How would you react?

[zab_kk]

Im wondering what your reaction would be if you saw the pilot of your aircraft smoking an e-cig? Im a pilot for a private charter company flying execs, stars, athletes etc around, so I must maintain a bit of "professionalism" with my gig....However, I ask, is it "unprofessional" do you think if you saw your pilot taking a puff either while in the cockpit (we dont have doors) or perhaps out on the ramp or inside the terminal?

I know some answers might be skewed as the readers here are 99.9% pro e-cig, however, take that bias away for a sec, and give me your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[ropetrick]

If I didn't know about vaping at all, I'd probably ask what you were doing. Personally, I'd accept a concise explanation.

If I were familiar with them, I'd say "cheers." I'd much rather have you vaping while flying than jonesing.

Of course, I can't be sure anyone else would react like this. Probably safest to vape off the plane.

 

[Airbrusher]

I would say make sure your ecig is visible while doing it. If I was a passenger and saw intermittent pluffs of "smoke"come from your part of the cabin I would be "concerned".

 

[hairball]

I would ask the passengers, if it is appropriate, if they had a problem with ecigs and possibly give them an explination as to what it is and that it's not smoking. If someone doesn't like it, I wouldn't do it. This is your livelihood so don't blow it.

 

[Effex]

I frequent a lot of public places like casinos, restaurants, etc.. and will very often get the "stare" when I take my e-cig to vape, with the random approach of curiosity as well.

With that said, I am just a normal guy within these environments.. On the other hand, you are a pilot providing a service for these people, so those "stares" and concerns would be increased 10 fold.

This isn't to scare you off or anything, I hate the fact that we still have to feel guilt or shame when people give us the dirty look, and that it isn't anywhere near to being accepted into the public yet, but it is what it is.

I think the best thing to do is to either warm it up to people before the flight if the passangers happen to see you before they're on the plane, or just vape in privacy with the door closed.

 

[melloyello]

in your shoes,i would leave the nicotine intake to when you are on the ground, just like everyone else.

 

[ec!gg]

Considering they were just banned from all airlines I would be really cautious about this. It is something you might want to think about or first ask your passengers, you probably do not want to lose your job over this...

 

[mistinthewoods]

When in mixed company I always ask those around me if they mind regardless of the setting. I think it's considerate and it often gives me the opportunity to educate people who are unfamiliar with vaping.

 

[joegti240]

Im not familiar with the laws regarding ecigs on aircraft (because im afraid of flying), if passengers arent allowed to hit the ecig onboard, neither are you.

 

[grandmato5]

Hard to leave our personal knowledge and feeling about this one out of our answers. I don't think its unprofessional, but not sure its in the best interest of your career to vape where ever, when ever you wish in your case when you are working. I guess if I were you I might make my decision based upon the individuals I was chartering at the time. Better the vape outside on the ramp or in the terminal so you can judge the reaction of your customers before vaping inside the aircraft.

 

[Trips1103]

Honestly? I wouldn't think much of it and probably ask you what your favorite juice was.

If I were ignorant of vaping it wouldn't bother me either. I'd be curious as to how you could get away with "smoking" on a plane. It's not as if smoking a cigarette is going to alter your abilities as a pilot.

 

[Remit]

I wouldnt do it, no passenger is going to unbuckle to crawl up to the cabin and ask what your doing. A celebrity, or singer, or high profile guest that doesnt vape but smokes might take it as a green light and light up a real cig. Then you have far more issues on your hands.

R.

 

[Moonflame]

I'd ask if anyone minds you using your nicotine inhaler, rather than asking them if you can use your e-cig. Most people know someone who smokes and how agitated they get when they have to go without nicotine for too long. I'd think most folks would rather have a calm, happy pilot than one who is anxious for the flight to be over so they can get a little nicotine.

 

[Secti0n31]

I do like that there are private and charter companies allowing e-cigs despite the fact that commercial airlines have freaked out and banned them. If the pilot was puffing on an ecig on a small business flight I'd be pleased to see it. If it was a very long flight I'd ask if I could use my ego. If it was a short flight I'd just pass, and talk with the pilot about it on the way out.

 

[tfbncc]

Well, first off, do you work for yourself as an independent charter or do you work for a charter company? Check the company rules. If they are OK with it then no problem. FAA rules for charter flights are different than commercial carriers. And, throw a couple of inexpensive 510 kits into your nav bag to hand out to curious passengers that can't smoke, but might be interested in learning about vaping.

I wish the PV had been around when I was a Naval Aircrewman.

Ray

 

[HippyJeepChick]

I wouldn't mind at all but would be a little jealous if I couldn't use mine! I really wish everyone was well informed about e-cigs. Coming home from a show last night there was an e-cig commercial on the radio. I'm hoping there will be alot more information given to the general public and we don't have to feel like we are committing some kind of crime vaping. It really sucks sometimes to be a non-smoker but still using a vapor device where the vapor resembles smoke. That is all people see and quite frankly alot of non-smokers just don't get it! Some are just disgusted that we HAVE to have nicotine and look down on whatever means we go through to get it. Ask them to give up their caffeine or food loaded with msg and see what withdrawals they go through! Nicotine is just like caffeine or msg; it is addictive! We are not lesser because we need our nicotine fix!

 

[zab_kk]

I think everyone has really good thoughts on this issue. For one, I do not vape in my airplane... as others have said, its not worth it to someone who is "unfriendly" to the idea, saying something to my boss, then having to do the carpet dance in his office.

With that being said, to address a few of the comments and questions here in the thread... since I work for a charter company, folks ARE allowed to smoke on our aircraft... and we frequently do have folks who smoke analogs in the back, it really doesnt bother us, we charge them for cleanup regardless.

If worse comes to worse, and were doing a long leg to Europe or something, Ive mastered stealth vaping, and am able to do it without issue.

Like I said, this was just to find out the "general publics" view of someone they regard to be in a highly safety sensitive function vaping in their presence... Keep the thread going, I like the thoughts!!

 

[Effex]

Well, in that case, I would do all that I can either through bosses or clients to make vaping the "norm" on your aircraft as well.

I mean, it is obviously a million times healthier in terms of 2nd hand smoke and the possibility of fire or something.

I think it generally comes down to this:

People are afraid of that big ... chrome battery you are holding and puffing this mysterious cloud of "smoke". are you taking a .... HIT, captain??

Showing and teaching people about e-cigs is like an endless repeat of Groundhog's Day (the movie, duh! you accomplish something but need to do it over and over.

it's an endless battle, but one definitely worth not giving up on.

 

[theredball]

are you taking a .... HIT, captain??

lol'd that's exactly what i'd say if I didn't know what it was.

 

[melloyello]

well in THAT!!!! case..... i would tell them they cant smoke in the air craft, but vaping is ok. (make sure you dont tell them this until after take-off) and then add "oh funny thing youd ask where you can buy them from".....and pull out your hand dandy toolbox from the over head luggage compartment, and ask $99.95 for a riva with a single battery preloaded with 5 stock cartos.