Pack some fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges or vegetable-based salads and bring them along with you on the flight as these items are often lighter and more nutritious than the regular plane food.

Loading up on fruits and veggies is really important cause they help boost your immunity system to fight illness and keep you comfortable and light throughout the flight.

7.DONT FORGET TO PACK TISSUES

Imagine having no tissues while you are sick and sneezing your nose out in an airplane filled with people giving you dirty looks!

Not a good situation to be in!

A very basic tip, but a really important one because sometimes the body fluids just can’t wait when you are sick. Pack ample tissue papers or handkerchiefs in your carry-on bag to help you get through the sneezing and coughing while you fly.

8.CATCH UP ON YOUR SLEEP

Travelling through traffic and catching your flight at the airport while being sick can take a toll on your body.

Once you are on board and the flight has taken off, try to catch up on some much need sleep your body needs. If your body is tired, it won’t be able to help you fight and fix what’s wrong with you.

The more rest you get, the stronger you’ll be!

9.PREVENT CONTACT WITH OTHERS

When you’re on the plane and you need to use the bathroom, grab a tissue to open and close the door with. Try to minimize contact with other objects people touch, as much as possible.

In an airplane, passengers are constantly passing germs back and forth between each other and you never know what could be hanging around. Prevent the possibility of contracting and spreading more germs as much as you can. You don’t want to worsen your health and make fellow passengers fall ill!

10.DON’T STRESS

Yes, you do feel angry and upset while you are travelling sick, but it won’t fix anything. In fact, stress can actually make you more sick.

DON’T STRESS OUT! Do your best to avoid stress before, during, and after your trip.

Try not to sweat the small stuff, take deep breaths, and find ways to smile through the challenging situations. After all, those “challenges” are likely to become great stories when you return!

With a relaxed attitude, you will surely enjoy your trip and stay healthier throughout.

So, if you are looking for pharmacies at the airport, look no further. Download the AirWhizz App and get information about shops, emergency contact details and other services available at the airport on the move. We have also partnered up with prestigious travel insurance companies such as HDFC Ergo, so you can book your travel insurance via the app itself.

Travel with ease the next time you are sick and Fly Stress-Free!

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In-Flight Wi-Fi To Soon Become A Reality In India!

AirWhizzApr 19, 2018 No Comments

In-Flight Wi-Fi To Soon Become A Reality In India!

Aviation Insider

A survey conducted by Inmarsat in May, last year, showed that about 86 percent of Indian air travellers would prefer to fly with an airline that offers Internet connectivity. The study also showed that 60 percent of air travellers thought that in-flight Wi-Fi is more of a necessity rather than a luxury service and 45 percent of those were ready to pay for in-flight Wi-Fi rather than in-flight entertainment provided by airlines.

Flyers will soon be able to use data services on flights. The Telecom Commission, which is the highest decision-making body at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is all set to approve the proposal for in-flight data services at its next meeting scheduled on 1st May. The DoT has taken all the necessary permissions from all stakeholders involved including the ministry of home affairs.

Here are the details about the Inflight Wi-Fi System which will be implemented –

  • As soon as DoT approves the plan, airlines would be free to offer Wi-Fi services to passengers.
  • Airlines will initially start with in-flight wi-fi but will slowly get into voice services.
  • The pricing of the services provided would be left to airlines.
  • Mobile calling service would be permitted once the flight is above 3000 meters in the air.

In August last year, the DoT had asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to provide recommendations on how to incorporate in-flight connectivity for voice, data and video services.

Here are the recommendations that were given by the TRAI in January which will be discussed in the meeting scheduled on 1st may –

  • There should be separate In-Flight Service(IFC) providers.
  • These IFC providers should be permitted to use either INSAT (Indian Satellite System) or foreign satellites outside INSAT systems in Indian airspace.
  • Internet services through in-flight Wi-Fi should be made available once it’s announced, that electronic devices are permitted to be used, on the airline.
  • The services can only be used in Airplane mode and an announcement regarding this should be made after boarding is completed and the aircraft is about to take off.

