What’s That Ding During a Flight? Pilot Reveals Why You Hear It

For most of the air commuters, the dings and beeps sounding during mid-air are most often a reason for apprehension for them, assuming it to be the worst-case scenario. According to an experienced American Airlines pilot, Captain Steve Scheibner, it is far from being ominous. Instead, they are merely routine and functional during the flight.

What Do the Dings Mean?

Captain Scheibner has appeared in a recent TikTok video where he explained that the bells actually serve as a stimulus signal to communications inside the cabin crew. He insisted that it shouldn’t be an alarm as it does not mean emergency.

“There are many sounds on an aircraft that passengers might hear but not understand,” Scheibner said. “However, there are three specific times I use the ding to communicate directly with flight attendants.”

Three Key Times When Dings Are Used in Flight

The pilot outlines the three main occasions on which the dings are used:

Takeoff Clearance:
The first ding occurs when the plane is cleared for takeoff. “This lets the crew know we’re about to take the runway,” he explained.

Smooth Air After Climb:
The second ding happens after the aircraft climbs above 10,000 feet. According to Scheibner, the air below 10,000 feet can be turbulent, and this signal informs the cabin crew that conditions are smooth enough for them to start their in-flight service.

Preparing for Landing:
The final ding is used when the plane descends through 10,000 feet. “This signals the crew to prepare for landing, secure the cabin, and be seated,” Scheibner said.

A Routine Aspect of Flying

Scheibner told passengers that these dings are part of standard operating procedures and should not be interpreted as a cause for concern. He further added that while passengers might hear other noises during a flight, these are typically routine sounds related to the aircraft’s operation.

As captain and aircraft master, Scheibner would hope to quench those anxious flyers‘ jitters on understanding the complex signalling procedures through which they are to live through safe and comfortably aboard an aircraft.