For those that read Weather or Not, you know I planned to fly myself to Atlanta for the weekend. The universe apparently had another idea for me since a wicked line of thunderstorms barreled through the southeast on Thursday. Given the scenario, and expected rainfall projections for the southeast over the weekend, I passed on flying myself, as well as driving, and opted to book a commercial flight instead. I usually prefer being the pilot, versus the passenger, because I always learn something new about flying, or myself, when I sit in the left seat at the controls. But the flight wasn’t wasted in that regard as there were a couple of things I learned on this commercial flight.
The first thing I realized is I don’t derive the same sense of pleasure I once did from looking out that 8 x 10 window on a commercial flight. In the past, I loved the window seat and the view from above that it offered. But after sitting in the cockpit for so long, experiencing the whole view straight ahead, that tiny glass pane can’t compare. It’s like getting a scenic tour of the grand canyon through the peep-hole of a hotel door.
The other thing I noticed was during takeoff. There was lots of chatter throughout the jet when at the gate and while taxiing to the runway: traveling coworkers discussing company business, vacationers excited about their trip, people meeting for the first time, spilling their life stories to each other.
But something happened when the plane swung wide onto the runway and the jet engines whined upward. The conversations throughout the aircraft started to die down. Then as the plane charged forward, pressing passengers into their seats, everyone on the plane went silent. I guess I’ve noticed this phenomenon before, but this time it jumped out at me. What’s happening here? Maybe some were nervous, trying to calm themselves by whispering a silent prayer? Some were gazing out the windows, I suppose watching the gray runway blur before it dropped away as the plane lifted skyward, putting distance between it and the ground. But even someone who had only been reading, silent already, set her book down for a few moments and seemed to stare into space.
Who knows the exact thoughts going through everyone’s minds? I’m sure apprehension plays a part for some. Maybe others are just tired of talking and want a break. But I believe something bigger is happening. And that something is this: no matter how often most of us have flown, there is a subconscious reverence and awe for that magical moment of flight when we first lift off the ground. For thousands of years, most humans believed flight was impossible. Only in the last hundred years or so have we achieved it. So for a moment in time, that aircraft is more than the sum of its parts, more than just bolts and metal and electronics. For that period, it’s transformed into something sacred, holy ground in the sky, if you will.
But after some contemplation, I realized the comparison goes beyond those first few moments when we become airborne. Think how closely the seats in an airplane resemble, in formation and alignment, to the pews in a place of worship. And in the cockpit, we have this god-like figure called a pilot, who, for a certain period of time, is in control of our destinies. We trust he’s there even though we can’t see him. At least we think he’s in that cockpit, but how can we know for sure? On this particular flight, I never saw the pilot. The cockpit door was closed the entire time.
I suppose paranoia could set in. How do we know the plane is not on autopilot, that pilot-god didn’t bail on us, already miles behind us, fingers on the parachute ripcord, leaving us alone on this adventure to fend for ourselves. But sometimes as we wonder if he is really up there, he speaks to us, just a voice from thin air to comfort and soothe us, telling us there may be turbulence, and it won’t last forever, but we’d better fasten our seat belts just in case. He even sends smiling flight attendant angels to take care of us, answer our questions, focus on our immediate needs.
And we depend on him to protect us, bring us safely to our destination, some end point many miles ahead in our journey. However, we aren’t guaranteed of the final destination, are we? Even though we think we know where we are going, only the pilot really knows. He may learn we have to change destinations long before we know due to circumstances we aren’t privy to yet. We may think we’d know if we veered off our flight path, but would we? The pilot can make a slight course change of 5, maybe 10 degrees in the beginning of a 3000 mile trip, and it might mean the difference in arriving in Seattle versus Los Angeles. And none of us would know until we arrived. But eventually, we’d learn there was a good reason for diverting.
As I said, I always learn something when flying. But this time I walked away with a little more than I was expecting. I walked away knowing that we just need to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride while we trust that the pilot knows what he’s doing, where he’s taking us, and that we’ll get there safely, wherever that destination may be.
Not to worry Chris — I’ve been giving those guys coffee for 40 yrs. and they aren’t that "god-like"… I understand your point regarding trust on commercial airlines. The bond that exists when my pilot is visible can be powerful. Trust comes easier. Thank you for the reminder, I will keep that in mind.
