Strangest Superstitions in Aviation History

Some WWII pilots carried rabbit’s feet or four-leaf clovers into the cockpit for protection.

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Airlines sometimes avoid using “unlucky” flight numbers like 13… even today!

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In some cultures, tossing coins at a plane before takeoff is thought to bring good fortune (though it’s actually dangerous

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WWII crews often painted names & mascots on planes for luck — like “Enola Gay” or cartoon characters.

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Many pilots believed whistling inside the cockpit could “call the wind” and cause turbulence.

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Even today, some pilots keep small lucky charms tucked in their flight bags.

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Strangest Superstitions in Aviation History

Some WWII pilots carried rabbit’s feet or four-leaf clovers into the cockpit for protection.

Lucky Charms

Airlines sometimes avoid using “unlucky” flight numbers like 13… even today!

Avoiding Flight Numbers

In some cultures, tossing coins at a plane before takeoff is thought to bring good fortune (though it’s actually dangerous

Coins for Luck

WWII crews often painted names & mascots on planes for luck — like “Enola Gay” or cartoon characters.

Naming Planes

Many pilots believed whistling inside the cockpit could “call the wind” and cause turbulence.

No Whistling

Even today, some pilots keep small lucky charms tucked in their flight bags.

Modern Beliefs

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