This post was most recently updated on August 12th, 2020
The front window, that is.
I was asked to write something about what it’s like in an airliner cockpit. If I was writing for other aviators or buffs, it would probably be along the lines of what it takes to be a crewmember; discuss procedure, technology, “right stuff”, etc. But my first thought at this request was to describe what it’s like to look out that front window. Compared to the side windows, the front ones are very clear and undistorted, much larger, and there are no wings in the way. And on most airliners there are no propellers swinging around in front of you.
The view is great. First of all, one is generally high up. You have a vantage point that rivals that obtained on any mountain peak (but you are considerably safer and much warmer!) You are tempted to wonder if this is the view God has, when He’s in “overall perspective” mode. It doesn’t matter if all it is outside is blue sky with white puffy clouds that you’re flying in and out of. Maybe it’s the sensation of incredibly high speed when flying close to a cloud.
Some of my most poignant memories are….
…from 45,000 feet on a clear, moonless night, just at the end of evening twilight, over Colorado headed west. One can see the lights of every major city from Vancouver BC to San Francisco with the thin thread of Interstate 5 between, and the last remaining hue of this day’s sunlight, clearly demonstrating the curvature of the earth.
…or eastbound over the Pacific with a fast jet-stream tailwind, and observing the sunrise transition from total black, to suddenly and with seemingly little notice, being blinded by that ball of fire popping over the horizon.
photo by NASA
…or flying round-trip across the polar ice cap in the summer, spanning 28 hours from take-off to return landing with the sun always behind you. In winter, gazing at the same set of blazing stars against jet black.
…or in deep winter crossing over the Alaskan mountains with the moving colored beams of Aurora reflecting off the snow-covered mountains below, casting no shadows, just reflecting kaleidoscope-like streams of color.
How I so wish I could paint, because a camera can never capture things like this, at least not through glass.
So there’s a joke in the aviation industry, often repeated by airline pilots getting ready to leave the operations office to go mount their steed, “We’d better go if we want a seat by the window”. You know they are always talking about the FRONT window.
In the future, you might be able to see everything the pilot sees as you fly…
(This post is written by my father, Dave Zehrung, who has flown in the military and for Alaska Airlines as a navigator — thanks so much, Dad!)
My dad & me
What a wonderful perspective from a man I dearly love and respect! Thanks for writing, Grandpa! 🙂
I always wonder how they fly into the sun (with the sun glaring at them, I mean) or what happens in an eclipse? I’d love to see the northern lights – how magical!
Wow! What a point of view. This was an amazing perspective! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing those wonderful photos and your Dad’s post! Amazing!
Wow, awesome photos! Please thank your dad for sharing them.
Looks absolutely magical! I love all the wonderful pictures.
I never really considered the incredible view that pilots have when they are flying a plane. This was a great read, now I have more of an idea! I wonder how many years of flying it takes to “get used to” having such an awesome view of the world. I don’t think I could focus, I’d be too amazed!! Good thing I’m not a pilot 😀
It’s definitely a great perspective!
Dave, this is a really great perspective of what it’s like. I was mesmerized by the photos, but your words really brought it to life. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it!
What a great story. Love the pictures and the view from the window. Really nice 🙂
I appreciate your comment, Rosemary!
Wonderful pictures! Sky in each version looks great!
Thank you! So glad you liked it!
I totally agree. Window views are great, I always try to sit next to the window and enjoy the views!
It’s the only time we get to see the world from that viewpoint!
Stunning photos! I can’t imagine views from the front window ever get old for pilots and co-pilots. Such a great perspective to have for the beautiful planet we all call home
That is probably the best description one can ever give. An oh, what a great view you get from that front window. The photo where you can see the lights of every major city that really blew my mind. Great stuff dad.
Wonderful article and photos 🙂
Thanks, Wendy!
Aww, what a beautiful description! I loved the pictures, even though like your dad said, I’m sure it’s hard to really capture the views. And I really liked the joke at the end! LOL
All these views look amazing. I love the northern lights picture. I hope to see the lights again some time soon.