Why there is white smoke in flight?


Why there is white smoke in flight?

Condensation in Exhaust Gases
As the airplane's engines release exhaust gases, moisture vapor is released as well. The cold temperature and low air pressure at high altitudes forces this moisture to condense, which creates the characteristic white smoke trail for which airplanes have become widely known.


What is the white gas in flight?

Water vapour is produced by planes as the hydrogen in its fuel reacts with oxygen in the air. In cold conditions (typically below around -40C (-40F)) it can condense, typically on the soot particles also emitted from aircraft engines, to a fog of droplets, which then freeze to form ice particles.


Why gas is released in flight?

He goes on to explain that at around 6,000 to 8,000 feet airplane, cabins become pressurized. “Air expands at higher altitudes, the gas in our intestines expands too, up to 30 percent more than usual and that air needs to go somewhere,” he says.


Do planes dump fuel before landing?

While fuel dumps don't happen every day, they're also not uncommon. Nor do they usually represent a major emergency. In fact if an aircraft is taking the time to dump fuel before landing, that's likely an indication that the issue forcing the plane to land is serious but not critical.


Why am I so bloated after flying?

The same thing happens to your body. As the pressure around you decreases, the gas in your belly isn't constrained as much and it expands. This can make you feel bloated or become distended, he told TPG.


Do all airplanes leave contrails?

Not all aircraft produce contrails – they are estimated to occur in about 18% of flights. The air needs to be cool enough for the water to freeze, which is why they usually only appear above certain altitudes – typically 20,000ft (6km) Even fewer flights produce the most persistent contrails.


Why does my stomach hurt on a plane?

In the human stomach, there are between one and two liters of air. Since this air expands when the aircraft gains altitude, people who are constipated or drink a lot of carbonated beverages may experience bloating and stomachache. Most stomachaches that occur during a flight are caused by air expanding in the stomach.