Why Planes Dump Fuel Before Landing
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17 April 2024
It might surprise you to learn that pilots can sometimes release fuel from airplanes mid-flight, even before landing
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Don't be alarmed! Fuel dumping, or fuel jettison, is a safe process used only when absolutely necessary to ensure a safe landing
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Fuel dumping is a rare emergency procedure, not routine. Airlines see it as a last resort, even though it can be cheaper than the alternative
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Some airplanes need to be much lighter when touching down compared to takeoff, sometimes by over 200,000 pounds
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When a plane lands heavy, it can very easily hit the ground too hard and damage the plane
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Don't be alarmed! Fuel dumping, or fuel jettison, is a safe process used only when absolutely necessary to ensure a safe landing
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During the long flight, the plane will naturally burn fuel and shed those pounds in the process
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But what happens if an unexpected issue arises and the plane needs to land sooner than planned? That's where fuel dumping becomes crucial
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This can be as simple as flipping a switch in the cockpit
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Such a system can dump thousands of pounds of fuel per minute
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