Strange high pitch noise from cabin control area
Nov 27, 2018, 11:53 am
#1
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Strange high pitch noise from cabin control area
Is it just me or does anyone else think the high-pitched noise that you get around take-off time is like the sound from the game show Catchphrase?
In any case, what does that noise signify and if it is just me, I’ll get my coat
In any case, what does that noise signify and if it is just me, I’ll get my coat
Nov 27, 2018, 12:30 pm
#2
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I'm not well placed to comment on daytime television programmes, but was there a specific aircraft type behind your post?
Nov 27, 2018, 12:39 pm
#3
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Was this on an Airbus?
The first high-pitched noise you hear is an electric motor that closes the cargo door but since you say it was near take-off I'd suggest it's the power transfer unit that you are hearing.
This can either sound like an angry, barking dog or a whine depending on hydraulic loads.
The first high-pitched noise you hear is an electric motor that closes the cargo door but since you say it was near take-off I'd suggest it's the power transfer unit that you are hearing.
Originally Posted by Wikipedia
In aviation, a power transfer unit (PTU) is a device that transfers hydraulic power from one of an aircraft's hydraulic systems to another in the event that second system has failed or been turned off.[1]The PTU is used when, for example, there is right hydraulic system pressure but no left hydraulic system pressure. In this example, the PTU transfers hydraulic power from the right hydraulic system to the left hydraulic system. A PTU consists of a hydraulic motor paired with a hydraulic pump via a shaft.[2] As the connection is purely mechanical, there is no intermixing of hydraulic fluid between the left and right hydraulic systems during PTU operation.
Nov 27, 2018, 2:13 pm
#4
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Was this on an Airbus?
The first high-pitched noise you hear is an electric motor that closes the cargo door but since you say it was near take-off I'd suggest it's the power transfer unit that you are hearing.
This can either sound like an angry, barking dog or a whine depending on hydraulic loads.
The first high-pitched noise you hear is an electric motor that closes the cargo door but since you say it was near take-off I'd suggest it's the power transfer unit that you are hearing.
This can either sound like an angry, barking dog or a whine depending on hydraulic loads.
Nov 27, 2018, 2:15 pm
#5
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Heard the yapping dog noise as the plane had stopped - that one does sound hydraulic in nature. I really should stop this but I’m just curious what is going on
I’ll ask the crew on my next flight.
I’ll ask the crew on my next flight.
Nov 27, 2018, 2:40 pm
#6
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If it's not the PTU then the last option that springs to mind are the flap motors which are ridiculously loud on the A320 family but that noise will come from the wing-root.
When you say "cabin control area" do you mean the area behind the flight deck where the screen is or something else?
When you say "cabin control area" do you mean the area behind the flight deck where the screen is or something else?
Nov 27, 2018, 3:55 pm
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Nov 27, 2018, 4:16 pm
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Nov 27, 2018, 4:22 pm
#11
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If it's not the PTU then the last option that springs to mind are the flap motors which are ridiculously loud on the A320 family but that noise will come from the wing-root.
When you say "cabin control area" do you mean the area behind the flight deck where the screen is or something else?
When you say "cabin control area" do you mean the area behind the flight deck where the screen is or something else?
Nov 27, 2018, 4:37 pm
#12
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Yep - That's the area I thought you meant - good description.
I must apologise, I thought I knew what you meant by the Catchphrase noise and based my answer on that but Mrs _f has just pointed out I was thinking of the Family Fortunes UHHH UHHHH (big raspberry noise when they get the X) instead which is why I suggested the PTU. Clearly this was not what you meant - my mistake - sorry.
I think the posters suggesting the oven have the answer.
I must apologise, I thought I knew what you meant by the Catchphrase noise and based my answer on that but Mrs _f has just pointed out I was thinking of the Family Fortunes UHHH UHHHH (big raspberry noise when they get the X) instead which is why I suggested the PTU. Clearly this was not what you meant - my mistake - sorry.
I think the posters suggesting the oven have the answer.
Last edited by stuart_f; Nov 27, 2018 at 4:43 pm
Nov 27, 2018, 4:44 pm
#13
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I would call that the front galley or Door 1 area, but yes I think it's the oven. Shortly before take off they may well end with a series of bleep-bleep noises, two tone, which indicates the first round of cooking has completed its cycle (so perhaps the flight deck's meals). It will stay warm until after take off has ended and the crew can then move about.