Is Bigger Better?????

[spleisher]

I just wanted to get the opinion of all of the folks who have a FoF as to whether they steer away from smaller planes. Does everyone prefer to fly on larger planes? If so, why? Are there any of us who actusally prefer smaller planes?

So the question is: :airplane vs. :bigplane ? What do you think?

[Disney fan]

:bigplane


Less turbulence I think!


Lynda

[spleisher]

That's true/ I think I would categorize it more as "different" turbulence. remember, the larger planes can o higher and faster, exposing them to different weather situations. Larger planes can fly over some clouds that the smaller planes have to pick around.

Another issue is speed. In a slower aircraft, the same turbulence will feel "different" then it does in a faster plane. To make a water reference... Imagine a choppy body of water... Now imagine the difference in feeling if you are in a speedboat going over that choppy water vs. a rowboat. Same chop, completely different resulting sensation.

[Passenger Mark]

Having flown on a CRJ and a 747 within months I would say I like them both... in their environment.

Basically, the CRJ is a neat aircraft, but due to the smaller cabin, I would not want to be on it for more than a couple of hours.

Therefore the larger aircraft for longer trips.

I also tend to get a bit claustophobic if I am on the CRJ too long.

As far as turbulence... they both seemed to be about the same. (To me anyways)

[beaugest]

I always feel cooped up on the smaller planes. I used to feel unsafe but thanks to chatpilot who sometimes posts here I don't really feel that now. I don't know how people with long legs fly on those. I am short and feel squished. :blech Mark, I was surprised that you said you get claustrophobic. I would think most pilots wouldn't be. How do you deal with a cockpit or being in a tiny plane?
I'm also trying to figure out if the CRJ is different than the ERJ. I have flown the ERJ on Continental Express. The plane felt very old. The overhead bins would pop open,lots of rattling noises.
What I did like though was the view. We flew lower and the view was amazing.

[spleisher]

Mark, I can't really speak for you, but I will say this about being in a small plane and piloting a GA aircraft....

There is NOTHING about being in a GA aircraft that makes me feel claustrophobic! The view is absolutely fantastic! You feel like you are in such control. You literally feel like you are "on top of the world" if you'll pardon the cheesy analogy.

I'll tell you what... I'll take our little Piper Archer up as soon as I get the chance and take it for a ride over Disney World. I'll shoot some photos and share with all of you the beauty of GA flight. It truly is the most magical experience in the world to me!!

[Passenger Mark]

I have no problem at all in the 172.

Unless I am in the back seat.

No problem with turb, wind, nothing

I think it is a control issue

[WillFlyToDisney2]

I have long legs and try to sit in the Exit Rows on my favorite RJs. :) For long haul flights I love the larger planes like the 763 or 777 just because I like to get up and walk around. Anything 90 minutes or less though - put me on an RJ! I used to be terrified of the smaller planes but Chatpilot aka Michael convinced me to try them once and now I'm hooked.

Scott, isn't WDW restricted airspace?? I know it was when I worked there ages ago - at least for commercial aircraft.

As far as a GA plane, well I havent gotten that brave yet but one day soon I will. :airplane

Kelley

[spleisher]

Kelley,

Yes, Disney is restricted airspace. We pilots call it the Mickey Mouse ADIZ. It's a doubel meaning beacause it is of course over the house of the mouse, but many also feel it was issued to Disney under some pretty Mickey Mouse :mickey conditions. It was done in the name of security, but I think the real truth is that it was done in the name of $$$$$. Disney had always wanted to get their airspace restricted to stop the planes carrying banner ads for Church street, etc. After September 11, they were finally able to get it through the FAA...

Enough of that.. The bottom line on the Disney ADIZ (Which by the way, stands for Air Defense Identification Zone) for you non-pilot types) restricts flight over the attractions below 3000 feet AGL. So, without clearance, you can still fly above Disney, as long as you are higher than 3000 feet. Also, if you are flying over Disney from a particular destination to another... Say you are flying from Orlando to Tampa, and you want to fly over Disney, all you have to do it ask. 99 times out of 100, air traffic control will give you permission to fly over Disney LOWER THAN 3000 FT. if you just ask.....

Hope that clears that up....

Scott

[WillFlyToDisney2]

Thanks for clarifying that, Scott. Disney pretty much gets whatever it wants - I'm sure you know all about Reedy Creek and all of the exemptions that WDW receives from the state of Florida. When I worked there we were told that the reason that planes didnt fly over was because of the high concentration of people in such a small area (the Magic Kingdom holds 70K guests plus another 15K employees on its busiest days).

:)
Kelley

[spleisher]

Not sure what the rules were prior to Sep. 11, but the actual Disney ADIZ did not go into place until afterwards. To my knowledge, Disney had been trying for years to get their airpace restricted, but was not able to do so until after the terrorist attacks. Pretty interesting!

[Passenger Mark]

Same with Disney(land) here in California...

Can't fly over it at all, because if you go above the restricted airspace over Disney you get into John Wayne's or possibly even LAX's airspace. So it is a good area to avoid altogether!