5 Airplane Mysteries You Didn’t Know You Wanted To Know

Ever wondered if a plane can taxi backwards? Or if the cockpit windows can open? Well, to be honest, I haven’t either. But luckily, we’ve got super curious passengers that ask us all kinds of fun questions. Time to find the answers to five aircraft mysteries you and I were wondering about!

The mysterious row 13

Airplane mystery number one! Find row 13 in any of the seat maps. Don’t hold your breath though, as we don’t have a row 13 in any of our airplanes. So if you see seat 13B on your boarding pass for your flight in an Embraer 190, you’ve got a bit of an issue. What happened to row 13? Some people have a pretty negative association with that number so we decided to just skip it. Black cats are allowed on board though. Don’t worry.

Seat ABC, easy as 1-2-3?

Have you ever had a good look at the KLM seat plans? They look pretty logical, right? A passenger wondered why there was no seat B in some of our planes. This is indeed the case in some of our smaller aircraft with two rows of two seats. For instance, in the Fokker 70 and Embraer 190 or in some Business Class cabins, you’ve got seat A and C and D and F only. This is done (not only at KLM but pretty much worldwide) as seat A is recognizable as a window seat and C as an aisle seat, especially for frequent flyers who know cabin layouts by heart. I’ve also never spotted a seat I (I as in India), probably because seat 11I would be a bit confusing for people and computers, wouldn’t it?

KLM Embraer Seatmap

Hey KLM, can a plane taxi backwards under its own power?

I’ve spotted this question a few times. Can a plane drive backwards on its own, for instance, during taxiing? Interesting question, right? Most aircraft can drive backwards using their reverse thrust. On jet aircraft, this is done using thrust devices that block the blast and redirect it forward. There are some ways to achieve this, but as I didn’t study engines, so let’s leave it at that, thanks. ;)

F100 reverse thrust KLM

At some airports in the US and in the military, using reverse thrust during taxiing is still a common practice.  However, we do not use reverse thrust for taxiing due to environmental considerations (fuel, loads of fuel) and we’d like to minimise noise pollution (noisy engines are noisy). A so called “powerback” wears on the engines and the reverse propulsion sucks all kinds of things directly into the engine’s combustion chamber, which is not ideal. Plus, I think the crew on the tarmac also appreciates not being blown away. So that’s why we use the push-back procedure with awesome tug drivers like Harrie en Heino. Oh, and there’s also no rear-view mirror and reverse beeping sound of course. ;) Beep beep beep!

737 KLM tug

Wipers? On an airplane?

“Hi KLM Random question, but why do the cockpit windows have wipers and why do the windows open?”

Cockpit windshields have wipers for obvious reason – they wipe away water or snow! As pilots need a clear view, the wipers clear the windshield of water in case the airflow doesn’t do this during takeoff or landing. I can imagine the wipers are extra handy during happy events where aircraft are welcomed by fire trucks, blasting (sometimes coloured) water on the plane during taxiing. The wipers can move independently, to reduce the chance that both wiper systems will be down simultaneously. On a Boeing 737, the wipers have three settings: interval (6/7 sweeps a minute), low (160 sweeps) and high (250 sweeps). Non-functioning wipers can be the reason for a “no-go” when heavy rain is expected during take-off or landing, so they’re essential!

By the way, most aircraft nowadays have a hydrophobic (“scared of water”) coating on their windows. This coating is as afraid of water as I am of clowns. Just… no. The coating affects the surface tension of raindrops and creates a kind of see-through film on the windscreen which is super beneficial for the pilots’ ability to see.

Wipers KLM airplane

Hey cap, open the window!

Not every window in the cockpit can open. For example, in a Boeing 737 only two of the six windows can slide backwards. The fact that they can open is mainly to serve as an escape route for the pilots if the usual access door can’t be used. That’s why an escape strap is also mounted above these windows. The open window also allows communication with platform staff. Oh and of course, it allows for a breath of fresh air (uhm, not at 10,000 feet, of course!). So basically, it’s handy for ground operations. The windows are locked securely, so you don’t have to worry about them opening when they shouldn’t. 

Did you like this blog? Then you might find this interesting: 10 Myths and Facts about Flying That Will Surprise You

Sounds familiar?

