Skyfaring

Skyfaring is a term used to describe the practice and study of air travel from a human-centered perspective. It encompasses the experience of passengers and crew, as well as the operational and technical aspects of aviation, including routes, weather, aircraft systems, airspace, and the broader culture of flight. The concept is often invoked in aviation writing and discussion to emphasize the sensory, psychological, and social dimensions of modern flying.

The term gained notable prominence through Mark Vanhoenacker’s 2015 book Skyfaring: A Journey with the Human Side of Flight, published by Alfred A. Knopf. The book blends narrative travel writing with explanations of aviation science and operations, aiming to illuminate the beauty, complexity, and daily realities of flight from cockpit to cabin.

Reception of the work highlighted its accessible prose and evocative portrayal of aviation, appealing to readers interested in travel, engineering, and the passenger experience. Since publication, skyfaring has been used by enthusiasts and scholars alike to discuss aviation culture, flight operations, and the phenomenology of moving through airspace.

See also: aviation, air travel, flight deck, air traffic control, aeronautics.