How can an airplane stay warm at 11,000 meters when it's -56°C outside—without using a traditional heater? And how did a tiny component contribute to a Boeing 777 losing power during its final approach?
In this aviation documentary, we explore the incredible science behind aircraft heating, cooling, icing, and engine systems.
Jet engines produce extremely hot compressed air, aircraft generate heat simply by moving at high speed, and hundreds of passengers add even more heat inside the cabin. Surprisingly, at cruising altitude, an airplane often needs cooling more than heating.
But aircraft heat systems can also be connected to serious aviation incidents.
We investigate the story of British Airways Flight 38, a Boeing 777 that lost engine power during its final approach after ice crystals affected the fuel system. The aircraft came down short of the runway, raising major questions about how such a small component could contribute to a dramatic loss of power.
