A commercial pilot has shared cockpit footage of what it looks like to land a plane – and people have said one detail is so ‘terrifying’ they could never do it themselves

If you’ve ever assumed being a pilot was straightforward work, you might want to reconsider.

When you step aboard an aircraft, you place enormous faith in your pilot to deliver you safely to your destination. Most of us recognise they face considerable challenges, requiring years of costly training and meeting rigorous requirements to obtain a pilot’s licence. In reality, you cannot even begin pilot training unless you satisfy strict criteria, including specifications around your height and eyesight.

These criteria exist to ensure you’re in optimal condition to operate an aircraft carrying passengers from one airport to another across the globe. While it’s a demanding profession, hundreds of thousands of pilots worldwide undertake this responsibility every single day.

But have you ever pondered what the actual process of operating an aircraft looks like from their viewpoint?

Most of us drift off to sleep or become absorbed in an in-flight film when travelling by plane, meaning we don’t fully appreciate the complete experience of flying through the air. One pilot on social media has allowed the public a peek at what landing an aircraft entails – leaving some viewers utterly stunned.

Mattias, an A320 commercial pilot, frequently posts videos on TikTok and Instagram showcasing his life as a pilot. In one recent TikTok video, he demonstrated what landing an aircraft involves, including precisely what occurs when the plane descends through the clouds back towards the ground.

The pilot, who uses a fixed-mounted camera to capture his footage so he can remain fully focused on flying, first revealed the brilliant blue sky the aircraft was cutting through, with clouds stretching out beneath the plane.

Yet as he began his descent, the plane plunged through the clouds into murky conditions below. The cloud cover was so dense that the camera couldn’t pick out any details until the runway lights suddenly emerged — along with neighbouring houses that appeared alarmingly close.

Mattias brought the plane down flawlessly and was seen guiding it to the gate, where passengers disembarked without a hitch, yet viewers were left utterly “terrified” by what they had witnessed.

Some questioned whether pilots were simply “guessing” where they needed to land, given there appeared to be virtually no visibility, while others claimed the footage sent their “heart to the roof”.

One person wrote: “So… you’re just guessing?”

Another added: “I know it’s their job and what they are trained for, but just watching that landing sent my heart to the roof. The speed!! Carrying 1000s of people to safety. God bless all pilots!”

A third posted: “Well, that’s even more terrifying than I thought.”

How do pilots know where to go?

Pilots navigate the skies using a pre-loaded flight plan stored in the aircraft’s computer, which links up via virtual GPS waypoints. They rely on a blend of methods, including cutting-edge satellite navigation such as GPS, ground-based radio beacons, and instructions from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to remain on course.

According to a YouTube video posted by easyJet in 2021, the flight plan generates “virtual signposts” in the sky to steer the pilot in the correct direction, alerting them when they need to turn. These function even in poor visibility, meaning pilots can safely navigate the skies and land aircraft even in foggy or wet conditions.

“We stand together in condemning these deliberate acts”

Ministers, firefighters and police have condemned a series of “devastating” wildfires across Northern Ireland, including in the Mourne Mountains.

Hundreds of firefighters have responded to six significant wildfires in less than a week, which have impacted an estimated 2,500 hectares of land, in what ministers said was an “unsustainable” amount of damage.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly urged those responsible for the wildfires “to stop” and reflect on their actions.

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In the past week, firefighters have extinguished three major fires and continue to deal with two other incidents, one of which is believed to have been deliberately started. On Thursday, around 85 firefighters responded to several gorse fires in Brookeborough, Co Fermanagh, while around 30 firefighters tackled a 500m-wide wildfire on Polly’s Brae Road in Dungiven.

People are being asked to avoid those areas.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The wildfires in the Mournes have left a trail of devastating damage and demanded a major emergency response, with hundreds of firefighters and partner agencies working around the clock to protect homes, land and lives. Their courage, professionalism and commitment have been outstanding.

