Airport officials were left facing a real ‘mystery’ after discovering a plane that had veered off the runway onto a patch of grass, and the pilot was nowhere to be seen
Airport officials were baffled to discover an abandonded plane “resting nose-down in the grass next to a runway” this week.
Bizarrely, the pilot was nowhere to be seen, and it became clear that the damaged plane, a small 1972 Cessna Skyhawk, had veered off the runway after having made a hard landing on Tuesday.
The empty Cessna N20392 was discovered at approximately 5am at Naples Municipal Airport in Florida, while the airport’s traffic control tower was closed from 10pm right up until 6am.
As staff were left to decipher the mystery, yet more questions emerged after security personnel reported spotting two people leaving the plane at the airport shortly after the plane landed right in the middle of the grassy field. They appeared to be unharmed.
Airport communications director Robin King said, via FOX4: “We came in at about five o’clock this morning and realised we had an aircraft in the middle of the field. Our security released two people from the airfield overnight. They were fine. They walked away, and that’s really all we know.”
FlightAware data shows that the plane circled several times over Fort Myers and again in Naples before touching down at Naples Airport, in Florida, just after 2:40 am. An airport runway had to be shut down after the unexpected discovery was made; however, normal airport operations resumed after the disabled plane was removed from the field at approximately 6:30am.
In a separate interview with WINK News, King said: “It’s unusual. It’s really unusual, and it was a mystery.” The pilot has since been identified as 24-year-old Brianna Brown, who, as reported by Local 10, “returned around midday”, by which point the aircraft had been removed from the scene by a crew and placed in a hangar for inspection. Brown has since spoken with the Naples Police Department, as well as a member of the airport operations team.
Lt. Bryan McGinn, a spokesperson for the Naples Police Department, issued the following statement: “We have since learned that the pilot slid off the runway … the pilot stated they notified staff.”
According to King, it appears that Brown rented the plane, which she flew from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, in the Fort Lauderdale area. Police officers have since filed an incident report, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified by airport authorities. King said: “The FAA will be investigating. It’s totally out of our hands at this point, and so we’re going to find out why it happened.”
Brown, of Fort Lauderdale, wasn’t injured during the incident and is understood to be cooperating with the investigation. At the time of writing, it’s unclear whether or not Brown or the other person on board, who has not been identified, faces any charges.
A female pilot has shared her experiences of breaking into the ‘challenging’ industry as a woman and has some words of advice for those who are considering the same journey as her
She shared her story to encourage others (Stock Image)(Image: yacobchuk via Getty Images)
A female pilot has urged women to chase their dreams when it comes to their careers and not be deterred by male-dominated industries. Jenna, from Manchester, shared her inspiring journey on the ‘Update Aviation’ Facebook page, hoping to motivate others to follow their passions, even if they do feel like they’re chasing an impossible dream.
She emphasised the need for resilience but reassured that there’s “always a way” to make dreams come true. She penned: “My aviation journey began from a young age when my dad would take me to the Manchester airport pub every weekend to watch the planes! After we went on our first family holiday and my first time on a plane, I knew that was a job I had to do. Ever since, I have never given up on that dream.
“I have recently completed flight school and just got my first job flying the 737! (It still doesn’t feel real.)
“I started my flight training in January 2023 on an Integrated ATPL. I went over the Phoenix AZ for 8 months to learn how to fly and can honestly say it was the most amazing time I have ever had.
“I don’t think anything will beat flying all over the desert in a little PA28 every morning.”
She added: “Although I had the time of my life at flight school, and made memories that will last forever, I think it’s important to add that it does come with its challenges, and to get to the point it took rejection, determination and a whole lot of resilience.
“My advice to lady aviators is if you have a dream of being a pilot, you owe it to yourself to pursue it! Aviation can be a challenging industry to get into, both financially and mentally. But there is always a way!
“The flight deck has a place for anyone who has the passion to be in there, regardless of who you are!
“As a female who felt nervous about going into a male-dominated industry, I have to say how welcoming I have found the aviation industry!
“I’ve made lifelong friends and feel part of a community that always helps each other out!”
In the comments section, people shared their own experiences.
One mum wrote: “My daughter’s dream is to become a pilot. She has flown two small planes from Barton airport, Manchester, and absolutely loves it. She is only 12, nearly 13, and next week she is joining the air cadets to experience that side of aviation”.
Another added: “Well done and congratulations. My son has just started with Tui as a Pilot and will be based in Manchester. It has made me realise how hard the training is and how dedicated you have to be. It’s a wonderful industry to be in. Enjoy every minute,” a dad praised.
Someone else chimed in: “Well done to you. Absolutely fantastic. You show those stripes with pride, hun. Hard work pays off.”
Whilst another penned: “Well done Jenna you will never look back to what you have achieved I just love flying. Hope you’re flying one of my holidays”.
