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.
Buy an insta360 camera with 30% off in the Summer Sale here: www.insta360.com/sal/one_r?in...
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
• The World's Most Dange...
- flying over thunderstorms on Air Mauritius A350 in Africa
• Spectacular Thundersto...
- flying the An-22, the world's biggest turboprop flight
• Flying The World's Big...
- Farewell flight on Hi Fly A380.
• A Special Farewell Fli...
- Farewell flight on EL AL B747-400 by drawing a plane in the sky
• Epic! Drawing a 747 on...

[@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.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

I live in YHZ Land, an hour northeast of Boston by air. I like to go there to get flights to Tokyo or Hong Kong on JAL or ANA. Or Cathay Pacific. And KLM used to fly out of here. The flight out was Amsterdam to Toronto and return was Toronto-Halifax-Amsterdam. For passengers and seafood cargo. You think BA will return A380?

[@John-in-Boothbay]

@@michaelrmurphy2734 Hey Michael, I'm on across the Gulf of Maine from you and know Halifax well - great city. BA has indicated in their promotional advertisements that they will return the A380 to service. I hope so, because I haven't flown on it yet. I passed up a chance to fly Concorde and have regretted it ever since. Don't want to miss another milestone plane!

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

@@John-in-Boothbay You passed on the Concorde?! SHAME!!! Yeah, I love my hometown. Full of history and culture...that is rapidly being destroyed by ugly and stupid modern development! It breaks my heart to see beautiful old historic buildings gone for some dumb new place that looks like something you could see in any other part of the world. I am from the North End and my brother got the house after Dad died so he and his wife and kids live there now. You have to own your own home because house prices are going up. Even in a pandemic! And a Steven King movie from his book is being shot here this summer. I don't know which one. Nova Scotia standing in for Maine again. Did you see The Lighthouse? Done here too of course. And I want my MPBN!! Much missed here on the cable TV!

[@John-in-Boothbay]

@@michaelrmurphy2734 BA gave me the choice of a free ticket in First Class B747 BOS-LHR or on Concorde JFK-LHR with a shuttle flight BOS to JFK. The connection in JFK meant that it would take the same amount of time as flying direct from Boston and I knew the Concorde was cramped compared to the B747. At the time it just seemed to make sense, thirty years later it seems ludicrous I didn't do Concorde. Pre-pandemic I was in Nova Scotia regularly and will be back when the border is open again. Most frequent stop has been Mahone Bay but I'm fond of pretty much the whole province as well as PEI, which is where my father's descendants lived after leaving Newfoundland.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

@@John-in-Boothbay I was suprised there was food service on the Concorde. "You are going to be New York in three hours. You can get something at the airport!" "And be grateful you don't have to wear a pressure suit!" What do you think of the possible new BOOM airplane? 88 seats and smaller so it might make sense. Back to supersonic. And you know about the Avro Arrow, right? RIGHT?!!!!

[@Alex-ig2xr]

Definitely the Bhutan flight. That is amazing.

[@moolachang]

That's really awesome landing on Bhutan

[@hishamtp_]

Yes you are

[@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.

[@mathuringarcier]

Sounds awesome 🔥 However nowadays, most airlines do not accept jumpseaters in the aircraft, it could work (because I managed to do it) but nothing is sure

[@Dodilafir]

Curacao nice place...one day i want to go there..😊

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

WOW!!! HAHAHA!!! Those were the days...

[@melbourneaviation1157]

@@mathuringarcier Yep after the events of 9/11 they banned it during flights on alot of America. Airlines

[@melbourneaviation1157]

@Ben Chu That's exactly what I just said-

[@A2KLAU]

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 ❤️

[@jerryconnors8663]

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! 👍

[@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!

[@sfsskycracker1448]

Wow sounds great!

[@johnblower7232]

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! 😁

[@gerysphotos3519]

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...

[@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!

[@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.

[@667365]

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

[@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!

[@EddieMorsVlogs]

It was a Kenyan airline; African Express👌

[@rleewall7919]

So much positive energy! Thank you Sam!

[@LivsCrazySpace]

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

[@gutembergsoares3338]

A descida no Butão é fantástica ! The landing in Buthan is amazing !!!

[@davew5383]

Awesome cockpit views Sam, it is definitely hard to pick one as a favorite out of all of the great experiences and opportunities that you have had to ride in so many different cockpits, I enjoy them all very much👍🙂

[@orouchard]

I was an A380 pilot at Emirates and the 6 touch and go we did after the type rating was an experience of a lifetime

[@KelseyDunlevy]

Awesome video, chocked full of special experiences that are once in a lifetime! My favorite moment was when the Buddhist Captain started praying! Made you a little nervous, yes, Sam?! 🤣

[@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! 🍺

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

So interesting Sam thank you. My late husband was a for small plain pilot. Brings back pleasant memories.

