Also do I understand your post correctly about safety of planes? That the Boeing 737 isn't accident free but has low rates of problems. I usually fly the 737-400 to Chicago.
Thanks!
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silverybell |
question for Capt. Tom about regional planes Chicago to Madison |
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I am a graduate of your program (Spring 2006) and have done well ever since. I exclusively fly direct flights on larger planes out of Charlotte NC to LA,
Chicago, and Washington/Baltimore (on USAirways which has pretty much a monopoly on travel out of Charlotte). When visiting family in Madison WI, I have flown
into Chicago and then take a bus out of O'Hare to Madison ($54 round trip), because I prefer to avoid the regional airlines and the hassles of connecting
flights. There are times it's actually a lot cheaper to book all the way through to Madison, but then it would mean flying on Regional Airlines: Mesa,
Trans States, Republic, Shuttle America, or Go Jet---these are operated by United Express or UsAirways express. The planes are either Embraer ERJ 145, Embraer
175, Canada Air Regional Jet 700, Embraer 170's among others. Are the pilots UsAirways or United Pilots or are they Regional Airline Pilots? Are these
planes less safe? Trying to decide whether it's rational to avoid these regional airlines/small planes from a safety point of view. Appreciate your
input.
Also do I understand your post correctly about safety of planes? That the Boeing 737 isn't accident free but has low rates of problems. I usually fly the 737-400 to Chicago. Thanks! |
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Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW |
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The pilots are not part of United or USAir, but when pilots for the regional airline are there long enough to fly the jets, they have plenty of experience. The
737 is excellent. Not accident-free but a very low accident rate.
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silverybell |
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Thanks Tom for the reply. What is your opinion of flying those regional jets from Chicago to Madison in terms of plane safety.
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Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW |
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It is a very easy trip. I don't see any problem.
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Note from Capt. Tom I know everyone worries about weather, but pilots really do not worry about it. We simply - instead of worrying about it - completely prepare for it. Before going to the plane, we review the weather at the destination. If it is not 100% sure to be within legal limits when we arrive at the destination, we must specify an alternate airport in our planning documents, and load on plenty of fuel for going to the destination airport, and then if need be, diverting to the alternate airport. The legal limits are conservative. Even when weather is slightly outside the legal limits, any airline pilot could still land safely. You can rely on the captain never to land when the weather is not legal, and legality limits are reached prior to safety limits. If you are still anxious, call me and we can talk it over. I'm at 877 332-7359 from 10 AM until 7 PM Eastern time. For effective help, even if you are flying in a day or two, sign up now at www.fearofflying.com/fasttrack and call me when you finish Clip 9 so I can make sure you are all set. |
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Using Weather Information If you enter your ZIP Code or City at the top of the weather presentation, it will give you weather for your area. Or, you can enter your destination ZIP Code or City.
Click on the "LOCAL RADAR" button to see whether or not there are thunder- Turbulence, though it may cause anxiety, does not mean anything is wrong. Turbulence does not mean danger. The plane can handle far more turbulence than Mother Nature can dish out. Though flying in turbulence is safe, it doesn't feel safe. And here is where the SOAR programs come in. We can help you feel as safe when you fly as you actually are. You can see these programs at www.fearofflying.com/store. |