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(It still doesn't feel real.)\"]}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"BoxStyles_box-container__Qk3WH BoxStyles_commercial__Wo6Z4 undefined\",\"data-testid\":\"commercial-3\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L76\",null,{\"location\":\"article-body\",\"position\":3,\"hide\":false,\"features\":\"$207\"}]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"\\\"I started my flight training in January 2023 on an Integrated ATPL. 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\",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"\\\"I don't think anything will beat flying all over the desert in a little PA28 every morning.\\\"\"]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"She added: \\\"Although I had the time of my life at flight school, and made memories that will last forever, I think it's important to add that it does come with its challenges, and to get to the point it took rejection, determination and a whole lot of resilience.\"]}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"BoxStyles_box-container__Qk3WH BoxStyles_commercial__Wo6Z4 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src=\\\"https://connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1\u0026version=v23.0\u0026appId=APP_ID\\\"\u003e\u003c/script\u003e\\n\\n\u003cdiv class=\\\"fb-post\\\" data-href=\\\"https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1207999678038461\u0026amp;id=100064853194109\u0026amp;mibextid=wwXIfr\u0026amp;rdid=7OOAPdW46Xt3iyKu#\\\" data-width=\\\"500\\\" data-show-text=\\\"true\\\"\u003e\u003cblockquote cite=\\\"https://www.facebook.com/updateaviation/posts/1207999678038461\\\" class=\\\"fb-xfbml-parse-ignore\\\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Hello! My name is Jenna and I am from Manchester in the UK\\n\\nMy aviation journey began from a young age when my dad...\u003c/p\u003ePosted by \u003ca href=\\\"https://www.facebook.com/updateaviation\\\"\u003eUpdate Aviation\u003c/a\u003e on\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\\\"https://www.facebook.com/updateaviation/posts/1207999678038461\\\"\u003eSaturday 27 September 2025\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\",\"rightHandRailEnabled\":true,\"publication\":\"mirror\",\"dataTmDataTrack\":\"content-unit\",\"dataTmdatatrackType\":\"facebook_post\"}]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"\\\"My advice to lady aviators is if you have a dream of being a pilot, you owe it to yourself to pursue it! Aviation can be a challenging industry to get into, both financially and mentally. But there is always a way!\"]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"\\\"The flight deck has a place for anyone who has the passion to be in there, regardless of who you are!\"]}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"BoxStyles_box-container__Qk3WH BoxStyles_commercial__Wo6Z4 undefined\",\"data-testid\":\"commercial-5\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L76\",null,{\"location\":\"article-body\",\"position\":5,\"hide\":false,\"features\":\"$207\"}]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"\\\"As a female who felt nervous about going into a male-dominated industry, I have to say how welcoming I have found the aviation industry!\"]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"\\\"I've made lifelong friends and feel part of a community that always helps each other out!\\\"\"]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"In the comments section, people shared their own experiences.\"]}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"BoxStyles_box-container__Qk3WH BoxStyles_commercial__Wo6Z4 undefined\",\"data-testid\":\"commercial-6\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L76\",null,{\"location\":\"article-body\",\"position\":6,\"hide\":false,\"features\":\"$207\"}]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"One mum wrote: \\\"My daughter's dream is to become a pilot. She has flown two small planes from Barton airport, Manchester, and absolutely loves it. She is only 12, nearly 13, and next week she is joining the air cadets to experience that side of aviation\\\".\"]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"Another added: \\\"Well done and congratulations. My son has just started with Tui as a Pilot and will be based in Manchester. It has made me realise how hard the training is and how dedicated you have to be. It's a wonderful industry to be in. Enjoy every minute,\\\" a dad praised.\"]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"Someone else chimed in: \\\"Well done to you. Absolutely fantastic. You show those stripes with pride, hun. Hard work pays off.\\\"\"]}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"BoxStyles_box-container__Qk3WH BoxStyles_commercial__Wo6Z4 undefined\",\"data-testid\":\"commercial-7\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L76\",null,{\"location\":\"article-body\",\"position\":1000,\"hide\":false,\"features\":\"$207\"}]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \",\"data-testid\":null,\"data-tmdatatrack\":\"content-unit\",\"data-tmdatatrack-type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[\"Whilst another penned: \\\"Well done Jenna you will never look back to what you have achieved I just love flying. 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Ever wondered why there’s specific times during your air travel when you can’t use the toilet on-board? Now pilot Steve revealed the ‘dangerous’ reason behind it…
Christine Younan Deputy Editor Social Newsdesk
07:07, 20 Sep 2025Updated 08:06, 20 Sep 2025
There’s a reason you can’t pee when the plane is sometimes stationary(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It can be frustrating to sit strapped to your seat on the plane then all of a sudden, nature calls. There are secret areas passengers aren’t allowed anywhere near, but the toilet, surely not?
But if you’re a regular air traveller, you kind of know the deal by now. The cabin crew talk you through the safety, then you’re asked to fasten your seatbelt. This might all be familiar to many, but occasionally what happens is, we need to use the loo. Now one pilot revealed the ‘dangerous’ reason this is not always allowed in a post which went viral on TikTok.
American Airlines captain Steve, who boasts 401,000 followers on the platform, has been doing a Q&A series with his many fans.
Recently one person asked: “Why can’t I pee while the plane is stationary on the ground?”
The pilot explained the reason and it’s mainly because if one person does it, everyone follows…
Content cannot be displayed without consent
He said: “Well, LAX tie 23, because if you get up to go to the bathroom, then everybody else is going to get up and go to the bathroom.
“And we’re taxiing on an active runway or taxiway and one of the most dangerous times of flights is actually during taxiing, because if I have to hit the brakes and you’re standing up in the aisle, you’re going to fall.
“You’re going to hit your head on something. If you’re in the bathroom, good things are not going to happen in there.
“Have I had people get up and have to go use the bathroom? Yes, sometimes nature calls and you can’t hold it off anymore.”
He also explained how the pilot would usually have to stop until the traveller comes out of the bathroom and returns to their seat.
“It holds up the entire airport. It’s really a hassle when that happens,” he concluded.
Further on in the video, the pilot then began discussing safety briefings and making jokes with colleagues.
But since he shared the information on the toilet trouble, many people fled to the comments section as the post racked up nearly 2,900 likes.
One said: “Thank you for your wonderful, informative post!” Another added: “I’ll admit I’ve done that before… I was on a Southwest flight and we were holding before the runway and I had to pee…”
A third commented: “Take it from an FA. That’s so true.”
Sept. 12 (UPI) — Two California-based tech firms on Friday joined a Federal Aviation Administration pilot program meant to speed up the delivery of advanced air mobility vehicles, commonly known as air taxis, the agency said.
The Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program will include at least five separate projects, the FAA said in a statement.
Both Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are joining the public-private pilot program. The companies are primarily focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing technology.
The goal of the pilot program is to “form public-private partnerships with state and local government entities and private sector companies to develop new frameworks and regulations for enabling safe operations,” the FAA said in the statement.
Individual projects under the pilot program will focus separately on short-range air taxis, cargo aircraft, logistics and supply serving emergency management and medical transport, longer-range, fixed wing flights and increased automation safety, according to the FAA.
“This pilot program gives us another opportunity to advance the administration’s plan to accelerate safe eVTOL and advanced air mobility operations across the United States,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in the agency’s statement.
“We will take the lessons learned from these projects to enable safe, scalable AAM operations nationwide.”
The pilot program will run for a minimum of three years.
