Can you Fly a Plane if you Wear Glasses? Busting Common Aviation Myths
29 May 2025
If there’s one form of transport surrounded by more myths than others, then surely it has to be flying.
Perhaps it’s the sense of adventure when taking to the skies, but fact or fiction can become ‘clouded’ by what really is allowed, or not allowed, high above the earth.
The good news to remember throughout is that flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation, so prepare for take off as we explore, and debunk, five common aviation myths.
And by the way, yes, you are allowed to fly a plane in the UK if your wear glasses, providing certain conditions are met.
Is turbulence dangerous?
Experiencing turbulence when flying can be unnerving but it is rarely dangerous.
Modern planes must meet the most stringent safety standards and are designed to cope with extreme conditions.
Of course, if you’re on a commercial flight then it’s important to pay attention to the instructions from the cabin crew to avoid any unnecessary accidents, such as falling over, caused by the plane moving unexpectedly.
Do phones need to be in airplane mode?
Yes, switching a phone to airplane mode will disable all wireless and cellular signals.
From a safety perspective, this minimises the chance that it will interfere with the aircraft’s navigation and communications systems, such as the pilot’s headset (and you really don’t want a distracted pilot).
Does the autopilot do all the flying?
No, pilots are highly skilled professionals who have undergone intense training before passing incredibly hard exams.
Pilots remain in overall control of the flight, such as making all the critical decisions, and can disengage the autopilot at any time.
The autopilot, however, is a very useful tool for pilots and can be used, for instance, to maintain altitude, heading and speed.
Do airplane pilots eat different meals?
Yes, for safety reasons they eat different meals, as this will help minimise the risk of both suffering food poisoning. It’s also likely they’ll eat at different times and avoid eating fish or seafood.
And…do toilets flush out the back of an airplane?
No, the waste from an airplane does not flush out the back, fall to earth and spray some unsuspecting victim.
Although the loud whoosh when flushing sounds like your bodily deposit is now free as a bird, in fact, the sewage is being collected by a vacuum method and stored in sealed tanks underneath the plane. It is then safely dealt with by the land crew when the plane has landed.
Want to experience flying first hand?
Now you know what goes on up in the sky, why not trying Flying for Yourself.
It’s easy accessible with Airfields Across the UK offering first time fliers the opportunity to stretch their wings in light aircraft with a flying lesson.
Who knows, it might be the first steps to becoming a professional pilot and help debunk some of these myths!
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