|
|
|
|
|
|
by inigyou
5 hours ago
|
|
|
Planes generally avoid braking. Many are equipped with explicit "speed brakes" and all can use their control surfaces to create inefficient aerodynamic configurations, but fuel is expensive so they avoid it unless there's a situation like getting cleared for a shorter approach than expected. Ordinarily, they plan a descent path which can be accomplished naturally with a lower than normal thrust. The standard is three degrees below horizontal. Of course they also activate all braking possibilities upon touching down, but you can't keep the fridge cold by cooling it only upon landing. When cruising (most of the flight), smooth aerodynamics are extremely important, and you wouldn't mess them up just to keep the galley fridge cold. Example: whenever a plane has the landing gear out it burns 2-3 times as much fuel, because that's just how much it costs to not be smooth. That's why they retract the landing gear almost the moment the plane leaves the ground, and why a plane with its landing gear stuck has to return home (despite not being a serious emergency). |
|
|