“The next great technological revolution in aviation is here. The United States will lead the way, and doing so will cement America’s status as a global leader in transportation innovation,” Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in the FAA’s statement.
Both private companies saw their stock prices climb following the announcement.
Shares of San Jose-based Archer Aviation were up $0.13 or 1.53% to $8.62 as of 12:56 p.m. EDT Friday.
The company’s CEO Adam Goldstein called the announcement a “landmark moment” for the country and industry.
“We have an administration that is prioritizing the integration of eVTOL operations in U.S. cities ahead of full certification in a pragmatic way. We’ll demonstrate that air taxis can operate safely and quietly,” Goldstein said in a statement on the company’s website.
“These early flights will help cement American leadership in advanced aviation and set the stage for scaled commercial operations in the U.S. and beyond.”
Joby Aviation shares were up $0.37 or 2.71% to $14.03 at the same time.
“President Trump has long recognized the significance of America’s leadership in the next era of aviation and this initiative ensures our nation’s leadership will continue,” Joby Aviation Chief Policy Officer Greg Bowles said in a statement on the company’s website.
“We’ve spent more than 15 years building the aircraft technology and operational capabilities that are defining advanced aerial mobility, and we’re ready to bring our services to communities. We look forward to demonstrating our aircraft’s maturity and delivering early operations in cities and states nationwide.”
Aug. 29 (UPI) — Randy “Duke” Cunningham, a decorated Vietnam War pilot and U.S. House member convicted of corruption, has died. He was 83.
Cunningham, the inspiration fo Tom Cruise‘s character Maverick in the film Top Gun, died Wednesday at a hospital in Little Rock, Ark., after an illness, the San Diego Union reported.
He represented the San Diego area in Congress for 15 years until 1990,
In 2005, Cunningham pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges and spent 8 1/2 years in prison, mostly at a minimum-security work camp in Tucson, Ariz. He admitted to accepting $2.4 million in illegal gifts from defense contractors in exchange for government contracts and other favors.
“The truth is, I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my office,” Cunningham told reporters in a tearful downtown San Diego news conference on the day he pleaded guilty. “I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions and, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family. … In my life I have had great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame.”
Two defense contractors were sentenced in 2008 for bribery.
Brent Wilkes was sentencted to 12 years in prison for giving money, prostitutes and other bribes in exchange for securing $90 million in Pentagon work for his document scanning company.
It was considered the largest bribery scandal in congression history.
He was released from prison in 2013 and went to a halfway house in New Orleans.
Cunningam moved to nearby Little Rock.
On the day President Donald Trump left office on Jan. 20, 2021, he pardoned Cunningham, noting he tutored inmates while in prison and volunteered for a local fire department. The pardon forgives the offense and restores civil rights, including the right to vote or hold public office.
Former Rep. Duncan Hunter Sr. visited his former colleague just last week.
“Duke was a wonderful guy, and he was a wonderful friend,” Hunter said .”His legacy is as one of the great fighter pilots of his era, but Duke’s more special than that. He was flying off the Constellation on a daily basis even when the politicians had given up on the Vietnam War.”
Cunningham, who shared a nickname with the Hollywood icon John Wayne, was born in Los Angeles on Dec. 8, 1941, one day after Japanese fighters attacked Pearl Harbor.
After his family moved to Missouri, he attended the University of Missouri, earning degrees in education and physical education.
In 1967, he joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
He earned the Navy Cross and two Silver Stars. He flew F4 Panthom jets.
“With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he continued his attack through a hail of cannon fire to rescue his wingman,” the citation for one of his Silver Stars read.
“We flew 170 combat missions together and we were in some pretty harrowing situations,” Willy Driscoll, the only other naval aviator to earn ace designation during the Vietnam era, said. “Randy was the consummate professional as an aviator, constantly working to improve his knowledge of fighter tactics and committed to excellence in the air at all times.”
He rose to the rank of commander before retiring in 1967.
Cunningham became a political commentator on national television.
He decided to run against House Democrat Jim Bates, who was accused of sexual harassment.
In the left-learning 44th District, he promised to be a “congressman we can be proud of.” He won the race by 1 percentage point in 1990.
Cunningham lived on a boat on the Potomac River — “The Duke-Stir” — that was owned by a defense contractor.
He became chairman of a subcommittee that put him in control of billions of dollars in defense spending.
The San Diego Union reported a defense contractor had purchased Cunningham’s home for $1.7 million, which was several hundred thousand dollars above comparable homes.
The newspaper then reported he also accepted millions of dollars in bribes. The Union-Tribune and its news organization, Copley News Service, were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting.
“Probably the legacy he leaves is a reminder that the public square and public office can be very corrupting,” Marcus Stern, one of the reporters who broke the stories on Cunningham, said. “You go to Washington as a congressperson, and everything can become very tempting. He succumbed to it – but a lot of other people have as well.”
Jerry Adler
Actor Jerry Adler arrives for the Season 4 premiere screening of “Rescue Me” in New York City on June 4, 2007. Adler, best known for playing Hesh in “The Sopranos,” died at the age of 96 on August 23.Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 22 (UPI) — The man believed to be the last surviving World War II official American ace naval fighter pilot has died at age 103.
Described in his legacy.com page as a compassionate and humble soul, Don McPherson, of Nebraska, died Aug. 14.
McPherson enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 1943 and was qualified for a naval aviator’s golden wings and an ensign’s commission in August 1944.
He was posted in February of 1945 aboard an aircraft carrier as part of a fighter squadron equipped with Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat planes. McPherson served in the war campaign on Okinawa, Japan, in which he was credited with five aerial victories and bestowed flying ace status.
McPherson left active service in November of that year, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and three gold stars. He then completed his Navy Reserve obligation in October of 1956.
Nearly 60 years later, McPherson was named to the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame in January of 2015, and then in May of that year was one of 37 fighter aces presented with the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington.
McPherson also had a final Hellcat flight, as at age 102 he flew a restored fighter. He turned 103 in May and died last week in his home state.
“As we’ve celebrated 80 years of WWII victory, I’ve been humbled by the incredible stories of service members like Donald McPherson — who was America’s last-living WWII Ace,” Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen wrote on X Wednesday. “After bravely serving our country, he committed himself to his faith, his family, and his Nebraska community.”
