Micheal- in regards to lightening, I got popped a few months back. It was loud, bright.... and a complete non event other than the "whoa!!" that both of us exclaimed when it happened.

Not even a single message popped up on our system screens after the fact- the airplane took it like a champ!


I actually severely dislike being in the back- especially in coach away from a window. Nothing more disorienting than being shocked back into being awake after a nice jolt of turbulence. It's more about comfort and orientation for me. (btw, if you research turbulence, it is simply a small change in airspeed/direction in the airflow mass you are travelling in.)

 

Yes, a pilot definitely does have the same feeling when flying the aircraft.

Remember, there are two pilots up there. Generally, the captain and the F/O switch off flying the aircraft on every leg. New York to Miami might be the captain's leg to fly, and Miami to New York (or whatever the next leg may be) would be the F/O's leg to fly. Whichever pilot is flying is referred to as the PF, or Pilot Flying (duh). The other pilot would then be the PM, or Pilot Monitoring. The PF's job is to fly the aircraft, and to fly the aircraft. That's it. That's his job. He does nothing else (I'm simplifying that, but you get the idea). The PM handles everything else. Switches, knobs, radio calls, etc...

It is a very structured environment. There are checklists and procedures everywhere. It is just beyond safe. And to answer your earlier question, yes, I would feel equally safe no matter what major US airline I was flying on.

I want you to remember two things that I can PROMISE you:
1) Flying is FUN.
2) The pilots don't want to die either.

 

I also find turbulence fun. And if that is your major concern, then I can tell you with fair confidence that before a commercial airliner suffered any serious damage from turbulence, you would probably be injured or knocked out. It takes A LOT. Seriously.

 

This is always a fun video to watch. This should give an idea just how much stress an airplane wing is designed to take....

777 Wing Stress Test

 

turbulence helps me sleep in the back.. it is like a rocking chair

the only thing that makes me skip a beat are air pockets. I know they aren't dangerous.. but it is an irrational fear I have. It is just sudden and unexpected so it is like a jolt.. that's why I skip it..

I feel in control.. I remember the first time I flew in bad turbulence.. let me tell you, I was a little shaken, but after that, I had so much confidence in my little Cessna.
I suggest you take flying lessons, or at least a tour in a small plane. (a C172 or something). It gives you a new perspective on flying

 

People fear what they do not understand. I would advise taking a private pilot ground school and even would consider taking a few flight lessons. Once you fully understand the dynamics of flight it might help.


Skyhigh

 

You are 100,000 times more likely to die in your sleep than in a plane crash.

You are 1000 times more likely getting struck by lightning than getting in a plane crash.

You are 10 times more likely to be attacked by sharks than be in a plane crash.

You are 5 times more likely hitting the jackpot in the lottery than getting in a plane crash.

You are 50 times more likely to get into a plane crash than us seeing our pay go back to where it should be.

 

Michael,

I don't feel like I am 100% in control of my airplane. I AM 100% in control of my airplane.

I've been struck by lightening at least a half dozen times, maybe more. It is not an issue.

I enjoy flying because I'm very good at what I do and I can make an airplane, any kind of airplane from the lightest little bird to a 3/4 million pound jumbo jet, respond to my every command no matter how slight or drastic. An airplane comes alive in my hands.

Just as an example. When flying a hand flown (no auto pilot) ILS (Instrument Landing System) approach every qualified professional pilot out there is capable of sticking the nose of the airplane, no matter how big or small an airplane , no matter how fast or slow, through an imaginary 12' round hula hoop just off the end of the runway every time no excuses. And we can do that without being able to look outside while in the clouds with an engine or two shut down, at night in severe winds all while keeping our speed within 1 or 2 miles an hour of our targeted speed.

So you tell me do you think we are 100% in control of the airplane?

 

I think Hollywood and my subconscious have really done a number on me. You guys are all so excellent in lending this advice.The more I learn about aviation, the more fascinated I am. I watched some sections of "The Making of the 777" and it is astonishing how mind-bendingly complex a plane is.

Okay, so you don't fear lightning because of redundant electrical systems. You don't care about turbulence because the plane is built for it. You have 100% control of the plane (not a feeling but a skill). All systems are redundant. You guys transport people all over the world. Why are we not paying a starting salary of $300,000 a year?? (That's definitely another topic.)

 

That's what I'm sayin'! Too bad it's $15-20k/year....