PAX in coughpits ? Truth or fiction?

[markis10]

Forgot to add that I also jump seated BA SYD to MEL, prior to push back the Captain donned gloves . Have also done circuits and bumps in the jump seat at AVV on a QF 744, I was the only pax onboard and it was quite strange to walk through the empty cabin.

 

[malmacdowall]

WOW WOW WOW..... When I posited this question, it had truly been a rumor that I had heard.... the response is astounding.... Thanks for sharing these experiences, as I may never have the opportunity myself. My flying started later in my career and i have only been flying in the pointy end for a few years now....

It also seems that many pilots were real characters and it would have been fantastic to meet them.... unfortunately now they are heard but rarely seen or interact with PAX.... Such a pity to have missed out on this experience ... it would have been truly amazing.....

 

[nlagalle]

Prior to 9/11 i always went up to the flight deck on every opportunity. the pilots were always happy to have someone come up.

A few notable visits..

Sitting in the jump seat complete with headset while on approach and landing to LHR. you've gotta be switched on listening!! So quick!

Sitting in the jump seat coming to land at MEL on a QF 747-400.

asking if i could sit up the front for take off flying from CBR to MEL. I was invited up the front where i spend the entire flight. I also had quite a few times landing at MEL when flying back from work jobs.

 

[Undercover Brother]

It is a shame my children will not get to visit the coughpit as I did whne I was younger, fantastic experience I will never forget.

Luckily these days I have an ASIC and a business reason to ride jump seats for domestic flights, there just never seems to be enough time though. Have got some great photo's and video's from the coughpit, particularly being directly overflown by 2 x F18 fighters jets. Loud, but awesome!

 

[NM]

Many airlines and crews will allow flight deck visits after arrival. If you really to meet the crew and see their office, its worth asking the cabin supervisor to make the request. Obviously it depends on a lot of things like how rushed the crew will be after arrival (next operation etc) or how quickly they need to exit the aircraft (i.e. a short turn-around). But its worth asking, especially if kids want to have a look up-front.

 

[Archphoto]

I too was lucky enough as a kid to sit upfront of a BA 747 in the early 70s PER-LHR. All I can say is WOW!!! It was fantastic - real thrill for a 7 year old that I still remember today; such a great shame that events have now ensured that this isn't possible any more.

 

[jb747]

Sadly, the current rules mean that even the families of the pilots don't get to see where dad works.

If you want to see the office of an A380, after landing is the only time. It takes a long time for people to disembark, so the opportunity is normally there. Pre departure is just too busy.

 

[Ikara]

It also seems that many pilots were real characters and it would have been fantastic to meet them.... unfortunately now they are heard but rarely seen or interact with PAX.... Such a pity to have missed out on this experience ... it would have been truly amazing.....

Talk about characters (probably should be a whole new thread). I flew United from Boston to Washington International in a B727 in the early/mid 80's. The co-pilot did not shut up the whole flight. He just babbled on about 727's and had us in stiches the whole flight. At the end of the flight as was usual in those days, the coughpit crew would stand at the door and thank passengers as they left the plane. This one had his flight briefcase positioned at his feet and resting on it was (I assume - a phone booked covered) a book that had big black writing on it - "How to fly a B-727". Bloody brilliant. Never enjoyed a flight as much ever. It was a hoot.

JB

 

[Flying Fox]

I was amazed at how much you can see compared to out the tiny pax window.

This totally suprised me as well. The view is amazing & beautiful from the coughpit. It was also impressive how all the runway lights suddenly make sense when you are looking at them the right way (vs sideways).

 

[harvyk]

This one had his flight briefcase positioned at his feet and resting on it was (I assume - a phone booked covered) a book that had big black writing on it - "How to fly a B-727". Bloody brilliant. Never enjoyed a flight as much ever. It was a hoot.

JB

- how was the reactions of the pax when they saw that?

 

[Ikara]

Um.......being one of the first off the aircraft (sorry) I really don't know, but I'm sure that given his "patter" on the flight, I'm sure everyone would have acccepted it for what it was. A bloody good laugh. If you didn't understand, it wouldn't have mattered.
JB