12 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Aviation

1. 80% of People Are Afraid of Flying

The fear of heights is known as "acrophobia," while "aerophobia" refers to the fear of flying. Acrophobia can cause anxiety about being at high altitudes, such as on a high floor of a building or on a ladder, not just during flight.

2. Only 5% of the World's Population Has Ever Flown

This statistic might be surprising given the advancements in aviation and the frequency of flights among our acquaintances. However, only 5% of the global population has experienced air travel, with many people in less developed or disadvantaged areas not having the opportunity to fly. Conversely, a small percentage of the population travels frequently by plane.

3. The Person Who Has Flown the Most

Tom Stucker traveled over 1,000,000 km in a single year and has accumulated over 10 million km of flight. Originally from Chicago and now based in New Jersey, at 59 years old, Stucker achieved most of these flights for professional reasons, working as a sales consultant in the automotive industry.

4. Duration of Oxygen Masks in an Emergency

In an emergency, the oxygen masks that drop from above your seat will provide oxygen for approximately 15 minutes. This duration is sufficient for pilots to descend to an altitude where the atmospheric pressure is breathable, roughly 3,000 meters.

5. The Least Hygienic Place on an Airplane

If you’re concerned about hygiene, you should know that the tray table handle in front of you is considered the least clean spot on an airplane. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry hand sanitizer to minimize exposure to germs.

6. Pilots Have a Special Menu

In most airlines, pilots are given a separate menu: the captain and the co-pilot receive different meals to reduce the risk of both being affected by foodborne illnesses.

7. Aircraft Navigation Light System

Aircraft use a navigation light system similar to that of maritime vessels. They are equipped with red lights on the left wing and green lights on the right wing.

8. The Beginnings of Commercial Flying

The first commercial passenger flight was made by the former mayor of St. Petersburg, Abram C. Pheil, on New Year's Eve in 1914.

9. The Busiest Day in Aviation History

On July 24, 2019, more than 225,000 flights were recorded, making it the busiest day in aviation history.

10. The Fastest Aircraft in the World

The Concorde, known for its high speed and rapid transatlantic flights, is the fastest passenger aircraft. However, the record for the fastest aircraft is held by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, which reached speeds of over 3,500 km/h in 1976. This military aircraft can fly up to an altitude of 25,900 meters.

11. Boeing 747: 6 Million Parts

The Boeing 747, renowned for its impressive size, is made up of approximately 6 million parts, representing a remarkable achievement in its design and longevity.

12. The Busiest Commercial Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the USA is the busiest commercial airport in the world, handling about 260,000 passengers daily, a position it has maintained since 1998.