Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/131994
rexfaq Q. What is the average speed that the aircraft travels across the ground? A. Approximately 500 kilometres per hour. Q. What is the estimated speed required for take-off? A. Approximately 210 kilometres per hour. Q. What is the estimated speed during the aircraft's approach to landing? A. Approximately 210 kilometres per hour. Q. Why do you have to get permission from the Captain to move to a vacant seat? A. The aircraft's take-off speed is calculated by the weight and balance of the aircraft, and many factors need to be considered for a successful take-off. This includes the weight of passengers and where they are seated, the weight of cargo, freight and fuel, the distance available on the runway, etcetera. For example, if there are 100 or more kilograms of freight in the cargo, the balance of the aircraft will be better maintained if passengers are seated in the forward rows. AIR TURBULENCE Q. Why should you keep your seatbelt fastened even when the FASTEN SEATBELT sign is switched off? A. On occasions, the flight crew cannot foresee turbulence or it is not picked up on the flight-deck radar. Because of this, we could unexpectedly experience turbulence at any time. The company recommends that you always keep your seatbelt fastened while you are seated – for your safety, just in case unexpected turbulence is encountered. Q. Aircraft often experience air turbulence, but what causes it? A. Imagine the air around the aircraft is like water in a stream. We can often see how water is disturbed around rocks or when two streams converge. Turbulence in the air is similar: as the aircraft passes through cold air or in the vicinity of terrain that has disturbed the airflow – often incorrectly referred to as 'air pockets' – the aircraft climbs and descends in the same way that a boat moves on water. Though turbulence can be uncomfortable, it poses no threat to the aircraft and is akin to driving on a rough or unsealed road. More severe turbulence can be associated with developing thunderstorms. The SAAB 340 has a sophisticated weather radar that pilots use to avoid these areas. Occasionally, a flight attendant will discontinue serving passengers in turbulent conditions; this is a precaution to ensure everyone's safety. ENGINE NOISES Q. Why do the aircraft's engine noises change during flight? A. Aircraft need more power to climb than to descend, in the same way that a car needs more power to go up a hill than to go down one. The SAAB 340 turboprop has more than enough power to climb so, shortly after take-off, you will notice a change in noises as the power has been reduced. The pilots also control the pitch angle of the propellers for various stages of the flight and, as they 'change gears', this can also be heard in the cabin. Q. What is the bump that can be heard coming from underneath the floor just after take-off? A. After take-off, the pilots retract the undercarriage to achieve a smooth aerodynamic shape. The wheels fold and are stowed underneath the aircraft, remaining there until they are selected 'down' for landing. Above: The company recommends that you always keep your seatbelt fastened while you are seated – for your safety, just in case unexpected turbulence is encountered. MOVEABLE SURFACES During your flight, you may notice the plane's wings changing shape. The devices at the end of each wing are called ailerons and move when the aircraft turns. Behind each wing are the flaps. The flaps can be used to increase lift for take-off by extending 15 degrees below the surface of the wing. Flaps are also used on landing to enable the SAAB to touch down at a slower speed. In this setting, they are providing drag, and can be set at angles of up to 35 degrees to achieve this. Though the speed varies according to conditions and aircraft weight, the SAAB 340 touches down at approximately 180 kilometres per hour. After landing, the pilots may reverse the thrust of the propeller to slow the aircraft more quickly. Q. What should you do if you see or hear something that does not look or sound right or normal? A. Please advise your flight attendant. The flight attendant may be able to answer your query and allay any fears. If not, the flight attendant will contact the flight deck and advise the pilots of anything unusual. Rex encourages open communication and will always treat a passenger's concerns with the utmost seriousness. XI