Some international airlines allow passengers to use Wi-Fi free of charge for WhatsApp and other messenger services, which may be implemented on airlines in India because they don’t need much bandwidth. Lufthansa, Emirates, British Airways, and Delta are among the airlines that have implemented In-flight wi-fi services successfully on their international routes.

In-flight connectivity will make the journey more efficient and passenger-friendly. However, there are certain security challenges to be addressed once your phone or a device is connected to a network. The biggest concern is the higher chances of hack, and attack on insecure data and systems.

One more issue is the cost that will go into implementing this system on flights. Fitting the equipment to provide such services in an aircraft could cost around $400,000-$600,000. Initially, the cost to the passenger may be on the higher side.

Once the plan has been approved and the in-flight wi-fi system is implemented, airlines and authorities will need to run many rounds of testing to overcome the above-mentioned issues, but once the technical bugs have been discovered and solved, In-flight entertainment will get a whole new makeover on Indian flights.

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Avoid These 8 Travel Mistakes To Fly Like A Pro!

AirWhizzApr 13, 2018 No Comments

Avoid These 8 Travel Mistakes To Fly Like A Pro!

Travel Like a Pro

For all the first-time flyers out there, it’s important to know that when you’re flying, things won’t always go according to plan. That doesn’t mean you won’t have the most amazing time ever, but it’s almost impossible to prepare for every situation that might happen.

There is an inherent amount of risk and circumstance that befalls every trip, no matter how well planned and executed. There will always be those things we just can’t plan for, can’t avoid and can’t control.

However, with that said, you are largely responsible for how smoothly your flight goes. So get off to a good start and avoid making these travel mistakes that all seasoned travellers have made in the past while flying.

1.PASSPORT ISSUES

Passports have an expiration date, so you’d think they’re good up until that date, right?

Well, not necessarily!

Some destinations require at least 3-6 months validity on your passport in order to travel. If you need a visa for your trip, this is mandatory, but check the rules for your destination long before the trip begins. From time to time, passengers have been denied boarding because if this.

2.PROCRASTINATING ON YOUR BOOKING

You may be busy or just too lazy to book a flight months in advance, but if you want to avoid paying high last-minute charges on flight tickets, stop procrastinating!

Airlines typically release their fares 11 months in advance. The cheapest fares are the first to go, followed by those higher up the price ladder until all that’s left are the most expensive seats. The longer you delay the more you’ll pay.

How to avoid making this mistake? BOOK EARLY!

3.PLANNING CONNECTING FLIGHTS TOO TIGHT

You have just flown into the Terminal 1 of the Delhi Airport and just have an hour to catch the next flight from Terminal 3(which is 7 km away from T1 and not taking into consideration the traffic). Not a good situation to be in!

Also, weather and congestion factors can cause unforeseen delays. If you’re booking connecting flights yourself, make sure you leave plenty of time between both.

You don’t want to start or end your trip being stressed out and running to make your flight or missing your flight entirely. It might even be wise to stay the night to avoid disaster.  Take it as a chance to explore a whole new destination

4.NOT DOING YOUR HOMEWORK

Imagine shelling out thousands of extra Rupees for overweight baggage on a one-hour flight.

Overweight baggage charges are one of the ancillary fees that some airlines rely on to make a profit, the fees per kilo are high and they apply the rules rigorously. Find out the baggage limit before you fly. If you’re over, you could wear your heaviest items to cut down your check-in weight.

5.NOT DOUBLECHECKING YOUR TRAVEL PLANS

We know you/your family/your travel agent are brilliant planners and cannot have made any mistakes but do have one last look at everything you’ve planned. Be sure the dates are all correct, you know exactly which airport to go to, where the pickup location is, etc.

Mistaken flight times is probably what has actually kept the airlines in business all these years. Do you know how expensive a last-minute ticket to most places is?

6.PACKING PROHIBITED ITEMS IN YOUR CARRY-ON

Even though it is sheer common sense, people still make the mistake of packing lighters, Swiss army knives, big bottles of lotion and bottled water in carry-on luggage.

This mistake just slows down the security check process at the airport causing you and your fellow passengers a huge problem. Also, beware of packing prohibited items like power banks etc. in your check-in luggage. In fact, last month at the Delhi airport, the baggage handling system failed due to many passengers carrying prohibited items in their check-in bags leading to major delays and a breakdown of the security process.

