Window Covering

Why do we have to close window shutters of an aeroplane while landing?

and keep them open while takeoff?

Public Comments

1. Hm, I don't know. On a recent flight they said to leave the shutters open the entire time. But some people closed them because of their kids and the flight attendants didn't say anything. The other flights I was on, they didn't.... Sorry I couldn't be much help but I am interested to learn the answer as well. I'm sure a flight attendant or someone else will know.
2. In case of an emergency, the inside of the cabin and outside are at the same light level.
3. I know the shutter are to be open during landing for safety reasons. Just in case it may an engine fire or smoke or something, i think probably the shutters were supposed to be closed maybe you were landing during a sunset and the sunlight could blind some people? Im sorry I couldnt be more help.
4. Hi, I've often wondered that too! here are some answers http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070627011010AAf1d8Y http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_you_put_up_window_shades_on_airplanes_during_takeoff_and_landing Another thing .. why do we need to have the seats upright during takeoff and landing http://www.wisegeek.com/why-do-airplane-seats-have-to-be-upright-for-takeoff-and-landing.htm
5. i jsut flew this past monday and when we took off they said we needed to leave them open the whole time. i never heard of that untill now but i never heard of keeping them closed.
6. Mr Shelb is right, In the event of a unexpected landing or a crash, FAA wants the inside of the cabin the same as the outside, so if your landing during daylight then the shades should be up and if your landing at night they will usually turn off the lights prior to landing. This reason is similar to having the lights suddenly turned off and it takes a while for you to get your vision back. (they want to avoid this in case of an emergency i.e., get you off the plane faster) As for the Seats being up during takeoff and landing, these are the two most dangerous times for a flight, so in case that there is a crash, the people behind you can get out of their seats in the event of an emergency.
7. I have never been asked to close shades for landing! think you have your facts wrong....