Air Travel

The Dry Dilemma

Pilot’s Perspective: The Dry Dilemma Captain Lim Khoy Hing explores the strange effects of dry cabin air. A guest once wrote to me for tips on overcoming the problems caused by dry air. He asked if the air in the cabin could be the reason his nose often bled while flying. Air inside an airplane …

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Bumps in the Air

Some air travellers describe their encounter with air pockets as dropping thousands of feet. I have often explained that the experience is similar to travelling on land where a smooth road suddenly gives way to bumps and potholes, making the journey a little uncomfortable. Plane above the clouds Image: GETTY WHAT IS AN AIR POCKET? …

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Into the Cosmos

The dream of space tourism is becoming a reality. Here, I will take you behind the scenes of commercial space travel. Source: Travel 3Sixty   Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, a spaceflight company under the Virgin Group owned by the fervent British entrepreneur, is gearing up to provide commercial space flights to space tourists. Branson’s …

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Safety First Always

What does IOSA certification really mean? Please read on to understand the stringent safety measures that govern the aviation industry. An Airbus A330 Flight Simulator Last September, AirAsia X Malaysia was officially recognised as an IOSA – International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit – registered operator. More stringent than the ISO 9001, which …

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The Best Seat

Captain Lim Khoy Hing shares insights on choosing seats and handling turbulence on board – for a relaxing journey through the skies. Source Travel 3Sixty AirAsia Premium Flatbed seat Which is the best seat on the plane? Some say it’s the aisle seat, while others prefer to sit by the window so they can enjoy …

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Bird Tricks

Did you know that birds can remain in the air longer than a commercial airliner?Here are the remarkable facts about the creature that inspired the Wright brothers.  Image source: Travel 3Sixty  The golden plover According to American researcher Dr Jobe Martin, the golden plover bird – about the size of a pigeon and weighing an …

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When Earth Shakes

Source Travel 3Sixty Cracks on the ground caused by earthquakes   Following the devastating earthquakes that struck Lombok, an island to the east of Bali, Indonesia, in July and August, I was asked an important question: What would happen if an earthquake were to hit the runway as an airplane is approaching for landing? Circumstances …

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Mysteries of the Skies

From puffy white streaks that appear in the blue to shooting stars, the article below unravels the mysteries of the skies Source: Travel 3Sixty The contrails of a cruising aircraft When I was a young boy, I often wondered about the white smokey streaks across the sky that could be seen on a clear day. …

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Going with the Flow

This month, Captain Lim Khoy Hing discusses turbulence and ways passengers can overcome it.   Travellers can get professional assistance to cope with turbulence anxiety. Image: Travel 3Sixty   The fact is: turbulence is an unavoidable part of flying, and is not a concern when passengers have their seat belts securely fastened. Turbulence is usually …

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Myths vs Reality

Captain Lim Khoy Hing debunks aviation myths and shines light on intriguing little-known facts to ensure you enjoy worry- and guilt-free travels. Image : Travel 3Sixty Passenger safety and comfort are prioritised when it comes to cabin design, ensuring guests enjoy a relaxing experience on board.   The idea that there is less oxygen at …

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Mobile at 35,000 Feet!

At one time, mobile phone usage was totally banned on board aircraft, but now, the path is set for airborne use of smartphones and other electronic devices. Image: Getty (Travel 3Sixty). Do mobile phone signals really interfere with navigational flight instruments? The truth is, these signals can have a strong impact on the surroundings. A …

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Passage to Hawaii

Sources: Travel 3Sixty. As AirAsia X commenced flights to Hawaii in June, I feel this milestone warrants a deviation from my usual stories revolving around the technical know-how of flying, and a closer look at some of the preparations involved in launching this exotic destination. In February, AirAsia X announced four weekly flights to Hawaii …

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A Meticulous Plan

A plane carrying out an Instrument Landing System (ILS) Approach. As a pilot, I’m often asked, “How do pilots plan flight routes?” My answer is always “Meticulously.” There are numerous factors to consider when planning a flight route, and all safety requirements must be met in order for a route to be approved. And rest …

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