Pilot explains how kids can still go in the cockpit of planes after horror crash killed 75

Several years ago, it seemed like the real holiday highlight if the plane’s pilot let you go in the cockpit.

A photo of you and your siblings behind the controls would surely end up on your mum’s Facebook as you bragged to your mates at school that you got to go in.

But it seems like that’s all quietened down over the years and it’s not so common to see kids visiting the cockpit.

Back in the 90s, all 75 passengers of a flight were killed in a horror crash after a pilot let his children in to control the plane.

Many people's childhood memories include going in here. (Getty stock)

The experienced pilot invited his two kids onto the flight deck to see their dad at work while the aircraft flew on autopilot.

But when one of the them used the control stick, it switched to manual without anyone realising.

Tragically, it crashed in a mountain range in Russia, killing everyone onboard.

So, you might be surprised to hear how a pilot has explained how kids can still go into the cockpit.

A commercial airline pilot took to Reddit to answer users’ questions, as one asked: “Do you let young kids take pictures with you in the cockpit?”

And the pilot says they ‘absolutely’ do.

"We all remember when WE were those kids. You'd be hard pressed to find the grumpy, crusty pilot who's gonna pass up the chance to share our love of aviation with a kid and maybe create a life changing memory,” he explained.

Pilots will sometimes allow kids in for a photo - but this can vary depending on the airline. (Getty stock photo)

“We can't have people in the cockpit anymore during flight (thanks 9/11), but talk to the flight attendants about it during initial boarding, or talk to them in flight about doing it after everyone else gets off.”

However, whether you are allowed into the cockpit is also dependent on the airline's individual policies, as some forbid the passengers from visiting the cockpit at all, while others allow visits but only with the captain's permission - and while the plane is on the ground, before or after the flight has taken place.

So, I guess if you’re not embarrassed by that, then you can always try your luck and ask.

Users also wrote how getting to go in the cockpit when they were younger is one of their ‘best flying memories’.

While another pilot commented to say they also let people in there as they ‘love sharing their passion with everyone they meet’.

Topics: Travel, Parenting, Plane Etiquette

Jess Battison

Jess is an Entertainment Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include keeping up with the Twitter girlies, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021 and has previously worked at MyLondon.

@jessbattison_