“Donald McPherson built an amazing legacy in our state — and will forever be an American hero,” he concluded.
A pilot shared a warning to all passengers travelling to their dream destination by air, as he said there is one thing he would never touch on a plane no matter what
He says it’s better to leave it alone than take the risk (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Everyone eagerly awaits their summer getaway – but an airline pilot issued a crucial warning to all travellers heading to their ideal destination by air. He revealed the one thing he would never utilise on an aircraft despite it being designed purely for passenger comfort and convenience.
In a TikTok clip, the pilot, known online as @captain.steeeve8, declared: “Stop putting personal items in the seat back pocket in front of you. If you want to lose it, and never see it again, put it in that dark hole that is the seat back pocket in front of you.
“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve spoken to who have got off the plane and left something personal in the seat back pocket.”
He continues by explaining how retrieving your belongings becomes virtually impossible unless the aircraft remains at the gate and you’ve only just disembarked moments earlier.
Captain Steve added: “The odds diminish that every minute that ticks if you leave that seat and you leave [your items] in that back hole of disappear.”
Responding to his post, one user commented: “My teacher was grading our tests on a plane and put them all, the whole grades math tests in the seat pocket. She forgot them there, we all got an A+.”
Another user added: “Great advices and awesome information as always! Thank you very much! Any tips flying your pets with you?”
A third user said: “Yes all great ideas. Lost my 3D Sudoko book left in the seat pocket! Had to wait for Xmas to get the next volume – done book per year. Was so peeved!” Another user lamented: “Pocket – lost my kindle that way.”
This follows a warning from a flight attendant who advised passengers to avoid washing their hands in aeroplane toilets, suggesting the use of hand sanitiser instead.
The cabin crew member, known as @cherdallas on TikTok, revealed: “I’ve seen people vomit inside the bathroom sinks numerous times so if you drop sometimes in there, I would consider it a loss.
“Never ever have I seen the sinks get cleaned out. The sink water that you wash your hands with is also filthy.
“You’re not allowed to drink it because it has too much bacteria in it so washing your hands with it is probably not great.
“I don’t know what’s in it but it constantly degrades my nails and makes them extremely brittle whether I have paint on them, gel or dip, it completely degrades the outside of it.”
The aviator lost consciousness while in the cockpit of the budget airline’s service from Barcelona to Porto, a source from the National Institute of Medical Emergencies said
The flight took off on Sunday morning(Image: NurPhoto/PA Images)
A pilot fainted while flying a Ryanair plane on Sunday, according to reports.
The aviator lost consciousness while in the cockpit of the budget airline’s service from Barcelona to Porto, a source from the National Institute of Medical Emergencies told Portugal Resident. At 8:19 a.m. on Sunday, August 10, the pilot suffered “a rapidly recovering syncope” and “apparently recovered during the flight,” the publication reported.
The plane was safely landed(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
An ambulance from the Moreira da Maia Fire Department and a medical vehicle, emergency vehicle (VMER) from the Pedro Hispano Hospital went to Sá Carneiro Airport to meet the plane. “The pilot received assistance on the spot, but refused to go to the hospital and stayed at the airport,” the National Institute of Medical Emergencies said, according to Portugal Resident.
Despite the medical incident, flight data show that the only Ryanair flight that arrived this Sunday morning at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport from Barcelona (Spain) was flight FR 4587, which arrived at 8:35 a.m. at Terminal 1, as it had been scheduled to do.
The Mirror put the claims to Ryanair’s press office. A spokesperson for the airline said: “Ryanair has procedures and training in place to deal with situations where a pilot becomes unwell in flight. This flight from Barcelona to Porto (10 Aug), landed safely at Porto Airport.”
Holidaymakers going to Spain this month are facing a fresh blow as new strikes have been announced affecting major airports and airlines across parts of the country. The UGT union previously stated there will be a series of strikes affecting Ryanair’s baggage handling department.
Menzies services a number of major airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Norwegian. The UGT union said the strike by ground staff of the Menzies group will affect five Spanish airports, including Barcelona-El Prat, Alicante, Palma, Malaga and Tenerife South, on August 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31.
U.S. teenage pilot Ethan Guo pictured beside his Cessna Skyline at Geneva Airport, Switzerland, in August 2024, before taking off for Greece on another leg of his solo round-the-world odyssey to raise money for childhood cancer research. File Photo by Savatore di Nolfi/EPA
Aug. 12 (UPI) — American social media influencer and pilot Ethan Guo, who is circumnavigating the globe to raise money for childhood cancer research, was facing expulsion from Chile’s Antarctic region after charges that he landed on a remote island without permission were dropped.
Guo, 19, from California, was ordered by a judge on Monday to leave King George Island, make a $30,000 donation to a children’s cancer foundation and prohibited from re-entering Chilean airspace for three years.
Setting off from Memphis, Tenn., in May 2024, Guo’s attempt to raise $1 million for the city’s St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by becoming the youngest person to solo fly to all seven continents ran into trouble in June when he allegedly diverted 770 miles to the island from Punta Arenas in the far south of Chile.
The General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics said Guo amended his flight plan for his Cessna 182 after departing Punta Arenas “without notifying the respective air traffic control centers of the airport” and accused him of providing false flight plan information to officials when he was detained at Teniente R. Marsh Airport.
Regional prosecutor Cristian Crisosto Rifo said at the time that Guo had submitted a flight plan that involved flying over the city of Punta Arenas and that by departing from the route without informing anyone, had “seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region.”
He was also alleged to have breached international law, with the GDCA saying “the unauthorized operation at the airfield in Antarctica also implied non-compliance with the Antarctic Statute.”
The 1959 treaty governs international relations with regard to the seventh continent.
After having formal charges laid against him on June 29, one of which carried jail time, Guo was freed but ordered to remain in Chile pending the outcome of an investigation.
Guo’s legal team argued that he was forced to make the diversion due to unforeseen complications during what they termed an “exploratory” test flight.
The teen, whose record-breaking feat is being tracked by at least 1.7 million followers on Instagram, TikTok and other social media, had already visited the six other continents before he ran afoul of the Chilean authorities.
