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Throughout this guide we’ve emphasized how the entire airline industry is built around safety Long before the first piece of metal is ever bolted together, the manufacturers engineer airplanes with redundant safety systems, and emergency backups for those. The airlines add the extensive preflight planning and preparation that goes into each and every flight. The pilots who are entrusted to command these air transports are thoroughly trained and tested, checked and rechecked throughout their careers. The air craft are maintained to exact standards and inspected each flight before they are deemed airworthy. Few people out side the industry are aware of the rigorous preparations made to ensure their safety. Pilots would like to spend more time educating the air traveler. However, an air transport pilot has very little direct interaction with his clients, the passengers. For safety and security, the FAA has mandated the cockpit door remain closed and locked during the flight. Years ago the pilots would stroll through the cabin and greet the passengers, answer your questions and ease your concerns. Today, leaving the flight deck—except for physiological needs—is prohibited. Many of those unfamiliar but quite normal noises, sounds and sensations, are left unexplained. The pilots can talk to you on the public address system and reassure you that something like turbulence, while uncomfortable for most passengers, is nothing more than a tolerated nuisance. Unfortunately for the concerned or fearful flier, there is no time to teach. For the fascinated flier there is no opportunity to show him or her the magnitude of technical achievements. By reading this guide, we hope some of your questions and concerns were addressed. We also hope that the knowledge you acquired will edge you closer to my perspective of aviation. We still marvel at the sight of a jumbo jet flying overhead. But my fascination should not be misinterpreted as a belief that flying is miraculous. The information contained in this guide should dispel that misconception. The more you understand about flying, the more you know about the safeguards and safety checks, the more you learn about the dedication of the thousands of airline employees, the more relaxed you will feel. We look forward to having you on board one of my flights. In the meantime, take this guide along, on your laptop or Blackberry, as a flight guide and “sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.” Next: Aviation Abbreviations Prev: Landing and Taxi In top of page All Airplane-Airline FAQs HOME |
