Dimmed cabin lights

Does anyone know why the main cabin lights are dimmed for night take offs and landings and not for day flights?

I asked a stewardess on our last night flight, and said that it was a CAA requirement, but didn't know why.

Thanks.

[Pete]

It's so your eyes can get accustomed to the dim light should there be an emergency on take off or landing. If you have to get out of the aircraft quickly, you don't want to be fumbling around in the dark too long.

Dimming the lights is a CAA requirement, and apears in ops manuals. It helps with adjusting to night vision, and also makes the floor level and evacuation lights more visable during an evacuation.

Hope this helps

Oops!

Looks like Pete beat me to the post!

Seems logical - thanks very much

i thought it saved electricity and gave the engines that little bit of extra power they need to break the gravity barrier.[:?]

On our QF flight a couple of years back they never dimmed the flights on landing or taking off, it was very strange???? I like flying when it is dark.

DMB

The aircraft lights have been dimmed as this is normal procedure for a night-time take off and also enhances the appearance of your Cabin Crew.

[Bazz]

On a related matter, I believe safety is also the reason why the blinds are required to be up during take off and landing, so the crew and pax can see what is going on outside the aircraft (in the case of an engine fire for example) and also so rescuers can see into the cabin.

so rescuers can see into the cabin

Not a lot of point if it's dark in there!!:)

(Sorry)

{Edited by Bazz to make quotes display correctly}

[Pete]

Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes

Originally posted by FlyCC
also enhances the appearance of your Cabin Crew.

Oh pshaw...you lot are all beautiful!!!

GJ

I think that post was from FlyCC. If you'd ever seen me in close up you'd realise I was a haggared old troll; lights up or not.

[RichardMannion]

Originally posted by pixuk

Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes

Originally posted by FlyCC
also enhances the appearance of your Cabin Crew.

Oh pshaw...you lot are all beautiful!!!

GJ

I think that post was from FlyCC. If you'd ever seen me in close up you'd realise I was a haggared old troll; lights up or not.

Well yes that is the case, seen as you are past the 40-mark. Not to worry, MrsD is not too far behind....

Thanks,
Richard