Lucy Devine
There are still so many weird and wonderful parts of traveling by plane that we can't get our heads around.
For example, why can't planes go backwards? What do all those little noises really mean? And why are there tiny holes on airplane windows?
Don't even get us started on how it's possible for the aircraft to actually stay in the air.
And now we can add one more question to our list - why do pilots clean their windshields with soda?
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Yep, apparently it's a thing. One pilot on Instagram even commented on a viral video of another pilot using what looks to be soda water.
As you can imagine, a pilot needs perfect visibility while flying a plane, and even a little bit of dirt or grime could be detrimental.
Former commercial pilot Daniel Bubb told Reader's Digest that even a tiny spec on a window can be dangerous, especially for flights without a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which alerts pilots of other nearby planes.
A plane in the distance would look tiny, and not much different to a spec on a windshield, so it's important that pilots have a clear and accurate view of their surroundings.
Using a fizzy drink like Club Soda on the windows helps to clear off any dirt of grime, thanks to the carbonated water and mineral content.
"Those little bubbles are like tiny cleaning ninjas," Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning told marthastewart.com.
"They lift dirt, grease, and grime without leaving behind harsh residues."
Meanwhile, the mineral content also aids with its cleaning powers, helping remove tough marks or gunk.
Importantly, Club Soda or even sparkling water isn't loaded with sugar like many sugary drinks, meaning it won't leave residue.
Of course, what pilots use on their windscreens is hugely important and making sure the glass isn't damaged by products is essential.
“They also often have specialized coatings for strength, anti-fogging and heat, which means they require far more care than a car windshield,” Mark Woods, co-founder and vice president of flight operations at Cirrus Aviation Services explained.
“If used at all, soda should be immediately rinsed off with clean water.”
“Personally, I’ve never used soda water, but if it works, is not abrasive and does not cause damage over time, why not use it?” Bubb added.
“There are little tricks pilots can use for different purposes, as long as they are safe, but it always is best to err on the side of caution to ensure they are using Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aircraft manufacturer-approved materials. Whenever in doubt, the pilots can call the ground crew to bring a windshield cleaner that is approved by the FAA.”