What's the 'chime' sound just after lift-off?

7 replies

highflyer

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 10 Apr 2012

Total posts 186

I have flown several A330s with different airlines over the past few years, and in the A330, just after lift-off, approximately 5-10 seconds after the aircraft is in the air, there is a Chime that goes off. I have always wondered what this chime is for? Is there any crew or frequent flyers that know what it is for?

eightblack

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 05 Oct 2012

Total posts 5

See if this is able to help you...

http://wwww.airliners.net/aviation-forums/tech_ops/read.main/317847/

TECHNO

Member since 24 Apr 2013

Total posts 16

Im not 100% sure but I think it may be to release the crew from the semi brace position that they adopt on take off and landing.

benny83

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 19 Mar 2013

Total posts 5

I have noticed as well, the emergency exit lights switch off as well, and the same thing repeats in reverse just before landing.

AlG

Member since 04 Nov 2010

Total posts 155

I thought this was in all aircraft, not just A330s? Isn't it a single chime which lets the crew know they can start to do their thing, followed by a second chime which is when passengers can start to get up etc?

highflyer

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 10 Apr 2012

Total posts 186

Hi Al, this Chime I am hearing is immediately after take-off...literally 5-10 seconds once the wheel lifts off.

The chime you are talking about varies between each airline.  Normally once the aircraft has reached a safe cruising altitude, or 10,000ft, the captain will chime the crew or turn off the seatbelts to let the crew know they can get up and do their thing, but this chime i am hearing is different and i can't figure out what it's for.

NT

Member since 30 Apr 2013

Total posts 2

It can vary from airline to airline but  this chime you describe in conjunction with the EXIT signs turning off signifies the retraction of the landing gear and marks the end of the 'critical' phase of take off. For landing the chime will occur when the landing gear extends and EXIT signs illuminate.

Troych79

Member since 30 Apr 2013

Total posts 1

The chime is an Airbus feature.  It lets the crew know that the gear has fully retracted and locked into position.  You would also notice that the EXIT signs turn off when you hear the chime.

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