Ever since Sept. 11, 2001 the flight deck or cockpit has become a different place. Gone are the days of innocence where the door could be left open without regard to possible intrusion. Visitors are few and far between and those that do come up act as if they are breaking the law. Nothing could be further from the truth. During boarding before the engines are started, and after block-in after engine shutdown, all visitors are welcome up front just as it's always been. In fact just about any pilot I know loves to have visitors. Whether it's children or a nervous flyer, all are welcome.
It's after the engines are running that the philosophy changes and the flight deck becomes a restricted zone. The door, now bullet-proof and self-locking, is the last line of defense against anyone with ill intent. Procedures are in place to keep the door open only when absolutely necessary and even then at a minimum of time. 9/11 has forever changed the face of aviation.
I hope the next time you fly, you decide to take a look behind the cockpit door and give us a visit. Just ask the flight attendant to see the flight deck. You'll come away with an appreciation of cockpit security and hopefully a little bit of how we do business in the front end of the jet.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Behind The Cockpit Door
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1 comment:
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