[@jeppeson2001]

I was fortunate enough to jump seat on the flightdeck of a Virgin B747-200 classic LGW-MIA for takeoff & landing. One of the last flights it made before its retirement. I was travelling to complete my FAA Dispatch Licence in Ft. Lauderdale. I remember the landing into MIA was just awesome. This was back in the April of 2001. Fantastic memories!

[@sirBrouwer]

For me it has to be the flight from Hong Kong back to the Netherlands on the chartered KLM 747 combi back in 1994. My brother and me where allowed in to the cockpit as young boys and I can never forget how amassed I was with all the buttons and what nots. (It was still full analogue with a third operator) I was to young to really grasp much of it but I was very much in awe. I know that my brother was even allowed in to the pilot seat it self. where he could ''fly'' the aircraft.

[@franssnijder7676]

For me it was quite the same, but then 24 years later. Joining my (ex)girlfriend as a cabin attendant I was already jealous on the way to Hong Kong > that two guys had a "cockpit permission" pass around their neck. Lucky bastards... But because a completely fully booked flight and a very nice captain who knew my wish, on the way back to AMS it was my turn to sit the whole flight in the KLM 747 combi front window seat. They offered me even to sleep in the cockpit crew rest area, but I never left my jump seat! Amazing flight, almost forgot my girlfriend in the back. ;-) And I thanked the captain before landing, because he was in a hurry to catch his transfer as soon as we reached the gate at AMS. Sadly the girlfriend , 747 combi's and pax phased out, but the memory will never fade away... Of the 747 I mean! 8-)

[@sirBrouwer]

@@franssnijder7676 We were lucky we did not need any pass as the company had just booked the entire aircraft. it was pretty empty as most of the craft was used for the cargo hold. Did you fly from the old Kowloon or from the new Chek Lap Kok? My family and a bunch more where there to build the island for the new airport (you call the Dutch when you want a island)

[@jaydeeppatel5172]

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

[@josiahjohnson2515]

Sam, you're the best. Thanks for sharing something that not a lot of us can do😁

[@user-em2jg1nl9g]

Thanks for sharing great movies from various cockpits, Sam! My greatest memory on a deck was a flight from Frankfurt to Nagoya with MD11F as a cargo attendant. Captain invited me to the deck to enjoy their great operation. Hope to see some cargo flight on your channel soon! Ken

[@antonik2674]

The best way is to simply ask! Chances are they will say no, but I've managed to jumpseat multiple times thanks to this!

[@balajisharathkumar9753]

a380 cockpit,air Mauritius too thanks sam for this wonderful opportunity love ur videos

[@souviksinha365]

My favorite is the one from the Bhutan Airlines flight. It’s hard to beat that gorgeous view of the Himalayan Mountains!

[@joellontsi1389]

The 747 and the 380 are for sure my favourites!

[@hongjian28]

Great videos and keep it up Sam. Cockpit moment......visited BA B747-400 cockpit after flying HKG-LHR sector on business in 2010. Seated on the upper deck business class and the Captain invited me to the cockpit on arrival into LHR. Spent a fair bit of time on the jumpseat conversing with the pilots with regards to the 747-400. First cockpit visit was pre-911, on board Royal Brunei B767-300 flight from SIN to LHR via DXB. Recall the visit was on the DXB-LHR sector and did have the opportunity to witness the flight operations live of the B767-300.

[@notacenter_]

Amazing footage! My favorite cockpit experience when i was 7 years old in jakarta-padang flight. Mandala 737-200, that cockpit just amazing. Mandala have a event which the pilots called all children to the cockpit around 37000 ft, i still have my certificate until now (i'm 24). That was the time which makes me love aviation, unfortunately i never able to go in cockpit anymore. I just don't want to bother the pilots lol

[@45cab]

thank you for bring us to many places

[@nuwanwanigasekara]

Definitely, my favorite cockpit video is Paro, Bhutan landing. That was amazing but thrilling moment. When the plane just 500 ft from the ground but you cannot see the runaway.

[@RUSLexplorer2020]

Wow! That lightening strikes are amazing !

[@jenn6641]

I had an opportunity to access the cockpit in the past. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I am grateful for

[@homemadedeliciousfood801]

wow..amazing,,,i realy love inside the cockpit of A380 and B740

[@shubhdeeptalapatra4892]

Each of your presentation is a delight for me!

[@tuna3875]

sounds like a botted comment

[@dougfreeland6957]

Great insight to the procedures required before and after flights👍😄

[@amruthamshukp4612]

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.

