What Happens When All Airplanes Run Out of Fuel?

Every pilot, regardless of the aircraft type, undergoes rigorous training on how to handle the situation when the engines fail. This critical scenario is thoroughly covered in every pilot's initial and recurrent training, making it one of the most essential skills in aviation.

Training for Engine Failure

Engine failure is a crucial training scenario that all pilots, especially those with more than a few hours of instructor training, must master. This scenario is treated with the utmost importance and is designed to teach pilots how to maintain complete control over the aircraft and safely glide it to a landing. In this emergency, the aircraft remains fully operational with all controls intact, and the electronic systems continue to function using battery power or ram-air generators on larger aircraft.

The training is extensive and covers every type of aircraft for which pilots are checked out. This is a stark contrast to ground vehicle driver's licensing, which does not simulate such critical scenarios. Pilots train in flight simulators for larger aircraft, where the only 'backup' plan in case of failure is a controlled crash. Smaller aircraft use live instructors to reduce the throttle to idle and may attempt to restart the engines.

Handling the Engine Failure

When an engine failure occurs, the pilot immediately takes action to maintain control. Depending on the situation, the pilot may attempt to restart the engine or switch to the backup system. If a restart is not possible, the pilot focuses on gliding the aircraft to the nearest safe landing area using available control surfaces.

The emergency procedures are designed to ensure a safe landing in the 2-15 minutes it takes to glide the aircraft to the ground. Pilots are trained to prioritize passenger and crew safety by utilizing the aircraft's remaining systems and control surfaces effectively.

The Role of Air Traffic Control

The biggest challenge in the event of a simultaneous engine failure in all airplanes is air traffic control. Landing all aircraft at once may not be feasible due to airspace constraints and prioritization. However, there are various alternative landing sites available, such as deactivated runways, straight stretches of roads, and even remote fields, lakes, and rivers.

While some aircraft may be out of reach of land or airports, the numbers are generally manageable. Moreover, high-altitude airliners can glide for a longer distance, allowing for a safer landing at remote island runways or more distant airports.

Real-Life Examples

Two notable examples include Air Transat Flight 236 and the Gimli Glider. Air Transat Flight 236, which ran out of fuel mid-Atlantic, had a remarkable landing with the help of emergency procedures and the crew's quick thinking. Similarly, the Gimli Glider, a Canadian flight that experienced a fuel shortage, made a landmark landing with the aid of the metric system.

These and other incidents are well-documented on Wikipedia's list of airline flights that required gliding, offering valuable lessons and insights into emergency procedures.

For further reading and detailed information, you can explore the following Wikipedia entries:

Air Transat Flight 236 Gimli Glider List of airline flights that required gliding

Understanding and preparing for these emergencies is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and crew. Proper training and foresight are key to minimizing the risks associated with in-flight emergencies.