Ask The Pilot

[Bjet]

Even some pilots don't like to wear hats.

However, I think that ANA/JAL pilots (no confirmed) must wear hats for their safety reasons. If an oil dropped from the wing to the pilots' head/eye while they were checking the aircraft, then it's likely the pilot may be unfit for work.

 

[jb747]

Even some pilots don't like to wear hats.

That's certainly true, but it also depends upon the cap/hat. I never wore the white monstrosity that's part of the current QF uniform, and took some delight handing it back, still in it's wrapping. Looks terrible, and simply didn't fit (anyone).

However, I think that ANA/JAL pilots (no confirmed) must wear hats for their safety reasons. If an oil dropped from the wing to the pilots' head/eye while they were checking the aircraft, then it's likely the pilot may be unfit for work.

And the argument goes the other way too. Aprons are windy places, and hats can easily become FOD if blown off. In any event, I doubt that Japanese airliners drip oil.

 

[Louisacrh]

Hi there,

I've just joined AFF after a bit of online research as I was hoping John B. - a former pilot - would see this.

My reason for trying to contact John is because I'd like to thank him personally, as he was the pilot of a flight I was a passenger on - a Qantas Flight back in 2008, where there was an in flight explosion and an emergency descent into Manilla was made.

For context, I was only 17 years old at the time and traveling alone, literally across the world (London to Melbourne). Needless to say this was an already rather nerve racking situation, but the accident that then happened and our experience once touched down in Manilla was an absolutely terrifying experience that has stayed with me ever since.

I'm turning 34 years old next month, and as I was thinking back on my life so far and what I'm grateful for, I couldn't help but think about this incident and how blessed I have been to have had a pilot able to handle the situation in such a way.

So John, if you're seeing this: I cannot thank-you enough, or express just how blessed I feel to have had such a talented pilot onboard that day - you did an absolutely fantastic job. I hope you know just how eternally grateful I am to you.

I saw that you retired in 2019, after having received the well deserved Polaris award back in 2010 - Congratulations!

I hope you are doing well and that this means you are now enjoying a beautiful and well deserved retirement.

Wishing you a Happy New Year, all the way from the UK!

With Gratitude,
Louisa

 

[eric2011]

Thats it, I am sure you will hear from him very soon

 

[Louisacrh]

Thats it, I am sure you will hear from him very soon

Thank-you very much Eric!

 

[jb747]

Well, that's a nice little surprise out of the blue. Replied via DM.

 

[jb747]

I had a chat to a couple of the cabin crew, and they remembered a young lady traveling alone.