[@Tailcoattimes]

Honestly at this point they prob look forward to seeing Sam! Such a kind, enthusiastic and knowledgeable passenger and now PILOT 🧑‍✈️! Congratulations Sam!

[@adjwardossman3617]

Thank you Mr Sam.. Love from srilanka!!!

[@saiyashwanth470]

I just love the flight from Mauritius to Paris from Indian Oceans Tatz A350 light show all over the clouds & thunders tat was a spectacular view from cockpit ………..n then N22 with 5 operating pilots tat so cool Thank you S@M 🙌🏽

[@jameslentsoane9037]

The Nepal flight to Bhutan is my favourite...It felt like I was in the cockpit myself.👌👌👏

[@letsgamingwithsomeone-fred792]

I love this video.Thank you Sam.

[@booster9741]

Sam, I bought your Air 747 book and the pictures were amazing and I love the way you do it and I love the 747 ever since then

[@Architectamangandhi]

Sam amazing experience you give all of us by your videos. Salute to your efforts.great work 👍🏻😃⭐️keep going ❤️🙋‍♂️🤩

[@alexpilot555]

With pleasure!! As always👍

[@667365]

My friend become Aircraft engineer so now ge travel with pilots now Everytime he go somewhere. Its soo cool privilege . True saying of enjoying flight

[@beaubritton4362]

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 KZbin including yours. Thanks for putting in the work.

[@itsyaboyR]

That engine powering up is so good

[@lyteang]

Incredible

[@krommelrana533]

as always hat's off to you Sam. Stay Safe and Blessed.

[@wy3131]

Never forget my opportunity to enter an Ansett B743 cockpit on approach to HKG (Kai Tai) back in the 90s. That was one amazing experience! Also had an opportunity to enter an UA B744 during Trans-Pacific cruise phase and saw St Elmo’s fire on the windscreen but all pretty subdued during the cruise phase. Then 911 came and that was the end of that. Bummer!

[@eys-yt]

Always so exciting videos. Thanks Sam.

[@LuisGGomezPhoto]

The only time Ive been in a cabin, was in a plane crop duster doing aerobics, with a crazy pilot. Thanks Sam, great stories.

[@jaynichols7932]

My favorite is the incredible Boeing 757!! Thank you for your great videos!

[@ForeverJustaGhost]

I love this Thank you For what you do Much love

[@5vineeth]

Most I like Bhutan flight video.. Amazing 👌🤝

[@omprakashomi6795]

Ur truely like a magician sam luv ❤❤❤ ur all aviation videos

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Looking very nice flying the jumpseat.

[@Noneblue39]

Cockpit is a great view

[@MrMountainMan]

Learned something new about the sterile light in the cockpit, cool! Also really thought it was awesome to see the flight path of that last 747 flight resemble the plane!

[@weikeattan4175]

I love your filming in the a350 cockpit

[@sarajmanes4505]

Good Afternoon Fantastic Your Memories Video's Cilps You Are Great Man God Bless You Thanks Dear Sam Chui 😊

[@sanjeevsharma6386]

Loved this video.My personal favourite is the B747.

[@jeremycompton3010]

Sam, great video as usual. Great stuff Sam. 😊👍 Sam finish your PPL and start your CPL. 😊👍

[@jayaksm4177]

Exelently video, great Sam 👍😀👏

[@tapantadas]

Lovely, you are the best…..💞

[@amazingyashworld6233]

wowowow, that's so nice love you man God bless you

[@EKC2024]

Beautiful office views!😍✈️

[@Pilot-Ali]

That Katmundu landing was dope.

[@davew5383]

Back in the early 90's I had the opportunity to ride jump seat on a Tower Air 747 that was being relocated from George Air Force base in Victorville, California to the Ontario Airport in Ontario, California. I drove the Tower Air Rep. Kit Tran who I had enjoyed working with many times from Ontario to George Air force base so he could work the relocation flight, just before he boarded the 747 to leave, he told me that I could fly down to Ontario on the flight riding jump seat in the cockpit. What an amazing opportunity that would have been, unfortunately I didn't know how I was going to be able to get back there to the base to retrieve my vehicle, so unfortunately I couldn't go with them. I have always appreciated the offer and I have kicked myself many times for not just going for it and accepting his offer for such an amazing opportunity.

