John Cox

Special for USA TODAY

Question: Why don’t airplanes have external cameras for the pilots to use when taxiing or parking to better guide the plane?

— Submitted by reader Christopher, Indianapolis

Answer: Some of the larger airplanes (e.g. Airbus A340 and A380, and the Boeing 747-8) have cameras to help assist the pilots on taxiways and at gates.

Smaller airplanes (e.g. B737 and A320) do not need them as the flight crew can see the wingtips.

The wide-body airplanes that do not have cameras installed by the manufacturer require careful positioning by the captain during taxiing and parking. It has not been cost-effective to retrofit these airplanes with cameras.

Q: American Airlines and perhaps others still have someone who appears to be watching each wing during arrival and departure. I assume this is to make sure the wings don't hit something. Why not just use cameras or sensors to warn the pilot?

— James Hupp, Gainesville, Fla.

A: Judging distance is difficult with a camera. Utilizing ramp service technicians to monitor wing tip clearance has proven to be effective and cost-efficient.

Q: Why can't they put a device on the plane so the captain can see the engines or rudder outside of the plane?

— Diane, Brooklyn Park, Minn.

A: Some airplanes have cameras that allow the pilots to see external parts of the airplane. More often, the movement of flight controls is displayed on the screens within the flight deck, mitigating the need for an external view.

Q: Do you see a day when a camera might be mounted up front and beamed to the passengers to give us that fantastic view from the cockpit?

— Brian, Newcastle, Wash.

A: Many newer airplanes have several cameras that can be shown to the passengers. On airplanes that have them, such as the A380, you can find the various camera angles using the in-flight entertainment system. These cameras serve several functions for the crew in addition to being available for passenger viewing. I agree that the view from the cockpit is fantastic.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.