Wikiposts
Search

Notices
Spectators Balcony (Spotters Corner) If you're not a professional pilot but want to discuss issues about the job, this is the best place to loiter. You won't be moved on by 'security' and there'll be plenty of experts to answer any questions.

Flight Decks and Visitors?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 28th July 2005 | 16:37
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
Flight Decks and Visitors?

I'm pretty sure the answer is going to be "NO" but I thought I'd ask: What are the chances of getting on a flight deck these days?

I'm currently doing my ATPL theory exams before doing my CPL/IR and am flying on a BMI flight on Monday from Heathrow down to Naples.

Usually when I fly commercial I don't bother asking, but I'm having a bit of difficulty with the instruments part of the syllabus and it would really help to see what is actually going on, rather than just working on a mental picture in my head.

Cheers,

G-ANDY
G-ANDY is offline  
Old 28th July 2005 | 16:39
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: UK
Before or after flight - no problem, unless you get a strange Captain.
PS If you ask any questions about instruments don't be surprised to see a couple of very blank looks!

Last edited by The Greaser; 28th July 2005 at 16:57.
The Greaser is offline  
Old 28th July 2005 | 17:54
  #3 (permalink)  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Isle of Man
G-ANDY,

You have a PM
3legs is offline  
Old 28th July 2005 | 18:10
  #4 (permalink)  
0-8
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: UK
I was on a Virgin A340-600 a few months ago and asked the cabin crew if they would speak to the Captain regarding a quick flight deck visit on the ground at the other end.
They got back to me and said that the Captain would be happy to see me when we landed.

But when I went up there to take a look a rather stern German/Austrian FO said I could only visit if I had an airside ID?
He must have had a long flight...
0-8 is offline  
Old 28th July 2005 | 19:21
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From: London & Edinburgh
You win some, you lose some.

As you'll see in many other threads, the answer varies from yes to no, so take your chances and best of luck!

Jordan
Jordan D is offline  
Old 28th July 2005 | 23:17
  #6 (permalink)  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 6
From: Here
Never really had a problem. Just make sure you ask after engine shutdown and they should let you have a quick visit. I have even seen the flightdeck on Ryanair!

Best of luck
BAe 146
BAe 146-100 is offline  
Old 29th July 2005 | 08:55
  #7 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta,GA
You gotta ask to get.

I used to ask on every flight I was on for years. Now when I fly myself, Im more than happy to let people have a look in but just dont ask about gyros and instruments

It happens quite regularly that someone asks to have a look in the flightdeck and often the same question: "woow, so many buttons, do you really know what they are all for"

errr nooo I havent got a clue.

anyway IŽll cut the crap talk here, but please do ask.

/duece
duece19 is offline  
Old 29th July 2005 | 09:51
  #8 (permalink)  
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Dublin
Flight deck visitors

Hey,

I always let people in once we landed. I will let student pilots in for the landing if they have their SPL or PPL with them. Just bring you PPL and you should have no problem.

When you ask the hostie give her your licence and then the capitano will say YES!
wynned3 is offline  
Old 29th July 2005 | 10:06
  #9 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: London
Hi wynned3

Would you let in a student without their PPL if they had their log-book?
McLeod is offline  
Old 29th July 2005 | 11:39
  #10 (permalink)  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 796
Likes: 4
From: Back of beyond
Q: Why do we have reinforced cockpit doors?
A: To maintain an adequate level of security.

Keep them closed and locked. Period.
RevMan2 is offline  
Old 29th July 2005 | 12:12
  #11 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: London
Keep them closed and locked. Period.
Good point. I will be satisfied with my C-152 cockpit!
McLeod is offline  
Old 30th July 2005 | 02:05
  #12 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Dublin, Ireland
I know someone personally who has more than once sat in the jump seat of a Ryanair jet on a Dublin to London route. He and the Captain had a mutual interest (the Captain used to work in what the guy I know does now) and there was no problem...

It's certainly not unheard of with some airlines.
Mark Noble is offline  
Old 30th July 2005 | 08:11
  #13 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From: London & Edinburgh
RevMan2 - locked after landing?

If that's your attitude - sweat it out in the cockpit forever. Period.

Jordan
Jordan D is offline  
Old 30th July 2005 | 09:05
  #14 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk
Smile Ryanair

i work for ryanair at stansted airport and i too have had a few jump seat flights not just from ryanair but first choice and flyglobespan but that is becasue i showed my Airside ID which help's very much.

however the best way to get a cockpit flight or visit is to take a look around the forums and try and find a airline pilot and try and become friends. he or she may let you come up if you book a flight with the airline and your on his flight (thats how i got my first flight deck ride in a A319 Easyjet and i had found the captain from the airliners section of PPRUNE)

so just give a few things a try they do still happen even after 9/11 its just luck i guess

good luck
night hawk 150 is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.