Pilots idolized
04-03-2009, 05:30 PM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Pilots idolized
I was on a flight yesterday into OKC when the FA asked that we keep our seats after we came to a stop until she had the opportunity to get someone off the aircraft. I thought she meant a wheelchair bounded lady that I had seen preboard. instead it was a 4-5 year old unaccompanied girl. As the FA was getting her backpack together and getting read to hand her off to gate agent - she asked if she could see where the "airplane drivers" worked.
AAHHH........reminds me of the good ol' times when I could even go up front to the cockpit INFLIGHT!
Well...I saw her when she left the cockpit and she had a huge grin on her face. Good jb airline pilots for making that little girl's day.
USMCFLYR
PS....and btw - a very nice landing in those gusty OK winds.
AAHHH........reminds me of the good ol' times when I could even go up front to the cockpit INFLIGHT!
Well...I saw her when she left the cockpit and she had a huge grin on her face. Good jb airline pilots for making that little girl's day.
USMCFLYR
PS....and btw - a very nice landing in those gusty OK winds.
04-03-2009, 06:34 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Position: Retired
Posts: 2,934
That's one of the few times that this job is really rewarding. Some of the questions that come out of kids' mouths are amazing. We were all there at some point and I think it's why we got into this crazy thing we call flying. At that age, pay doesn't matter, work rules don't matter, quality of life doesn't matter, it's just cool. When you're having a rough day it's a great way to put things in perspective.
In this day in age so many are too worried about even coming close to the cockpit. I always enjoy showing somebody where I work. I wish I could do it more often.
In this day in age so many are too worried about even coming close to the cockpit. I always enjoy showing somebody where I work. I wish I could do it more often.
04-03-2009, 10:27 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Student Pilot
Posts: 2,277
I remember seeing the flight deck of an airliner for the first time. It was a National Airlines B-727; MIA to PBI believe it or not. I was the only one to deplane in West Palm. I think the flight continued on to Melbourne, FL and then on to the Northeast. That was back around 1970-71.
I had a toy Eastern Airlines plane in the bag that my oldest sister had purchased for me in one of the gift shops at Miami International. If I remember correctly, it was the FO that asked me, "Whatcha got in the bag?" When I pulled it out and showed him...he replied, "You're flying National and you've got an Eastern Airlines toy airplane. Man, you really know how to hurt guy".
I've wondered from time to time how those three guys are doing.
atp
I had a toy Eastern Airlines plane in the bag that my oldest sister had purchased for me in one of the gift shops at Miami International. If I remember correctly, it was the FO that asked me, "Whatcha got in the bag?" When I pulled it out and showed him...he replied, "You're flying National and you've got an Eastern Airlines toy airplane. Man, you really know how to hurt guy".
I've wondered from time to time how those three guys are doing.
atp
04-04-2009, 10:52 AM
#6
On Reserve
Joined APC: Mar 2009
Position: Sitting
Posts: 20
Not exactly true. don't forget us sons/daughters of pilots, and those that would be flying if circumstances had been different. we don't get to do it, but we understand, and respect the heck out of you all that do. blue skies to all.
04-04-2009, 11:34 AM
#7
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Posts: 67
I recall when a National Airlines stewardess took me up in the cockpit of a Convair 340 while enroute from New Bern NC to Jacksonville, Fla. I was amazed when the pilots both turned around to talk to me and the airplane didn't fall out of the sky; and yes, I did ask how they learned what all those dials did.
I loved to fly the airlines back then, nowadays, not so much.
I loved to fly the airlines back then, nowadays, not so much.
04-04-2009, 03:43 PM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: C402, on the side with the switches!
Posts: 433
Just today, I did a flight to Rockland, ME, and as I'm walking up to the "terminal" I could see a young boy and his mother looking out the window pointing. The kid was probably 2 or 3, very young.
When we got inside, he stuck his arm out and said "You're a hero."
I had a smile on for the rest of the day
When we got inside, he stuck his arm out and said "You're a hero."
I had a smile on for the rest of the day
04-05-2009, 10:44 AM
#9
Banned
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: CRJ9 - hemorrhoid cushion
Posts: 66
im sitting at the gate in portland boarding up and we see a young boy 6 or 7 in the jet bridge staring at us thru the window. naturally we motion for him to come up when he gets on board... "we were looking forward to his visit to see what he thought?" He comes up with like a fruit roll up in his hand and kinda smacking. He just looked around and asked what such and such red button did? Then completely "out of the blue" asks, "you guys like McGriddles" ... Mcdonalds mcgriddles... um hmmm and on and on? i mean this kid was king at the standard issue BS i was astounded yet quite impressed .
04-05-2009, 05:53 PM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Posts: 124
When families I know are taking a flight, I remind them to have their kids visit the cockpit. They should request a visit from the flight attendant during boarding. The pilots would be delighted to spend some time showing them all the lights and gauges.
Without fail all these years, not one of them took the time to go up front. I do not understand how anyone can pass up a chance to see all the cool stuff on the flight deck.
Without fail all these years, not one of them took the time to go up front. I do not understand how anyone can pass up a chance to see all the cool stuff on the flight deck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
B727DRVR
Cargo
14
08-22-2008 02:23 PM