Does this blog look familiar to you? Yep, that’s right. We’ve posted this story in July 2017. So this actually is a repost. But it’s too good not to be reused, right? :-)

Posted by:   Renée Penris  | 
Join the conversation Show comments

Hendrik

Wow, I like this mysteries.
They are very interesting.
Now I know some things I didn’t know.

Thanks!

Renée

Happy to read that, Hendrik! Thank you for reading.

Jahangir

I am living the apartment where doesn’t have floor number 13, but didn’t know that KLM also one too. BTW your writing style like small story. The beautiful use of words in the formation of sentences really impressed me.

Renée Penris

Aw, thank you so much Jahangir! Would you dare to live on the 13th floor, number 13..?

JO van DEIJZEN

Like that. Some questions I did know the answer. Except row 13.
Thank you. Cheers and Happy landings.
JO.

Renée

Oh..the mysterious row 13. :) Thanks Jo!

Mike

Interesting. I always read aircraft can never move backwards. Didn’t know about Row 13. I was born on Friday the 13th..

Renée

Uh so then 13 is a pretty great number, right Mike? :D

Rene van Summeren

Thankyou, very informative

Renée

Thank you very much, Rene!

Eric JF Kleijssen

I also noticed there is no 13th window in the 777 (flew a couple of times seated in seat 5 world business class and noticed the missing 13th window )

Ross McKinnon

ThanK you for these interesting snippets of information. Always read with interest.

Renée

That’s great to hear, Ross! Thanks and enjoy!

Micky

Thanks for the education (and also funny!!) post :)

Renée Penris

Thank you! :-)

Sigrid Hawkinson

Thanks for all your little insights. Love your airline!! Will see you in about a month. Coning from the US and going to Bremen Germany☺

Renée

Sigrid! Thank you. Have a great flight, we’ll see you on board!

Andrew

Many years ago on a Continental 737 I was flying we aborted takeoff right before rotation as the pilot’s window opened up. The pilot announced “Do Not Evac!” as the flight crew were about to pull the escape slides. We were told the window was not properly closed. Thankfully those Windows, and all doors are held in place by the difference in cabin and exterior pressure. At altitude. However, it was not a fun experience.

Renée

I can only imagine, Andrew, that must have been scary. Thank you for sharing.

Martin Herrera

Compleating about this 5 misterys the open window olso i used for wipe and clean all 6 glases whith specific cleaner spray…
The 757
737boings and
Airbus319,320.. I realy miss doing this for 7 years
On sna airport….
If you klm have a opening for mi letmy tray it please …missing too the push back whit reversed pus-tractor only my manager and my self didit this ways. Love it.

Renée

7 years, wow! That sounds cool, Martin. I wish you all the best with the job hunt.

Tiwalola

Thanks for some answering questions I’d been curious about!
Here’s another please: Why are we mandated to close and open our window hatches at specific times during flights?

Steef van den Berg

Although of the fact that there are only few airlines with no row 13, you will miss also row 4 on Korean Airlines

Renée

That’s a security measure, Tiwalola. The crew needs to be able to see outside during take-off and landing in the very unlikely case something should happen with, for example, an engine. Maybe I can use this question someday in another blog? Thank you!

EMUAKPEJEKESSENA

hi

EMUAKPEJEKESSENA

hi EMUAKPEJEKKESSENA

Dan Hall

I find this very interesting. In some other airlines, they do have a row 13, on the 737 right behind the window exit. Also I heard that on the 787 and Airbus A380 the flight deck Windows don’t open at all!?

Renée Penris

Hi Dan! I wasn’t sure, as we don’t have a A380 in our fleet, but Google showed some pilots waving out of the window of an A380. So those windows do open! As for the Dreamliner, I believe these windows can’t be opened. Thanks!

Philip

Just wondering, do KLM Asia planes have a row 4? (4 being considered an unlucky number in certain Asian civilizations)

Alain

Yes there is a row 4 on KLM Asia. Part of business class on 772 and 773. Even if it is considered unlucky number mostly by Chinese community, all seats are very safe on KLM. And their business class service is top notch. So no worries.and enjoy the flight!

Renée Penris

Hello Philip. Most aircraft in the KLM Asia fleet are Boeing 777’s and they indeed all have a row 4. :)

Jorge Rojas

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!……………..amazing

Renée Penris

Jorge, thanks!

