Why is My Flight Delayed? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ground Delay Program

In the event of bad weather or simply congestion within a specific airspace, air traffic control may issue a GDP or Ground Delay Program to help reduce air traffic. Ground delay programs are used to give aircraft more separation and reduce the number of arrivals and takeoffs at a particular airport until traffic and weather conditions improve.

Answer: Babies could start crying due to the thunder

Thunderstorms are very dangerous for aircraft to pass through. Lightning can strike the aircraft and cause damage to the fuselage. Visibility would be reduced forcing the pilots to rely on instrumentation only. Perhaps the most dangerous part of a thunderstorm is the wind shear, which can spell disaster for aircraft. Delta Air Lines flight 191 crashed in 1985 while attempting to land during a thunderstorm. Wind shear from the storm was a major factor in bringing the jet down. Aircraft have since had special sensors installed to detect wind shear.

Answer: Yes

Yes, most commercial aircraft have the ability to back themselves up. Using the thrust reverse on the engines an aircraft can move backwards. However, doing this at the gate is dangerous (especially for aircraft with wing-mounted engines) and consumes a lot of fuel. Aircraft with tail-mounted engines, such as the Douglas DC-9, would push themselves back more often in the past, but most airliners don't do it nowadays due to the waste of fuel.

It's safer and more economical to just wait for another tug.

Answer: Auxiliary Power Unit

An APU is an Auxiliary Power Unit. The Auxiliary Power Unit provides power for the aircraft to start its engines and provide temporary power to other aircraft systems. While at a gate an aircraft will use power provided by the airport, rather than the APU as it consumes fuel.

When an APU is inoperative, the engines need an "air start" to get them going. This involves hooking up a special machine that pumps compressed air into the engine allowing it to start without an APU.

Answer: Ash could be ingested by the engines causing damage

A volcanic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft as ash from the volcano can be ingested by the engines causing damage. In 2010, a volcano in Iceland erupted causing major disruptions in air travel between North America and Europe. Most of the time flights are delayed, diverted or cancelled if an eruption occurs at its destination or along its flight path.

Answer: Toilets

Hydraulics are a critical system of an aircraft. The retractable landing gear, the flaps and slats and the brakes are all components that require a fully functional hydraulic system. If a leak or any other malfunction is detected in the hydraulic system it usually means the flight will need to be delayed or cancelled until it has been repaired.

Answer: Airlines use snowstorms as an excuse to give employees a day off

Snow can have a strong impact on air travel. There have been numerous accidents involving aircraft skidding on icy runways. Snow and ice build-up on the aircraft can pose extreme danger. The added weight alone would hamper flight and if critical parts become frozen it can spell disaster, which is why most aircraft air receive de-icing or anti-icing treatment even during mild snowfall. Airport personnel including pilots and flight attendants may have a difficult time arriving at the airport on time if local roads have not been treated.

Answer: Ignore it and let the plane fly as is

Most aircraft have weight limitations based on their size and engine design. Exceeding these limitations can cause a plane to become overweight, hindering its ability to fly. Runway length and weather may also be a factor in weight limitations. Also, the weight on a plane must be balanced. If too much weight is towards the rear, the aircraft may end up sitting on its tail. If too much is towards the front, the aircraft will struggle to takeoff. Passengers may be asked to move their seat or come off the aircraft if the aircraft is overweight or out of balance. Also bags may be shifted, removed or added to help balance the weight.

Answer: False

Remember that weight is critical to an aircraft's performance. It's possible that filling the tank to its capacity could make the plane overweight and hinder its performance. Most airlines only put enough fuel into the aircraft to make the journey safely, with some extra added to allow for inclement weather or heavy air traffic delays.

Answer: Air traffic restrictions involving Air Force One

Whenever Air Force One is carrying the President of the United States, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) places temporary flight restrictions for traffic in the vicinity of Air Force One. Air Force One is given priority takeoff and landing clearance and other air traffic is kept a certain distance away. Military escorts will intercept any aircraft that violates these restrictions either voluntarily or involuntarily.