How fast can a commercial plane go? What is windshear? How much money do pilots earn? Why do flights from North America to Europe travel so far north? Are cellphones on airplanes actually dangerous? Are foreign airlines safe? Where do flight numbers come from? How about those three digit airport codes?

Patrick Smith, excellent writer and aviation enthusiast, answers all of these questions and many more in this engaging and often surprisingly personal volume.

If you’re a nervous flyer, you should definitely read this book, as he knowledgably and insightfully takes down any number of misperceptions and myths. If you dread flying, hate airlines, and find the experience of getting here to there aggravating and miserable, you should definitely read this book, because if anyone can reengage you in the adventure and romance of flying, Patrick Smith can.

He rightfully points out that today’s passenger can, “in a backpack and flip-flops, traverse the oceans for the equivalent of a few pennies per mile, in near-perfect safety and with an 85 percent chance of arriving on time.” Which is a damn good attitude adjustment, and one I often sorely need.

He’s opinionated on everything from airport security to airline logos, and whether or not you agree with him on every particular, he’s written an extraordinarily informative, as well as very enjoyable, book. Check it out. And then buy a ticket to somewhere you’ve never been before.

If you want even more of Patrick Smith’s fine writing and keen insights, you can check out www.askthepilot.com, which is absolutely the first place I go anytime there is an airline issue in the news.

BOOK: Cockpit Confidential

AUTHOR: Patrick Smith

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2013

IMAGE: book cover, Sourcebooks