How to Fly Inside the Cockpit? My Best Flight in the Cockpit

I was invited by JSX for a re-positioning flight from Las Vegas to Orange County/John Wayne Airport. During this flight, I reveal how I get access to the cockpit. There are a few ways to get access to the cockpit. I also show you how I mount an insta360 camera in the cockpit to capture the best angles.

Besides flying the JSX Embraer 145 in the video, I also shared some of my most exciting cockpit flying experiences in the world. Enjoy them!

This includes:

- flying from Kathmandu, Nepal to Paro, Bhutan. World's Most Dangerous Approach

- flying over thunderstorms on Air Mauritius A350 in Africa

- flying the An-22, the world's biggest turboprop flight

- Farewell flight on Hi Fly A380.

- Farewell flight on EL AL B747-400 by drawing a plane in the sky

[John-in-Boothbay]

I was a frequent flier on British Airways B747 LHR-BOS and pre-911, the pilots would open the cockpit door after takeoff and many times the pilots would come back into the cabin to chat with the upper deck passengers. It was always a special occasion to get to know the pilots and they were real emissaries for their company and profession. I always felt honored when it happened. I hope we can return to those days at some point in the future.

[Alex-igxr]

Definitely the Bhutan flight. That is amazing.

[mathuringarcier]

During 2019's christmas I was coming back to Paris from Nairobi in the 787-9, and I went two times into the cockpit (over Egypt and on landing), the pilots were very kind and aswered all of my questions, and when arriving in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, there was 32kts crosswinds and a bit rainy, the pilots where laughing and they even cursed to a Russian pilot who passed 1000ft below our aircraft when approaching Paris. It was awesome and I hope your advice will help me live another awesome experience!

[janwillemvdk]

As a child back in 2005, I got to sit in the captain’s seat during a flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao on a KLM 747-400. Sometimes all you have to do is ask.

[jerryconnors]

Having worked for Pan Am as Flt Ops Mgr in the Pilot Trng Dept, I got to ride jump seat in their 707s
during several trng flights. Try sitting thru 23 touch and go’s. And now almost 50 years later, every take off (as a pax on commercial flts) I’m going thru the check list (mentally). As we spool up and go to “Take Off Power” the excitement builds “...And Loving It”. Sam, great video!! Keep ‘em coming! 👍

[gerysphotos]

My favourite cockpit moment was onboard an Air France B727 back in 80's as a kid, we flew from PTP to FDF and the flight was overbooked. My Dad used to work for AF and the crew recognised him, so they accepted us in the cockpit for this short island-hopping. It was also a night flight, even if I was only 12 years old, I'll never forget it!! Too bad I didnt have any photo-equipment back than...

[TheDaddrummer]

I was so impressed when Sam was in the cockpit of an African Airline flight. Can't remember the airline, bit I think it was a really old DC-9. The plane was old and had several alarms going off. That's when I realized how much he loves aviation. It wasn't just about luxury flights, but just a love of flying!

[AKLAU]

Watching some of those experiences made me feel somewhat emotional! I don’t know why but I can just feel how honoured and privileged these pilots are to be involved in their slice of aviation! Thank you Sam ❤️

My favorite was that weather ☁️ strome and lighting wow .
Amazing .
How Allah has made this world beautiful ❤️

[johnblower]

Hi Sam! Great video!
My best cockpit moment was March 2000 when I flew LHR-IAD on a 747 and I was allowed into the cockpit for about 90 minutes, was just sat on the jump seat talking to the pilots. Turned out one had just moved to my home town so I was telling him what places he should see and eat in! Was amazing experience! 😁

[chorltonville]

1977 - Flight Manchester to Athens. Air Europe. My friend just asked and we went into the cockpit and met the pilots. I've been hooked on aviation ever since, 42 years later. No joke, there was a 4-pack of beer on display. Smooth landing! 🍺

[LivingAviation]

Visiting inside of a cockpit is every time my wish on each flight of mine, some times I have been lucky enough to see the cockpit as well!

[funglokhin]

Wow the 1st officer teach some chineese student pilot now they are flying a A320 and hes flying a smaller aircraft what a amazing person. I bet the students pilot he reached will be proud

[DaveDepilot-KFRG]

On my second flight ever, I was 9 years old flying from Frankfurt to JFK on PanAm 747, and I was invited into the cockpit by the flight attendant. The pilots were really friendly, even showed me how turning the altitude AP dial makes the plane descend 1, 000ft, and vice versa. Been hooked ever since. Now, I can fly whenever I want to as a PPL holder. BTW, Sam congrats on your PPL, remember safety first.

[jaydeeppatel]

Each and every second is spent in Cockpit is very very special ☺️☺️

[jonoevansiom]

Flying jumpseat into London City Airport was pretty awesome! With the steep approach, gives the perspective that the runway is even shorter than it is! Incredible!

[beaubritton]

This is my story, I wanted to become a commercial pilot all my life. At age 16 I had completed the test for private pilot single engine. And I was told by my instructor to go for my commercial. That’s where I got into trouble. My airman’s physical revealed I am color blind to red and green. So, my dream to go into the Air Force was dashed. From that point I decided my dream was impossible, so I went to medical school and got to work in the Emergency Room at night for many years, The staff I worked with was stellar. I’m now retired and get to watch all these flights on YouTube including yours. Thanks for putting in the work.

[amruthamshukp]

I feel an-22 was the best vedio. We usually get to watch the mordern day cockpit through social media but planes like an-22 are rare. It was really a great vedio. That team work pilots and engineers do to fly big bird is incredible.

[LivsCrazySpace]

You are so lucky! This is a dream for me as I want to be a pilot when I’m older.
Liv~🇫🇮🇫🇮

[shubhdeeptalapatra]

Each of your presentation is a delight for me!