“I want to sincerely thank the Fire & Rescue Service, the PSNI, landowners and all those involved in the response for their tireless work in these very challenging conditions. I would appeal to those involved to reflect on the serious harm this is causing to our communities and environment and to stop.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: “It is truly devastating to see the scenes emerging from the Mourne Mountains. These fires pose a real risk to life and have left communities living in fear and are destroying precious natural habitats and putting immense strain upon our emergency services.

“We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful countryside here in Northern Ireland, and I would urge those responsible for these wildfires to stop and consider the consequences of their actions. I also want to recognise and thank our firefighters who are working tirelessly under extremely dangerous conditions to bring these fires under control.”

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said: “We are deeply concerned by the latest wildfires affecting the Mourne and other areas, which are damaging our landscapes and precious habitats and putting lives, health and property at serious risk. We stand together in condemning these deliberate acts and in expressing our full solidarity with local communities, landowners, environmental organisations, emergency responders and volunteers who are working tirelessly to protect this special and iconic landscape.

“We are grateful to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and to all those on the ground responding to these incidents. While it is too early to fully assess the extent of the damage, it is likely to be significant.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt added: “From the April 25 to 29, 2026, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service was involved in resolving three significant wildfire incidents. 65 Fire Service Vehicles were deployed and over 300 crew attended the incidents. It has been estimated that approximately 2,500 hectares of land has been impacted. This level of impact is shocking and quite frankly unsustainable. As of today, that is six significant wildfires.

“These wildfires threaten public health, devastate important habitats, impact local livelihoods and place unacceptable pressure on emergency and health services. Where they are started deliberately, those responsible should face criminal penalties.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant, to report any fires immediately to NIFRS, to share any information about suspicious activity with the PSNI, and to follow the advice of emergency services at all times.

“To address this ongoing risk, a Wildfire Action Plan has been launched, focused on prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement. These destructive attacks must stop, and by working together we can protect our communities, and safeguard precious habitats such as the Mournes for future generations.”

NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Marcus Wright said: “In recent days, hundreds of Firefighters have been working in challenging conditions to bring these wildfires under control, whilst responding to other emergencies across Northern Ireland. I would like to thank Minister Nesbitt and Minister Muir for their support. I am appealing to the public to act responsibly when enjoying the countryside to help reduce the risk of wildfires.”

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “Local police have been working closely with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service over recent days as they work to bring fires in the Mournes under control, meeting several times daily to lend any support we can to their efforts.

“The unpredictability of fire is such that any outbreak represents a significant risk to the environment and wildlife, as well as threatening homes, farms and those local people who reside in the area.

“Whilst at this time it is not possible to ascribe a definitive cause to individual fires, more often than not they are caused by human activity – whether through carelessness and inattention, out-of-season agricultural practices, or malicious fire setting. Where it is found that a wildfire has been maliciously started, it will be fully investigated by police and when identified those responsible can expect to be arrested and prosecuted.

“Police will gather all available evidence to enable us to identify any action which would constitute a crime, and hold those responsible legally to account.”

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Pilot Matthew Bird, 21, and passenger Oliver Dawes, 24, died after the two-seater Cessna FRA150L aircraft crashed in a field near Thorganby, south of York, on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

In a report published by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) on April 30, 2026, a spokesperson confirmed that the crash took place after Mr Bird was unable to recover the plane whilst practising aerobatic flying – despite being a ‘particularly competent pilot’.

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They added that the aircraft “entered a fully developed spin to the left but, when recovery actions were commenced, the control column was not pushed far enough forward to un-stall the wing”.

The report states that the aircraft, containing Mr Bird and Mr Dawes, departed from Breighton Airfield at around 8.15am on the morning of the incident – informing radar control that they intended to perform aerobatic manoeuvres between 3,000 and 6,000ft.

Video footage inside the cockpit showed Mr Bird successfully performing manoeuvres, before attempting the final spin to the left where, despite his best efforts, he was unable to regain control of the aircraft.