[@ceaserrodulph4655]

we offer you more progress and prosperity in your field and your ability to prove your reality. I offer you my congratulations at this time

[@mypurush]

Bhutan flight cockpit view is my Fav

[@triple7man]

I have lots of cockpit moments prior to 11 September 2001. In the US the FAA prohibits cockpit entry in flight except for authorized crew members. As you would expect, they have even tougher security measures in place. However, it is usually not a problem when the aircraft is parked at the gate. I just show my AA retiree ID and they usually let me up. I've done it numerous times on the international airlines which allowed cockpit access in flight. I've seen 2 sunrises over the Pacific flying on QF and CX 747-400's to LAX. In 1996 I talked to an EVA Air pilot at LAX and told him about my interest. He suggested I write to the VP of Flight Operations for the airline and ask permission. I did it on CX and the Chief PIlot for Boeing fleet wrote me and said he had written to the captains of the 2 flights I would be on and let them know of my interest. He said it would be up to them on the day of departure and they let me join them. I spent most of cruise back in the passenger cabin, but takeoff and landings were something else. My only regret is that Kai Tak had already closed so we wouldn't be flying the IGS for Rwy 13. However, the year before I paid several hundred dollars for an hour in a LH 747-400 simulator in FRA. I told the instructor that I wanted to make some takeoffs at maximum gross weight and to land at Kai Tak. It took 3 tries but I got her down. On a CX flight LAX-HKG I asked if I could get a cockpit visit and the FA said she would check. She came back to tell me it was a training flight and it would not be possible. Another FA came back to check on me and see how I was doing. I told her I was disappointed I could not go in the cockpit, but I understood why it was not possible. I told her that in 3 days I would fly back to LAX and that would be my birthday. Later in the flight, the FA's called me to the galley. They gave me a handmade birthday card and a box of chocolates. And a little later, an FA came to me and told me that since it was my birthday they would take me up to the cockpit. Something I will miss. Oh, when I worked at AA i had several opportunities to sit in on 777 simulator sessions. They were anything but routine flights. And once I was talking to an instructor and he asked me if I wanted to fly it around a pattern. I did for sure.

[@mamayduman1017]

Bhutan flight is amazing

[@virushulk4693]

Bhutan flight was awesome

[@shahbazqureshi6965]

my favorite cockpit was on Pakistan Airlines many decades ago. A Pilot who was a friend asked the Flights cockpit Captain to let me sit on the Jump Seat from JFK to Pakistan. I was amazed how the pilots made the 777 fly all the way into Pakistan, really enjoyed their Humor .They were just like any other Human Beings. Fantastic

[@ShortFinal]

every airline flight I take I always ask the crew If I can see the cockpit. I'm a Pilot myself but I still love to see other Cockpits of planes I don't fly, and to get advice from the crew. I had 4 flights in April for a trip, CLE-ATL-MCO MCO-ATL-CLE. Each flight was a different aircraft. 717, 767-400, 757-300, A321. I was able to preboard and visit the cockpit for around 20-30 minutes before the flight and chat with the crew. it's a really cool experience.

[@ajicalicutfarmandtravel8546]

Sir ..Amazing journey .... .

[@sounderrajm2882]

It's awesome 2 handle antonov Airlines by 5 management. IT'S BEAST AWESOME....

[@wongkongyew1826]

Sam you are bravo 👏

[@paulmarks4573]

Sam,as always another great video :-)

[@Lordy....]

Wow so amazing

[@republicservicesoflosangel7954]

I am jealous about your experience

[@The_Gurkhas_Sniper]

Awesome

[@MalcolmWong]

Myself had the privilege to experienced jump seat with commercial airlines back 90s Amazing feeling

[@jasonpayne1240]

As a kid my mom would talk our way into visiting the flight deck after our flight. I grew up an airline brat on United Airlines. Flash forward 35 years later…my “little” brother is a professional aviator … sometimes the impact a cockpit visit can make on a kid can last a lifetime.

[@nageshpatil6714]

All because of you only we have been able to experience the cockpit

[@brittanyweijers]

back in 2006 Airfrance A380 maiden flight Toulouse to Charles de Gaule!!! I was only 10 years old back than, but the memory will always stick❤️

[@amberk0608]

My favorite was from Kathmandu to Bhutan ..landing and the view of Himalayas .

[@tandfloyd]

Singapore air 747 from Singapore to Las Angeles. Was in first class, Flight attendant asked me if I wanted to see the flight deck, obviously yes, to find that the pilots had the front windshields covered in newspapers because of the glare from the sun. We were about an hour out of LA but it was awesome.

[@ozfeder]

im from israel soo i was vary hapy to watch the EL AL video you are such an amizing guy

[@jolene54]

👍👍Really enjoyed this.

[@benjaminmbandema2509]

Norma,I am proud for your channel,good continuation

[@WilliamPro-nh2qk]

It's very great full aperson can learn how to drive very faster good idea

[@MDL-lw9my]

Jump seat of Gulfstream IV going in to Ketchikan AK. Priceless.

[@RayMrRobert]

Sam you are the best

[@jollyenterprise5615]

Very Enjoy

[@euphoricnomads3769]

Amazing!