How can a plane fly? How fast and how high can a plane fly? How many planes arrive at Eindhoven Airport each day? These are just a few of the questions you may have about planes. Below we answer a number of frequently asked questions.

How can a plane fly?

A plane can fly by using air pressure. When the plane's wing passes through the air, it splits the airflow. Some of the air passes over it; some passes under it. Because the wings are kind of flat on the bottom and convex on the top, the air pressure causes the plane to go up. Take a look at this video on Youtube.

How fast and how high can a plane fly?

Most planes taking off and landing at Eindhoven Airport fly an average of 800/900 km per hour. How high a plane can fly depends on the type of plane, its weight and the atmosphere in which it flies. Every flight has its own ideal cruising altitude. This is the ideal altitude at which the plane can fly the fastest while using the least amount of fuel. Planes often fly at about 10,11, 12 or even 13 kilometers altitude. Eindhoven Airport mainly flies the Airbus A321 and the Boeing B737 . The number of passengers that can board the plane varies per type of aircraft. The average is between 180 and 220 passengers. Also on board are of course the pilot and co-pilot and some stewards/stewardesses.

How many planes are there at Eindhoven Airport each day?

That varies depending on the season. In the summer season (from approximately the end of March to October) 65 to 70 departing and 65 to 70 arriving aircraft cross our runway every day. In the winter season, that figure is about 50 departing and 50 arriving aircraft.

What happens between a plane's arrival and departure?

When the plane arrives, the Marshaller points the plane to the proper aircraft stand. When the plane is parked, blocks are placed under the wheels to keep the plane from rolling. A large battery (Ground Power Unit) is connected to the plane so that, for example, the lights can stay on while the plane is off. Then the ground crew puts the stairs(s) against the plane so passengers can get off. Suitcases are also removed from the plane. New suitcases are loaded onto the plane and new catering comes on the plane. Cleaners clean the plane and refueling is done as needed. Once the next passengers have boarded, the plane departs again.

Is it possible to fly during a thunderstorm?

Aircraft are well equipped against a possible lightning strike. They are often made of metal that conducts lightning away so that electricity cannot enter the cabin. Many planes are also equipped against thunderstorms with electrostatic dischargers. These are the little black antennas (carbon rods) at the end of the wing. These rods conduct static electricity from the fuselage and release it into the air.

Pilots prefer not to fly through the squall because lightning does have the potential to cause minor damage to the aircraft. Many aircraft are equipped with weather radar so pilots can see thunderstorms coming in time and avoid them. In consultation with air traffic control, they then take other routes. If there are thunderstorms within 5 kilometers of Eindhoven Airport, handling is halted. This means that no one is allowed on the apron. You will not be able to board or disembark, or load or unload suitcases or carry out other activities. For safety reasons, everyone must stay inside. Aircraft may land but then passengers may not subsequently disembark. Thus, you may have to wait during thunderstorms before you can disembark/board or the plane may leave a little later.