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Anyone who has ever climbed aboard a commercial flight must have felt a little bit of trepidation. Can this huge thing really stay in the sky?
As these planes taxi down the runway, what are all the bells and beeps one hears and, worse, what was the cause of that noise just after takeoff?
From the Flight Deck: Plane Talk and Sky Science is the book with all the answers. Written by Doug Morris, a commercial airline pilot, the book gives a peek into the world of commercial airline travel.
Whether the reader is a "white-knuckle flier"' or a seasoned pro, there is something here for everyone who steps on a plane. Morris writes in a lively and entertaining style, pulling back the curtain on the world of aviation from a pilot's first solo to captain of a 747.
This is a world that has not been open since the events of 9/11, due to the increased security that airlines have imposed.
Gone are the days of cockpit visits; the captain of the aircraft is almost never seen taking a quiet stroll through the cabin to show the flag and answer passenger's questions.
In the 162 pages of his book, Morris takes us into the world of aviation and shows us what goes into the building of a modern airliner, and the regulations that govern passengers and pilot. He also shows us how airplanes can land in fog, darkness, and storms.
The book is sprinkled liberally with interesting factoids; they give the reader that "gee-whiz" feel. For instance, did you know that the paint on a Boeing 767 weighs more than 670 kilograms, or that a Honda Civic could go completely around the world 80 times on the fuel that a Toronto to Hong Kong flight takes?
An understanding of both airplanes and weather are central to the commercial aviation industry and Morris fills the bill.
He is a commercial pilot who has logged thousands of hours on the flight deck and is also a trained meteorologist. He writes in a clear, concise style that is sure to entertain and inform the flying public.
The next time you fasten your seatbelt in a plane, you will have a much better understanding of everything that is going on around you and on the ground. Knowing just what that beep, bump, or funny noise was makes the flight a lot more interesting. Even better, you can explain it to your fellow passengers when they look worried.
Tim Philp of Brantford is a freelance writer.
