Movie Myths Regarding Aviation

Everyone loves a good movie! Laughing at a comedy, feeling anxious during an intense fight scene, or getting misty-eyed during a romance. However, one thing we’ve noticed is that most films regarding aviation or flying are packed with myths or misconceptions!

Movie Myths & Misconceptions Regarding Aviation

As an aviation professional or enthusiast, it can be frustrating to see these movies spreading misinformation about flying. Below are a few things we’d like to clear up!

• Turbulence Is Terrifying – Many films show that turbulence will cause the lights to flicker and the oxygen masks to fall out while everyone grips their seat handles and screams. However, the truth about turbulence is that it’s a normal and natural part of flying. Turbulence is the result of variations in the speed, direction, and density of the air. It’s similar to a car driving on a bumpy road.
• Losing An Engine Means Certain Death – Airplanes are built for safety, and even single-engine airplanes are able to survive the loss of an engine. There are many instances where planes have lost an engine and can still glide in for a safe, if powerless, landing. In the case of multi-engine aircraft, this is why they exist in the first place! If an engine fails, the aircraft is designed to still be able to take off, fly around, and land the plane.
• A Hole In The Plane Will Suck Passengers Out – If a hole is created in the aircraft, there will be an initial rush of air, only powerful enough to blow around some papers. It will be cold and noisy, and your oxygen mask may fall, but the air pressure won’t be strong enough to suck any passengers out of the plane!

Because movies have a tendency to make flying look so dangerous, we see many people with unfounded fears and misconceptions. In truth, flying on an airplane is really very safe. In fact, perhaps the most accurate film about aviation is the comedy “Airplane!” (1980 Paramount Pictures). Not only is it accurate, it’s also worth watching just for the gags and one-liners alone!

For accurate information about flying, or if you’d like to talk to someone about learning to fly on your own, please contact Elevate Aviation, located in Salt Lake City, Utah.