Ever wondered what it’s really like up in the cockpit? From take-off to touchdown, our pilots have seen it all and now it’s your chance to get the inside scoop.
We invited our brilliant myJet2 Travel Tribe members to put their questions directly to one of our very own pilots, Josh. The myJet2 Travel Tribe is our online research community that helps keep our customers at the heart of everything we do, by answering polls, surveys and sharing thoughts in discussion rooms. Keen to get involved? Look for a sign-up link at the end of this post.
From curious questions about turbulence to UFOs, Josh’s answers are honest and insightful. So, sit back, relax and enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at life in the sky....
1. What’s a story from your time flying with Jet2 that perfectly captures what the airline stands for but would never fit into an advert?
“What truly defines Jet2 isn’t always visible to passengers – it's the dedication and care that happens behind the scenes. Every member of the Jet2 team makes it their mission to ensure our customers enjoy their journey. This commitment often goes beyond what’s expected, whether that’s inviting passengers into the flight deck while on the ground or creating those personal, memorable moments that help set the tone for a fantastic holiday.”
“As a pilot, I see this every day. And recently, during an unfortunate delay caused by air traffic control strikes across Europe, we had a queue of passengers eager to visit the flight deck. There were plenty of children, but also many adults who were just as curious and keen to ask questions about the aircraft they were travelling on. Even in this frustrating situation, it turned into a positive experience, and that really captures what we’re all about!”
2. Is flying a Boeing plane the same as flying an Airbus plane?
“They’re definitely different, much like cars from different manufacturers – both get you safely from A to B, but the ‘feel’ and philosophy vary. A Boeing 737 tends to feel more hands-on because the controls are mechanically linked in a way that gives pilots a very direct sense of what the aircraft is doing, so you’re physically flying it through a series of flight control cables that run through the aircraft.”
“On the other hand, an Airbus A321 uses a fly-by-wire system, meaning your inputs go through computers that interpret and apply them. Instead of directly moving flight control surfaces, you’re effectively telling the aircraft what you want it to do, and the system manages how best to achieve that within built-in safety limits. It can feel more like managing a highly advanced system than manually flying in the traditional sense.”
“Neither is better but ultimately, both are incredibly safe, highly capable aircraft and our pilots are thoroughly trained to understand and operate each type effectively.”
3. Has there been an increase in females wanting to become pilots and does Jet2 have any active recruitment to improve female representation?
“There has definitely been a noticeable increase in women pursuing aviation careers, which is fantastic to see! Jet2.com are actively encouraging diversity through recruitment initiatives like Jet2FlightPath. We often fly with female pilots, and a significant number are filtering through the training organisations.”
4. My son is doing everything he can to join the Jet2 pilot apprenticeship scheme in the future. What advice would you give to a budding young person to improve their chances of getting a spot on the apprenticeship programme?
“The key things I’d suggest are focusing on strong results in maths and physics (or STEM subjects generally), and building teamwork and communication skills, as flying is very much a team effort! You should also show commitment to aviation, with things like flight sims, reading or even visiting airfields help keep you motivated towards your goal and show how dedicated and passionate you are to becoming a pilot.”
“It also helps to remain resilient – the selection process is competitive, so persistence and preparation matters. And most importantly, show genuine enthusiasm as airlines look for a positive ‘can-do’ attitude as much as ability.”
5. Are you a nervous passenger when travelling as a holidaymaker rather than when you are in control as the Pilot?
“Not at all. This is a very common questions and yes, there’s an element of back seat driving taking place but knowing how aircraft are designed, maintained and safely operated gives you a lot of confidence. I’m quite happy to sit back and let someone else do the work for a change!”
6. What attracted you most to be a member of the Jet2 crew?
“The freedom, the variety and the view from the ‘office’ are what make the role so special. No two days are ever the same and once you’re in-flight, the world feels smaller and, for a while, free from the usual day-to-day pressures. It also gives you the chance to witness some truly amazing sights that very few people get to experience.”
“I was drawn to Jet2 after seeing the airline go from strength to strength, and I jumped at the opportunity to be part of such an exciting and ambitious team. I have spent many enjoyable years flying for Jet2 – it's a fantastic place to work, surrounded by like-minded colleagues who are all dedicated to making it the exceptional and customer-focused airline it is today.”
7. Have you ever seen a UFO while flying?
“No, I haven’t. I’ve seen things that seemed unusual at first glance; lights, reflections, even weather phenomena, but there’s always turned out to be a logical explanation. Quite often we also see satellites passing overhead – in particular, the chains of Starlink satellites, which are very cool to watch as they move across the sky.”
8. What does a normal day look like for you?
“It usually starts with preparation at least one hour before the scheduled departure time. We’re checking weather, aircraft status and the route. Then we conduct a thorough crew briefing about the day ahead and decide how much fuel we’ll need before departing. We usually fly to a holiday destination and return home the same day.”
“After each landing, we review anything of note and prepare for the next flight home. Each day is logically and methodically planned, and a significant amount of teamwork goes into the preparation of each flight. Some days are very routine, while others keep you on your toes with things like weather or operational challenges.”
9. I’m a nervous flyer! Can you give me some tips on how to relax and enjoy the flight?
“A few things that’ll really help are:
- Understanding that turbulence is completely normal. Aircraft are designed and tested to handle far more than you’ll ever experience on a typical flight.
- Let the crew know if you’re feeling nervous – the team at Jet2 are incredibly customer-focused, and if you mention it, they’ll do everything they can to reassure you and make the journey as comfortable as possible! This might even include a cockpit visit on the ground before departure, which can really help build confidence.
- Try distractions like music, films, podcasts or a good book. This can make a big difference and help pass the time.
- Remember, flying is one of the safest forms of transport, with multiple layers of training, technology and procedures all working together to keep you safe. If you have any questions while onboard, just ask a member of our friendly crew who will gladly help you.”
10. What’s your favourite destination to fly to and why?
“That’s always a tough one, but somewhere like Split in Croatia stands out. The approach is visually stunning and technically interesting, and once you’re there, it’s a beautiful place to spend time. It’s one of those destinations that makes you appreciate how special the job is.”
Why not have your say? Join the myJet2 Travel Tribe and you could share your thoughts, experiences and ideas. Plus, tell us what matters most and help shape the services and support we offer.
Posted: 8th May 2026.