Strange Symbol Appearing on Inside Walls of Aircraft Cabs
In the world of aviation, a special seat has gained popularity among passengers and crew alike - the "William Shatner Chair". This unique spot can be found on Airbus A320 aircraft, situated directly over the wing, offering an unparalleled view of the aircraft's mechanics in action.
The name of this coveted seat is a nod to the iconic role of William Shatner as Captain Kirk in the popular series Star Trek. The association draws a cultural parallel to a prime "viewing spot" much like a starship bridge, symbolizing the best "command seat" for watching the aircraft's mechanics in action - a pilot or explorer's viewpoint.
The location of the William Shatner Chair is strategic, offering a vantage point where passengers can observe wing flex, ailerons, flaps, and sometimes engine operation, depending on wing design. Passengers often seek this seat for a unique flying experience, to watch wing articulation during takeoff, turbulence, and landing.
The origin of the William Shatner Chair name comes from an episode of the TV series The Twilight Zone called "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet". In this episode, the protagonist, while traveling by plane, sees a Gremlin outside, and this seat offers the best view of the outside, although other passengers cannot see the Gremlin.
While the black triangle on Airbus planes is a notable feature, it is not primarily for maintaining balance, evacuation, or catering service. However, some believe this triangle has a role in maintaining the plane's balance, and the best view of the wing's de-icing fluid application can be seen from this point.
In Airbus A300 type aircraft, the position of the wheels could be observed from this point when it was uncertain if the flight gear was opened. Additionally, there are two observation points per wing in Airbus A320 type aircraft.
The black triangle serves as a guide for observing the wing from inside the aircraft. Another opinion states that the black triangle is a reference point for flight attendants when serving in-flight catering. Another theory suggests that in case of an accident, if the doors are not opened, the rescue teams would cut the fuselage of the plane at this point for evacuation.
In conclusion, the William Shatner Chair is a popular informal term among aviation enthusiasts and some crew to denote this prime observation seat inside the cabin of the A320, celebrated for its views and connection to aviation culture references. Whether you're a fan of Star Trek or simply intrigued by the mechanics of flight, the William Shatner Chair offers a unique and fascinating perspective on your next Airbus A320 flight.
[1] [Article Source 1] [2] [Article Source 2]
- In the field of transportation, particularly aviation, the William Shatner Chair is a sought-after observation spot on Airbus A320 aircraft where passengers can witness the wing's mechanics, such as wing flex, ailerons, and sometimes engine operation.
- The association between this prime viewing seat and William Shatner, iconic captain of the Star Trek series, draws a cultural parallel to a command seat in a starship, providing a pilot or explorer's perspective, much like the one offered by the view from 'Nightmare at 20,000 Feet' on a plane, where he saw a Gremlin in the original episode.