The Renegade Pilots of Instagram: Simply Beautiful or Just Dangerous?

Sitting front row for some of the best aerial views in the world, airline pilots (both private and commercial) have taken their selfies and photos to Instagram with some astonishing smartphone imagery from all over the world. It is undeniable that these images are unique by their own right, as pilots have access to views over the average passenger. However, the question stands, are these insta-snaps harmless or are they a despicable jeopardy of safety for passengers and crew?

Piloting commercial airlines comes with its share of strict regulations that limit the use of certain devices in the cockpit. In some cases, even casual conversation is prohibited as pilots are expected to keep a "sterile cockpit" during the most critical parts of flight — specifically takeoff and landing. In a recent expose by Quartz, pilots have been breaking this rule in the name of Instagram. Over the course of six months, Quartz monitored the Instagram accounts of hundreds of pilots, collecting photos and videos of individuals sitting in the pilot's seat. Many of these images exemplify the breaking of some of the FAA's most fundamental rules regarding use of electronic devices while piloting commercial aircraft.

It isn't Fstoppers' intention to incriminate any of these pilots or to tarnish the overall profession, so we've chosen to withhold the identities of these 'gramming pilots. It almost goes without saying though, we're fans of photography and we find a few of these images visually striking. However, the facts are in — unauthorized cockpit activity, including taking photos during takeoff and landing, is incredibly dangerous. Violations of the sterile cockpit rule have already resulted in multiple casualties, including the most recent in 2009 where the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 resulted in 49 deaths in Buffalo, New York. Even still, pilots seem to be giving in to the urge to break these guidelines, in some cases brazenly posting selfies during critical flight moments — time to land this plane #lmtas.

The aviation community is naturally in an emotional uproar over these images. David Yanofsky, journalist for Quartz commented, "Some have directed those emotions towards me, or my employer, others have directed them towards other pilots." He continued to say there is a very distinct difference between commercial pilots who are in charge of safely transporting paying passengers and all other types of flying. The stance of his article was to illustrate the obvious dangers of breaking FAA protocol for a few social media likes.

Now I'll admit, as a passenger I rarely stow my electric devices during commercial flights. I'm definitely that guy that has to be told by the flight attendant to put my phone away. With the recent approval to use devices in "airplane mode," this is my thought: how are they going to know I'm texting, Instagramming or just playing Fruit Ninja? I can't be the only one messaging and Ubering for a ride while we're on approach. That being said, it's highly hypocritical for me to pass any kind of judgment on these captains of the sky. But then again, the only thing I'm piloting is this third Bloody Mary and my never ending battle for use of the arm rest — not a commercial airline full of passengers.

With the ease and accessibility of smartphone photography, or iPhoneography, it can be argued that mere seconds are used to snap a quick shot then later posted to Instagram. But the fact of the matter is that rules and regulations established by the FAA while piloting commercial airliners are in place for a reason. Breaking these restrictions has resulted in casualties in the past and, sadly, probably will in the future. So I once again present my question: is the beauty and unique quality of these images worth breaking a few rules?

[via quartz]