Windshield wipers aren’t limited to cars, trucks and other automobiles. They are commonly found on many other types of vehicles, including airplanes.
Commercial airplanes use windshield wipers to improve visibility during bad weather. When activated, the wipers will move back and forth over the cockpit window while wiping away water.
Which Airplanes Have Windshield Wipers?
Not all airplanes have windshield wipers. Rather, they are typically limited to commercial airliners and some smaller airplanes.
Regardless, windshield wipers play an instrumental role in improving visibility for pilots. Even with modern navigation systems, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), pilots still rely on eyesight to see where they are flying. With windshield wipers, rain or snow won’t obstruct their vision. Pilots can see out the cockpit window thanks to the wipers running.
When Do Pilots Use Their Windshield Wipers?
Most pilots only use their windshield wipers during takeoffs, landings and while on the runway — and only when the weather is bad. If it’s raining or snowing, for instance, pilots may activate the airplane’s windshield wipers so that they can see when taking off. They may also use their windshield wipers when landing if it’s raining or snowing.
After taking off and achieving cruising speed, pilots will typically deactivate their windshield wipers. This is because the speed at which airplanes fly is sufficient to remove water and snow from the cockpit window. A typical 747 has a cruising speed of about 475 and 500 knots. Even without windshield wipers running, airplanes flying at such high speeds will maintain clear windows.
How Windshield Wipers Work on Airplanes
Windshield wipers on airplanes work in the same way as those found on cars, trucks and other automobiles. If you look at the front of a typical commercial airliner, you may notice a pair of windshield wipers at the bottom of the pilot’s window and copilot’s window.
Pilots can control the airplane’s windshield wipers using switches or knobs in the cockpit. The controls typically offer multiple speed settings — similar to the multiple speed settings of automobile wipers.
Most airplanes use acrylic windshield wipers. When activated, the wipers will move back and forth across the respective window to which they are attached. The wipers will remove water or snow while improving visibility in bad weather.
In Conclusion
A little rain typically won’t stop commercial airplanes from taking off and flying. Pilots can activate the airplane’s windshield wipers to remove water or snow from the cockpit window.
