Each of these pictures represents a special moment and a new experience going into the cockpit.
First Cockpit Visit – November 7, 2022

This was my first time ever going into a cockpit. I was 10 years old in this picture, and I was a little nervous at first, but I gathered up the courage and did it! I even got to move the yoke, and the captain let me take a picture with him. He was really kind and encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a pilot. This was on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 at Chicago Midway. It was such a cool experience and a moment I’ll never forget.

Second Cockpit Visit – August 24, 2024

I was 13 years old during my second cockpit visit. After the flight, I met both the first officer and the captain. I told them I wanted to be a pilot, and they were very friendly. We took a photo together, and the first officer gave me a pilot wing replica, which I thought was awesome. The flight was on a United Express ERJ-175 at Dulles Airport. I really enjoyed getting to go in the cockpit again.

Third Cockpit Visit – February 13, 2025

By my third cockpit visit, I was 14 years old. This time, it was after a flight on a Delta A321. The captain let me wear his captain’s hat, and even cooler, he let me press a few buttons! He showed me how to lower the brightness on the screen display, which was my first time actually interacting with the cockpit controls. I also received my first set of Delta trading cards, and it was my first time flying with Delta. This was at Atlanta Airport, and it was one of my favorite experiences.

Fourth Cockpit Visit – February 13, 2025 (Layover)

On the same day as my third visit, I had a layover and flew on a Boeing 757. I was really excited because it was the biggest plane I had ever been on. After the flight, I got to go in the cockpit and chat with the pilot. He gave me a Delta pilot wing replica and some trading cards. We had a great conversation about aviation, and he told me it was amazing that I wanted to become a pilot just like him. This took place at Liberia Airport in Costa Rica.

Fifth Cockpit Visit – February 19, 2025

This flight was back to my home airport, Albany. I met the captain of a United A320 before the flight. He was really nice, and we talked for a while. I told him I was training to become a pilot, and he shared that he also has a glider license. He said his first glider flight was one of the best flights he ever had — just like me! He also gave me some United trading cards, which was a nice surprise.

Sixth Cockpit Visit – April 13, 2025

This was on an American Airlines CRJ-700. I met the captain before the flight and told him I was training to become a pilot. He thought that was awesome, and I asked if I could press any buttons. He ended up teaching me about the aircraft’s hydraulic system and let me press some of the buttons on the hydraulic panel. It was a really cool learning experience.

Seventh Cockpit Visit – April 20, 2025

This was also on an American Airlines CRJ-700 at Reagan Airport. Before the flight, I met Captain Alex and First Officer Jeffrey Madison. I told them I was in training to become a pilot, and we had a great conversation. I asked a lot of questions, and Captain Alex let me use the PA microphone to say hi to the flight attendant — that was so cool! Then First Officer Jeffrey let me help him build the flight route in the FMS (Flight Management System). He guided me through the steps, and I learned a lot. After the flight, he showed me a book he wrote called Yikes. He even signed it for me, which was awesome. When I got home, I read it before bed. The book teaches important lessons about flying and common mistakes — I learned so much from it.

If you find this interesting, you can check out Yikes by Jeffrey Madison on Amazon!

Every time I fly, my favorite part is going into the cockpit, meeting new pilots, hearing their stories, and just enjoying the moment. These experiences remind me why I want to be a pilot more than anything.

Eighth Cockpit Visit – July 12, 2025

On this day, I had the incredible opportunity to explore an Embraer Phenom 300 private jet at Saratoga County Airport. Two pilots came up to the glider flight line to check out the gliders, and one of them held a glider rating, meaning he was a certified glider pilot. They spent some time chatting with all of us—there were 13 glider pilots at the flight line that day—answering questions and sharing stories.

As they were about to leave, I got the chance to step inside the private jet. It was my very first time in a private jet, and I was beyond excited. One of the pilots gave me a mini cockpit tour, explaining the basic instruments and controls. Experiencing the sleek interior and seeing the cockpit up close was absolutely amazing. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that I’ll always remember!

Ninth Cockpit Visit – July 12, 2025

On the same day, I had the chance to check out a Cessna Citation Latitude private jet at Saratoga County Airport during a hanger party. A private jet had just landed, passengers were exiting, and the pilot stepped out. While others were exploring the jet, I asked if I could take a look too, and he kindly said yes.

This was my second time in a private jet, and it was just as exciting as the first. I even got to press some of the autopilot buttons and snap a few pictures inside the sleek cockpit. It was a brief visit, but getting hands-on with the controls and seeing the jet up close made it an amazing experience!

10th Cockpit Visit – July 12, 2025

On July 12, I had another incredible cockpit experience! After finishing my glider flight at Saratoga County Airport, I had the chance to go on a Cessna Citation Latitude private jet. The cabin looked amazing — the lighting made it feel super luxurious, and I even got to type in airport codes and set up a route on the aircraft’s map display.

It was such a great time!

11th Cockpit Visit – August 2, 2025

After finishing my glider flight at Saratoga County Airport, I noticed a Cessna Citation private jet had landed about 15 minutes earlier. As I was walking into the building, the pilot was walking toward me, and we met along the way. I asked him a few questions about what it’s like flying private jets, and he shared some great advice about the lifestyle and what it’s really like to operate them.

He also gave me a quick tour of the jet, letting me see the cabin and even take a picture of the cockpit. It was a short but amazing experience, getting both insight from a jet pilot and a close-up look at a private jet!

12th Cockpit Visit – August 8, 2025

While I was on the glider field at Saratoga County Airport, I saw a Beta Technologies CX 300 electric plane land. About 15 minutes later, I got the chance to check it out up close. None of us on the field had ever seen an electric plane in person, so it was really exciting to experience one—it’s rare, with very few currently in the world.

I got to take a picture with it, explore some of the cockpit, test the flaps, and even press a few buttons. Seeing this cutting-edge aircraft in person was not only cool but also super interesting. It was a great experience!

13th Cockpit Visit – August 10, 2025

This is by far my favorite cockpit visit! I got to check out a Gulfstream G650 ER private jet and even help with the pre-flight with the pilots. We started by putting the two main batteries on to power everything up. Once it booted up, I turned the left main boost on and then started the APU. After that, we set the parking brakes, and I got to take some photos of the cockpit and the cabin.

The Gulfstream G650 ER is seriously amazing—one of the fastest and longest-range jets out there, super comfortable, and full of cool tech. Getting to see it up close was unreal and totally confirmed why it’s my favorite private jet!

14th Cockpit Visit – August 20, 2025

This was on an American Airlines CRJ 900 on my flight to Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA). Before the flight, we got delayed for three hours because of storms, and during that time, I got to check out the cockpit for a quick minute. I didn’t have time to take a picture, but the pilot gave me some great advice about becoming an airline pilot and shared a few tips from his experience.

15th Cockpit Visit – August 31, 2025

This was on an ERJ 145 heading back to Albany. Before the flight, I got to go into the cockpit and talk with the pilots about my aviation journey. They gave me some great advice and let me take a picture in the cockpit. I even got to check out some of the hydraulics and other controls.

I was in there for about five minutes, but it was an amazing experience. 

16th Cockpit Visit – September 26, 2025

On September 26, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the cockpit of a FedEx Boeing 757! I got a full tour of the preflight process and even got to press a few buttons in the cockpit. The pilots showed me around the cargo area, explaining how everything is loaded and prepared before flights.

It was awesome hearing the pilots’ stories about how they got into aviation and where their careers have taken them. Definitely one of my favorite cockpit visits yet!