"Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
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"Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
06-11-2008 11:23 PM
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Why are the cabin lights in planes turned off for take off and landing?
The cabin crew always announce "For safety reasons we will be dimming the cabin lights for take off".
I am interested in planes and watch loads of aviation documentries on tv but for the life of me I cannot work out why this is done. Surely there is no light penetrating from the cabin into the cockpit through the door? Anyone know the answer to this?
Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
06-11-2008 11:26 PM
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"For 2 reasons, both safety related.
Take-off and landing are the most dangerous bits in flying. If there is a fire in one of the engines, or some other emergency event outside during take-off or landing, it'll be quickly spotted with the cabin lights dimmed.
And secondly, if the aircraft needs to be evacuated, your eyes are already accustomed to the light that is outside, so when you get out of there in a matter of seconds, you can see where you're going."
Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 2:36 AM
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Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 9:48 AM
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When faced with two choices, simply toss a coin. It works not because it settles the question for you. But because in that brief moment while the coin is in the air. You suddenly know what you are hoping for.
Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 9:51 AM
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Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 10:09 AM
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Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 10:14 AM
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I've seen plenty of people fall over when the lights are on too so probably wouldn't make much difference..
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Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 10:25 AM
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Tip there is, never fly on a well known budget airline or indeed any budget airline. BA all the way from now on.
Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 10:34 AM
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Quote from: Jameseh So people don't fall over when going to the toilet
Makes you wonder whats difficult about walking the aisles between seats, unless there's been too much time in the bar before take-off. Although people do sometimes dangerously leave bags etc. sticking out into the aisle I suppose, If I see one, I usually surreptitiously kick it very hard, and hope to hear a satisfying sound of something breaking.
When faced with two choices, simply toss a coin. It works not because it settles the question for you. But because in that brief moment while the coin is in the air. You suddenly know what you are hoping for.
Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 12:38 PM
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Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 12:53 PM
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Quote from: Petlew Makes you wonder whats difficult about walking the aisles between seats, unless there's been too much time in the bar before take-off. Although people do sometimes dangerously leave bags etc. sticking out into the aisle I suppose, If I see one, I usually surreptitiously kick it very hard, and hope to hear a satisfying sound of something breaking.
I've got a pretty good excuse for not being able to walk in a straight line, especially when it's dark

Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 12:54 PM
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After take off the noise of the undercarriage going up, the flaps retracting etc etc..
I find explaining to people helps them a lot.
Mind you easy for me - I've flown a lot since I was 19 - learnt to fly and became an instructor. -

Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 1:16 PM
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Hate flying - hence just packed SWMBO off to New York shopping on her own!
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Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 1:35 PM
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Re: "Dimming the cabin lights for take off"
07-11-2008 1:59 PM
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I've used both a great deal - and despite all the jokes and bad press - the train is vastly more reliable, comfiortable and less stress.
And yes - by the time you've taken to drive to the airport, parked car, got to terminal, checked in boarded etc etc, got from airport to destination - it's almost as quick using train. And so sos so more confortable. at least you can work etc on the train and have a decent meal in the restaurant car.
With a suitable amount of spare time to allow for raod delays etc, I have to leave home 3 hours before adverised departure time for the airline, but only 30 minutes to the railway station.
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