Think about the last time you got on an airplane. The plane takes off and suddenly you’re 30,000 feet in the air! That’s a fascinating feat of engineering and human skill. As you lean back in your seat and relax (or maybe not), you may think about the pilot who’s responsible for getting you safely to your destination.
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know much about what a commercial pilot does. They go through years of training and must pass rigorous tests to get their license. But what’s their day-to-day work like? And what happens when something goes wrong?
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to talk to a pilot, you know they are usually happy to talk about their experiences in the air. But what should you talk about? What are the best questions you can ask a pilot? Here are a few ways to get you started.
46 Questions that will help you start a conversation with your friendly neighborhood aviator:
- What’s the most challenging part of your job?
- What inspired you to become a pilot?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- What was the longest flight you’ve ever been on?
- What are some of the places you’ve flown to?
- What’s the best part about your job?
- What’s the worst part of your job?
- Do you ever get nervous when flying?
- What do you do when the weather is bad and you can’t land?
- What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you while flying?
- What’s the scariest thing that’s happened to you while flying?
- Have you ever had to make an emergency landing?
- What would you do if a fire broke out on board while we were in the air?
- Do pilots really get free flights?
- What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen from the cockpit?
- What was the worst storm you’ve ever flown through?
- What’s your favorite airport to land at?
- What was your most memorable flight?
- Are there any famous people that you’ve flown to?
- Where’s the coolest place you’ve ever flown to?
- What music do you like to listen to while flying?
- Do you have any close calls or emergency landings?
- Have there been any changes in flying since 9/11?
- How many hours of flying have logged?
- Do pilots get motion sickness?
- Can I visit the cockpit during the flight?
- What are some of the things pilots need to know?
- How do pilots know where they’re flying?
- What’s the difference between a private pilot and a commercial pilot?
- How does one become a pilot?
- How much does it cost to become a pilot?
- What are some common myths about flying?
- What kind of planes do you usually fly?
- Can you tell us about a situation where something went wrong during a flight? How did you handle it?
- What do you wish more people knew about flying or being a pilot?
- What do pilots do when they aren’t flying? (In other words: What’s their life like when they aren’t in the cockpit?)
- How do pilots keep up with new regulations and procedures?
- Do pilots ever get bored on long flights? If so, how do they keep themselves entertained?
- Do you have any advice for people who are afraid of flying?
- How often do you have to renew your license?
- Do you have any funny or memorable stories from your time as a pilot?
- Is there anything passengers can do to make your job easier?
- What should passengers do if they’re feeling nervous about flying?
- Do you have any insider tips for travelers to help them make the most out of their flight?
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received from another pilot?
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do pilots have?
Pilots are highly skilled professionals who possess a variety of skills that enable them to successfully navigate and control aircraft. The most important skills they must possess include excellent problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, and a thorough understanding of aviation principles and regulations.
They must also be physically fit, mentally sharp, and able to react quickly to changing situations to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers. Overall, pilots need a combination of technical knowledge, physical skills, and mental dexterity to succeed in this challenging profession.
What challenges do pilots face?
Pilots face several challenges in their daily work, including difficult weather conditions, mechanical problems, and the need to make quick decisions. These challenges can be both physically and mentally demanding and often require pilots to push themselves to their limits to complete their flights safely.
They must also constantly keep abreast of the latest technologies in aviation and have excellent communication skills to effectively guide their flight crew through difficult situations. Overall, these challenges require a high level of skill and training for pilots to successfully perform their duties.
Conclusion
Pilots are some of the most interesting people out there, and they have a lot of great stories to share. The next time you find yourself talking to a pilot, you can use this list of questions as a starting point for conversation. They’ll be happy to talk about their job, and you might even learn something new!
