Latest news with #Rajgopalan
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Indian Express
Why flight attendants ‘sit on their hands' during takeoff and landing
We have previously written about the best seat on an airplane, the difference between PAN PAN and Mayday aviation emergency signals, and why cabin crew ask you to keep the seat in an upright position and window shades up during takeoff and landing. Now, in the wake of aviation accidents like the Ahmedabad plane crash on June 12, the focus is back on safety procedures followed inside an aircraft. So, have you ever observed and wondered why cabin crew tuck their hands under their thighs after putting on their seat belt? Let's find out. Flight attendants are seen with their feet flat on the ground, head against the headrest, and tucking in the seatbelt while their hands rest on the thighs or under them. This is also part of a safety protocol followed to maintain stable posture, said Colonel Rajgopalan, founder, Aviation Training India. What appears to be sitting on their hands is known as the 'brace position' during takeoff and landing. This is said to 'minimise injury during emergencies'. 'This position, with hands under the thighs and palms facing up, helps prevent flailing and makes it easier for them to quickly react and assist passengers if needed. In simple words, the position provides a stable base for the body and helps flight attendants maintain balance during turbulence or unexpected movements,' Rajgopalan said. The cabin crew may also keep their hands on the thighs to brace or react if needed in case of turbulence or an emergency. 'In emergencies, loose limbs can become dangerous. Keeping hands tucked under the thighs or over it reduces the risk of arm or hand injuries in the event of sudden impact or turbulence,' said Rajgopalan. This helps cabin crew reduce the risk of dislocations, fractures, or head injuries that may occur. Rajgopalan said that the brace position puts flight attendants in a 'prepared and alert state', ready to quickly assist and evacuate passengers. 'Cabin crew not only give out safety instructions, they follow them when needed, which includes opening emergency exits, or aiding evacuation in case of an untoward emergency,' said Rajgopalan. The expert explained that practicing the brace position during critical phases of a flight, including takeoff and landing, 'reinforces muscle memory', which allows them to instinctively react in a real emergency.
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Delhi-Srinagar flight incident: What's the difference between PAN PAN and Mayday aviation emergency signals?
After the recent Indigo Delhi-Srinagar flight encountered a hailstorm mid-air, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the crew followed all emergency procedures before declaring a 'PAN PAN' to Srinagar Air Traffic Control (ATC), and requested for RADAR vectors. The aircraft landed safely, with no injuries reported, and Auto Thrust functioning normally. This incident prompted a closer look at the two key aviation distress signals used by pilots to convey urgency or emergency situations: PAN PAN and Mayday. What do they mean, and how are they different? Experts weigh in. Colonel Rajgopalan, the founder of Aviation Training India, explained that Mayday is used for life-threatening emergencies, while PAN PAN indicates an urgent but 'non-life-threatening' situation. 'Mayday is reserved for the most serious emergencies where life or the safety of the aircraft is in immediate danger,' he said. 'PAN PAN is a step below Mayday and is used when something is urgent, but does not pose a direct risk to life. Both signals help pilots communicate clearly with air traffic control,' he said. Rajagopalan also said, 'If a pilot cannot communicate with air traffic control, they can make a distress call on the VHF Guard frequency, 121.5 MHz.' When would a pilot use Mayday? Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation expert and analyst, said Mayday is used in scenarios involving 'grave and imminent danger,' such as severe aircraft malfunction (like engine failure), onboard fires, cardiac arrest, or hijacking. 'Mayday comes from the French m'aidez, which means 'help me',' he said. 'It signals that the aircraft needs immediate assistance and takes priority over all other radio communications.' What does PAN PAN signal mean? PAN PAN, on the other hand, is used to convey urgent situations that also require prompt attention but are not as life-threatening. 'Such situations may be created by engine failure, but without any risk of crashing or non-critical medical situations like a minor injury, illness, weather-related issues etc. PAN PAN originates from the French word 'panne' meaning 'breakdown',' said Vandekar. How is an aviation distress call transmitted? In emergency inflight situations, Vandekar asserted that the pilot usually transmits a message to ATC beginning with mayday or PAN PAN repeated thrice, followed by a declaration of emergency, the reason for it, and requesting priority handling and assistance. 'ATC is also informed of the aircraft call sign, type of emergency, aircraft location, and intention of the pilot, like wanting to divert or emergency services required etc,' said Vandekar. Why correct usage matters Experts stressed the importance of using the correct signal to avoid miscommunication and ensure the right response. 'Confusing PAN PAN with Mayday can lead to unnecessary panic, delayed response, or misallocation of resources,' said Vandekar. 'International regulations, including those by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), emphasise precise use of these terms to maintain safety and coordination during emergencies,' he said. 'By strictly adhering to international standards and guidelines in such situations, aircraft pilots ensure effective and flawless communication, which helps the ATC to swiftly and correctly deal with the situation to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft,' said Vandekar. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Indian Express
Why the pages of a passport must never be tampered with or torn
There are several dos and don'ts when it comes to safe air travel. While much attention is paid to comfort and convenient seats, many of us forget that documents, like a passport, are equally important. This is why any tampering with it could render it invalid, and officials may question its authenticity in India under the Passports Act, 1967. Experts assert that passport pages must not be tampered with or torn because it can invalidate the document, such that it is considered 'damaged', raising suspicion of fraud. It can lead to travel problems or legal consequences. 'The document's integrity ensures it is recognised as a legitimate travel document, allowing for smooth border crossings and visa processing,' said Colonel Rajgopalan, founder, Aviation Training India. Tampering in any form, such as tearing pages, altering, or mutilating the pages, can change the information or damage its security features. 