Do large modern jet airliners need windows for the pilots? In theory, could a Boeing 747 be flown from London to Sydney without the pilots needing to see outside?
• The short answer is that pilots don’t need windows to fly a plane. But it isn’t the flying bit that we use windows for.
While the climb, cruise, descent and sometimes actual landing can be done “blind”, using complex air and ground-based monitoring equipment, all take offs – especially the part where the aircraft is in contact with the runway – are done visually, as is all taxiing around the airfield.
The vast…
