What should I ask the pilot?

[maroonwings]

Since my flight's coming up pretty soon and I'm trying to be ok with that idea, I've started thinking about what I should say to the pilots if I get to meet them. What are some good questions to ask?

Beth

[Kimmar]

Hi there! Good question!

I'd ask what the climb out from takeoff is expected to be like, (smooth, bumpy, etc.) what's the weather like at our destination, and do they expect any turbulence along the way. I do better if I feel "prepared" for these things LOL.

I also ask about their flying history, how did they get into flying, how long have they been flying, etc. You'll get *alot* of good stories, and find they usually have a very interesting history. Pilots in general love to talk about flying! My last pilot was a bush pilot in the Rocky Mountains for over 10 years before he started to fly bigger planes. Made me feel pretty confident that he'd be able to handle alot of situations.


Does that help?

[Passenger Mark]

First off... I would print out this letter. (http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showthread.php?t=7731)

Make several copies so you can leave one with the gate agent, and the pilots (if they want it).

The letter gives you an introduction.

When I have met pilots, they are very friendly, and will usually ask you what about flying bothers you.

But I agree with Kimmar, with the questions they suggest.

As turbulence bothers most folks, ask the pilots about it. They (obviously) have a very good understanding of turbulence, and often offer great insight.

[LorieInPA]

Just ask him to pinkie swear that he (or she) will get you there safely. I know its silly but it really made me feel more at ease.

[aerobat]

Just ask him to pinkie swear that he (or she) will get you there safely. I know its silly but it really made me feel more at ease.


I love this strategy.:lol::cheers::cool::thumbsup:
By all means, do this.
It works for the same magical reason that eye contact and a handshake carry more clout in trust credits than a soliloquy. We are hard-wired this way. :)
We just need to get our clammy palms (and pinkies) on the wiring. Outside, the plane will fly just fine, the pilots will be absolutely worthy of our trust, and the universe will unfold as it should.

[scottr0829]

#6 that Capt Hutch says in his tips (http://www.takingflight.us/flying-fear-tips.php):

6) Then tell him/her that you will be grading his/her landing http://www.takingflight.us/forums/../images/smilies/lol.gif .

[tusphotog]

The grading the landing one works really well. I did this today when I had some extra time before we left. The FO kept laughing the whole time, saying that the captain "better" land it good and if he didn't land it good, the captain owed the entire crew dinner.

The captain nailed it.

Just don't ask them what they think of their job. They won't shut up. :D

[LeslieDEN]

The grading the landing one works really well. I did this today when I had some extra time before we left. The FO kept laughing the whole time, saying that the captain "better" land it good and if he didn't land it good, the captain owed the entire crew dinner.
That reminds me of one time when the FO showed me a picture of a plane undergoing the "wing-flex" test at Boeing. (You've probably seen it -- it shows how far the wing can bend.) The captain said, "What's that, your last landing?" :lol::lol::lol:

Maroonwings, be sure to ask about anything that specifically concerns you. Even if you know intellectually that it's not a problem, it helps to hear the captain say it.

Aside from that, my standard question was always, "Do you expect a good ride?" As Kimmar and Mark said, they usually know at least a little about whether/when there will be turb on the route.

[tusphotog]

[LEFT]
That reminds me of one time when the FO showed me a picture of a plane undergoing the "wing-flex" test at Boeing. (You've probably seen it -- it shows how far the wing can bend.) The captain said, "What's that, your last landing?"

:lol: That's a good one. If you get a crew with a good, dry sense of humor, it makes all the difference. If I can, I always poke my head up front and say thanks. The crew on one of my flights today had a small rubber chicken hanging from the landing light switch. Once I saw that, I knew they'd be easy to joke around with. The chicken apparently flies with the captain everywhere he goes.

[isabelle9745]

I didnt think about what to say and i ended up sounding like a mumbling idiot!!! my baby ( who can't talk) made more sense than me!!!!

[Captain Hutch]

okay someone please explain to me the full procedure involved in "pinkie swearing". We were not taught this in flight training.

Captain Hutch :confused:

[AZ_to_AU]

QUICK!! Someone show him!
:mg: