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Pilot reveals how toilets are emptied on passenger planes – and strangely why it’s a popular job for ground staff

It is an urban myth that waste from passenger planes is released mid-flight.

Veteran Air Canada Dreamliner captain Doug Morris explains that airplane toilets are actually serviced at airports, at “most ground stops on long-haul flights and less so on short-haul flights.”

The waste is flushed into collection tanks at the rear of the aircraft.

In his fascinating book This Is Your Captain Speaking (ECW Press), Captain Morris explains, “There is an access hatch at the rear (no pun intended) of the aircraft to empty the holding tanks.”

In addition, emptying the tanks “is sought after by many airlines among dock workers, because when they get it, it becomes their only job,” he reveals.

Veteran Air Canada Dreamliner Captain Doug Morris explains that airplane toilets are serviced at airports – and that emptying the tanks is a prestigious job

He continues: “They return from plane to plane, with possibly longer breaks.

“These ‘lavologists’ wear special biohazard suits and masks. And the waste water must be ‘dumped’ at a designated biohazardous waste site at the airport.”

Captain Morris emphasizes in his book that lavatory maintenance “is a major part of flight operations.”

He explains: “If a toilet is considered unusable, it does not have to be a problem; However, maps will be consulted to decide whether operations will be impeded.

“The number of passengers and the duration of the flight determine the number of usable toilets required.

“When toilets become unusable during a long-haul flight, it can be a distraction. Yes, it is that serious.”

Captain Morris’ revelations in the toilet don’t end there.

He also reveals that flight crew on the Dreamliner and Boeing 777 can see the front lavatory through cabin cameras – and over the years he’s seen some memorable sights.

High-flyer: Doug Morris, veteran Air Canada Dreamliner captain

High-flyer: Doug Morris, veteran Air Canada Dreamliner captain

He writes: “First, many passengers spend a few seconds trying to figure out how the door works. It used to be like opening a phone booth. Just press!

“Then there are people who dare to go to the toilet barefoot or in socks.

“The liquid on the floor cannot be water. Think of turbulence and poor aim.’

This Is Your Captain Speaking (ECW Press) is available now

This Is Your Captain Speaking (ECW Press) is available now

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