Travel Tips
5 sounds you hear on the plane explained
Nervous fliers know just how freaky a sudden noise on the plane can be, but we’ve broken down the most common ones you’ll hear and what they mean so you can travel with ease.
- The puff of air at the gate – it’s usually one of the first unsettling sounds you’ll hear on the plane, but it’s one of the most important – it signals that the ventilation on the plane has been switched on. It’s also why lights can tend to flicker, as the plane is moving from an off-board power source to an onboard system.
- The “bark” during taxi – before take-off and landing, it’s normal for the plane to make a sort of “barking” noise. This is just the hydraulics kicking in, ensuring steering, braking and air pressure are all at optimum levels for a safe departure or arrival.
- The wings “whirring” – upon take-off and even during flight, you may hear a “whir” coming from the wings. This sound indicates the wingspan is expanding and retracting to help assist take-off and speed maintenance.
- The “bang” from the belly of the plane – this noise can be pretty scary as you make your descent into your destination, but it’s completely safe. All it means is the landing gear is being released so you can arrive safely.
- The brakes “screeching” – don’t be alarmed by this sound, it’s just the plane’s natural response to landing at the speed of 160 to 240 kph while carrying hundreds of tonnes of cargo and passengers.
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