Why clap when plane lands

Is it surprising that we're alive? Is it because we arrived at our sunny destination in the Caribbean? Did we think we wouldn't? If the pilot navigates a bumpy landing with skill and style, I'll clap. But I don't give participation trophies. That being said, I always, always, always make a point to thank the pilots and flight attendants on my way out.

Is it polite or tacky to applaud when you touch down? The debate is on. AeroTime Extra. Share this news. This great AeroTime author has not written anything about himself yet. De Havilland resumes completion of Dash 8 aircraft after three-month strike De Havilland resumes Dash 8 completions after a three-month strike, but is still not guaranteeing future production of t Facebook Twitter Linkedin Reddit Email.

Asia-Pacific will need 17, new aircraft by , says Boeing Boeing says the Asia-Pacific aviation market will require 17, new aircraft by The truth is no one seems to know. The origin of the aforementioned saying has been thoroughly searched and debated on sites like Quora, Reddit, and Airliners. Though there is a difference in opinions, there is no clear answer as of now.

Daniel Levine, a travel trends expert told a media publication that the people who clap on planes are basically fearful fliers or happy nationalists who celebrate on landing. After a lot of digging, it was noted in the work of the Museum of Flight, that the first recorded case of landing and clapping came in a Cincinnati Enquirer story in It mentioned an American Airlines flight with a malfunction that involved the landing gear.

The flight ultimately landed safely, and all of the passengers clapped their hands in thankful relief. Likewise, it is noted as an common phenomenon by pilots and flight attendees to find passengers fearful when a flight undergoes turbulence. This fear gives rise to the feeling of thankfulness due to which the passengers clap for the flight's successful landing.

The previously mentioned travel expert, Levine wrote about a "seemingly spontaneous ovation that often accompanies an aircraft's safe return to terra firma" in for the International Herald Tribune and did not praise the practice.

He said that such a gesture indicates a lack of sophistication.