animals

So- here's the implied question to you airline guys: what about a non-child (31, female LOL ) asking for a cockpit 'tour'? I'm pretty nosy on my way in; receiving only a stern look or two from the FAs... would talking to the pilots preboarding help for a tour at deplaning? I fly airtran ATL-MDW a couple of times a month and those glass B717 displays always seem pretty cool- or is it just me?

calcapt

Funny story:

At LAX while boarding, a tall brunette popped up front and asked for a peek in the cockpit. She introduced herself as Lisa and I immediately recognized the brunette as a dude in a dress. My FO wasn't so sharp and continued to show her/him all the fun gadgets. I gave him the look as if to say you're being set up my friend but he was oblivious. She/him continued to flirt and told the FO how as a little girl (yeah right) she was always interested in the big jets flying overhead and she was thrilled to be given the chance to see the cockpit for herself. It was all I could do to not burst out laughing and finally Lisa went back to her seat with a promise to return to the cockpit at our arrival city for pictures. As soon as Lisa departed I told the FO that he had spent the past ten minutes entertaining a dude in a bright red dress. He looked at me in disbelief and told me I was full of you know what. We solicited the input of a flight attendant to break the tie and she returned to the cockpit almost in tears laughing so hard and informed the FO he was taken by a dude. We laughed about that for rest of the trip and I continue to make fun of him on a regular basis as we pass in the terminal.

animals

Glad I reminded you of a transvestite story... ?!

calcapt

I got off track obviously and didn't mean to dismiss your question. Board early for best chances for a visit as late boarders hold up departures when visiting the cockpit. Get ahold of the pilots early and tell them you want a peek up front. I am sure they will accomadate you if at all possible. Good luck!

AUS_ATC

Hey, imagine this: I was on a jumpseat flight many years ago when the co-pilot says that he needs to hit the head for a potty break. When he is out of the cockpit, the captain asks if I'm a pilot, to which I reply, "Yes, but only in PA-28's."

"No problem. Grab the right seat and fly this baby for a while."

I straped into the right seat of the MD-80 and got to hand-fly the "Mad Dog" until it was time for descent from the Flight Levels! As a 20-something punk right out of the enlisted ranks of the USAF, I was totally jazzed to by "flying" a jet -- it was cool.

The co-pilot was more than a little disturbed when he returned from the head. The captain told him to grab the jumpseat and let me fly for a while!

I guess those days are over...

MEM_ATC

animals

MEM_ATC: at what age is it useless to pursue a career as ATC?

AUS_ATC

I was hired in 1987. Since that time, the FAA has changed their requirements to be hired as an ATCS several times. The age cap has normally been around 35 or 36, but don't hold me to it. There have also been instances where the FAA has granted "waivers" to individuals or groups of individuals when it suited the needs of the agency. Mandatory retirement remains at 56 for Controllers. Staff / Regional Office pukes are allowed to remain for a longer period.

Have you had a tour of any Towers or Approach Controls?

MEM_ATC

oldschool

hello, i'm new here and just want to make sure i logged in correctly.

usmc-sgt

When i was on my way out here to Iraq i was on a chartered all Marine flight on an unmentioned airline and being a pilot myself and out of interest asked if i could take a look at the cockpit, the pilots were 100% strict on not letting me take a look and stated post 9/11 laws..the best they could do is let me look through the open door as i walked off the plane. Oh well..i guess i will just have to do a google image search or build a few more hours and get there myself.

LAfrequentflyer

I toured Yokota AFB tower a few years ago...I plan on touring the tower at KLFT when I'm home on leave this summer. I usually get a tour of and ride in a PHI helo when I visit...My father use to work for them before he passed away.

-LAFF