Yesterday whilst on a Virgin flight out of Delhi we had to return back to the airport regarding a passenger on board who became quite unwell. Prior to doing this the aircraft had to dump fuel for some time (obviously no drama’s) just wondered why this has to be done and what actually happens to the jettisoned fuel? Would it evaporate in the atmosphere? Thanks in advance of anyone who can answer this question.
By: talltower - 11th September 2009 at 08:47
And it can generate acid rain.
By: David Burke - 8th September 2009 at 22:45
When you say dissipates in the atmosphere – it will but surely it lands somewhere in the form of droplets .
By: Rocketeer - 8th September 2009 at 21:23
more friendly on the environment to dump it than burn it…..there are preferred places to dump, and as long as it is dumped high enough it all dissipates well….
By: FLY.BUY - 8th September 2009 at 20:43
Robert thankyou for the info
By: Robert Hilton - 7th September 2009 at 20:19
Fuel is dumped to lower the weight of the aircraft before landing. Not many a/c can land at max all up weight.
The fuel does tend to disipate in the atmosphere, it is dependant on altitude though.
Sign In
September 7, 2009 at 8:04 pm