7.FLYING WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

Many people don’t realize this but getting travel insurance these days is cheap and easy and not at all time-consuming. Yet people fly around thinking that everything is going to be fine.

Why take that risk!

Today, travel insurance covers cancellations on flight tickets, loss of baggage, medical expenses, pay the total cost of your bookings and many more situations you need to be aware of in advance when you fly.

8.NOT USING TRAVEL TECH

In today’s technologically savvy era, people are still unsure to use technology as a helping hand when it comes to flying.

Using travel apps helps you plan your trip better. From real-time flight tracking to getting information about airports and airlines, technology has got a people closer to planning the perfect trip on the move.

So go ahead, Download the AirWhizz App and avoid making these common travel mistakes. Just upload your flight details within the app itself and get Flight Information, Airport & Airline Information, Purchase Travel Insurance And Much More! It is the only App you need when you Fly!

Travel like a Pro and Fly Stress-Free with AirWhizz!

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#FLYSTRESSFREE Because Flying Is The Safest Way to Travel! Here’s Why!

AirWhizzApr 09, 2018 No Comments

#FLYSTRESSFREE Because Flying Is The Safest Way to Travel! Here’s Why!

Aviation Insider

Catastrophic events in air travel, like the tragedy of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (which disappeared along with its 239 passengers and crew) may explain why 1 in 10 people around the world either feel anxious or scared to fly.

Flight phobics are sometimes so afraid of air travel, they’ll even find alternative routes to their chosen destinations. But is it really safer to drive or to take a boat than it is to fly?

Spoiler alert: It’s not!

Tragic plane crashes are often highlighted by the media because they are so devastating, yet extremely rare. From the plane seats to the cabin air to the course and altitude of the flight, every decision in commercial aviation comes after careful consideration of its impact on safety.

To ease your fear of flying, we at AirWhizz have compiled a list of reasons why flying is the safest way to travel today.

1.STATISTICS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

According to a research conducted by Statistic Brain Research Institute in 2017, the odds of actually being involved in a plane crash is 1 in 29.5 million.

Despite some high-profile accidents in the past few years, the number of aircraft crashes has been steadily declining over the last 20 years, up to the point that 2017 had been declared one of the safest years in aviation history. There were no passenger jets crashes anywhere in the world in 2017, according to the research conducted by Dutch consultancy ‘To70’ and ‘The Aviation Safety Network’.

While plane crashes are often highlighted by the media, the occurrence is extremely rare. In fact, statistics suggest that you are more likely to meet with an accident driving to the airport than flying across the country.

2.FLYING IS ONLY GETTING SAFER

Ever since the Wright brothers invented the airplane in 1903, flying has only become safer!

From sturdy airplane designs to advanced cockpit technology and rigorous pilot training, airlines are investing heavily in passenger safety, making aircrafts safer, faster and more convenient for the passenger.

To put statistics into perspective, there have been two deaths per each 100 million passengers flying commercially over the past 10 years, which looks like a tiny fraction with the 30,000 plus deaths from motor vehicles that take place per year.

3.AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

While no one is helping you watch the road from behind your steering wheel, pilots have many eyes assisting them from take-off through landing with Air Traffic Control.

They rotate around the clock 24 hours a day using radar procedures to track the planes in the sky, give instructions, clearance and information about flight conditions. Your pilots are never the only people in charge of your safety in the air.

4.RIGOROUS TRAINING

If you have a license, think back to your driver’s test! A small test with a demonstration of steering, breaking and signalling while driving in a circle at the RTO.

Pilots don’t have it that simple.

They go through a rigorous training and certification processes. One must go to flight school and receive a license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA). Most airline companies also require pilots to attend at least 2 years of college. There is an intense screening process to determine those licensed to fly. In case you did not know, many commercial aircrafts are also flown by ex-Indian Air Force pilots.

5.TECHNOLOGY

With the advancement in airline technology, Aircrafts make motor vehicles and ships look like vessels from the stone age.

Technology on airplanes controls almost the entire flight. Aircrafts contain turbulence detection programming that can predict the intensity, altitude and movement of turbulence. In addition, runway safety technology communicates between planes to warn pilots to stop if another plane or vehicle might be coming.

