I have a question for your next column: what is going to happen this coming week as the government shutdown impacts major airports? Will pilots walk off before flying under risky air traffic control shortages?
Short answer: No, pilots are not walking off, and flying remains safe.
Even during the shutdown, air traffic controllers continue to show up and do an incredible job, despite not being paid. They are highly trained professionals, and safety remains their top priority.
Great question, KM and you’re definitely not alone in feeling that! ✈️
That sensation of the engines changing pitch or the feeling of slight deceleration during cruise is totally normal. It usually happens when the plane adjusts speed slightly due to changing winds, air traffic control instructions, changing altitude for optimum fuel burn, due to weather or upcoming descent planning.
The sound or sensation might feel dramatic, but the actual speed changes are very minor and fully controlled. Think of it like easing off the gas slightly on a highway nothing to worry about, just part of the ride.
I just found your sub stack today and this is so helpful to me! I can fly, but always have a great deal of anxiety. Starting to read through your articles and finding a lot of reassurance in the demystifying of all the various sounds and feelings while flying.. THANK YOU!
This is exactly why I started writing here on Substack: to help people like you feel a little more confident, calm, and informed while flying. You’re not alone, and I’m so glad the articles are bringing you some reassurance. Keep reading, keep asking, and welcome aboard!
Great write up, learned a lot from this one!
I have a question for your next column: what is going to happen this coming week as the government shutdown impacts major airports? Will pilots walk off before flying under risky air traffic control shortages?
Great question and an important one.
Short answer: No, pilots are not walking off, and flying remains safe.
Even during the shutdown, air traffic controllers continue to show up and do an incredible job, despite not being paid. They are highly trained professionals, and safety remains their top priority.
What about the feeling & sound of slowing down or speeding up while at cruising altitude? That is SO unnerving to me!
Great question, KM and you’re definitely not alone in feeling that! ✈️
That sensation of the engines changing pitch or the feeling of slight deceleration during cruise is totally normal. It usually happens when the plane adjusts speed slightly due to changing winds, air traffic control instructions, changing altitude for optimum fuel burn, due to weather or upcoming descent planning.
The sound or sensation might feel dramatic, but the actual speed changes are very minor and fully controlled. Think of it like easing off the gas slightly on a highway nothing to worry about, just part of the ride.
I just found your sub stack today and this is so helpful to me! I can fly, but always have a great deal of anxiety. Starting to read through your articles and finding a lot of reassurance in the demystifying of all the various sounds and feelings while flying.. THANK YOU!
That truly means the world to me, KM thank you. 🙏
This is exactly why I started writing here on Substack: to help people like you feel a little more confident, calm, and informed while flying. You’re not alone, and I’m so glad the articles are bringing you some reassurance. Keep reading, keep asking, and welcome aboard!