Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

I have flown THY few times in the past and it all went well, happy to report. But to those who have never flown on THY before, something very special happens as soon as the plane touches down, and that is, almost all of the passengers start to clap and cheer. I don't know if it's meant to say thank you to the crew for their services , or that they are very thankful to be back on the ground alive and well.!

The clapping happens with CY Airways also. Less now that we are officially European

They're tc's landing in Larnaca

That's nothing.

On all Cy Air flights I've been on, I always see many passengers doing the GO cross and praying..... and then when we land they look towards the heavens in gratitude and clap...

I'm an atheist but I have a ritual of crossing myself three times before take off ... with precision timing. The first, when the plane starts moving; the second, when the engine revs up and you start to feel the G-force; and the third must be in synchrony with the moment the plane lifts from the ground. I sometimes throw in a fourth for good measure when the engine noise changes.

All these GO crosses are the major forces which keep planes in the air, and not some silly physics to do with air lifting the wings

Well, I admit that a couple of times I also have done my GO cross, just in case... so I am not mocking people who have any phobias.

Most people who have a fear of flying or aviation are those that do not understand or can not comprehend the Basic Principles of flight or Aerodynamics.

I don't believe that you fall in that category knowing a little about your scientific background and also because of the fact that you have an Aviation related PhD.

You might have another valid reason to fear aircraft and aviation. I presume that you are a seasoned and regular air traveller, so can you please explain why you fear flying so much?

I want to be in control ....

You are in control.

You are in control when you choose to fly or sail...

Not good enough! I want to be in the cockpit reminding the pilot to slow down, and when to turn etc.

.... maybe feed him barley sugar sweets to stave off tiredness

The pilot could be a she you know.

...and that is all we need, another bloody woman giving directions.

Mrs O, are you going to just let me get away with the above comment?

I expect your retaliation immediately!

I am still reeling in horror, initially at my sexist assumption, and then at the endless possibilities of PMT, butter-fingers etc accident permutations

Do you have any accident statistics comparing male/female pilots?

There are statistics, but I don't want to post them as I am know that female pilots are very good. They actually have a better attitude to their male counterparts as well.

Female numbers are also on the rise in what is a male dominated industry. Jokes aside, I would like to see even more female pilots.

In or out of uniform?

The ones I know can keep their uniforms on....