u/ggustav1

I’m curious how strict commercial aviation safety standards really are, but translated into something most people can relate to.

If we applied roughly the same philosophy and standards used in commercial aviation to cars, what would that actually look like?

For example, would your car effectively be inspected before every drive, with certain parts replaced on strict schedules regardless of whether they seemed fine?

More broadly, how different would owning and driving a car be if it were regulated, maintained and operated like a commercial aircraft?

I’d love to hear the comparisons that pilots think best illustrate just how differently aviation approaches safety.

Back in 2015 I had to take a flight from Milan to Copenhagen during summer vacation. For reasons I was not able to check in prior to the flight, so when I arrived at Milan airport I was told the flight was overbooked and I could not get a seat.

At the check in counter we agreed that I could clear security and go to the gate in case someone didn’t show up. I did that and unfortunately everyone showed up, so I got ready to head out and find a hotel for my flight next day.

However the airport staff then informed me that the captain of my flight had offered me to sit in the jumpseat which I obviously agreed to. I joined the pilots in the cockpit and sat there for the full duration of the flight; taxi, take off, cruise and landing. Very cool experience. Being colorblind myself I knew this was the only time in my life I got to experience that.

My question is, is this something you guys have ever done and still do from time to time when a situation similar to mine occurs? Is it even legal today? I haven’t heard of anyone else who tried this except maybe people employed at the airlines and other pilots.

Btw I was about 19 years old back then.