If a plane runs out of fuel in the air, the engines will stop working, similar to a car running out of gas. This results in a loss of power, and some power-dependent systems, such as certain hydraulic functions, will also fail. However, the plane will not immediately fall from the sky.
What Happens Next?
- Gliding: The plane, now essentially a glider, will continue to have lift generated by its wings, allowing it to descend gradually. The glide ratio (the horizontal distance traveled for every unit of altitude lost) varies depending on the aircraft's design and the prevailing conditions. A Boeing 747, for example, has an average glide ratio of 17:1. [Source: Quora]
- Loss of Power: All engine-powered systems cease to function. This means the pilots will lose control of many functions requiring engine power. [Source: Scienceabc, Reddit]
- Emergency Landing: The pilots will immediately initiate emergency procedures, which primarily involves finding the nearest suitable landing area and executing a controlled glide landing. This requires skillful piloting and quick decision-making. [Source: Quora, AskCaptainLim]
- Fuel System Malfunction: It's important to note that a complete fuel exhaustion mid-flight is extremely rare, usually resulting from a simultaneous failure of both the fuel system and the engines. [Source: AskCaptainLim]
Factors Affecting the Outcome
The altitude, airspeed, weather conditions, and the type of aircraft significantly affect how the situation unfolds. The pilots' expertise plays a crucial role in executing a successful emergency landing.
It is important to note that mid-air refueling is not a practical solution for commercial and private aircraft due to safety, economic, and logistical reasons. [Source: Scienceabc]
