Ask the Pilot

Though we routinely take to the air, for many of us flying remains a mystery. Few of us understand the how and why of jetting from New York to London in six hours. How does a plane stay in the air? Can turbulence bring it down? What is windshear? How good are the security checks? Patrick Smith, an airline pilot and author of Salon.com's popular column, "Ask the Pilot," unravels the secrets and tells you all there is to know about the strange and fascinating world of commercial flight. He offers:

• A nuts and bolts explanation of how planes fly
• Insights into safety and security
• Straight talk about turbulence, air traffic control, windshear, and crashes
• The history, color, and controversy of the world's airlines
• The awe and oddity of being a pilot
• The poetry and drama of airplanes, airports, and traveling abroad

In a series of frank, often funny explanations and essays, Smith speaks eloquently to our fears and curiosities, incorporating anecdotes, memoir, and a life's passion for flight. He tackles our toughest concerns, debunks conspiracy theories and myths, and in a rarely heard voice dares to return a dash of romance and glamour to air travel.

Salon.com's most popular columnist tells why airline travel is still the safest way to get from here to there-and lots of other flight facts. Even frequent fliers, probably don't have a clue how their plane gets from New York to Los Angeles in 5 hours. And many people probably think flying is more dangerous now than ever-even though it's still the safest means of transportation. In Ask the Pilot, Patrick Smith-a commercial airline pilot and author of Salon.com's popular column-explains in frank and very funny language what fears are grounded in reality and which ones are airborne urban myths. He stacks up the facts, anecdotes, and advice to every flying question imaginable: * Just how safe it is to fly?* What is the safest airline?* Do airlines reduce cabin oxygen flow to save fuel and keep passengers docile?* Can turbulence cause a crash?* What's windshear - and can it really rip the wings off a plane?* How does a plane get off the ground?* Why does the plane sometimes bump, jig, and turn at a high angle during climbout?* Has anyone ever survived a water landing by donning a vest or using a raft?* Why are tray tables stowed before landing? Frequent flier or neurotic aerophobe, this is the one book that will wise people up - and calm fliers down.

The New York Times Book Review

Anyone remotely afraid of flying should read this book, as should anyone who appreciates good writing and the value of great information.

Patrick Smith, 37, is an airline pilot and freelance contributor.  Patrick made his first solo flight at 16 and has flown both cargo and passenger jets.  He has traveled to more than 50 countries and always asks for a window seat.  He lives in Somerville, Massachusetts.