NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A fascinating fear of flying book from a commercial airline pilot and
author of the popular website askthepilot.com.
For millions of people, travel by air is a confounding, uncomfortable,
and even frightening experience. When you go behind the scenes, however,
you can see that the grand theater of air travel is actually
fascinating. From the intricate design of airport architecture to the
logistics of inflight service, here is everything you need to know about
flying.
Commercial airlines like to hide the truth from customers and do nothing
to comfort nervous fliers. And what's scarier than the unknown? In this
aviation book, pilot Patrick Smith breaks down that barrier and tells
you everything you need to know about flying, including:
- How planes fly, and a revealing look at the men and women who fly them
- Straight talk on turbulence, pilot training, and safety
- The real story on delays, congestion, and the dysfunction of the
modern airport
- The myths and misconceptions of cabin air and cockpit automation
- Terrorism in perspective, and a provocative look at security
- Airfare, seating woes, and the pitfalls of airline customer service
- The true colors and cultures of the airlines we love to hate
Cockpit Confidential is a thoughtful, funny, and at times deeply
personal look into the strange and misunderstood world of commercial
flying. If you liked other books about airplanes for adults, including
Soar by Tom Bunn or Skyfaring, you'll find reassurance, humor, and
guidance in Cockpit Confidential.
Anyone remotely afraid of flying should read this book, as should anyone
who appreciates good writing and great information. --The New York
Times, on ASK THE PILOT
Patrick Smith is extraordinarily knowledgeable about modern
aviation...the ideal seatmate, a companion, writer and explorer.
--Boston Globe
