Understanding aviation jargon post Air India crash
After the Air India Flight 171 incident, terms like RAT, CVR, FDR, and Mayday have been all over the news. Understanding what these mean helps make sense of how aviation handles emergencies and why these systems matter.
Ram air turbine (RAT)
The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a backup power source that pops out if a plane loses all engine power. It keeps essential controls running so pilots can manage emergencies safely.
CVR and FDR
CVRs (Cockpit Voice Recorders) capture cockpit conversations, while FDRs (Flight Data Recorders) log details like speed and altitude. These "black boxes" are key for figuring out what happened during an incident.
What is a Mayday call?
"Mayday" is the go-to distress call pilots use to signal life-threatening trouble. It's still a crucial part of emergency communication in aviation.
Why these systems are important for aviation safety
Systems like RATs and black boxes help keep flights safe by supporting pilots during crises and helping investigators learn from accidents—making air travel safer for everyone.