Guo launched the fundraising effort after his cousin was diagnosed with Stage -4 blood cancer.
ccording to Wildfoot Travel, a travel expert, even seasoned pilots acknowledge that the world’s southernmost continent presents some of the most unpredictable and unforgiving flying conditions on the planet
16:26, 28 Jul 2025Updated 16:27, 28 Jul 2025
Who knew pilots had to suffer so much? (Image: Getty Images)
Despite having over 10,000 flight hours and two decades of global flying experience, one commercial airline pilot says there’s one place he still avoids.
It’s not because of fear of flying, but because the conditions are simply too extreme.
The place is Antarctica. According to Wildfoot Travel, a travel expert, even seasoned pilots acknowledge that the world’s southernmost continent presents some of the most unpredictable and unforgiving flying conditions on the planet — which is exactly why most tourists don’t fly in on commercial aircraft, but arrive by specialist expedition vessels.
Richard Wells, 54, is a retired long-haul pilot from Kent who spent over 22 years flying internationally across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. With over 10,000 hours in the air, he’s experienced nearly every type of flight scenario — but he draws the line at Antarctica.
There are penguins to be spotted if you can face the journey to Antarctica (Image: Chardine Photography)
“I’ve flown into mountainous regions, remote islands and through tropical storms. But Antarctica? That’s different. Weather changes with no warning, there are no proper runways in most areas, and if something goes wrong — there’s no backup. It’s not worth the risk,” he said.
While a limited number of flights do operate into the continent, particularly to King George Island, these are highly regulated and weather-dependent, with frequent delays and cancellations due to sudden whiteouts, high winds, and near-zero visibility. Commercial airline pilots do not fly there. Only highly specialised charter flights or military and scientific missions operate in the region.
Wells added: “There’s no margin for error. The infrastructure is minimal, and even experienced flight crews have limited options if conditions deteriorate mid-flight. That’s not something I’d ever gamble with.”
In addition to visibility and runway issues, the lack of air traffic control, unpredictable jet streams, and absence of emergency diversion routes all add to the risk.
Despite the aviation challenges, Antarctica remains a dream destination for thousands of British tourists every year.
Wildfoot Travel, a travel expert, reports a sharp increase in interest for 2025 departures, especially for those seeking to explore the continent’s wildlife, towering glaciers, and surreal landscapes without relying on direct air access.
Their most popular options include:
Small-ship cruises from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage
Fly-cruise hybrids, where travellers fly to King George Island and board an expedition vessel
Extended voyages including the Falklands and South Georgia, known for penguin megacolonies and elephant seals
All itineraries are supported by expert guides, marine biologists, and ice navigation crews trained specifically for polar conditions. Passengers also benefit from daily landings, often by Zodiac boat, with chances to see Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, whales, leopard seals, and towering icebergs up close — something impossible to do by air alone.
Antarctica is not only the coldest and windiest continent, but also one of the most aviation-unfriendly. There are no large-scale commercial airports, minimal navigation aids, and the environment can shift rapidly with little warning. Temperatures regularly affect flight instruments and engines, and strong katabatic winds can make landings unsafe with little notice.
All expeditions follow strict IAATO environmental protocols, ensuring safe and responsible tourism in this fragile ecosystem.
July 21 (UPI) — A SkyWest flight performed an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a collision with another aircraft on the same flight course.
The SkyWest flight departed from Minnesota to North Dakota on Friday when a B-52 bomber “became visible in their flight path” as it prepared to land in Minot International Airport.
The pilot was then forced to perform “a go-around” to avoid collision with the aircraft.
“Given his speed … I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us, I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it,” the pilot said, according to video of his announcement to passengers. “So sorry about the aggressive maneuver, it caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all. I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up, because the Air Force base does have radar … long story short, it was not fun, but I do apologize for it and thank you for understanding. Not a … not a fun day at work.”
The pilot added that controllers at the airport rely on visuals to make calls as it does not have radar.
“I just remember the plane going, sideways and just looking straight out the window and just seeing grass, like you weren’t seeing the skyline anymore,” said Monica Green who shared video of the pilot’s apology to social media.
Both SkyWest and the Air Force announced they were investigating the incident.
“We are aware of the recent reporting regarding commercial and Air Force aircraft operating in airspace around Minot International Airport. We are currently looking into the matter. We can confirm that a B-52 aircraft assigned to Minot AFB conducted a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair Friday evening,” an Air Force spokesperson said
Two groups of commercial pilots reject initial probe into the deadly June 12 crash, calling it a ‘reckless and unfounded insinuation’.
Two groups of commercial pilots have rejected claims that human error caused an Air India plane crash that killed 260 people after a preliminary investigation found the aircraft’s engine fuel switches had been turned off.
The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) issued statements on Sunday after the release of the initial findings, which showed that fuel control switches to the engines of Flight AI171 were moved from the “run” to the “cutoff” position moments before last month’s deadly impact.
The report sparked speculation by several independent aviation experts that deliberate or inadvertent pilot action may have caused the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to crash soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad in western India.
Flight AI171 was headed to London’s Gatwick Airport when it crashed on June 12.
The report on the crash, issued on Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), did not offer any conclusions or apportion blame for the disaster but indicated that one pilot asked the other why he cut off the fuel and the second pilot responded that he had not.
After the switches flipped, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner immediately began to lose thrust and altitude, according to the report.
One pilot can be heard on the cockpit voice recorder asking the other why he had cut off the fuel. “The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” the report said.
It did not identify which remarks were made by the flight’s captain and which by the first officer or which pilot transmitted “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” just before the crash.
No more details about the cockpit dialogue between the pilots were revealed.
The ICPA said it was “deeply disturbed by speculative narratives, … particularly the reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide”.
“There is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage,” it said in a statement. “It is deeply insensitive to the individuals and families involved.
“To casually suggest pilot suicide without verified evidence is a gross violation of ethical reporting and a disservice to the dignity of the profession.”
The ICPA was referring to a number of aviation experts suggesting engine fuel control switches can only be moved deliberately and manually.
(Al Jazeera)
United States-based aviation safety expert John Cox earlier said a pilot would not be able to accidentally move the fuel switches that feed the engines. “You can’t bump them and they move,” he told the Reuters news agency.
