Ask the Captain: How flexible are plane wings? What was it like to fly with Sully?

Flying in turbulence one time, I noticed that the wings seemed to be “bouncing” up and down as the plane was buffeted. How much flexibility do the wings have?

– Phil Novicki, Phoenix

Aircraft wings can flex much more than most people realize. During testing, the Boeing 787 wings flexed 26 feet upward before failing. Aircraft designers calculate the maximum stress they anticipate a wing will experience in flight, then make it able to withstand 50% more as a safety margin. This means that the loads on the wing are well within the safe range. 

Compared to earlier jets, today's aircraft have longer, thinner wings that are more flexible, more fuel-efficient and provide a softer ride. 

How long do you have to spend at each airline's training center to qualify to fly their planes?

– PegLeg, Texas 

The training is very intense. Once a pilot reports for training at a carrier's training center, it usually takes around four to six weeks to get through ground school, advanced flight deck training and full-flight simulator. Sometimes the scheduling requirements for the training devices can slow the process. 

Have you ever flown with Chesley Sullenberger III?

– ElsonDaSushiChef, Rindge, New Hampshire

I have known Capt. Sullenberger for over 30 years and flown with him several times. We were so close in seniority that we never flew as a crew but I flew on his jumpseat and he flew on my jumpseat. I appreciate his friendship and the professionalism he displays.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.