pilot visit

[EHM-1892 Stephen]

Hey guys,

in summer I´m flying to visit my dad in the States and I wondered if it would be possible that I can visit the pilots in the cockpit
I´m not quiet sure after 9/11

[EHM-1703 Philip]

It certainly wont happen during the flight on a US carrier or on a flight bound for the US. I don't know about the European JAA but it has not been allowed by the American FAA for decades. You can however request a visit to the cockpit prior to Startup or post Shutdown but not many airlines allow their pilots to do this I believe. (I did manage to blag my way on to the flight deck of a BA 747-400 after a flight from Miami to London about 4 years ago) My advice, don't be too hasty to get up there before your flight, be extra nice to the cabin crew and just tell them "How much you admire the job they do" dont give them any problems during the flight and when they come round to collect your headsets prior to landing ask them really nicely if they would ask the captain for you to take a peek after landing!

[EHM-E4S]

I missed my chance on an Alitalia flight, on the 9th of september 2001. 2 days before the twin towers. I feel very guilty about that, and it was a 777 aswell.

If you get a chance, you should take it. That's the only thing I can say.

[EHM-1671 Ben]

I am certain that no American airline will allow you to venture into the cockpit these days, ESPECIALLY after 9/11.

I remember when I came to New Zealand I was allowed to go into the flight deck of an Air New Zealand B747. I don't know how I got there but I remember on the way I got to stop off in a small compartment with two or three flight attendants... HEAVEN!!! It's a shame I was only 6. Anyway, since it was pre-9/11 and it was a New Zealand carrier, no surprises. Like Phil said, if it's a European airline and you're REALLY nice to them, you might be able to sneak a peek!

[EHM-1199 Philip]

I remember as a kid it was part of my old chap's holiday to politely ask if his son could go up on the flight deck ... I'm sure it was more for him but then it certainly helped spark my interest. I remember trips onto the flight deck of a Boeing 707, 727 and even a Tristar. Those days sadly seem long gone now. I think you're right though ... the best bet is to be polite and after landing ask if the captain might entertain a couple of minutes of your drooling sycophancy on his flight deck.

[EHM-1703 Philip]

LOL, Just dont drool on his FMC, it makes the buttons sticky for the next pilot!

[EHM-1671 Ben]

Yes, approach the flight deck, knock on the door, and yell out 'I'm a pilot for EuroHarmony, I have xxx hours! I'm your biggest fan!'... they might just be able to summon the strength to let you in in the midst of their laughter

[EHM-1343 Jonathan]

In about 1997 on my first ever flight, a KLM Fokker 100 From EGNT-EHAM, my Dad asked the Airhostess if the Pilot would let us on the Flight Deck, so she said yes, and then forgot about me, so they let me in when we landed at EHAM;)
Then I got a lecture about the importance of Maths to be a pilot.

But, seen as my Dad and I were travelling back the same day, they leet me spend 15 mins on the flight deck on the inbound leg to EGNT...One of my best experiences of my life so far, and something I will never forget!!

Tough that they dont let you so much anymore, they wouldnt let me on the EasyJet and Ryanair FD's because they needed a fast turn around, and I forgot to ask the 757 Crew about it;)

[EHM-1892 Stephen]

Thanks for all your answers I was in many flight decks and my mum had to fly on the jumoseat in the flightdeck ^^ I´m very jealous mabout that but it´s years ago .......

[EHM-1671 Ben]

Wow, now there's something I'd love to do. Fly in the jumpseat!!

[EHM-1358 Tim]

Went on the flight deck inflight when I was about 4y/o. They asked if anyone wanted to go and have a look. At the time it didn't really seem much (not as a av nutty then!).