An Aeroflot Airbus A310
Photo Credit: Yevgeny Pashnin
Do pilots ever allow friends or family members to sit in the cockpit during take-off or landing?
This practice was permitted in the past, prior to the tragic events of the September 11 attacks in New York in 2001. It was possible for passengers, friends and family members to be at the cockpit, not only during take-off or landing but also during the cruise.
However, a devastating accident involving an Aeroflot Airbus A310 on March 23, 1993, underscored the risks when normal cockpit protocols were not followed.
During one such visit, the pilot allowed his son to handle the aircraft’s control. His sixteen-year-old son was ‘manipulating’ the flight control while the father was actually adjusting the heading selector of the autopilot and turning the plane’s direction. This led the son to believe that he was flying the aircraft. Unfortunately, the son exerted excessive force on the flight control, resulting in the disengagement of the autopilot which resulted in a sharp roll to the right.
Amidst the confusion, the pilots failed to notice the warning lights. Consequently, the aircraft banked to nearly 90 degrees and entered into a steep dive. Although the pilots momentarily regained control, their overcompensation and improper rudder applications caused the plane to stall and entered into a spin. Due to the excessive loss of altitude, the aircraft crashed into a mountain.
Even after this tragic accident, cockpit visits continue to be allowed until September 11, 2001. My daughter was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit in the jump seat as I landed an Airbus A300 at the Male airport in the Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean. Another fortunate passenger was an aviation journalist who observed my Boeing 777 approaching into Melbourne Airport. Additionally, a fearful flyer requested to be in the cockpit during my flight to Brisbane as he had read that talking to the pilot during the cruise could help alleviate his fear of flying.
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 events, cockpit visits by passengers were no longer allowed except for brief periods before take-off or after landing. Only crew members are granted access to the cockpit with the captain’s permission and the cockpit door to be locked to prevent unauthorized entry.
However, some airlines still permit cockpit visits on the ground for family members, friends, or individuals. The decision to allow such visits usually rests with the captain and it depends on the workload of the pilots.
Generally, most visitors are usually kids or aspiring pilots seeking a glimpse of the cockpit to be inspired by what they see and potentially pursue a career in aviation in the future.
Unknown to many, passengers can now request permission from the flight attendant to visit the cockpit on the ground, expressing their enthusiasm for aviation.
I wish you all the best of luck!
View a YouTube video ‘Pilot’s CHILDREN in control’