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
.
"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