Flight Deck Visits (no, not 'can I')
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Flight Deck Visits (no, not 'can I')
On a flight last week to a Southern European capital, on the flag carrier of that country, the (C-Class) passenger sitting next to me was given the nod by the flight attendant during the taxi out to go up to the flight deck, where he stayed until the drinks/meal service.
At the top of descent he was invited back and stayed there for the landing.
I'm just trying to imagine scenarios where that might be legal and/or standard practice.
At the top of descent he was invited back and stayed there for the landing.
I'm just trying to imagine scenarios where that might be legal and/or standard practice.
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All changed now, of course, but I used to get invited forward by AirUK FC on evening flights LCY-EDI as they'd sussed that I worked at an observatory, and wanted me to ID something they'd seen, or to let me see a comet when there was one visible. Nice crowd.
Join Date: Nov 2005
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asked on a Monarch holiday charter (Lanzarote-Manchester, return flight to UK) about 10yrs ago, to 'have a look up front'.
All went well, PIC showing me the weather radar, tuning in to some local ATC and turning up the speaker etc.
Then when I said I carried a hand-scanner (not used on the aircraft of course) and explained I had listened in to Arrecife approach and heard him coming in, it all suddenly went a little cooler.
"oh - you're one of those are you?"
and then the conversation dwindled very quickly, at which point, I thanked them and left.
Is it looked down upon for punters to listen in on ATC?
I hear some US airlines have ATC comms (or maybe did before 911) on their in-flight channels. Would love, as a PAX, to have that facility - even just for ENR without take-off/landing.
On a recent flight to Helsinki from UK (Sabina? - can't remember) had cams showing taxi/tak-off/landing phases from a nose-wheel camera on PAX monitors - brilliant!
Some of your PAX are really interested in the flight aspect, you know...
All went well, PIC showing me the weather radar, tuning in to some local ATC and turning up the speaker etc.
Then when I said I carried a hand-scanner (not used on the aircraft of course) and explained I had listened in to Arrecife approach and heard him coming in, it all suddenly went a little cooler.
"oh - you're one of those are you?"
and then the conversation dwindled very quickly, at which point, I thanked them and left.
Is it looked down upon for punters to listen in on ATC?
I hear some US airlines have ATC comms (or maybe did before 911) on their in-flight channels. Would love, as a PAX, to have that facility - even just for ENR without take-off/landing.
On a recent flight to Helsinki from UK (Sabina? - can't remember) had cams showing taxi/tak-off/landing phases from a nose-wheel camera on PAX monitors - brilliant!
Some of your PAX are really interested in the flight aspect, you know...
Lady Lexxington
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I hear some US airlines have ATC comms (or maybe did before 911) on their in-flight channels. Would love, as a PAX, to have that facility - even just for ENR without take-off/landing.
Yep, United, Channel 9 on the radio.
Join Date: Jan 2002
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Recently flew across the pond with a well-known European carrier. Enroute to the states I (discretely) flashed my airline ID and crew certificate to the No. 1 and asked for a visit up front. Much to my delight, the skipper had a pack of smokes lying on the centre pedestal! Best flight I've had in ages; sipping Jack and Coke in 1A - off to the cockpit for a smoke and a chat - back in 1A for more J&C etc etc etc. The fun ended when we entered Canadian airspace though.
So yes, it can be done with certain airlines - especially if you hold an airline ID or a crew certificate (or, preferably, both).
Provided you have ID and certificate, a number of European airlines may accomodate a request. Then again, they may not - it very much depends on the No. 1 feeling like passing on your request and the acceptance, or not, from the skipper.
(Airline names omitted for all the obvious reasons!)
So yes, it can be done with certain airlines - especially if you hold an airline ID or a crew certificate (or, preferably, both).
Provided you have ID and certificate, a number of European airlines may accomodate a request. Then again, they may not - it very much depends on the No. 1 feeling like passing on your request and the acceptance, or not, from the skipper.
(Airline names omitted for all the obvious reasons!)
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As is typical for skippers, he was happy smoking 10 of mine for 1 of his 
And no, I didn't bring J&C to the cockpit - that would have been stretching the privlige just a tad too far
And no, I didn't bring J&C to the cockpit - that would have been stretching the privlige just a tad too far
