Originally Posted by
By George
The 747 is one of the few widebodies where you can see your wingtips from the cockpit window. In fact if you plonk your cheek on the glass you can see number one engine too. In a tight spot you can always use that secret look out the window technique. Coupled with slowing down there is no need to vacuum up half the airport.
In a big aircraft like the 747 there's no way pilot can judge his position accurately by putting his cheek to the window. All that is necessary is to be at safe speed to avoid skid and correctly positioned on the centre line. For a sharp turn, with landing gear 95ft behind pilot has to go well past the centre line before turning, may be he went too far ahead and got on the edge instead the centre line.