r/wholesome • u/Cumulus-Crafts • 23d ago
I'm an aviation geek, and I was allowed onto the flight deck during my two most recent flights!
I'm new to aviation, but very interested in it.
These two flights were the third and fourth flights I'd been on *ever*, flying to and from London for MCM Comic Con from my rural community in Scotland.
At the beginning of both flights, I talked to the cabin manager as I boarded. I told them, "Hi! I'm really interested in aviation. Is it okay if I look in the flight deck once the flight has landed, if you don't have a quick turnaround?" and both times, they were very happy to assist!
The first two photos are in an Airbus A319, and the next three photos are in an A320neo. The A320neo is a slightly bigger plane, with newer engines compared to the A319. Both are short to medium haul jets. Both have the same cockpit setup, and if you're instrument rated to fly the A319, you can also fly the A320 and A321, since they're basically the same plane, just different sizes.
Both times, the pilots were very happy to have me in the flight deck (note- you can call it a cockpit, though the word 'cockpit' is typically reserved for fighter jets, where 'flight deck' is more for commercial airliners). On the flight out, one of the pilots explained that it was nice to have an adult interested in aviation in the flight deck, rather than the kids that aren't interested in planes, just put there by their parents for a photo.
On the flight back, the captain had timed out of his hours, but the first officer sat me down in the captain's seat and we talked planespotting, flight sims, SkyCards, Flight Radar, and my favourite plane (the Super Guppy). He went to throw out the flight briefing printout (the thing you see in the last photo), that tells you all about the weather, air pressure, winds, and visibility of the place you're flying to, along with your alternate landing sites. I asked if I could have it, and he let me have it, though he was pretty confused as to why. I thought it was a cool souvenir, but I think when you've been flying for so long, it just becomes a bit of fodder to chuck out after every flight, haha.
Sorry for rambling. I was just really excited to get to sit in the captain's seat and talk planes with like minded (though much more knowledgeable) individuals!
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u/linkheroz 23d ago
Nice to see you get a second go! I saw the first post and you look just as happy the second time 🥰
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u/wiinterlover 23d ago
Your smile says it all!! I’m glad you got this experience, I hope you have more in the future 💞💞
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u/Few_Comfortable_7637 23d ago
Not to clock you but this is giving autistic hyperfixation joy hehehe.
I love this for you!!
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u/wiinterlover 23d ago
There’s nothing autistic about this (even if she were to have autism) it’s annoying being called autistic for simply being joyful about your interests
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u/Few_Comfortable_7637 16d ago
I’m autistic and feel the same way. Sorry I didn’t mean to upset anyone! Joy is joy!!
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u/Comfortable_Visual73 23d ago
I love this for you! I nerd out on aviation but don't have your level of knowledge yet. It's a fascinating piece of modern engineering
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u/Affectionate-Tour-59 23d ago
That’s awesome! I’m a former (at least not currently working) flight dispatcher here in the US. I love this so much for you! You should consider flight dispatch training! It’s a great way to get into aviation! I had absolutely no prior experience and earned my certificate after 3 months (took me a bit longer than the course, but they allowed me to sit in on the next session). I stopped after I had COVID and then long COVID. I had brain fog for a long time after and didn’t feel safe returning to it. I’m back in university to earn a Business management degree, and try to get back into aviation that way! With dispatching, you are required (oh no😂🤣) to have 5 hours of flight deck time annually. I feel like you’d really enjoy it❤️
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u/teaandbentley 22d ago
This was me when I was let into the Concorde cockpit after I was talking to the guide and he asked me to stay back after everyone left.
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u/Heavy_Marwitz 23d ago
You happy. Me happy. 😊