A mayday call was made to air traffic control, but the aircraft remained in a spin until it struck the ground nose-down – fatally injuring the pilot and passenger.

The recording showed that the engine was running throughout the flight, including during the landing, and that the pilots were not wearing parachutes – something that meant impact was ‘unlikely to have been survivable’.

Further investigation found that Mr Bird was described by his instructors as a “particularly competent pilot with an enthusiastic and conscientious attitude to flying”, adding that he had plans to begin further training at Sherburn on the day after the accident.

Despite this, he was still relatively inexperienced in aerobatic flight and spinning with analysis suggesting that, whilst he had been quick to recover the aircraft in training, he appeared surprised and startled when the aircraft did not recover quickly from the spin.

As a result, he did not realise that the control column remained “aft of neutral” – meaning it had become uncontrollable by a human pilot – and he was unable to recover the plane as it descended.

A spokesperson for AAIB said: “The pilot was known to be sensible and conscientious and there was nothing to suggest that this was not the case in this flight. However, this accident and the CAA ‘loss of control’ video highlight how unexpectedly challenging multiple turn spins can be.”

They added that, following this accident, the Civil Aviation Authority intended to promote to flying schools its safety sense leaflet and video about spin awareness and the use of parachutes.

It is also considering expanding its syllabus to include psychological, behaviour and attitude aspects.

In a statement made at the time, Mr Dawes’ family said: “Yesterday, we lost a dearly loved son, cousin, nephew and friend. Oliver will continue to live on in our hearts and memories as the kind, generous, hardworking and fun man he had become.

“We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives, we are heartbroken.”

Mr Bird’s family said: “We have lost our son, a brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.  Matthew meant so much to so many. We are utterly heartbroken but he will live on in our hearts as we cherish the incredibly special memories he’s left us with.”

When Millie Bright announced her retirement on Wednesday, her mum gave her a letter.

But as Bright continues to wrestle with the emotions of her big announcement, she says she has been unable to read it all.

The 32-year-old retired from England duty last year and has now left Chelsea after 314 appearances, eight Women’s Super League titles, six FA Cups and four League Cups.

A Euros winner in 2022, she has returned home to her family’s farm in Sheffield and is celebrating her dad’s 60th birthday – the sort of event she would have previously missed while juggling playing and training.

Surrounded by her family and beloved horses, Bright says she is “at peace” with the decision to retire after what she describes as the most challenging two years of her life.

“Both physically and mentally, I have been ready to say goodbye,” Bright tells BBC Sport.

“The mental side of things for me, personally… life’s been very difficult, and the amount of abuse I have dealt with has been too much to handle.

“I think over the past year I have lost myself as a person, and it has taken me a long time to rebuild myself.”

Bright withdrew from England’s Euros squad in 2025, as she felt she was unable to give 100% mentally and physically, and says that announcement led to her receiving a significant amount of abuse.

“It was difficult because I was trying to do the right thing for me and the team. I didn’t expect the abuse,” she says.

“I expected people to be like: ‘Why are you making this decision?’ I can tolerate that, but to question my integrity, my passion and dedication as a player… I can’t ever accept that.

“We are still humans, we have a life outside of football and I think that is forgotten 99% of the time.”

A stabbing has taken place at Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington state, on Thursday, April 30, with at least six people said to have been hurt

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A number of people have been injured following a stabbing at an American high school, according to reports.

At least six people are said to have been hurt in the incident at Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington state, on Thursday, 30 April.

Police have confirmed that one suspect has been taken into custody.

Tacoma Police have said that those injured include four students and one security guard, according to KVUE. The sixth injured individual is believed to be the suspect.

The Tacoma Fire Department has confirmed that all those injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

ABC News reported that the four students were in critical condition and are now stable. The security officer and suspect sustained minor injuries.

The stabbing was reported shortly before 1.40pm local time.

