Flying the U.S. Air shuttle

[woland8816]

Hi,

I'm going to ask a dumb question, but,

Are the shuttle pilots as experienced as those who fly longer routes? Are the planes as well maintained?

Flying from NY to Boston tomorrow and am very nervous.

Many thanks.

[Passenger Mark]

Hi Wooland,

First things first....

Welcome aboard, glad to have you here!

:welcome

Now to your question

"Shuttle" pilots on Regional flights are very well trained, and the aircraft have to meet the same guidelines, rules, and regulations as any of the larger jets.

They are just as safe, and U.S. is a good airline.

Where are you flying to/from, and when?

Have a great flight!

And again, welcome aboard!

Mark

[woland8816]

I'm actually flying an airbus 319 from new york city to Boston, Mass and back on the same day. For some reason I'm very concerned but have to do it for work.

Any suggestions on calming down?

Logic helps, but to a point...

[spleisher]

The A319 is a larger plane, similar to the 737. You'll do just great! A safe airraft with a safe airline.... sounds like your flights will be short, so that will be a good way to get into the swing of things. Have fun,


Scott

[spiffyone]

and the pilots who fly that route probably have the benefit of seeing the same airports, the same takeoffs and landings, over and over and over...so not only are they experienced, but they're REALLY experienced at the shuttle.

:hamster

[beaugest]

And as someone who regularly drives from NYC to Cape Cod I'm betting you are much safer on that shuttle than on 95(or any of the other roads through Conn.). That is one crazy ride.
On the other part of the board(where Captain Ray posts)I had asked about training for ERJ and CRJ(smaller planes). He pointed out that many of the pilots were people who have been around a long time and prefer those routes. Plus the conversation about the training needed was very reassuring.

[spleisher]

Another way to explain this in a different way would be this: You can't look at the length of the flight so much as you can the type of aircraft being used as an indicator of the likely experience level of the pilots. In your case, the A319 is a larger plane and you can be sure the pilots are more than qualified to fly it. I'm sure they both have thousands of flight hours, both in the Airbus and other types as well.

***DIsclaimer*** I am in no way trying to say that pilot flying smaller planes are not qualified or do not have ample experience. All pilots flying for US carriers have to meet minimum standards and go through rigorous training in the aircraft type they operate.

Just FYI... Scott

[woland8816]

Thank you all for the info. It dowes make me feel better. I just can't beleive how freaked out I got. I used to be a good flier, but now I'm just such a coward when it comes to it. I'm telling myself that going is good for me. Two flights in the same day should be something I can do. I'm tempted to take the train instead, but I know that would mean many additional hours of travelling and more importantnly it would mean succumbing to my fear.