Weird questions...

TinkerBell · 11-09-2008, 18:22

I was thinking today while I was in traffic...

How do the pilot's see out of the plane window when it is raining?

Surely they don't have window wipers

That could be interesting when taking off " Arrrggghhhh the window wipers have flown off again"

Knipples · 11-09-2008, 18:23

Um they dont actually "fly" the plane most of the time these days, a computer does it for them. They just check things and keep an eye on them. I think they do take off and landing themselves though.
Thats what I was told anyway when I asked how they could fly a plane if the windows were so tiny.

Feek · 11-09-2008, 18:24

They do have window wipers.

TinkerBell · 11-09-2008, 18:26

Eeeeek, that is slightly worrying, computers flying flying me around the world!

Do they?

How do they not fly off when the plane is in the air?

Kell_ee001 · 11-09-2008, 18:27

Don't they also generally fly above the clouds?

TinkerBell · 11-09-2008, 18:30

Yeah I know, but when they take off they are still below the clouds! So this is where my question came from!

This is what happens when you drive on the motorway at 8 in the morning, in the rain to the airport!

Nutcase · 11-09-2008, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinkerBell

How do they not fly off when the plane is in the air?

They don't get them from Halfords?

Goose · 11-09-2008, 19:16

Anyone mind if I answer here?

They do have wipers (sometimes), as they need to be able to see out when they are taxiing around (or during really slow flight, which is rare). Some planes just a jet of air instead.

At high speeds, you really don't need them as the air speed is enough to clear the screen. If it's too heavy to clear that way, chances are you can't see anything anyway.

And yes, they do still fly them.

Knipples · 11-09-2008, 19:19

So its not a computer and never is?
(im not doubting you just wondering because thats what I was led to believe, happy to understand otherwise though

)

killerkebab · 11-09-2008, 19:20

Goose has it - speed is such that any water is blown off the screen. As for takeoff/landings, my understanding is that in very low visibility conditions, IFR(Instrument Flight Rules) are in place and your progress is monitored by computers onboard and in the control tower, who feed the aircraft with optimal approach angles/speeds.

11-09-2008, 18:22	#1
TinkerBell Dirty Spammer Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In the middle! Posts: 2,454	Weird questions... I was thinking today while I was in traffic... How do the pilot's see out of the plane window when it is raining? Surely they don't have window wipers That could be interesting when taking off " Arrrggghhhh the window wipers have flown off again" __________________

11-09-2008, 18:24	#3
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	They do have window wipers. __________________

11-09-2008, 18:26	#4
TinkerBell Dirty Spammer Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In the middle! Posts: 2,454	Eeeeek, that is slightly worrying, computers flying flying me around the world! Do they? How do they not fly off when the plane is in the air? __________________

11-09-2008, 18:27	#5
Kell_ee001 Wants Big Meat Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle Posts: 6,478	Don't they also generally fly above the clouds? __________________

11-09-2008, 18:30	#6
TinkerBell Dirty Spammer Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In the middle! Posts: 2,454	Yeah I know, but when they take off they are still below the clouds! So this is where my question came from! This is what happens when you drive on the motorway at 8 in the morning, in the rain to the airport! __________________

11-09-2008, 18:23	#2
Knipples nipples lol (o)(o) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Brissle!!! Posts: 4,947	Um they dont actually "fly" the plane most of the time these days, a computer does it for them. They just check things and keep an eye on them. I think they do take off and landing themselves though. Thats what I was told anyway when I asked how they could fly a plane if the windows were so tiny.

11-09-2008, 19:16	#8
Goose The list is long, but distinguished Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Århus, Denmark Posts: 1,643	Anyone mind if I answer here? They do have wipers (sometimes), as they need to be able to see out when they are taxiing around (or during really slow flight, which is rare). Some planes just a jet of air instead. At high speeds, you really don't need them as the air speed is enough to clear the screen. If it's too heavy to clear that way, chances are you can't see anything anyway. And yes, they do still fly them. __________________

11-09-2008, 19:19	#9
Knipples nipples lol (o)(o) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Brissle!!! Posts: 4,947	So its not a computer and never is? (im not doubting you just wondering because thats what I was led to believe, happy to understand otherwise though )

11-09-2008, 19:20	#10
killerkebab Vodka Martini Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bristol/Reading Posts: 656	Goose has it - speed is such that any water is blown off the screen. As for takeoff/landings, my understanding is that in very low visibility conditions, IFR(Instrument Flight Rules) are in place and your progress is monitored by computers onboard and in the control tower, who feed the aircraft with optimal approach angles/speeds. __________________