Before I start this blog, I want to introduce myself to my new classmates. My name is Joseph Foradora, but please call me Joey. This blog is focused on the world of aviation. I have always been immersed in the wonders of flying, and I even wrote my college application about it. I was told by several teachers and mentors that it was not a good idea to write my college application about the history of airplanes, but I do not regret it one bit. To kick off the new semester, I want to talk about some common things that happen inside an airplane, some of which are controversial.
First, I want to address chanting on an airplane. We are all Penn State students, so I am sure that everyone reading this blog is aware that the Penn State Football team played against Utah in the Rose Bowl. The Rose Bowl is hosted in Pasadena, California. Obviously, for most Penn State students and alum, Pasadena is not a simple car ride home. Most people who traveled to the game had to fly with a commercial airline. My older brother (a former Penn State student) made the trip with his girlfriend and her family. He said that while he was on his flight at 10:00 at night, people were chanting Penn State. I didn’t really believe him but not long after did, I saw videos of people doing just this. Now I’m all for showing school spirit and getting excited about the biggest game of the year, but 34,000 feet above the ground in a Boeing 737 is not the place to do so.
https://www.flightradar24.com/40.24,-75.3/6
Oh, and just for fun, here is evidence that I was stalking my brother’s flight just for fun (for some reason, my own image would not paste into this site, so this will do). But in all seriousness, people on flights are trying to get sleep; the flight attendants are busy ensuring everyone is safe, and the pilots are flying (obviously). There is little room for distraction, such as a loud chant.
There are people who claim that people should close the window blinders in airplanes so that the cabin is dark and suitable for sleep during the flight. However, I completely disagree with this. Flying on an airplane is oftentimes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a person, and it is cruel to reprimand someone for looking outside a window. This image below is one of my favorite pictures on the internet, and I am looking to get it made into a poster for my dorm room.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/suratlozowick/4259062038
I like to tell people who say that an open window is a distraction and bothersome that they should invest in a pair of sleeping goggles. I hate it when someone tries to ruin another person’s vibe.
The world of aviation is full of different opinions, different kinds of people, and even controversies. I have learned to take it all in stride because life is too short to worry, and the universe is too big to worry about whether or not a window is closed. We are just a tiny speck in the cosmos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgqAAE9Aagc
I could keep listing controversies, conspiracy theories, and even how culture affects the operation of airlines. Maybe I can cover these topics in another blog post. See you all next time!
Funny seeing you here Joey! 🙂 I had my own plane experience over break as well, as my parents and I went to Paris to celebrate their 25th anniversary! I totally agree about the window sentiment – if it bothers someone that much, they should just get an eye mask. I do get annoyed at airplane clappers though. It’s the same sort of thing as people who applaud at the end of the movie – just get up and leave! I like that this blog centers around something you’ve clearly been passionate about for a while, and it shows through how you write about it. Can’t wait to read more!
Joey,
The concept of your blog is so interesting – I thoroughly enjoy traveling but often see the plane rides necessary as more of a hassle than anything else. I will admit that I still remember staring out the window in wonder on my first plane ride, and am a firm believer that everyone should be able to experience that joy at least once in their life. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on clapping when the plane lands: on one hand, it’s kind of annoying; on the other, the pilot should receive thanks for their work. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed chanting on a plane, but I can’t say I’m surprised: combine Penn Staters, a football win, and probably obscene amounts of alcohol, and you have yourself a recipe for disaster. Great job!
Sam
Hi Joey! First of all, I think your blog topic is very unique. Do you plan to have a career in aviation after college? I never really thought about this before, but being in an airplane is, like you said, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When else will you be with a group full of complete strangers 30,000 feet above ground? Honestly it is fascinating to me that air travel is a commercial industry and that we’ve made it such a norm when the concept seems pretty amazing and dangerous at the same time. I look forward to reading some of your blogs in the future!