Cockpit facts for kids

VC-10 (1960s) The Vickers VC10 airliner featured an analog cockpit, with old-style instruments.

A cockpit or flight deck is the special area in an aircraft where the pilot sits. From here, the pilot controls the plane. Most modern cockpits are enclosed, meaning they are a closed space. This keeps the pilot safe and focused. Inside, you'll find many flight instruments and controls. These tools help the pilot fly the aircraft safely.

In big planes like airliners, a strong door separates the cockpit from the passenger area. After the events of September 11, 2001, these doors were made even stronger. This helps protect the cockpit from anyone trying to take over the plane.

The word "cockpit" was first used for the pilot's area in an aircraft around 1914. Before that, it was a sailing term. It referred to the area where the coxswain stood on a Royal Navy ship. Later, around 1935, "cockpit" also started being used for the driver's seat in a car. This is especially true for fast cars, like those in Formula One racing.

Images for kids

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  Cockpit of an Antonov An-124

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  Cockpit of an A380. Most Airbus cockpits are glass cockpits featuring fly-by-wire technology.

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  Swiss HB-IZX Saab 2000 during flight

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  Robin DR400

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  1936 de Havilland Hornet Moth

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  Cockpit of Cessna 182D Skylane

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  View of a Cockpit seen from outside (Boeing 747-400)

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  USAF and IAF airmen work inside the cockpit of an IAF Ilyushin Il-76.

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  A later analogue cockpit (1970s) of a Hawker Siddeley Trident airliner

See also

In Spanish: Cabina de vuelo para niños