Why are we told the pilots' names?
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Why are we told the pilots' names?
These days, air travel is pretty similar to bus or train travel. Book and ticket, turn up at the station/airport, get on the bus/plane/train, get off. We don't get to hear the name of the driver. On a long distance train you might get to hear the first name of the train manager/guard.
It is an anachronism that we are told the names of the pilots. Is it relevant any more? The only time I experienced any excitement at hearing the name of the pilot was when I realised that the same all female crew that had flown me from Rome to Heathrow, were about to fly me to Manchester. But can't say I would have noticed had it been two men in the cockpit.
It is an anachronism that we are told the names of the pilots. Is it relevant any more? The only time I experienced any excitement at hearing the name of the pilot was when I realised that the same all female crew that had flown me from Rome to Heathrow, were about to fly me to Manchester. But can't say I would have noticed had it been two men in the cockpit.
Espada III I really think that you need to get out more often....
Usually know the name of the captain aboard cruise liners, often other members of the crew as well.
What is the difference between God and a pilot?
God doesn't think He's a pilot...
Boom, Tish, Is that my taxi already?
- Ed
God doesn't think He's a pilot...
Boom, Tish, Is that my taxi already?
- Ed
Why are we told the name of just about anyone who appears on the media? Why are (many) journalists given bylines? Why do pilots sometimes give the names of cabin crew where the complement is small? Think of your own examples.
I guess its a combination of status (cleaners don't generally get a mention) - pilots don't want to be seen as bus drivers and trying to humanise the process of flying. .
I guess its a combination of status (cleaners don't generally get a mention) - pilots don't want to be seen as bus drivers and trying to humanise the process of flying. .
Last edited by Peter47; 5th Apr 2019 at 15:48.
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Tbh, most pilots rattle their name off so rapidly (because they know what their name is) that I struggle to comprehend it. May I therefore suggest that, if you wish to introduce yourself to your passengers, you enunciate your name clearly. 
What's wrong with giving out your name?
Shows a little bit of pride in your job. Coach drivers do it, guards or whatever they are now called on trains do it...
which reminds me, a year or two back I was on a SWT train before they were taken over by SWR, and the Guard was Tom Riddle...... I did ask him when he was inspecting the tickets, if he was a Lord etc etc, but apparently few people picked up on it (mostly young children)
Shows a little bit of pride in your job. Coach drivers do it, guards or whatever they are now called on trains do it...
which reminds me, a year or two back I was on a SWT train before they were taken over by SWR, and the Guard was Tom Riddle...... I did ask him when he was inspecting the tickets, if he was a Lord etc etc, but apparently few people picked up on it (mostly young children)
PPRuNe Handmaiden
With the flight deck door closed these days, it's important for passengers (especially nervous flyers) to realise that there are real people up the front.
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What is the difference between God and a pilot?
( yes, it's been around for a few years, and very relevant at the time ! )