What the loss of Delta Flight 191 taught us about windshear and microbursts
The meteorological phenomena of microbursts and windshear, particularly during the final approach phase of flight, can be extremely…
Aviation Explained
59 articles
Simplify complex aviation concepts with our easy-to-understand explanations and expert insights. Knowledge at your fingertips.
All-business class flights – why is it so hard for airlines to make them work?
Over the years, many airlines have attempted (and failed) to make the all-business-class model work. Although the concept…
Commercial aircraft emergency evacuations: the theories and rules behind them
Although statistically, air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation, incidents do occur, albeit rarely. From…
200 people, 20,000 lbs of equipment: How do NFL teams fly?
Which sport makes the most money in the world? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is the American National Football…
Japan’s Kansai Airport is sinking into the sea: How much time is left?
When Japan’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) opened in 1994, it was considered an engineering marvel. It is the…
What are the 5 DEFCON levels and what do they mean?
DEFCON stands for Defense Readiness Condition. The US military uses this ranking system to signal its readiness for…
Sky high bubbles: The real reason champagne tastes better on a flight
It was 1954 when the first bubbles appeared in an aircraft cabin. California’s Western Airlines, in partnership with…
Calculated: How fast Santa flies to deliver all his presents
Each year, Santa Claus must complete his annual task: deliver gifts to every child in the world (so…
The anatomy of a commercial flight – all you ever wanted to know: Part two
In the previous installment of this two-part article, AeroTime took you through the initial stages of a routine…
The anatomy of a commercial flight – all you ever wanted to know: Part one
Welcome onboard For some people, traveling by air has become purely routine, much like traveling by bus or…
A guide to catching red-eye flights: pros, cons, and tips
Are you a traveler looking to save money on airfare or maximize your time at your destination? If…
Star Alliance members: airlines, benefits, and ways to join
What is Star Alliance? Star Alliance is the world’s largest airline alliance, comprising a vast network of member…
Mayday: the meaning behind the distress call in aviation
The aviation industry operates under strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members. In…
The phonetic alphabet: understanding Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and more
Effective communication is critical to the safe operation of aircraft. When pilots talk to air traffic control, they use…
Altimeters: how they work and their role in aviation
Altimeters are unsung heroes of aviation, quietly performing a critical role in ensuring the safety and precision of…
How to become a flight attendant – your ultimate guide
For many people who have a passion for travel, customer service and adventure, becoming a flight attendant is…
What is skiplagging and is it illegal? What you should know
In the world of travel, finding ways to save money while booking flights is a pursuit in which…
Types of airplanes and their functions: a civilian aircraft overview
Airplanes come in a wide variety of types, each one serving a specific purpose and catering to different…