US Airways - July 2012 - (Page 11)

embark Did You Know? News, Notes, and Inflight Insights What causes turbulence? By Captain Bob Skinner “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain. I’m going to turn the seat belt sign on. We’re expecting some turbulence.” No doubt these words may cause trepidation during flights, but insight into what they mean, and the reasons announcements like this are made, can help reduce concern. What is turbulence? Air turbulence is defined as “the irregular, seemingly arbitrary movement” of the air that a plane flies through. It’s caused by a variety of elements — wind blowing across hills, mountains, or canyons; the boundaries between the relatively still air and the rapidly moving jet stream at high altitudes; and the updrafts and downdrafts that occur in and near storms. Is it dangerous? Passengers are sometimes concerned that turbulence is dangerous because it might damage the aircraft. In ★ reality, turbulence poses little threat to large, modern jetliners, which are built to withstand tremendous loads and forces. The greater danger is to anyone not seated with a seat belt securely fastened when turbulence is encountered. What can you do to prevent it? While no one can prevent turbulence, we do work to avoid known areas of rough air. Our pilots and flight dispatchers go to great lengths both before and during the flight to avoid turbulence. They’re provided with some of the most modern tools — like weather radar programs with turbulence detection on board aircraft — to avoid areas of unstable air. While these prediction systems continue to advance every day, turbulence can occur on any flight, and the best defense is a properly fastened seat belt any time you’re on a plane. Why do the wings move? most aircraft wings consist of a center wing box (which the fuselage is built around) and an outer wing (cantilevered directly off of the wing box). the outer wing also serves as a sealed fuel tank. While on the ground, the wing supports forces such as the weight of the fuel and the engine, which cause the wing to bend downward. as the aircraft accelerates down the runway during takeoff, the unique shape of the wing (an airfoil) creates a lifting force greater than the downward force, causing the wing to bend upward. in flight, atmospheric disturbances can cause wings to move slightly. however, the wings are designed to flex like this to increase the longevity of the airplane. ? How are the windows constructed? The windows are made up of an inner pane, an outer pane, and a seal. The panes themselves are made of durable stretched acrylic. The tiny hole you see in the bottom center of the window is actually a vent hole through the inner pane that lets cabin pressure into the space between the two panes. If your window has some tiny scratches on it, they’re likely caused by sand, salt crystals, and other airborne particles that pass by the windows at very high speeds. And no, the windows cannot be opened! usairwaysmag.com july 2012 illustrations by nigel holmes 11 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - July 2012

US Airways - July 2012
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Beaches
Wine & Dine: Table to Farm
Adventure: Home-Court Advantage
Great Escapes: Mayan Adventure
Destination Fabulous
Gear Up: Activate!
London Calling
Room with a View
Chefs Tell: Water's Edge
Charlotte in 2012
Best of Health
Flying High in North Carolina
Charlotte U.S.A.: From Crackers to Gelato
University Spotlight: Grand Canyon University
Must Read: Better, Stronger, Faster
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace™
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - July 2012