How to Visit the Cockpit of an Airliner

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Are you an aviation enthusiast travelling on an intriguing new aircraft? Or are you just a family with an excited young child? Regardless, many people are fascinated by the operation of airliners and this article will offer suggestions on how to visit the cockpit.

Steps

1
If you are boarding a small, off-peak flight, try asking the ground crew before the flight for a quick peek into the cockpit. Beware that this is highly unlikely and that your best bet is probably boarding or disembarkation.
2
Try to ask a member of the cabin crew or cockpit while on the ground. Once again, this may be a struggle during busy flights.

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3
When boarding the aircraft, have a look toward the cockpit. If a member of the cabin crew or cockpit crew notices that you would like to visit the cockpit and invites you over, then hooray! If not, continue reading.
4
If you once again miss the opportunity, wait until the flight has landed. Try to be one of the last to disembark. As you leave the jet, ask a member of the cockpit crew to see the cockpit. Given how busy the cockpit crew are before a flight, you're far more likely to be accepted after landing.
5
You're in! If you do manage to be allowed into the cockpit, have a chat with the pilots and ask to take pictures/videos, to retain this memory.

Community Q&A

Question

What do I need to become a pilot?

Community Answer

For recreational flights, you need a pilot's license. The total number of class hours and flight hours differ from country to country. If you want to become a pilot for an airline, you must become a commercial pilot. To enroll in a commercial pilot course, you must first have a pilot license for recreational flight.

Warnings

As in the article similar to this one, do not touch the controls without permission. In some cases, kind pilots will allow a person to touch the controls, or even punch some information into the flight management computer. This is very rare.

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Do not simply enter the cockpit without permission or attempt to open the door. It is illegal in some places, but regardless of legality, it is frowned upon everywhere.

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Don't loiter around the galley or open areas, it will raise suspicion!

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