Author: John Cox, Special to USA TODAY

Retired US Airways pilot John Cox discusses the pros and cons of Boeing and Airbus planes and what the 737 Max grounding means for future aircraft.

John Cox answers questions about whether pilots can request a different runway than the one assigned and how they train to fly into new airports.

This week, John Cox explains the process of getting certified on a new aircraft after yours is retired and the timeline for making captain.

Retired pilot John Cox explains how a hijacking code got entered erroneously and how air traffic control and authorities handle potential crises.

Captain John Cox explains what it’s like to switch back from Daylight Savings Time as a pilot as well as common causes for smoke in airplane cockpits.

Capt. John Cox tackles whether people who are afraid of heights can become pilots and which airports have the new, more efficient end-around taxiways.

This week, retired pilot John Cox explains what windshear is and how it affects planes. Plus, how do aircraft designers decide where to put the wings?

Captain John Cox explains why the dispatcher is the most important team member after the pilot and how ground crew members know when to move in.

While it may seem silly to fly a nearly-empty plane, airlines do it anyway because the flight needs to be somewhere the next day or to move cargo.

In this week’s Ask the Captain column, John Cox considers stricter rules for passengers bringing emotional support animals on planes.