This thought came to me yesterday while flying IAH-DEN. Is there any airport that pilots generally dislike flying into/out of? I imagine DEN must fall into the more enjoyable places because of the seeming ease which planes come and go - few (if any) ATC, lots of runways, fairly open airspace around the airport, etc.
Sure - I like DEN and dislike RNO. Also, we pretty much don't like any airport where there are delays. ORD can be a pain, but at least the controllers know what they're doing.
When I fly (light GA a/c) I also try to stick proper phraseology for just this reason.
I'd recommend reading through the archives of the "Say Again?" column on www.avweb.com (free registration might be required). The column was written by a now-retired ATL center controller who was also the NATCA saftey rep. Excellent series of articles on all aspects of ATC and particularly on phraseology and communication.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rach777
I'm wondering, is there a general rule about us interacting.
I used to fly into RNO a couple of times a month for several years. Winds howling of of the Sierra's could make for interesting landings and takeoffs. I remember once when the winds were especially strong. Strong enough to buffet the plane as we sat near the end of the runway waiting our turn to move onto the runway. While sitting there, the pilot comes on the intercom and tells us not to worry about the very noticable crosswinds as he has done many takeoffs in such conditions and finishes the announcement with "just sit back relax and pretend you are at Disneyland where you pay to go on rides like this."
It was an interesting takeoff roll as he kept moving the plane back to the center of the runway and it was one of the most turbulent climbouts I have ever experienced.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockdoc
I used to fly into RNO a couple of times a month for several years. Winds howling of of the Sierra's could make for interesting landings and takeoffs. I remember once when the winds were especially strong. Strong enough to buffet the plane as we sat near the end of the runway waiting our turn to move onto the runway. While sitting there, the pilot comes on the intercom and tells us not to worry about the very noticable crosswinds as he has done many takeoffs in such conditions and finishes the announcement with "just sit back relax and pretend you are at Disneyland where you pay to go on rides like this."
It was an interesting takeoff roll as he kept moving the plane back to the center of the runway and it was one of the most turbulent climbouts I have ever experienced.
I actually experienced incredible bumpiness on several landings at RNO, so much so that on one instance, the pilots aborted the landing to make another pass at landing the aircraft.
Several people on my flight actually cried during the landing and then people cheered as we pulled into the gate The pilot came on the PA and said that it was a "nice piece of flying by the first officer" and I agreed 100% since RNO is well known for these gut wrenching crosswinds at both take offs and landings.
How about landings at SAN? Quite a steep ride down between the tall buildings.
SAN really isn't too bad unless you are flying the non-precision into there, then it gets a little busy. Visual is a piece of cake.
My least favorite would have to be Mexico City. High altitude, fast approach, mountains, they change the approach and runway on you at the last minute all the stinking time, just a huge PIA.
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I'm a new hire FA and can't really get any straight answers. I often have to go in for the 2 person and I'm not really sure what to say. Some of the pilots seem nice and willing to talk for the 5 or so minutes I'm up there, but then others don't even make eye contact or say hello. I'm wondering, is there a general rule about us interacting.
Nope, no rule. Some guys/gals just may be more interactive. In reality, most are supposed to have their oxygen mask on and so they couldn't really talk to you anyways, although many just put it on their head which is close enough. You can be friendly and if someone wants to chat, they will. It goes the same with FA's, sometimes they are friendly towards me, sometimes just matter of factly. Everyone's different. Welcome to United.
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These views are my own and do not represent the views of United Airlines or the ALPA.
) and i got anudder potential tootsie-pop victim 
and then people cheered as we pulled into the gate 
