Welcome aboard! Each week, I answer questions from anxious flyers β real people just like you β who are curious, nervous, or just wondering βWhatβs going on up there?β
As a pilot, Iβve heard these questions countless times, and my goal is to help you feel calmer, safer, and more informed β because knowledge is a great co-pilot. βοΈ
π This Weekβs Questions:
π¬ Question #1: "Why do the lights dim during takeoff and landing?"
βοΈ Thatβs a safety precaution. Dimming the lights helps your eyes adjust to outside light in case of an emergency. Think of it like prepping your vision β if we ever needed to evacuate, your eyes wouldnβt be adjusting from bright cabin lighting to the dark outside. Itβs a simple step that boosts safety
.
π¬ Question #2: "What are diversion airports enroute and at departure or destination?"
βοΈ Diversion airports are alternates we plan in advance in case something prevents us from landing at the original destination. At departure, we brief a nearby airport in case of an early return in case of bad weather for take-off. During the flight, we always have a list of suitable enroute alternates if we need to divert due to a medical emergency or a technical issue. And near the destination, we choose backups based on weather, traffic, and runway conditions.
π§ You're never in the air without a solid plan B β or C.
π¬ Question #3: "Do airplanes only carry fuel from the departure to the destination airport?"
βοΈ Not at all. By law, we always carry more than just enough fuel for the route. We include fuel for:
π Holding delays
βοΈ Weather such as Thunderstorms or Fog
π¬ A diversion to an alternate airport
π‘οΈ A final reserve for safety
In other words: we never take off without multiple backup options and enough fuel to get there safely β and beyond.




I need to stop using the line about the second engine. ππ€£