• Futurama@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    It’s an emergency propeller, when the main engines lose power.

    It’s also the reason I never sit in the emergency exit row. The reason they give you extra legroom is so passengers can use the pedals that pop up from the floor when the masks are dropped. When they ask if you’re willing and able to help on an emergency, this is actually the most common thing you’ll have to help out with.

    Everytime I’ve been in a crashing airplane, I just lean back a few degrees and laugh at those poor suckers who traded for a couple inches of extra legroom and now have the responsibility of saving the rest of us.

  • FleetingTit@feddit.org
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    3 months ago

    These deploy in case of total engine failure to provide enough thrust to get the aircraft to the next airport.

    • warbond@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      Yeah, an Auxiliary Propulsion Unit. Seeing one deployed is pretty normal, but when an aircraft has two or more out at the same time, you should be leery of deeper problems with the main engines.

  • ShortFuse@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    This actually propels the plane.

    The turbine engines are there to look big and make noise to have the passengers feel safe. Big turbines also allow airlines to charge extra, and generate bigger profits. CO2 emissions are also intentionally raised to justify higher pricing.

  • Hobbes_Dent@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    When a plane loses power this lowers into the airstream to make brrrrrrrrrr sounds to keep the illusion of engines.

    Edit: I feel I should expand on this. Like a hockey card in your bmx spokes.

  • Skymt@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    When becoming aroused, the plane exposes its clitorotoris. This is natural and nothing to be ashamed of.