‘Cockpit Confidential: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel’ by Patrick Smith

Guest Post:  Dirk Booy

Are you afraid of flying? Have you ever wondered how an airplane stays in the air? Do you know what it’s really like to be a pilot or a steward? Patrick Smith addresses these questions and more in ‘Cockpit Confidential’. The book is written in a question/answer format and contains reflections from the author who is himself a licensed pilot. As someone who spends a considerable amount of time in airplanes and airports around the world, I found Smith’s book both interesting and informative.

Smith writes in a highly reassuring and factual way that helps readers understand the complex airline industry as well as feel better about boarding their next flight. Turbulence is no more than a bumpy road that pilots try to steer around and airport security an over reaction to 9/11. The sections I enjoyed most were around airline service which has become a lost art. Why is it that we feel more like children on a school bus when flying instead of paying customers who deserve better service? I fully agreed with his analysis on the best and worst airlines in the industry. Interestingly the author shows a definite bias for the company Boeing and especially for the 747 aircraft – as a frequent flyer, I enjoy the upstairs of an A380 most for comfort.

Patrick Smith is passionate about flying and his book reminds us that air travel is still a unique privilege that we can enjoy.