ALPA India, which has 800 members, also accused the investigative agency of “secrecy” surrounding the investigation, saying “suitably qualified personnel” were not involved in it.
“We feel that the investigation is being driven in a direction presuming the guilt of pilots and we strongly object to this line of thought,” ALPA India President Sam Thomas said in a statement issued on Saturday.
ALPA requested the AAIB be included as “observers so as to provide the requisite transparency in the investigations”.
Meanwhile, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the probe into last month’s crash is far from over and it is unwise to jump to any premature conclusions.
Wilson added: “The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over.”
The crash killed all but one of the 242 people on board as well as 19 people on the ground.
In recent years, several experienced members of aircrew have provided the public with tips of dos and don’ts whilst onboard an aircraft
A pilot has said people shouldn’t wear flipflops on planes (stock)(Image: Getty)
A pilot has warned travellers not to wear flipflops on aircraft in case they have to evacuate the plane during an emergency.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Captain Steeeve discussed what people shouldn’t do before they fly, including advice about the kind of clothing passengers should wear.
He said that while it can be tempting to dress for the destination, it is far better to dress for the aircraft — specifically, for the possibility of having to evacuate.
The reason for this, the experienced pilot said, is to help protect the body in the event of leaving via the emergency slides and to help someone run from the aircraft as quickly as possible.
The pilot recommended wearing long sleeved cotton clothing (stock)
He explained: “You need to think about the journey — that journey might be interrupted with some sort of emergency evacuation out of an airplane. Here’s my suggestion to you: Wear cotton clothing that covers your body completely — long sleeves, jeans are fine — and then some sort of tie-up shoe. Why? Because it’s going to stay on your foot.
“If you have to get out of that seat, you have to get down the emergency slide. You want cotton because it’s going to absorb the heat, and you also want those shoes to stay on your feet because you might have to flee from the airplane.
“I know you don’t want to think about it, but it might just save your life. So dress to evacuate from an airplane.”
Captain Steeeve isn’t the only person offering guidance on the dos and don’ts for passengers travelling by air. Last year, a flight attendant warned people not to use the toilet paper on aircraft.
A variety of aircrew have offered a range of tips for flyers (stock)
Taking to TikTok, flight attendant Cher Dallas advised passengers to use a packet of Kleenex instead, because of the potential for other people’s waste to be on the paper.
She explained: “I do not use toilet paper on the plane — and hear me out, because I do wipe. But if you examine the toilet paper, I promise you’re gonna see water droplets on it — or what you think are water droplets.
“I don’t think we can trust most men to make it in the toilet on a normal day, let alone flying at 36,000 feet with turbulence. So I just tell all my ladies: just use the Kleenex instead.”
Cher also recommended not wearing shorts on flights, both to avoid getting cold from the air conditioning and to prevent friction burns if you end up going down the emergency slide.
A woman has shared the reality of being married to a pilot – and it’s not what you might think, with a particular regime she has to do every morning for her husband
A woman revealed what it’s really like to be married to a pilot(Image: Getty Images)
Ever wondered what it’s like to be married to a pilot? A woman has shared a glimpse into her life with her pilot husband, and there’s one thing she has to do every morning.
While we might assume that being married to a pilot comes with perks such as luxurious trips and free travel, the reality seems quite different. Ashton, known as @ashtonvonkessler on TikTok, took to the social media platform to reveal the reality.
In a TikTok video that went viral with over 300K likes and almost 500 comments, Ashton can be seen waking up at unusual hours to drive her husband to the airport. Ensuring he arrives for his shift before sunrise, she can be seen donning cosy wear and her hair tied up in a messy bun for the drive, showing the reality of their early morning routine.
At the end of the clip, Ashton kisses her husband as he waves goodbye to start his next shift. Rain or shine, Ashton is committed to waking up at all hours to ensure her husband gets to work.
Being married to a pilot isn’t as glamorous as you might think(Image: Getty Images)
Captioning the video, Ashton wrote: “You married a pilot, so you also signed up for the 5am drop-offs.” She also mentioned that she asked him to wake her up five minutes before they needed to leave so she could find her slippers.
Life as a pilot’s wife seems rather hectic, especially when early morning airport drop-offs are part of the routine. It’s a commitment to seriously early starts for life.
Since sharing the video, hundreds of people have commented, asking all sorts of questions. Many even expressed their interest in dating a pilot themselves.
One social media user quipped: “Him driving y’all to the airport only for yourself to drive yourself back home is so unbelievably accurate.” Echoing the sentiment, another chimed in: “As a pilot daughter, valid.”
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A third person joined in with a laugh: “Haha, this is so accurate, and the slippers too.” On a different note, a fourth shared: “Lol, don’t worry that stops when you have kids. The kids love picking him up though.”
Ashton also opened up to her followers about her husband’s journey to becoming a pilot, which took four years, and gushed that they’re super happy together. Regarding those late-night airport runs, she revealed they typically happen at 11pm, leading to some seriously long days.
She further reassured curious commenters that despite the odd hours, they manage plenty of quality time together. In response to queries about their time spent together, Ashton disclosed: “Almost everyday. He is only gone a couple of days at a time, and I follow him on trips sometimes.”
Nobody wants to experience turbulence on a plane but according to one pilot there’s a key mistake that people make which could make the experience even scarier
Turbulence can be scary but it isn’t always dangerous(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Turbulence during a flight can be quite scary for passengers, but one pilot has revealed that there are three key mistakes flyers make on planes that can actually make it a lot worse.
Although it can feel stomach-churning, in the majority of cases, turbulence isn’t actually dangerous and usually just means you’ll have a few spilled drinks or dropped belongings. However, according to one pilot, passengers who ignore one warning could actually be putting themselves in harm’s way.
Retired commercial airline pilot Richard Wells, 54, revealed that people often unbuckle their seatbelt just because the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign is off. He told Ski Vertigo: “Just because the light’s off doesn’t mean it’s smooth flying. I’ve seen passengers thrown upwards during sudden drops because they weren’t strapped in.”
Turbulence occurs when the aircraft hits strong wind currents that can push or pull the plane. Most of the time it can be detected by radars, but there is also ‘clear air turbulence’ that isn’t picked up, and therefore can occur without warning even when skies appear fine. So if you don’t have your seatbelt buckled, you may get thrown around more than your fellow travellers.
