(SPOT.ph) For frequent flyers, there is an ensuing debate on which is more dangerous: takeoff or landing. Of the many questions asked to aviation geeks and aviation professionals, perhaps this one is the hardest to answer. But this is best explained by first identifying the critical stages of a commercial flight. Disclaimer: We're laying this down here so you understand what's happening, not to freak you out.
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Here's what you need to know about airplane takeoff and landing:
The Taxi Phase
Taxiing refers to the ground movement of an airplane using its own power through its wheels and other landing gears. Airplanes use taxiways to move from one place to another while still on the ground in an airport. This is usually the part where the cabin crew reminds stubborn passengers to wear their seat belts, put up the airplane windows, and straighten up their seats.
While taxiing seems far from being dangerous, a human error—often that of the pilot—may result in the aircraft colliding with obstacles on the ground. This may include collision with airport ground equipment or vehicle, safety devices, airport fixtures, or even another aircraft along the taxiway. Among the contributing factors to these kinds of incidents are weather (low visibility due to rain or fog), spatial misjudgment or disorientation, and negligence from the side of the pilots and/or airport ground personnel. With too many movements and activities happening all at the same time, the airport ramp is one of the most dangerous workplaces on Earth.
Takeoff Phase
Many will say that takeoff is more dangerous than landing or any other phase during a flight—and aviation geeks like me tend to agree with them. When the engine of an aircraft fails—and is more likely to fail since it is under immense stress during this critical phase—it can result in something catastrophic.
It is worth noting that usually, a plane leaves the tarmac for takeoff with full (or almost full) of fuel. We're talking about somewhere between 20,000 kilograms to 140,000 kilograms for fuel alone. This is one reason airliners find it hard to immediately land in the event of an emergency after takeoff, as the aircraft may be over its specified maximum landing weight—the limit at which the plane is permitted to land.
Climb Phase
After the wheels are up, the aircraft commences the climb phase of the flight until it reaches its assigned cruising altitude. It is during this part of a flight that the airplane is most vulnerable to mechanical failures. During any untoward event, the aircraft must continue to gain altitude and speed as soon as possible while the pilots try to assess the emergency and prevent an engine flameout that can lead to loss of power. It is worth noting that during takeoff, the plane’s engines are at high RPM (revolutions per minute) to produce more thrust, hence operating in high temperatures.
Descent, Approach, and Landing Phases
Hearing the pilot alert the cabin crew to prepare for landing and announce that the flight has already commenced the descent phase excites passengers. It means we're just minutes away from touching down at the destination.
Many say that the most dangerous part of a flight is during these phases (descent, approach, and landing) simply because pilots need more than enough experience and mastery to perfect a landing at any given situation. Plus, the aircraft’s engines are at a minimum or very low power settings during these phases.
What Statistics Say About Airplane Takeoff and Landing
It is a fact that both the takeoff and landing phases have their own set of challenges. Some may argue that the landing phase of a flight requires more pilot skills; but based on experience, it is just the same for takeoff. The difficulties experienced by pilots during takeoff are technically the same during landing.
A study released by the Boeing Company in 2019 stated that both takeoff and landing are statistically the most dangerous parts of a flight: 49% of all fatal accidents happen during the final descent and landing phases, while 14% during takeoff and initial climb.
Another factor contributing to the number of flight accidents is—believe it or not—birds. During both takeoff and landing, the chance of a bird strike is high. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), around 61% of bird strikes occur during the landing phases of flight, while only 36% during takeoff runs, and the remaining 3% happen in between phases.
Here in the Philippines, there is a time of the year when thousands of migratory birds make their "stopover" at major airports, increasing the probability of bird strikes. Local airport authorities are employing different techniques and modern gadgets, like the use of ultrasonic bird repeller units, to shoo them away from aircraft movement areas.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board says that airline passengers still have a 95% chance of surviving an airplane accident compared to other forms of transportation. Even Superman agrees, saying in the 2006 edition of his film, "…statistically speaking, [flying] is still the safest way to travel."
Robert "Bob" Reyes is an AvGeek (aviation enthusiast), planespotter (an AvGeek who loves taking photos of planes), and technologist (who represents the global non-profit Mozilla in the Philippines). He spent more than two decades of his life as an aviation support professional for a conglomerate and CTO of an aviation college.