ArcticDiver
Contributor
The ability to sift facts and arrive at a correct solution is a basic skill in scuba diving. So, I thought this conversation which was overheard on my flight from the Mainland to Hawaii would provide some grist for the analytical grinder. For what it is worth the airplane was a nearly new B-767-300.
Diver? A (at about half way across the pond): Boy if it wasn't for burning so much fuel this airplane would be heavier when we land in Honolulu that when we left Los Angeles.
Diver? B: Why do you say that?
Diver? A: Have you seen all the people using the lavatories? They must have peed gallons, and gallons. That is all going into the holding tanks. You know they don't drain them overboard in flight any more.
Diver? B: No you ninnie; the airplane will be lighter. In addition to the fuel burned those people now have lighter bladders. And, have you seen the passsengers chowing down? The galley must be empty by now.
Diver? A: Of course, you are right, I should have known. The airplane will be lighter! You always were smarter than me.
So; what say you: Lighter? Heavier? Why?
Who is correct?
Diver? A (at about half way across the pond): Boy if it wasn't for burning so much fuel this airplane would be heavier when we land in Honolulu that when we left Los Angeles.
Diver? B: Why do you say that?
Diver? A: Have you seen all the people using the lavatories? They must have peed gallons, and gallons. That is all going into the holding tanks. You know they don't drain them overboard in flight any more.
Diver? B: No you ninnie; the airplane will be lighter. In addition to the fuel burned those people now have lighter bladders. And, have you seen the passsengers chowing down? The galley must be empty by now.
Diver? A: Of course, you are right, I should have known. The airplane will be lighter! You always were smarter than me.
So; what say you: Lighter? Heavier? Why?
Who is correct?