'A passport, issued by the government, serves as an official citizenship and identification document accepted internationally for travel. It also contains several crucial security features like watermarks, holograms, and microprinting. Modern passports also use advanced technology like MRZ (Machine Readable Zones), biometric chips for faster and accurate processing,' said Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation expert and analyst. Even wet, stained, scribbled, missing pages or unofficial/memento stamps endorsed on the passport are considered damaged. 'This may not just result in denied entry but may also cause inconvenience by way of legal repercussions,' said Vandekar. In fact, if there are detached pages on which the binding has come off, you need to apply for a passport reissue. According to the website, the definition of a damaged passport is: Damaged passport is classified further based on the extent of damage, i.e.: *Damaged Passport – Passport number is readable, name is legible, and photo is intact *Damaged beyond recognition Notably, the Passports Act, 1967, is the primary legislation under which passport issuance and travel in India takes place. 'Maintaining the integrity of one's passport is an important responsibility of every citizen. It must be ensured that passport pages must not be tampered with, torn, overwritten, damaged, or defaced by putting stickers on the national emblem on it, as this will attract legal action under certain sections of the Passport Act, 1967, and Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita,' said Vendekar. A passport with torn pages are considered a form of damage and a new one needs to be issued under the 'Re-issue' category with the reason 'Lost/Damaged passport'. 'Duplicate passports are not issued; however, a new passport with a different passport number may be issued with fresh validity. The applicant has to apply in re-issue category with reason as Lost/Damaged passport,' according to the website. Here's why passport integrity is crucial: Authentication According to Rajgopalan, tampered or torn pages can be evidence of forgery or alteration, making the passport invalid and raising suspicion among immigration authorities. Visa and stamp application Most countries require a certain number of blank pages for visas and entry stamps so that damaged pages can prevent travel. Legal consequences Tampering with a passport can be a crime, leading to legal penalties. Security Protecting the passport from damage and alteration helps prevent misuse by others for illegal activities, such as identity theft or fraud. International recognition A valid passport is a crucial travel document, and tampering undermines its international recognition, said Rajgopalan.
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Indian Express
Why cabin crew ask you to keep the seat in an upright position during takeoff and landing
Cabin crew insist on upright seat positions during takeoff and landing. But have you ever wondered why? Experts suggest that, like every other important rule followed in airlines, this simple act of ensuring that the seat is pushed back in a fully vertical, unreclined position is also paramount for passenger safety during critical phases of a flight. While the simplest reason is that it provides better support for the passenger's back, Colonel Rajgopalan, founder, Aviation Training India, said considering that takeoff and landing are the most critical phases of any flight, an upright seat allows you to 'brace or react' if needed in case of turbulence or an emergency. 'A reclined seat could increase the risk of injury to yourself and the passenger behind you,' added Rajgopalan. An upright position means the seat is locked in place, ensuring the passenger is fully protected and positioned correctly in case of an emergency impact. Notably, this is part of the safety briefing authorised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Manual on Information and Instructions for Passenger Safety, which mandates airlines through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India to follow these regulations. 'In addition to instructing passengers to keep the window blinds open and keep the tray tables stowed, these safety procedures include keeping seat backs in the upright position. As per ICAO guidelines, both verbal and visual demonstrations are essential to enhance passenger safety and improve their response and survivability during emergencies,' said Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation expert and analyst. According to Colonel Rajgopalan, an upright seat provides a more stable base for your body, reducing the risk of injury. 'The upright position also allows you to quickly and easily brace yourself for potential impact or be ready to assist with evacuation if needed, with clearer aisles,' he added. Notably, in the unlikely event of a crash, 'a reclined seat could cause your head to hit the back of the seat in front, potentially causing more severe injury than if your seat were upright'. During the flight, passengers can choose to recline their seats to relax or become more comfortable, ensuring that those behind them are not disturbed.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Why certain aircrafts make a distinctive ‘barking' or ‘grinding sound' before takeoff
Passengers on particular aircraft, like Airbus A320 and Airbus A330, often hear a distinctive 'barking sound' that closely resembles the noise of a saw. Often, the grinding noise can be disturbing, sounding like a strange sound, or you may feel concerned about your safety. If you have always been interested in learning more about this unique sound or find it fascinating, we have you covered. It's just a routine aircraft mechanism, explained Colonel Rajgopalan, founder of Aviation Training India. It is the sound of a hydraulic pump that operates automatically to maintain the pressure. This occurs during the single-engine taxi operations and is caused by the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). According to Rajgopalan, to save fuel during taxing and before takeoff, an aircraft switches on one engine and continues taxing when it is near a holding point before takeoff. 'When one engine is operating, then only one hydraulic system is working. The other one (which is yet to be switched on) becomes unbalanced, creating pressure. That is the reason why this particular sound occurs,' he said. In simple terms, when the PTU activates, it rapidly switches between the two hydraulic systems, creating a reciprocating flow of hydraulic fluid. This reciprocating action generates the barking or grinding noise. Can you hear the sound? (Photo: Freepik) The sound is not a sign of any engine problems or danger, and it's a regular part of the A320's hydraulic system operation. 'It is nothing to be worried about. It is part of the aircraft's mechanism,' asserted Rajgopalan. The PTU onboard the A320 is a hydraulically powered unit that exists to maintain a minimum pressure across two of the aircraft's hydraulic systems, unlike traditional motors or pumps, which are most likely electrically operated, said Rajgopalan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soumyaayaaa (@soumyatiwarii_) What more should you know? Rajgoapalan also mentioned that because of the PTU's location on the aircraft, you're more likely to hear the sound if you sit close to the aircraft's wings. According to him, the PTU is located near the main landing gear, which is positioned close to the wings, allowing passengers to distinctly hear the sound.
