Tea cakes allowed in the cockpit again: 60 years after the ban!

Tea cakes allowed in the cockpit again: 60 years after the ban!

A remarkable decision from the British Air Force was announced today: eating “tea cakes” is again permitted during flights. This decision follows a roughly 60-year ban that originated in an incident during the Cold War. At that time, a pilot had unpackaged “tea cakes” in the cockpit, which exploded when the pressure was released and caused a considerable mess. This experience led to strict safety regulations that initially prohibited the take-out of the chocolate-covered desserts. How crown Reportedly, a study by the Royal Air Force Center for Aerospace Medicine showed that although the chocolate coating on the tea cakes cracked and the filling spilled out, no explosion occurred.

Oliver Bird, a medical officer trainer, said there were no compelling reasons why "tea cakes" could not be consumed on flights. Particularly noteworthy is the role of this sweet (particularly that of Tunnock's) in the memories of Tony Cunnane. The 77-year-old former RAF bomber pilot describes in his memoirs how the teacakes were used during high-altitude flights. These were particularly popular during longer missions aboard aircraft such as the Valiant.

The Science of Tea Cake

Cunnane describes that the changes in air pressure at high altitudes directly influenced the behavior of the marshmallow filling. During climbs, crews noticed the filling expanding at 25,000 feet, sometimes even causing the chocolate shell to crack. These observations led to experiments examining different brands of tea cakes and their response to different heights.

A striking incident that ultimately led to the banishment of the teacakes from the cockpit occurred during a depressurization exercise in which the unprotected teacakes exploded on the instrument panel of a V-bomber. This incident created significant distractions and posed a risk to the pilots. Cunnane noted that the crew required additional nutrition during high flight, particularly at cabin altitudes above 15,000 feet, to maintain performance.

A look at aviation history

The history of aviation ranges from the first filming in antiquity to mythological representations and groundbreaking inventions in the 20th century. The development of aviation has revolutionized not only the transportation of people, but also the way we experience the world. From the flight attempts of ancient cultures to the advances of the Wright Brothers and the development of the first commercial aircraft, technology has constantly evolved. These advances are a prerequisite for innovative changes in aviation, including now the new guidelines regarding “tea cakes” in the cockpit.

The return of teacakes to British cockpits could be small but significant news for the aviation industry as it responds to the need for safety and enjoyment while flying. While pilots can now enjoy the sweet treat, it remains to be seen whether the “tea cake story” will generate further interest and discussion.