Do planes have cameras in the cabin or lavatory? And how does an airplane take off? Ask the Captain

Do planes have cameras in the cabin and/or lavatory?

– Bar, Knoxville, Tennessee

Some airplanes have cameras in the cabin near the forward galley, but none have cameras in the toilets.

How does an airplane take off?

– Anonymous, Zimbabwe

The airplane accelerates until a point where the air flowing over the wing can create enough lift that exceeds the weight of the airplane and it begins to climb.

The aerodynamics are a bit more complex, but this is the simple explanation.

How hard is it for a pilot to go from control column to the side stick? Is it easier to control the aircraft with the side stick?

– Mike H., Madison, Alabama

I did not find it hard at all. The side stick was very intuitive and easy to use.

Whether it is easier is a matter of personal opinion. There are pilots who would say it is easier while some traditional pilot would stay with the yoke. I liked the side stick a little better than the yoke.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Plane cabin cameras and takeoff explained: Ask the Captain