How do pilots eat?
 

How do pilots eat in the plane? I don't see tray-tables in the cockpit when I peak inside. Thoughts?

Now... I want to know why you are "peaking" inside a cockpit? :D

I could underand "peeking" but not "peaking".... :)

dont know but I know what pilots eat, on a recent flight to MCO on Southwest one got on with a slice of pizza in hand and the other a salad dont think they needed tray tables for that

By opening their mouths, inserting food, chewing, and swallowing...

(Couldn't resist)

Airbus cockpits with side sticks have tray tables.

For example, this is the A320: Airbus A320-211

That's phat! Thanks!

The pilot meals are served on a tray, just like in the premium cabins.

On Airbus aircraft, since there is no centre joystick there is a table that unfolds, though it's primary purpose is not for eating, but it can be done.

On Boeing aircraft pilots simply place the tray on their lap to eat.

Peaking in the cockpit isn't a good idea:

http://www.darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin1994-19.html

Or on some carriers they just get sandwiches - i.e. no tray table or tray needed.

I remember on a 777 (I was sitting on the jumpseat) that we had placed a fruit basket placed on the middle console 2h prior to landing. Don't remember what they had earlier on that flight, I did enjoy dinner in F ;) but they told me, they had dinner, so I guess the plate on the lap or plate on the middle console is plausible. and ... hey, they're allowed (while autopilot is on) to leave - maybe having a snack in the front galley?

Heh, I meant while on the ground boarding and deplaning. :)

The difference between French & American attitudes to food.

But at least we know now what swung the Tanker contract for Airbus.

Most domestic flights these days don't offer their pilots much of anything for food, so it's whatever they bring or buy between flights. A sandwich is an easy thing to eat in my experience.

If you have a cup holder somewhere, then you are all set!

It has to do more with the difference in Airbus's and Boeing's attitudes towards automation. Boeing still has and will always have a yoke, which precludes much room for a tray table, while Airbii have a sidestick, allowing much more room for a tray table and associated goodies in front of a pilot.

Checko

The Airbus tray table pulls out of the instrument panel. Nice & solid. It will hold 119 lb, but of what, I don't know. Some of that food is heavy stuff, and sits in your tummy like rocks. Ususlly, it tastes like rocks, too. On Boeings, you have to put a tray in your lap.

I flew A-320 & 319s for 6 years, now back on the 757/767. Airbus has much more in the way of creature comforts for pilots. Much quieter cockpits, which really reduces fatigue. I wear earplugs in the Boeings.

The food, known to us as "crew meals" is just airplane food. Kind of what used to be served in coach when there was food in coach. It's pretty lacking for the most part.

That big bag you see us dragging around has a lot of crucial stuff in it, not the least of which is what I call a "crew meal repair kit" in mine. Some hot sauce, seasoned salt, pepper, some herbal tea, Airborne, (or Walborne), acidophilus, Pepto-Bismol, etc.

Actually had a copilot barfing in the trash bag once, while I was trying to eat!

Before you get jealous of our (s)crew meals, you should know that we pay for them. $5.50 per, right out of our paychecks. At least we don't get taxed...

I miss my tray table!!

Freshairborne