Plane Answers: Overcoming the fear of flying

Another sunset view
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

By far the most popular question I've been getting for Gadling's Plane Answers is how to overcome a fear of flying. I did my best to tackle it this week, answering questions about tailskid strikes, turbulence and the 10,000 foot sudden drop.

I wonder what percentage of passengers is genuinely afraid of flying. If I had to guess, I'd say 10% of the airplane is made up of nervous flyers. I included a few links to some resources in the post that may help people overcome their fear.

Plane Answers: Takeoff speeds, weights and lavatory drains

Jetblue A320 takeoff from Boston
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

This Friday's Plane Answers covered a few topics that were short enough to combine into one post. Ever wonder what happens to the water from a lav's sink? Take a look at the latest questions and answers here. If you're curious about anything related to the pointy-end of an airplane, ask away!

Plane Answers: When are pilots afraid of turbulence?

White Knuckle Flyer?
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

Kyle writes:

First of all, thanks for taking the time to respond to people's questions. There's something I've always wanted to know. Do pilots ever get scared of turbulence? If so, what makes them bad enough to actually be scary. Is there a way a passenger can know when to be concerned and when it's just normal bumps and shakes?

Read the follow up answer with video here.

The Airline industry's newest business model: Desperate Housewives

Sunrise in Barbados
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

Two trips in one blog post this time! A Miami turn and a three-day with Barbados and Miami layovers.

The talk of the cockpit revolves around what's going on with the latest merger rumors. I think we only need to look at a typical episode of Desperate Housewives to see where the industry is heading.

After these two trips, I'm off for the next couple of weeks. Time to visit my mother-in-law in Germany with my wife and two kids.

I'll still put out a couple of Plane Answers every Friday, though.

Plane Answers: When do pilots use the autopilot?

Left turn on course
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

This week's Plane Answers covers the when and how often we use the autopilot on the 757.

Justin asks:

My question concerns the autopilot. During the course of a flight how often is it used? Are there times where it can not be used because of heavy turbulence and other weather phenomenon?

Read the answer here.

Cockpit Chronicles: Domestic Duties

Uh, oh. We've got the map out.
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

It looked horrible on paper. The first day took us from Boston to Chicago and then on to Miami. The next day had an early morning departure from Miami to San Francisco. After lunch and some daytime sleeping, we left that night for Boston. Arrived in Boston around 7 in the morning on the third day.

But the truth is, it wasn't as bad as I expected. Maybe Roland had something to do with that, but we really didn't feel tired.

Read all about the trip, including some nice pictures from the Miami to San Francisco flight here.

Plane Answers: How close are airliners allowed to fly?

This is my first trans-Atlantic crossing
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

Every Friday Gadling I try to answer a Plane Answers query. The questions coming in have been great, and I've noticed that some of you have submitted a few. The most often asked question has been about my path to this job, and I plan on writing that up soon, but it's probably going to take a bit more time than, say, this weeks question regarding how close airliners are allowed to fly.

I'm sure passengers are a little uncomfortable when they see another airplane outside the window so close. But keep in mind, for that airplane to be there, we usually know about it up front. I'll probably write about how TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) has really improved air travle safety in a future Cockpit Chronicles.

I have just two more of the Cockpit Chronicles posts to catch up with and then I'm off to join the family in Germany where they're visiting my mother-in-law. Believe it or not, I really like her! Both Linda and I have been very lucky in the in-law department.