What it's like to fly a plane: A pilot's view from the cockpit

Ever wondered what a flight is like for the people at the front of the plane? No, not first class - the people flying it

We've all admired the view from a plane window, but not many of us get the chance to check it out from the cockpit.

One pilot has been taking photos during his flights, capturing some startling shots, from clear views of Greenland to the northern lights and the Milky Way over Croatia.

Simon Rockett, a Senior First Officer for Thomas Cook Airlines, began capturing images mid-flight and during take-off several years ago, and has created a timelapse video of the entire journey from New York's JFK airport to Heathrow.

Rockett says his favourite photo is of the Grand Canyon, but that seeing the northern lights “is a blessing and one of the best perks of being a pilot".

Simon Rockett's view of the northern lights over Greenland (Simon Rockett)

"I was able to take this picture (above) on my way from LA over Greenland earlier this year," he added. "I love this picture as it captures both inside the cockpit and the view.

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