Can an Airplane Exit Door Be Opened Mid-Flight?

Despite popular belief, opening an airplane exit door mid-flight is impossible due to a combination of cabin pressure and the structural design of the doors. This article will explore the reasons behind this, including the controversial case of D.B. Cooper, and the physical effort required to even attempt such a feat.

Reasons for the Unopened Exit Door

The primary reason an airplane exit door cannot be opened mid-flight is the significant difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the cabin. Commercial airplanes are pressurized to maintain a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing the effect of high altitude conditions. At cruising altitudes, the pressure inside the cabin is much higher than the pressure outside, effectively locking the door in place.

In addition to pressure, the design of airplane doors is a critical factor. These doors are designed to prevent unauthorized access and are securely locked. Even if one were to attempt to open the door in flight, the physical force required would be immense and far beyond human capability.

The Physical Force Required

Even with the pressure differential not being a factor, opening an airplane door would still require extraordinary effort. The physical force needed to lift the door against the pressure difference is equivalent to lifting more than 4,700 pounds. This is a stockpile of stones and leaves no room for human power.

In practice, the structural design of the doors is such that attempting to open them would be futile. The pressure differential creates a constant force, preventing even the strongest individuals from lifting the door.

The D.B. Cooper Case: A Notorious Instance of Hijacking

Despite the physical impossibility of opening an airplane exit door mid-flight, history provides one notable exception in the 1970s. In November 1971, a passenger registered as D.B. Cooper hijacked a Northwest aircraft and used the backstairs to jump from the plane with a parachute and a ransom note.

Following takeoff from Seattle, Cooper managed to arrange for a ransom to be transferred to the aircraft. Although an extensive search was carried out and a small amount of the ransom money was found, neither Cooper nor the bulk of the ransom was ever seen again. This daring maneuver was made possible due to the specific circumstances and not due to the physical capability of the passenger.

The Minimum Size of an Airplane Exit Door

The minimum size of an airplane exit door is 720 square inches (36 inches x 20 inches). These doors are not merely passages but crucial safety mechanisms. They are designed to act as a seal, with the air pressure inside the airliner holding them closed. The air pressure inside the airliner is at least 11 pounds per square inch, while the external pressure is 4.4 pounds per square inch, reduced further by the relative movement of the air around the airliner.

The pressure differential of 6.6 pounds per square inch, acting over 720 square inches, creates a force that is incomparably immense. Attempting to open the door would require lifting over 4,700 pounds, a feat that is both physically and practically impossible.

Conclusion

In summary, the combination of cabin pressure and the structural design of airplane doors makes it impossible to open an airplane exit door mid-flight. Despite the physical impossibility, historical cases like the D.B. Cooper incident highlight the complexity and potential dangers associated with airplane hijackings and the necessity of stringent safety measures.