Thanks Juan, I'm very clear now :-) C.S. >>> Juan Carlos Gideon <JCAirStuff@aol.com> 05/27/02 03:58pm >>> Dear C.S. There are a few reasons why: During take off: Critical operation, passengers aware of elements and in case of emergency might be able to react better. In case of fire, = passengers will know which exits to use. Passengers could also see approaching = debris and or object and might be better able to brace for impact. During landing and taxiing: Landing too is a critical operation and for reasons stated above, shades are to remain in the up position. Also, Terrorists normally demand that shades be drawn to prevent passengers = seeing what is taking place around them. Consequently, if there were ever to be = a passenger aircraft with all its shades drawn, other than those performing = all cargo flights; the airport authorities would treat arriving aircraft as if = it were a hijacked airliner. Hope this helps you. Juan Carlos Gideon Fan of MDE