Why don't commercial airplanes carry parachutes?
Activity 1
Read this article out loud
Why don't commercial airplanes carry parachutes?
Commercial airplanes are not equipped with parachutes for a variety of practical and safety-related reasons, which can be elaborated upon for a deeper understanding:
Most air accidents occur during takeoff or landing phases of flight. During takeoff and landing, aircraft are closer to the ground and operating in more critical and complex conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Parachutes might not be effective or deployable in these situations.
Commercial aircraft are not designed with parachuting in mind, especially at cruising altitudes of around 35,000 feet. At high altitudes, the cabin is pressurized to maintain a comfortable environment for passengers. Attempting to open the cabin door at such altitudes would be practically impossible due to the pressure difference. Even if it were somehow opened, passengers would face extreme low temperatures and low oxygen conditions.
Carrying parachutes for each passenger would require significant space and add weight to the aircraft. The space within an aircraft is carefully optimized for passenger seating, amenities, and cargo. Allocating room for parachutes would reduce the number of passengers that can be accommodated, impacting the economic viability of flights. Additionally, the added weight would affect fuel efficiency and increase operational costs.
Most passengers lack the training required to use a parachute effectively in an emergency situation. Parachuting requires specific skills, knowledge, and training to be executed safely. Passengers, who are generally not trained for emergency skydiving, might misuse parachutes or panic, leading to further complications during an evacuation.
Implementing parachutes for every passenger would significantly increase the cost of flying. Manufacturing, installing, and maintaining parachutes for each seat, along with the associated training programs, would be a substantial financial burden for airlines. This cost would likely be transferred to passengers, potentially reducing overall air travel accessibility.
Activity 2
Write the title of this article and three original sentences about what you read, and send them for feedback.
Activity 3
Practice your listening skills with the following materials