For many, the question “How Safe Is It To Fly?” lingers in the back of their minds, especially when confronted with news of turbulent weather or challenging landing conditions. While anxieties are understandable, the reality of modern air travel is underpinned by rigorous training, advanced technology, and highly skilled professionals. To truly grasp the safety of flying, it’s insightful to delve into specific scenarios that might seem daunting, such as landing in strong crosswinds, and understand the expertise that ensures passenger safety even in these situations.
To experience a fraction of the challenges pilots face, imagine being in a state-of-the-art aircraft simulator, just like the one I encountered. Positioned in the pilot’s seat at 3,000ft, with a simulated Edinburgh Airport in sight, the task was to land with a significant 35mph crosswind. Captain Nick Heard, a pilot trainer at Skyborne Airline Academy, set this challenging scenario, typically reserved for only the most seasoned pilots, highlighting the complexities involved in maintaining control under such conditions.
Attempting to keep the simulated aircraft aligned with the runway centerline proved incredibly demanding. Every gust of wind felt palpable, pushing the virtual plane off course. The joystick’s sensitivity amplified each correction, and as the runway rapidly filled the windscreen during descent, regaining control became seemingly impossible. In a real flight situation, or even in this highly realistic simulator, safety is paramount. Captain Heard swiftly demonstrated this by initiating a “go-around,” a standard procedure where the aircraft climbs, circles, and realigns for another landing attempt. This experience underscored a crucial point: even in challenging scenarios, pilots are trained to prioritize safety and execute maneuvers to mitigate risks.
Lee Woodward, CEO of Skyborne Airline Academy, emphasized the extensive training pilots undergo to handle crosswind landings and other demanding situations. “From the start of flying training being exposed to low crosswinds, it’s going to be around six years before becoming a full captain exposed to the full crosswind limits of a modern-day airliner,” Woodward explained. This lengthy period of training reflects the dedication to safety within the aviation industry, ensuring pilots possess the expertise to manage a wide spectrum of environmental factors.
The skill required for crosswind landings is also a spectacle appreciated by aviation enthusiasts and the public alike. During Storm Éowyn, Jerry Dyer from Big Jet TV, a popular YouTube channel, set up a live stream at the outskirts of Heathrow Airport. Thousands tuned in to watch pilots expertly manage aircraft landings amidst strong crosswinds, showcasing the “crabbing” technique.
Jerry Dyer elucidates that “crabbing” involves pilots intentionally pointing the aircraft’s nose into the wind. “Instead of the aircraft coming straight [down the runway], they would face into the wind and look like they are landing sideways,” he described. This technique demands considerable skill and experience, requiring pilots to precisely judge the wind angle and apply the correct power to prevent drifting from the runway centerline. Pilots maintain this “crab” position until moments before touchdown, skillfully straightening the aircraft for a smooth and safe landing.
In conclusion, while the idea of flying through storms or landing in strong crosswinds might seem precarious, the reality is that air travel is remarkably safe. This safety is not accidental; it is the result of rigorous pilot training, sophisticated aircraft technology, and standardized safety procedures. Witnessing a crosswind landing, whether in person or through platforms like Big Jet TV, offers a powerful demonstration of pilot expertise and the robust safety measures ingrained in aviation. So, the next time you ask “how safe is it to fly?”, remember that every flight is guided by highly trained professionals adept at handling even the most challenging conditions, ensuring your journey is in safe hands.