There are ways to keep yourself as safe as possible during a bumpy flight(Image: Getty Images)
This is why most pilots recommend keeping your seatbelt loosely fastened at all times when seated, not just during turbulence or announcements. In fact, data shows that the majority of turbulence-related injuries involve passengers or crew who weren’t secured.
Unsurprisingly, getting out of your seat during turbulence is not recommended, but some people still choose to ignore the warnings to go to the toilet, or get something out from the overheard lockers.
Richard warned: “If the seatbelt sign is on, don’t get up—no matter how quick you think it’ll be. We’ve had people lose their balance, fall into others, or get hit by objects falling from the compartments.” If you need to move, for example for a medical reasons, he recommends waiting for the crew’s guidance.
Of course when turbulence does happen it can be terrifying, but panicking won’t help. In fact, it could make the experience that little bit worse for you. “Turbulence feels dramatic, but planes are built to handle it. It’s no more than a bump in the road, structurally,” Richard explained.
“When passengers scream or panic, it creates unnecessary tension throughout the cabin.” He suggests breathing deeply, relaxing your posture, and distracting yourself with music, a book or light conversation. In more severe turbulence, brace gently against the seat in front if advised, and always follow crew instructions.
Ultimately, if you’ve got your seatbelt fastened and you listen to the crew, it can keep any stress to a minimum. If you do face a bumpy ride, it doesn’t mean you need to instantly worry. “Planes are engineered for far worse than the turbulence most passengers experience,” Richard reassured. “It’s not dangerous, it’s discomforting. The key is staying buckled and level-headed.”
Have you experienced scary turbulence on a flight? Email us at [email protected]
A F-16 fighter jets takes off from Volkel Air Base in Volkel, the Netherlands, headed for Ukraine on May 25. The Netherlands has pledged 24 F-16s to Ukraine, adding to those it received from the United States. A Ukrainian F-16 pilot died Sunday in an attack from Russia. Photo by Robin Van Lonkhuijsen
June 29 (UPI) — A Ukrainian F-16 pilot died overnight Sunday during one of Russia’s largest attacks since the invasion in 2022 that included several hundred drones and missiles, Ukraine‘s Air Force said.
Lt. Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, 31, died after his fighter jet was damaged trying to intercept Russian missiles and drones, Ukraine’s Air Force said. Ustymenko, who destroyed seven enemy air targets and managed to steer his jet away from populated areas but didn’t eject in time.
“Ustymenko did everything possible, but his jet was damaged and started losing altitude. He died like a hero!” Ukrainian military officials said.
Ustymenko became Ukraine’s third F-16 pilot to die in combat since the nation added U.S.-made planes last year.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 537 missiles and drones, including 477 Shad-type attack drones and decoys launched into Russian-occupied Crimea, the Kiev Post reported from the military. Of those, 475 were shot down, including Shahed drones and 225 drones suppressed by electronic warfare.
Russia’s missile attack lasted nearly three hours and the drone siege went on for almost 10 hours.
A Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Kirovske airfield in Crimea destroyed several helicopters and an air defense system, the Security Service of Ukraine said.
“The SBU is systematically working to reduce the Russian Federation’s capabilities to carry out air and bombing strikes on the territory of Ukraine,” the military said. “The occupiers must realize that their expensive military equipment and ammunition are not protected anywhere: neither on the front line, nor in temporarily occupied territories, nor in the enemy’s deep rear.”
The agency said Mi-8, Mi-26 and Mi-28 helicopters were destroyed.
A dozen Ukrainians were injured in attacks against infrastructure, residential buildings and storage buildings in Lviv, Poltava, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Kyiv.
Several explosions were reported in Kremenchuk and Lviv. And an industrial facility in the Poltava region caught fire as a result, officials said.
A production site in Zaporizhzhia also was damaged.
Russia, under Russian President Vladimir Putin, has increased its attacks on Ukraine’s cities during a summer offensive, Politico Europe reported.
“Just this week alone, there have been more than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs,” Zelensky said on Telegram. “Putin long ago decided he would keep waging war, despite the world’s calls for peace.”
Neighboring Poland, a member of NATO, scrambled jets and activated its ground-based air defense system, its military said.
Zelensky urged more protection from its allies, including ballistic missiles, and efforts to end the war.
“Ukraine must strengthen its air defense — the thing that best protects lives,” Zelensky said. “These are American systems, which we are ready to buy. We count on leadership, political will, and the support of the United States, Europe, and all our partners. I thank everyone who is helping.”
Last week during the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. might be able to provide anti-ballistic missiles.
“We’re going to see if we can make some available,” Trump said. “They’re very hard to get. We need them too. We were supplying them to Israel, and they’re very effective. A hundred percent effective — hard to believe how effective.”
The F-16 is a single-engine, single-seat supersonic jets have been produced by Lockheed Martin since 1976.
Maksym Ustimenko’s aircraft shot down seven air targets before losing altitude and crashing, the air force says.
Ukraine has lost an F-16 aircraft and its pilot while repelling a Russian missile and drone strike, according to the war-torn country’s air force.
After shooting down seven air targets, the plane was damaged and lost altitude overnight, the Ukrainian military said in a statement published on Telegram on Sunday.
“This night, while repelling a massive enemy air attack, a pilot of the 1st class, Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustimenko, born in 1993, died on an F-16 aircraft,” it said.
In a separate statement, the air force said Russia launched 537 projectiles against Ukraine, including Shahed drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukraine claimed to have intercepted 475 of them.
According to the Kyiv Independent newspaper, the sound of explosions and strikes was reported in multiple areas across the country, including in southern Mykolaiv, southeastern Zaporizhia and western Lviv.
Residents stand in front of their apartment building damaged during Russian drone and missile strikes in Smila, Cherkasy region [Handout/Press service of Ukrainian police in Cherkasy via Reuters]
Ihor Taburets, the governor of central Ukraine’s Cherkasy region, said at least six people were injured and civilian infrastructure was damaged in attacks. Three multistorey buildings and a college were damaged in the attack, he said.
