Why Do We Always Board Planes from the Left? Historical and Safety Considerations

Why Do We Always Board Planes from the Left? Historical and Safety ConsiderationsHave you ever noticed that, regardless of the aircraft you board, we always enter through the left side door? This isn't a coincidence; it's rooted in a rich history and thoughtful safety considerations.A Habit Stemming from the Age of SailingThe tradition of boarding planes from the left can be traced back to ancient seafaring

Why Do We Always Board Planes from the Left? Historical and Safety Considerations

Have you ever noticed that, regardless of the aircraft you board, we always enter through the left side door? This isn't a coincidence; it's rooted in a rich history and thoughtful safety considerations.

A Habit Stemming from the Age of Sailing

The tradition of boarding planes from the left can be traced back to ancient seafaring. In those days, ships' rudders were typically mounted on the right side. For convenience while docking, sailors would habitually use the left side to embark and disembark. This tradition has persisted to this day and has also influenced the development of the aviation industry. If you observe airport jet bridges, you'll find they are almost always designed on the left side of the plane, which dictates that passengers can only board from the left.

Safety Considerations: Pilot Visibility and Emergency Situations

Beyond historical factors, safety is a pivotal consideration for boarding planes from the left. While nowadays jet bridges connect aircraft to the terminal, previously passengers had to use shuttle buses to reach the plane and use stairs to board. In such scenarios, the pilot, situated on the left side of the cockpit, could more easily observe the boarding process, ensuring passenger safety.

Even with the advent of jet bridges, boarding from the left still aids in handling emergency situations. Positioned on the left side of the cockpit, the pilot can more quickly observe the boarding and evacuation of passengers on the left, facilitating the orderly evacuation of passengers.

The Purpose of Right-Side Doors: Service and Emergency Escape

So, what are the doors on the right side of the plane used for? They are often referred to as "service doors" and are used for loading baggage, food carts, service vehicles, etc., to ensure efficient service by the flight crew.

Of course, in case of an emergency, all doors, regardless of left or right, are designated as escape routes for passengers.

Emergency Doors: High Cost and Complexity

Speaking of which, we have to mention the recent incidents involving passengers mistakenly opening emergency doors. On July 5, 2024, a passenger on a China Southern Airlines flight at Quzhou Airport in Zhejiang Province mistakenly opened the emergency door thinking it was a restroom door, causing the emergency slide to deploy. Ultimately, the passenger was taken away, and the flight was canceled.

Why is the cost of opening an emergency door so high? This is because the slide inside the emergency door is usually folded and stored within the door. In an emergency, it automatically inflates, allowing passengers to escape. The repair cost for a single use can reach 45,000 yuan, not including labor, materials, and equipment wear and tear. If the slide's airbag is damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced, the cost can be as high as 450,000 yuan.

Beyond the high cost, emergency doors are extremely complex. Although it takes only a few seconds to deploy the slide, restoration after activation requires dozens of staff members and dozens of days of effort. First, the slide must be sent to a workshop for inspection. If it's undamaged, a "repacking" process is required to refold the slide and store it back in the door.

Conclusion: A Combination of History, Safety, and Cost

In conclusion, boarding aircraft from the left is a result of a combination of historical, safety, and cost considerations. This seemingly simple habit hides many details worth our attention.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is sourced from the internet. The copyright of the text, images, and other materials belongs to the original author. The platform reprints the materials for the purpose of conveying more information. The content of the article is for reference and learning only, and should not be used for commercial purposes. If it infringes on your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us promptly and we will handle it as soon as possible! We respect copyright and are committed to protecting it. Thank you for sharing.(Email:[email protected])