Are you an aviation enthusiast traveling on a new plane? Or do you just have a child excited about his first flight? Regardless of the case, many people are fascinated by the operation of airplanes and in this article we will offer you suggestions so that you can visit the cockpit.
Steps
Step 1. If you are taking a short flight outside of rush hour, try asking the ground crew while you wait to board
This is not recommended during a rush hour flight, much less if it is an international flight, since it is very safe that the ground personnel are very busy.
Step 2. Try asking a member of the crew or cabin while they are on the ground
Again, this can be difficult during busy flights.
Step 3. When you board the plane, take a look at the cockpit
If a crew or cabin member realizes that you want to visit the cockpit and invites you, then you did it! Otherwise, keep reading.
Step 4. Now, ask a flight attendant, purser (chief flight attendant) or a pilot if you can visit the cockpit
After what happened on September 11, 2001, there is very little chance that you will be allowed into the cockpit during the flight. Before or after the flight is your best option. Don't hang around too long!
Step 5. If you miss the opportunity mentioned above, wait until the plane has departed
Once the seatbelt signal has turned off and the plane has reached cruising altitude, get up from your seat, approach the flight attendant and ask him or her.
Step 6. If once again you miss the opportunity, wait until the flight has finished
Try to be one of the last to disembark. Before leaving the plane, ask a crew member if you can see the cockpit. Given how busy the crew is before the flight, they are more likely to accept your request after landing.
Step 7. You're in
If you manage to be admitted to the cockpit, talk to the pilots and ask if you can take photos or film to save this memory.
Advice
- This article mentions the word "question" a lot. “Asking” means calmly and casually approaching a member of the crew and saying something like “Hi, my name is ***. I really like aviation and I hope to become a pilot one day… I was wondering if it is possible to make a brief visit to the cockpit and have a chat with the pilots”.
- Remember, the worst that could happen is being told no. In that case, try another time!
- If you are a pilot in training, let him know! The same goes for enthusiasts or future pilots.
- It is highly unlikely that you will be admitted as a passenger inside the cockpit during the flight. If you succeed, hundreds of aviation enthusiasts will be jealous of you.
- Dress for the occasion. If you show up dressed as if you were laying bricks, you will not be allowed in. Dress well and put on a little perfume to smell good. Wearing closed shoes will help and try not to wear sandals.
- In the United States, by law, only the crew can be in the cockpit. However, once the commander-pilot has signed the cargo list, everything will depend on him and his discretion until the flight ends and the plane must be delivered.
- If the pilots are busy, don't disturb them. There are many checks to do with the arrival of new planes like the Boeing 777; These take less time, but are still important.
- This article has been written for people who have no affiliation with an airline. If you have it, it will be easier for you to get a visit.
- The pilots will also be busy if they are late! There are very strict schedules so you may be denied entry just for a time reason.
Warnings
- As stated in an article similar to this one, do not touch the controls without permission. In some cases, some friendly pilots will allow someone else to touch the controls or even enter some information into the flight management computer. This is very rare.
- Do not enter the cockpit without permission or try to open the door. In some places it is illegal, but regardless of whether it is legal or not, it is frowned upon everywhere.
- Do not loiter in the hallway or in open areas, as this will raise suspicions!