A Holding Pattern Can be Great
Chris, your commercial flight story stirred many thoughts of my dreaded frequent flier days… frequent fliers who are now called "experienced fliers" in TSA lines, that in itself a bizarre term with no meaning. After many years I came to realize that a good part about flying was the holding pattern over LGA in NY. Most would become agitated, the real sneaky would hide their PDA’s and keep a watchful eye on the flight attendant, only texting when she was in the galley. Generally speaking anxiety reigned, people were pissed off on that last part of a long trip before touching down. I realized quickly that these holding patterns could go on for a long time, and I was helpless. So one night I did something uncharacteristic of me…. I opened the window shade and looked out over what was a beautiful night in the city. I took out a piece of paper and a pen and wrote a note to someone close to me. I now have many notes, most given to love ones, some were just for me. No electronics just pens, I learned to enjoy those holding patterns. Holding patterns for most were a frustrating delay, I think holding patterns, anywhere can be good.
Your site prompted me to look at some holding pattern notes from 2002, after a changed NY skyline.
And Tracy, you will be happy to know that for one year after 9/11 on every flight I took back to NY, people clapped when they landed! And sometimes if the plane route is over the Statue of Liberty or up the east side, with great views they still do!
Enjoying reading your site, Chris. Wishing you clear skies, so you don’t have to fly commercial.
Hi Don’t Blink – I really miss flying being such an event! My mom would dress us up and everything. My 13 year old son has flown so much that it’s a complete non-event for him. I’m glad he’s comfortable flying, but it makes me a little sad that he’s as jaded about it as a corporate frequent flier.
My thanks to Tracy for a fond memory that I had forgotten. I think it would be kind of nice if clapping upon landings were to make a comeback.
Christopher, interesting turn of events that turned into an enjoyable post. Determined to make the most, Weather or Not!
I am a huge fan of flying & actually look forward to that part of my job that sends me airborne from week to week. I have no fear of flying, and would one day love to have the time to get my pilot’s license myself.
It is wild how this take-off phenomenon occurs on every flight. I do it myself, not out of fear, but out of awe for the wonders of flight and the expanse of creation below us. I find myself frequently saying a quiet prayer during this time, not of desperation to get me back on the ground safely, but thanks for countless blessings. That fleeting moment as we transition from being firmly on the ground, to the weightless freedom of looking down on the world, provides a chance to look at things in a whole different perspective.
I remember as a kid, flying internationally people would always applaud when we landed. I kind of miss that tradition, even though it’s hokey because it does seem very applause worthy to take a plane full of passengers and fly them safely across the ocean at however many thousand miles high.
Sometimes it is good to relax and let somebody else steer, no?
Kenneth,
As much as I would like to claim it was intentional, I can’t. I didn’t know about the "Ground of Being" phrase, but I think it’s very cool that it’s so close to "…Ground of Boeing." I just thought it had a nice ring to it. Perhaps there was a little external influence occurring. 🙂
Chris:
I don’t know if the phrase "ground of Boeing" is an intentional play on words, but Paul Tillich, a famous theologian used to speak of God as the "Ground of Being" . Just an irrelevant fact I retain from seminary.
Veronica, Have you ever seen the movie "Love Actually"? If not, watch it sometime and see what you think. I believe you’ll like the airport scenes. Make sure you watch it with someone you care about. 🙂
Shaun, I’m sure that was in the back of my mind somewhere as I was writing it. I too have seen those.
I too am keenly aware of that quiet moment on the plane as we take off…a magical moment. Traveling for work has been part of my life over the last several years. One of other magical moments I experience happens on the way home from my travels. Typically not on outbound because I tend to be to hurried…focused on and prepping for work ahead. It is on the way home with a weary mind and body, that I become really alive to the magnificent diversity of our fellow beings. Airports are filled with emotion….not only the rushed and the working world…but there is love, sadness, elation, eagerness, reluctance and anticipation of individuals experiencing goodbyes, hellos, solemn events and celebrations. I truly believed we can learn so much from each other if we stop, look, listen and feel.
This post reminds me of the bumper stickers:
"God is my co-pilot"
"God is my pilot"
"Dog is my co-pilot" 🙂
Yes, indeed, it may be a her! 🙂
During my flight training, my instructor and I flew into controlled airspace for my first time and I’d say half of the pilots talking to air traffic control on the radio were woman. I said to him, "There are a lot more women pilots these days."
He said, "Yes, and a lot of people think they make better pilots than men."
"Why is that?" I replied.
"Because many of them multi-task better than men, and flying demands a high degree of multi-tasking."
It made sense to me. My wife is a much better at multi-tasking than I am.
I’m a plane reader but I also pause and put my book down and stare out the window during takeoff just for the reasons you describe. It never ceases to amaze me that something as heavy as a plane can leave the earth and that I’m actually in the sky, looking down at our planet.
Also have to point out that maybe our pilot is a woman and we put our faith in HER. =)