Opening Windowshades for Takeoff
Feb 13, 2001 | 5:47 pm
#1
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Opening Windowshades for Takeoff
There may be something obvious that I am missing . . . but I can't figure out why airlines insist on the window shades being open during takeoff and landing. Any ideas?
Feb 13, 2001 | 6:02 pm
#2
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The only place I've heard this is on TWA - they made a huge deal about it .. "FAA requires that window shades be in the up position for takeoff and landing for safety reasons"... I can't figure out a single way this affects safety - what, they want to be able to look in the windows if you crash? They could probably find a big hole to look in instead 
So if the FAA requires it, why am I not hearing this on other airlines? Which airlines have you heard this message on?
So if the FAA requires it, why am I not hearing this on other airlines? Which airlines have you heard this message on?
Feb 13, 2001 | 6:08 pm
#3
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There's a discussion on window shades in the UA forum:
What's with closing the window shades?
What's with closing the window shades?
All window shades must be up during take-off and landing. This is so that in the event of an emergency, you can see what's outside, and there won't be a sudden change in light levels as you exit (e.g., dark cabin to bright daylight).
Feb 13, 2001 | 6:34 pm
#4
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Originally posted by eastwest:
There may be something obvious that I am missing . . . but I can't figure out why airlines insist on the window shades being open during takeoff and landing. Any ideas?
There may be something obvious that I am missing . . . but I can't figure out why airlines insist on the window shades being open during takeoff and landing. Any ideas?
However, as I recall it was claimed that visibility was important in case of an emergency evacuation. If you're picking an emergency exit to head for, it helps to be able to see if there are flames or other problems outside the plane in that direction. I don't know why all airlines don't emphasize this, but I'm sure some helpful soul will straighten me out if I'm all wet. FT'ers are nothing if not vigilant!
Feb 13, 2001 | 6:55 pm
#6
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I do recall a few instances where the FAs explicitly requested the shades to be open on takeoff. It makes perfect sense. Without the horizon as a reference, disorientation is common when attempting to exit the plane, which might be upside down. Surprisingly, gravity offers minimal cues in such a situation.
BTW (and please don't hold this non sequiter too much against me), the same logic applies to prison construction. It is one of the reasons that windows are very high, or non-existent, in maximum security cells, exercise areas, etc. ... the lack of a horizon reference for extended periods has been shown to place escaping prisoners at a momentary disadvantage.
BTW (and please don't hold this non sequiter too much against me), the same logic applies to prison construction. It is one of the reasons that windows are very high, or non-existent, in maximum security cells, exercise areas, etc. ... the lack of a horizon reference for extended periods has been shown to place escaping prisoners at a momentary disadvantage.
Feb 13, 2001 | 7:35 pm
#7
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This is one area I would never have trouble with. I can't imagine anyone not wanting to look out when taking off or landing. Then again, I can't imagine closing the window shade at any other time either...
Feb 14, 2001 | 5:52 am
#11
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In 1,000 or more flights on probably 50-100 airlines, on every continent, I believe the window shades have ALWAYS been up. Landing and take-off. Seems to be universal to me?
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~ Glen ~
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~ Glen ~
Feb 14, 2001 | 9:52 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2000
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Hi there,
I have an exception to the rule...
On several flights into various countries where the political situation isn't too stable (!), friends of mine have been asked to keep the windows shades shut on takeoff at night.
Why? Apparently due to the local sniper activity, they don't use any lights at all on takeoff and window lights could draw sniper fire.
Don't laugh, this is true! There was an indcident like this about 5 weeks ago with a Sabena airbus into Kinshasa(I think). The snipers managed to get the plane but fortunatley didn't down it or kill any passengers.
Jason
I have an exception to the rule...
On several flights into various countries where the political situation isn't too stable (!), friends of mine have been asked to keep the windows shades shut on takeoff at night.
Why? Apparently due to the local sniper activity, they don't use any lights at all on takeoff and window lights could draw sniper fire.
Don't laugh, this is true! There was an indcident like this about 5 weeks ago with a Sabena airbus into Kinshasa(I think). The snipers managed to get the plane but fortunatley didn't down it or kill any passengers.
Jason
Feb 14, 2001 | 10:54 am
#13
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At UA, the windowshades on all emergency exits must be open for take-off and landing.
During an evacuation, before opening any door, we are trained to assess the conditions outside the aircraft before deciding to open that door. For example, it might not be wise to open the door if there is fire or significant debris.
During an evacuation, before opening any door, we are trained to assess the conditions outside the aircraft before deciding to open that door. For example, it might not be wise to open the door if there is fire or significant debris.