what would it be like to see the earth from the pilots chair instead from the side of the plane ?

Answer 1

Absolutely incredible! I've had that view for 25 years, and I still see amazing things. I've seen the world as a military pilot, a business jet pilot, an airline pilot, and as a helicopter pilot. I've seen some views that cannot be seen at all unless you are in the cockpit. I flew as a television pilot/reporter for 5 years in California, and I would share some really beautiful sights with the viewers. When the super stabilized camera pods came out with their ultra powerful zoom lenses, I was also able to see things on the ground just as well as if I were sitting in a tree above the action. My favorite sights had to be some of the sunrises over the Sierra Nevada mountains, flying just above the surf on the coast of Central America, and watching a full moon rise above an upper level sea of clouds. Flying into a cloud is incredible! And the one thing that tops it all is that you have the controls to turn and bank to change your view! Wow... I wish passengers could see what we see. Try taking a helicopter tour from the front seat in Hawaii, or a flying lesson someplace scenic! :-)

Answer 2

You wouldn't really be able to see the earth from the pilot's chair. Their windows are facing forward and the only time they see earth is when the nose of the plane is facing towards earth, for example: landing or nose diving.

Answer 3

Almost same as from the side of the plane except for a broader view.

Answer 4

You would be able to see more, more of a wide view. Basically, think of it in terms of photos. From the side window, you could see one side like a standard 4x6 photograph. From the cockpit, you would be able to see the equivalent of a panoramic photograph.

Answer 5

There are some good photos from out the cockpit windows at http://www.airliners.net/