Joseph B. Cassidy, III

Glad to see your blog is back. Actually, I though something happened, and your blogs went to my junk folder, but I was never able to find them there, either. But now I know better. Still, I’m glad that you are back to posting again.
I didn’t know that aircraft could go backwards on their own. The reasons you stated, make perfect sense. Especially the blast, and noise points. Still, it was something that I was not made aware of. Good to know. Thanks.

Renée Penris

Thanks so much, Joseph! :D Recently, we indeed activated the Blog alert again, so I’m glad to read you’re back on our blog. Happy reading!

Alain

Yes there is a row 4 on KLM Asia, in business class for the 772 and 773. But don’t worry with KLM all rows are safe.

h.degen

i still don’t understand why B is not used as a seat number.

h.degen

i read it again and i do understand it now. bit late, sorry.

Renée Penris

No worries! :)

Juan Carlos Flores Velasco

Es la mejor aerolínea del mundo y de América Latina ya que tiene la mejor flota y sobre todo el Aeropuerto de Ámsterdam

Renée Penris

Ah gracias, Juan Carlos!

Lotta Rygaard walsh

Very interesting reading… I’ve been to planes with a row 13, in fact I was in 13 a and I held my breath ( well ) almost the whole trip!
I really liked one of the reasons to why you can slide back some of the windows… escape route for the pilots! In that case, I sure hope he or she is skinny enough

Thanks anyway for all the information and the fun way of writing …I got quite some laughs although I’m scared shit of flying…(flying to Bangkok on Thursday )

Renée Penris

Lotta! Glad to read you decided to read my blog despite your fear of flying. :D Kuddos to you! Thank you for the nice compliments too. Have you read our 3 blogs on overcoming fear of flying? Maybe those will help you some more so you can fly a little bit more comfortably on your flight Thursday. Here it is: https://blog.klm.com/overcoming-fear-of-flying-part-1/ Thank you!

Helen King

Hi I am hoping you can tell me how to find blogs 2&3?. I have serious fear issues and haven’t flown for years but have flights booked for September to Nuremberg and back from Stuttgart so 4 flights in all! My fear is to do with being enclosed and I’m terrified that I’m going to take a major panic attack when the doors close and try to get off the plane. I start to cry even when I think about it and it’s 8 weeks away!! I’ve tried to get help here in the UK but I can’t find anything. I would like to read the other blogs as I found the first one quite useful and have downloaded the Valk app. Do you have any other suggestions? Thank you

Renée Penris

Hello Helen,

I think it’s super brave of you you’re going to fly, despite your fear. I really do hope the blogs will help you further, here they are:

https://blog.klm.com/overcoming-fear-of-flying-part-2/
https://blog.klm.com/overcoming-fear-of-flying-part-3/

Feel free to contact us via social media (Facebook/Twitter), then maybe we can notify the cabin crew in advance. Also feel free to tell the crew when you board the plane(s). All the best!

Helen King

Thank you so much! I got the blogs, really helpful and yes I will get in touch before the flight. I have arranged acupuncture too leading up to the flights as it’s really helped me in the past. Its so weird because while I feel super excited to be flying with KLM., I’m also so worried as I have no idea how I will cope. Thank you for your help

Renée Penris

You can do it!

Backwards Ralf

My question: Do/can planes land themselves? I have been told yes and no.

Renée Penris

Hi Ralf, there is indeed a system referred to as ‘autoland’, which is especially convenient in bad weather, for example when there’s low visibility. The plane can steer itself, but there are still things an actual pilot has to do. For example: deploy the flaps and landing gear and they have to make all kinds of selections. The system can also only be used within certain restrictions too. When there’s too much crosswind, a pilot has to land manually. It’s pretty cool though, don’t you think? Thanks Ralf!

Tim Veldhuizen

Last time I flew to Shanghai, I flew with a black cat. But she’s too cute and sweet to bring bad luck. ;)

Renée Penris

Hmm, I don’t know Tim… ;)

Eden

Awesome! I think it’s a great blog for the airline! Very unique too. It would be incredible if there is another part to it!!
Also could you maybe do a ‘secrets KLM stewards/stewardesses don’t tell you’ I think it would be more of a mystery and it can also help KLM fans experience those secrets. Thanks!!

Renee

Hi Eden. Thanks for the nice compliment! And what a cool idea for another blog, maybe one of our cabin attendants is willing to spill their secrets one day. Maybe ;)

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