2007-12-06 02:11:39 · 14 answers · asked by ragu 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
Have you ever used a Porta-John at a construction site or outdoor sports event? It's just like that. The bowl is filled with a scented solution (usually blue), that mixes with whatever you dump into it. After use, the solution (called "lavatory solution," "lav solution," "or lav juice,") is pumped into a holding tank behind the cargo bays.
When needed, the "honey wagon" comes along and pumps it out.
On long-range flights, it is usually pumped at every stop. Short-haul carriers usually pump the lav once or twice a day.
And yes, the Captain is responsible for making sure the lavs are working properly and the solution is pumped at the proper times. If the can gets plugged up, it's ultimately the Captain's fault.
2007-12-06 10:36:08 · answer #1 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smaller jets have "honey pots" that are dumped, usually into an approved drain or, at the very worst, down a toilet. It's basically a bucket that catches the waste.
Smaller turbo props have basically the same system, using the equivalent of kitty litter.
Larger jets have systems that are dumped into either a lavatory cart, or into a lavatory service truck after landing.
No matter how the lav gets serviced, it's never any fun to "play in the poop."
2007-12-06 18:33:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's pumped off the plane, and then depending on the airport location
Pumped into the sewage system or treated like any other septic tank clean-up and disposed of in a land fill
2007-12-06 10:16:18 · answer #3 · answered by sydney_22_f 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Its done the same way as in a porta-potty. Its just stored in a tank and serviced by ground personnel when the aircraft lands. Its just a tank of "blue juice." Nothing special about it.
2007-12-06 22:44:28 · answer #4 · answered by Jason 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, stored and pumped out later.
But, yes it can be dumped out, but since the laws about dumping rubbish at Sea were enforced this practice is not really used....although there are still "Blue ice" incidents where frozen turds in the blue chemical from the toilet have plummeted to earth and damaged roofs. I think one killed a cow once.
2007-12-06 18:30:53 · answer #5 · answered by Paul H 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A honey wagon comes and sucks it out of the holding tank while the aircraft is on the tarmac.
2007-12-06 10:15:11 · answer #6 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
It goes into a storage tank on the plane and is emptied at the airports. I also think that they have the ability to dump it if necessary .
2007-12-06 10:16:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It goes into holding tanks. And is disposed of during layovers or when the planes are cleaned. Did you realize it cost 300,000.00 to clean a plane and thats just the inside.
2007-12-06 10:46:51 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Its pumped out when on ground
2007-12-06 13:17:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
its done on ground and pumped out with a long hose or tube
2007-12-06 10:14:41 · answer #10 · answered by Michelle 4 · 8⤊ 0⤋