Foss High School was previously the scene of a shooting in January 2007, which claimed the life of one student. Pupils were evacuated from the building following that incident.

The Moon’s monthly orbit around Earth is slightly elliptical rather than circular, which means its distance from us varies and so not all full Moons are the same.

When this year’s Flower Moon becomes full it will be close to its maximum distance from Earth – a point known as apogee.

That means this year’s Flower Moon will appear slightly smaller than usual because it is at the farthest point from Earth in its orbit – roughly 406,000km (252,000 miles) away.

The difference between apogee and perigee is approximately 43,000km (26,000 miles) – sounds huge, but to the naked eye the change is barely noticeable except in photographs.

The overall effect is that a micromoon appears slightly smaller in the sky and may be a touch less bright than average.

On their impressive European run, Palace have shown they are not just about individuals, but a team stepping up when it matters.

Japan midfielder Kamada had not scored since October 2024 before his composed finish on Thursday restored Palace’s lead just as Shakhtar looked to be taking control following their equaliser at 1-1.

Palace fans were in great spirits before the match in Krakow, and there’s a feeling that all connected with the club are pulling in the same direction.

There could be an air of sadness for the remainder of the campaign with boss Glasner, who led Palace to a fairytale FA Cup victory last season, just two games away from European glory before he departs this summer.

But spirits instead seem high as the club work together to achieve the goal of winning more silverware.

“It’s an amazing group of people, of men, of characters,” said Glasner, who won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022.

“There is such a big spirit and great togetherness and we always believe in ourselves.

“There is no button we can press to switch it on. It is something we have created over months and years – that we know we can always come back and score a goal.”

The Race Across the World contestant broke down in tears during the latest episode

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BBC Race Across The World contestant Kush was moved to tears while discussing his father’s death.

The 19-year-old competitor and best mate Jo, 19, from Liverpool are the youngest participants attempting the challenge of racing against rivals across more than 12,000km from Sicily to Mongolia.

Hoping to claim the £20,000 prize, the duo embarked on another stage of their adventure during tonight’s (April 30) episode, marking the midpoint of the competition.

Together with their fellow competitors, they tackled the longest stretch of the race, journeying through Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked nation, before entering Uzbekistan.

Midway through their travels, they chose to visit a local gym to practise some judo, as Kush trains in Muay Thai back home, reports the Liverpool Echo.

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The experience, however, triggered memories of his late father, who tragically took his own life during lockdown.

Speaking to camera, he began: “Coming to this gym, it means a lot to me. It’s more than just throwing and hitting fighting. There’s a lot of meaning behind it.”

In an honest moment, he revealed: “I think back to memories with my dad. I found it sick to do what your dad does. Being in the gym, I wonder what he’s thinking. He would be standing on the side with a particular sort of smirk on his face, watching me do judo throws.”

Clearly emotional, Kush remembered: “I remember the day he passed. It was locked down and it was a real big shock. He had really poor mental health and he took his own life. You never forget that shock factor.

“I still think about him all the time. Being on this journey has brought back little moments and I wish I could sort of show who I am now because when you’re 14, I didn’t know who I was and I was still a child.

“I made a lot of mistakes when I was younger and I feel like, if I could sort of show him what I’ve learn’t…” The 19 year old was unable to complete his sentence as he became overwhelmed with emotion.

Viewers at home were deeply affected by the poignant scene, taking to social media to express their feelings. One viewer posted: “Poor Kush. He’s a lovely lad, they both are. #RaceAcrossTheWorld.”

Another commented: “Kush opening up on the loss of his father at just 1 year old-oh man #RaceAcrossTheWorld.” A third shared: “kush is breaking my heart omg #raceacrosstheworld.”

Someone else posted: “Damn! Kush lost 2 dads at such a young age. I’m sure they’re proud of him #RaceAcrossTheWorld.” While another remarked: “Such a heartbreaking leg for Kush and Joe – what humble lads they are #RaceAcrossTheWorld.”

Race Across the World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer