Like anyone in any profession, pilots can be frustrated by various things related to their job or environment. Here are five random things that can be annoying.
1. People who use the lavatory during boarding!
This annoys flight attendants more than pilots, but I felt the need to speak up. Boarding is one of our busiest times. People blocking the isles cause delays.
You have been sitting in the terminal waiting for the flight. For the love of all things Holy, pee before you leave! About 30 to 45 minutes before departure time, go to the bathroom in the terminal and empty out. The bathrooms in the terminal are much more comfortable and clean than the aircraft.
Even if boarding is starting, you still have time. Don’t think, “I’ll just go real quick when I get on the plane,” because you are in everyone’s way.
2. Disruptive Passenger Behavior
Disruptive or unruly passengers can be a significant annoyance for pilots, as it can create an unsafe or uncomfortable environment in the cabin. Even minor disturbances cause unneeded delays. I have had passengers using drugs, drunks, fights, and non-compliance issues.
To the disrupters, please do us all a favor and drive or take a bus or a train.
3. Delays and Disruptions
Repeated weather delays, maintenance issues, or air traffic control delays can frustrate pilots, especially when they disrupt schedules and plans. They always seem to happen on “go home day.“
Pilots have limited control over their schedules, and last-minute changes or unexpected assignments can be annoying and disruptive to personal plans.
4. Turbulence and Weather
Turbulence, storms, and adverse weather conditions can make flights more challenging and uncomfortable. Before a flight, pilots receive detailed weather briefings. These briefings include current and forecasted weather conditions along the route, at the destination, and at alternate airports. Pilots analyze this information to plan the flight and make informed decisions.
We can alter our flight paths and choose different altitudes to try and avoid the weather. However, sometimes this doesn’t work out and leads to uncomfortable rides. When weather is unavoidable, especially over a period like a day or a whole trip, it can be very tiring and lead to frustration.
5. Other Pilots
Pilots that don’t follow the rules or don’t follow company standards, micromanagers, or are just jerks and hard to deal with. Fortunately, they are few and far between. We don’t have to deal with these God’s gifts to aviation very often.
At many airlines, there are avoidance bids or secret lists passed around of pilots to avoid for whatever reason. I knew of one pilot at a former airline that was so infamous they couldn’t find anyone to fly with him.
It’s important to note that pilots are highly trained professionals who prioritize safety above all else. While these factors may be annoying, they are well-equipped to handle and manage these challenges to ensure a safe and smooth flight experience.
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