I have been on many delayed flights recently and have a certain sympathy for the pilots who, having repeatedly told us that we would be taking off shortly, have to continually backpedal due to weather or staff or equipment. They always thank us for our patience but in reality they are the patient ones. We, the passengers, are seething, and what’s more, we have suddenly become vocal experts on dodging weather, managing staff and fixing planes. But to get us safely to our destination the pilots have to keep their cool.