Ask a Pilot

Ask a Pilot

Busting myths and answering questions about aviation, aircraft, flying and pilots

Some of the most common questions airline pilots are asked . . .

What goes on behind the flight deck door has always been a big curiosity for many. Handing over control of where you are going and how you are going to get there to two individuals you have never met can raise a mix of emotions and ultimately relies on trust that your safety is their priority and assurances that they have been trained to a very high standard. This naturally raises interest in the role of pilots and their job. This page seeks to provide reassurance and address curiosities about pilots, flying on passenger jet and the aircraft you travel in.

There are many myths surrounding aircraft, aviation and pilots. Stories in the media about these subjects are often inaccurate and sensationalised, leading to common misconceptions. We’ve put together accurate answers to the most common questions we are asked by passengers, enthusiasts and prospective pilots to dispel such myths and inaccuracies.

Can’t find the answer to your question? Use the search facility below, or if you still can’t find it, you can submit a question and one our pilots will endeavour to answer it and might even add it to the collection.

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Our qualifications to answer your questions

FlightDeckFriend.com’s Ask a Pilot authors are small team who have extensive aviation experience. Between us, we’ve been Training Captains, Airline Management, Line Captains, First Officers, flown both long and short haul and operated the B777, B747, B737, Embraer 170/190 and Avro RJ.