Hearing cockpit conversations from 747 upper deck?
Jul 15, 2013 | 8:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,887
Hearing cockpit conversations from 747 upper deck?
As far as I know, the 747 upper deck gives you the closest seat to the cockpit on any commercial aircraft. I'll be flying CX 747 in J next month, my question is that have anyone been able to hear conversations from the cockpit or GPWS callouts on approach from the first row of upper deck 747? If so, what did you hear and how clearly?
Jul 15, 2013 | 8:35 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 8,246
As far as I know, the 747 upper deck gives you the closest seat to the cockpit on any commercial aircraft. I'll be flying CX 747 in J next month, my question is that have anyone been able to hear conversations from the cockpit or GPWS callouts on approach from the first row of upper deck 747? If so, what did you hear and how clearly?
Also note, unless you're flying regional, the first J row upstairs is reserved for crew rest.
But even then, you still hear nothing.
Jul 15, 2013 | 9:42 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,141
I was sitting in 1A on the 77W and shortly before arrival in HKG the cockpit door was opened (pilot going to use the lavatory) for a few seconds. I heard HKG ATC sounds that resembled those I hear on liveatc.net (female voice from HKG tower).
Jul 15, 2013 | 10:30 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO TPE
Programs: CX Diamond
Posts: 43
As far as I know, the 747 upper deck gives you the closest seat to the cockpit on any commercial aircraft. I'll be flying CX 747 in J next month, my question is that have anyone been able to hear conversations from the cockpit or GPWS callouts on approach from the first row of upper deck 747? If so, what did you hear and how clearly?
Aug 27, 2013 | 8:49 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
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Update: I was sitting in 81K on cx312 the other day and I was able to hear some conversations preflight before the door was closed. But more importantly, I was able to identify the ground proximity call-outs on approach.
Aug 27, 2013 | 9:23 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: MPC GO / HHonors Gold
Posts: 27
I was once on seat 80K on a 74A (regional flight HKG-NRT). The cockpit was in plain view if i lean forward but I didn't hear anything from inside there
Aug 27, 2013 | 6:27 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: TPE (reluctantly!)
Programs: CX, le club accorhotels platinum
Posts: 131
Sat in 80K once and couldn't hear a thing the whole time. And it was so hot! I had seat selectior's remorse 
I wonder if we might have better luck hearing the cockpit on a narrowbody.
I wonder if we might have better luck hearing the cockpit on a narrowbody.
Aug 27, 2013 | 6:43 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 8,246
, although KA does and I strongly suspect the answer is "no" regardless. Upper deck on the 747 lacks a galley between the seats and cockpit (galley is in the back upstairs). The seats are very close to the cockpit door. Whereas on single-deck planes, you have the emergency exit and galley areas, as well as usually a bathroom or two.