These technological improvements control all aspects of flying, from the runway to the cockpit. On top of that, they have a dedicated, professionally trained team to take control of this technology in case it develops a glitch.

6.NO RECKLESS FLYING

Unlike drivers, pilots don’t indulge in multitasking, talking on the phone or zig-zagging the plane while flying.

The airline industry has been made extremely cautious not to commit any errors, no matter how large or small. The entire group of pilots, regulators, and cabin crew possess extensive information about flying hazards, with the goal of preventing accidents rather than just reacting to them.

The pilot will not take flight unless he has been cleared and is positive the plane is safe to fly.

7.MONEY ON THE LINE

According to the International Air Transport Association(IATA), in 2017, almost $769 Billion was spent on aviation and air transport.

This reflects companies directly involved in commercial aviation and those working to apply the latest advances in science and engineering to help the industry achieve ever higher levels of safety. Clearly, a lot is riding on doing it right.

To make sure that flying remains safe, authorities and airlines have also established certain rules and regulations for passengers to follow such as turning off your cell phones to avoid any interference of communication caused between the pilot and the air traffic control tower.

So, if you want to play your part in keeping skies safe, download the AirWhizz app and make yourself aware of such air safety rules and regulations you must follow as a passenger. Apart from this, get real-time flight updates, information about airlines and things to do at the airport at your fingertips.

Fly Safe and Fly Stress-Free!

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Aviation Ministry To Increase Compensation For Passengers, Airlines Not Happy!

AirWhizzApr 07, 2018 No Comments

Aviation Ministry To Increase Compensation For Passengers, Airlines Not Happy!

Aviation Insider

In a bid to safeguard air passenger rights and tackle the criticism about the government’s involvement in for passenger safety, the Civil Aviation Ministry has proposed that the compensation for loss of baggage or life in air accidents should be increased. They have also said that there should be a cap on the cancellation charges and passengers should get monetary benefits if they fail to board the airplane during connecting flights.

Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Jayant Sinha, tweeted on Wednesday saying that a preliminary discussion of two rounds was held with officials representing different airlines, airports and other stakeholders. This meeting has helped them to draft a passenger charter that they can place for consultation in the public domain.

Recently the ministry introduced a grievance redressal app and abolished the process of stamping passenger bags during airport security checks.

Below are the proposed changes to be made to the compensation structure for air passengers –

  • Passengers will be compensated between Rs 3000 to Rs 20000 for missed flight connections by the airlines
  • In cases of denied boarding, the ministry has suggested an on the spot auction and a minimum compensation of Rs 5000
  • Airlines will have to pay Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 per kg for loss, delay or damage to bags as a liability for both domestic and international travel
  • Airlines will have to compensate the passenger for missing a connecting flight due to the delay.
  • An airline is liable to pay up to Rs 10 million for a passenger death in international travel and Rs 200,000 in domestic travel.
  • The government also want airlines to not levy a fee for a change in name if a spelling error is pointed to by the passenger within 24 hours.
  • Airlines will have to print cancellation charges on the ticket

These changes proposed by the ministry have come under a lot of scrutiny. Airlines have rejected the government’s proposal for changing rules related to compensation given to passengers in case of flight cancellations and delays.

The Federation of Indian Airlines(FIA), which consists of IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and Jet Airways, has asked the government to continue with the current regulations because an increase in the compensation structure will lead to an increase in the airfare. It also said that infrastructure constraints at the airport are responsible for delays and cancellations and airlines cannot be held responsible.

The FIA has opposed to the decision to compensate passengers if they miss a connecting flight. According to the FIA, the airline cannot be held responsible for the passenger beyond the destination for which the ticket has been booked and whether the guest is booked on a different airline or has arranged a different mode of transport.

They have also opposed to the decision of not charging passengers for the change in spelling of the name beyond 24 hours as it may lead to misuse of airline seat inventory for tickets booked through travel agents and online travel sites.

Government officials said that the arguments submitted by airlines will be taken into consideration while drafting the passenger charter. This first draft will be placed in the public domain for consultation in the coming few days.

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