Industrial facilities were hit in the southern Ukrainian region of Mykolaiv and the central Dnipropetrovsk region, officials say. Local authorities published photos of high-rise residential buildings with charred walls and broken windows, and rescuers evacuating people.
In Russia, the Ministry of Defence said its forces destroyed three Ukrainian drones in the border regions of Kursk and Rostov, and in Ukraine’s annexed Crimean Peninsula.
The latest wave of violence comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he intended to scale back military expenditure and also indicated he was ready for a new round of peace negotiations with Ukraine.
In the past months, Moscow and Kyiv have sent delegations twice to the Turkish city of Istanbul for peace talks, but have made no progress towards ending the conflict, which started after Russia invaded its neighbour more than three years ago.
However, both sides agreed upon and showed cooperation on prisoners’ swap.
A commercial pilot has revealed why you’re asked to put your phone in airplane mode before takeoff – and it’s nothing to do with the plane crashing
Close-up of man hand while using smart phone(Image: Jaromir via Getty Images)
The holiday season is back, and with it all the niggling hassles like squeezing into last summer’s shorts, digging out your forgotten passport, and sprucing up those toenails for sandal-worthy feet.
Once you’ve finally boarded your plane, you’re often met with a stark reminder from cabin crew to switch your mobile to airplane mode. Is it really plausible that one tiny device could threaten the integrity of a gargantuan jet?
This question has been addressed by aviation boffins, and indeed they suggest there’s a need for caution. Commercial aviator Perico Durán advises: “Smart people think that something could happen if we don’t activate airplane mode, so do it.”
Back when mobiles were becoming omnipresent, there was genuine concern regarding their potential to disrupt aircraft systems. Notably, in 2011, Boeing 737 cockpit displays were discovered to be vulnerable to mobile-induced interference.
Perico clarifies that while interference wouldn’t cause an engine failure or stop landing gears from deploying, it might lead to misreadings or untimely distractions: “What might happen is a false indication of something, a distraction at a specific moment.”
People are urged to follow the rules while using their phones(Image: Images By Tang Ming Tung via Getty Images)
According to Perico, air travel regulations are formulated to preclude even the most minute hazards: “We tell people to activate flight mode to avoid distractions,” he asserts.
He emphasises the triviality of being disconnected briefly: “What difference does it make?” Perico remarked. “It’s only ten minutes from ten thousand to fourteen thousand feet. Put your phone in flight mode and avoid a distraction. Being without your mobile phone for ten minutes is nothing.”
A 2017 survey by Allianz Travel Insurance involving over 1,500 Americans revealed that 40% don’t always switch their phones to airplane mode, with nearly 14% admitting to sneaking texts or calls mid-flight.
In the US, adherence to the flight attendant’s advice is more stringent due to Federal regulations which state, “cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons, or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off.”
The instructions sometimes baffle plane passengers(Image: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)
However, European travel offers a more laid-back approach. With the introduction of 5G technology on airlines in 2023, EU passengers can now freely make and receive calls and texts during flights, thanks to EU 5G networks operating on different frequencies than American ones, thus not interfering with aircraft systems.
If you’re concerned about your mobile phone battery dying mid-flight, it’s perfectly acceptable to bring an external power bank in your carry-on luggage. However, they should not be packed in your checked luggage due to the lithium batteries they contain, which can occasionally ignite.
Should a battery fire break out in the passenger cabin, flight attendants can quickly identify and extinguish it before it causes significant damage. Conversely, if a fire starts in the cargo hold, it could become dangerously widespread before an alarm is triggered.
If crucial documents like your boarding pass are stored on your phone, having a backup battery is a wise move. While airline staff will likely assist if your phone does run out of juice during your journey, it’s always better to be prepared.
A pilot has been hailed a “hero” after he took revenge on a woman who sprinted to the front of the plane as soon as it landed, despite the seatbelt sign still being on
The pilot called out the passenger(Image: Getty Images)
A pilot has been praised as a “hero” for his tongue-in-cheek response to an impatient woman who dashed down the aisle to be the first off the aircraft. A fellow traveller recounted on Reddit how the woman leapt from her seat the moment the plane touched down and bolted towards the exit.
Ignoring the illuminated seatbelt sign and the cabin crew’s requests to sit down until the aircraft had come to a complete stop, she made her way to the front. The passenger posted: “The woman in the back unbuckled and darted to the front of the plane to get off first.
“She did not make any eye contact and felt that she was special. I’m talking about going from the very last seat on the plane, down the whole row, and past first class, basically standing at the little kitchen thing in the front.
“The seat belt sign was still on and we were still rolling down the runway. The flight crew had asked her to return to her seat until we reached the gate but she was not even responding.”
After the gruelling eight-hour flight, all eyes were on the woman as passengers watched the drama unfold. That’s when the captain decided to address the situation with a bit of humour.
The passenger continued: “Suddenly the captain announced we had a special guest onboard and he would be coming out to greet them after we were settled at the gate,” they added. “The woman stood there awkwardly until we did the whole rolling into the gate thing, and whatever planes do when they land, for about 15 to 20 minutes. Everyone sat there waiting to see what the captain was talking about.
“Eventually, the captain came out and asked the lady to please move back a little to get to his special guest, then a little more, then a little more. He was looking from row to row trying to find a specific person.
“Everyone is watching and looking around to see who it could be.” The pilot continued to guide her back one row at a time until she reached the very rear of the aircraft.
“Finally, as they neared the back of the plane, he asked her to sit for a moment while he fetched the intercom from the rear. He said: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to announce our special guest sitting in seat 42C. Let’s give her a round of applause’.
“The whole plane erupted with laughter and applause. I loved every moment of that.” Reflecting on the pilot’s clever manoeuvre, one user commented: “That pilot is a hero to the people.
Another added: “I was hoping that the special guest was a federal marshal coming onboard to arrest the woman for refusing to follow safety-related commands given by members of the flight crew.”
One passenger contributed: “Sometimes when a plane is late arriving, there are people who have a connecting flight that will be very tight to make.
“They need to disembark quickly to stand any chance at their connection. The best way to handle that is to inform the stewardess and they can make a general announcement.
“Of course, sometimes people ignore that announcement and block the aisle for those people anyway.”
