Are Airplanes and Trains More Similar Than We Think?

The questions we ponder in the 21st century are often multifaceted and intriguing. One such question is: how similar are airplanes to trains? Both are complex engineering marvels designed to transport people efficiently over long distances. While they differ in many ways, upon closer examination, we find that they share more common ground than we initially thought.

Engineered Prosthetic Aids

At the core of every means of transport lies an engineered prosthetic aid. Just as trains serve those without natural legs to move efficiently, airplanes serve those without natural wings or flukes. Essentially, all forms of transportation are prosthetic aids crafted to enhance human capabilities, allowing individuals to travel faster and more comfortably than they would be able to on their own.

You might look at a train and an airplane as prosthetic aids designed to assist those born without the natural means to travel swiftly on land, sea, or air. When these aids fail, people revert to their basic physical abilities, much like removing their prosthetic aids strips away their "pretentious shield and camouflage." Modern humans rely on these engineered facilities to function effectively, much like wearing a uniform to project a certain image.

Commonalities Between Airplanes and Trains

Both airplanes and trains share numerous similarities, particularly in design and functionality. They both feature:

Wheels and Brakes: Both transportation modes have wheels and braking systems that ensure smooth and swift movement. Passenger Seats: Both provide seating for travelers, albeit in different configurations. Driver’s Cab: Both have designated areas for operators to control and manage the vehicle. Fuel Requirement: Both airplanes and trains depend on fuel, though in different forms. Trains use diesel, while planes use aviation fuel. Encountering Air Resistance: Both must contend with air resistance, though to different extents. Airplanes face it at higher altitudes, while trains encounter it along the ground. Rail Tracks: Trains run on fixed rails, and airplanes have specified flight paths, albeit in the sky. Windscreen Wipers: An interesting parallel is the presence of wipers in both types of vehicles. For instance, both 747 aircraft and locomotives have windshield wipers, which serve a practical purpose during taxiing and takeoff/landing for better visibility.

Wipers in an airplane, despite the high speeds and altitudes, play an essential role, particularly during taxiing and takeoff/landing. However, propeller planes do not need wipers because the propeller air stream sufficient to remove water. Specific planes like the Airbus A320 have speed restrictions for using wipers. This demonstrates the practicality of these aids even in seemingly unlikely scenarios.

Conclusion

While airplanes and trains serve different purposes and operate in different environments, they share a common thread: the essence of enhancing human capability through engineering. As we continue to innovate and refine these modes of transport, these similarities will no doubt persist, reinforcing the remarkable advancements in human ingenuity.

Airbus A320 Windscreen Wipers Restriction

The Airbus A320, a popular passenger aircraft, has specific guidelines for the use of its windshield wipers. These restrictions ensure safety and effective use during critical phases of flight. For example, the wipers can only be activated when the aircraft is traveling at speeds below 320 knots (approximately 609 km/h).