Ask The Pilot
Real answers from the flight deck—aircraft, ATC, training, travel. Curious how flying really works? Ask below and our pilot explains
Aircraft & Systems
How does autoland work in low visibility?
Redundant autopilots track ILS beams to touchdown and rollout while pilots monitor and can disconnect anytime.
What happens if an engine fails after takeoff?
Jets are certified to climb on one engine; crews fly the engine-out profile, run checklists, and usually return or divert.
Why do we use flaps for takeoff and landing?
Flaps increase lift at low speed to shorten takeoff/landing; settings depend on weight, runway, and performance limits.
What is the APU I hear at the gate?
A small turbine that supplies electricity and air for cabin conditioning and engine starts when main engines are off.
What do the cabin “dings” mean?
Chimes are crew alerts—seatbelt sign changes, interphone calls, or checklist cues; not passenger warnings.
What are spoilers and speedbrakes for?
Panels on the wing that spoil lift and add drag for descent and to put weight on wheels after landing.
How is the cabin pressurized?
Bleed air (or electric compressors) feed an outflow valve that regulates a safe cabin altitude.
Do pilots dump fuel to land lighter?
Only on some widebodies and when needed; many jets can land overweight if performance and inspections allow.
What’s fly-by-wire?
Computers interpret stick inputs and move control surfaces with protections against unsafe attitudes.
What is the RAT?
A Ram Air Turbine that drops into the airstream to generate emergency electrical/hydraulic power.
Why do wings have winglets?
They cut induced drag from wingtip vortices, improving range and fuel burn.
Why do brakes sometimes smell hot?
Heavy braking or short turnarounds heat carbon brakes; limits, cooling, and fans manage temperatures.
When is reverse thrust used?
After touchdown to help decelerate; effectiveness reduces with speed and it’s never used in flight.
Why do exterior lights change during taxi/takeoff/landing?
Different lights signal intent and improve visibility per procedures (taxi, landing, strobes, beacons).
How do anti-ice systems work?
Hot bleed air or electric heat protects inlets, probes, and wings from ice buildup.
Can the plane glide if both engines fail?
Yes—jets have good glide ratios; crews pitch for best glide, start APU/RAT, and aim for a suitable field.
Why do engines spool up slowly?
Controls prevent surge/stall and manage loads; you hear lag as N1/N2 accelerate.
Indicated vs true airspeed—what’s the difference?
Indicated is what pilots fly; true corrects for density/temperature and is higher at altitude.
Why retract flaps soon after landing?
To cool brakes, avoid FOD, or per after-landing checklist; varies by airline.
Are cabin air filters effective?
Yes—HEPA filtration plus frequent refresh of outside/filtered air.
ATC & Procedures
Who picks the runway?
ATC assigns based on wind, traffic, and procedures; crews can request alternatives for performance or safety.
Why do flights hold?
Weather, spacing, or runway constraints; holding keeps flows safe while ATC sequences arrivals.
Why go-around at the last second?
Unstable approach, runway not clear, wind shear, or a warning—go-around is the standard safe action.
How do oceanic flights work without radar?
CPDLC/voice position reports and ADS-B keep separation along organized tracks with prior clearances.
What is “sterile cockpit”?
Below 10,000 ft only operational talk is allowed to reduce distraction during critical phases.
What’s a SID and a STAR?
Standard instrument departure/arrival routes that organize traffic and terrain avoidance around busy airports.
What are CTOT/slot times?
Calculated takeoff times used by flow control; departures are sequenced to prevent congestion.
Why do runway assignments change during taxi?
Wind or flow shifts; ATC may resequence for efficiency and safety.
What are intersection departures?
Starting from partway down the runway when performance allows; crews verify required distance.
What’s a PIREP?
A pilot weather report (e.g., turbulence, icing) shared to help ATC and other crews.
Why ‘line up and wait’?
To position for departure while spacing or crossing traffic clears per ATC instruction.
What is a missed approach?
The published path after a go-around that ensures terrain/traffic clearance until further clearance.
How are low-visibility operations handled?
Airports declare LVP; special lighting, ILS categories, crew training, and spacing rules apply.
RNAV vs ILS—what’s the difference?
ILS uses ground beams; RNAV/RNP uses satellites and onboard performance monitoring.
Why vectors instead of following the STAR?
ATC issues headings to fit spacing or weather—it’s normal and efficient.
What are step climbs?
Climbing in stages as weight reduces or winds change to optimize fuel and performance.
What happens for a medical emergency?
ATC prioritizes the flight; crews may divert to the nearest suitable airport.
Why wait after de-icing?
Holdover time ensures protection; if it expires a retreat or immediate departure is required.
Why noise-abatement procedures?
To reduce community impact with specified thrust/flap/climb profiles within safety limits.
Can pilots request ‘direct to’?
Often yes when workload and airspace allow; ATC approves if conflict-free.
Safety & Weather
Is turbulence dangerous?
Usually not; belts prevent injuries. Crews slow to a safe speed and seek smoother altitudes.
How do pilots avoid thunderstorms?
Onboard radar, forecasts, and ATC reroutes; crews give cells wide berth to avoid hail/severe turbulence.
What is wind shear?
A rapid change in wind speed/direction that can sap lift; aircraft have detection and escape procedures.
What are landing minima?
Lowest visibility/ceiling to start or continue an approach; below that, go-around/diversion is required.
What if lightning strikes the plane?
Aircraft conduct electricity around the cabin; inspections follow but serious damage is rare.
How serious is icing?
Ice degrades lift and adds drag; anti-ice systems and procedures prevent/mitigate it.
What is a microburst?
A powerful downdraft near storms causing wind shear; airports provide alerts and crews avoid cells.
What is wake turbulence?
Wingtip vortices from other aircraft; spacing and caution prevent encounters, especially behind heavies.
Can volcanic ash affect flights?
Yes—ash can damage engines/sensors; flights avoid ash clouds entirely.
What is a contaminated runway?
Runways with standing water/snow/slush/ice; performance and braking techniques change accordingly.
How is fog handled?
Low-vis procedures, special lighting, and sometimes autoland; if below minima, divert.
What is cold-temperature correction?
Adjusting altitudes in very cold air to maintain obstacle clearance on procedures.
Why do we sometimes circle before landing?
To align with another runway or complete a visual segment when the instrument approach is to a different runway.
How do pilots plan fuel for weather?
Regulatory reserves plus contingencies for holding, diversions, and alternates.
What is GPWS/EGPWS?
Ground-proximity warning systems that alert of terrain; crews follow escape guidance immediately.
What happens in a pressurization issue?
Masks on, emergency descent, and diversion as needed—events are rare and well-trained.
Why speed limits below 10,000 ft?
To reduce collision risk in dense airspace and aid see-and-avoid.
What is crosswind limit?
Maximum demonstrated crosswind; airlines set operational limits with experience factors.
Do headwinds help or hurt?
Headwinds increase time but reduce landing groundspeed; tailwinds shorten time but have approach limits.
Why change routes mid-flight?
To avoid weather, improve winds, or meet ATC flow—filed routes are optimized enroute.
Passenger & Travel
Best seat for a smoother ride?
Over the wing near the center of gravity; the tail feels bumps more.
Why delays on clear days?
Flow control, maintenance checks, crew duty limits, or late inbound aircraft can still delay departures.
Why dim cabin lights for takeoff/landing?
To adapt eyes and make emergency lighting easier to see—a safety practice.
Why does taxi sometimes take longer than the flight?
Congestion, runway changes, ground holds, or de-icing queues.
What causes go-arounds from a passenger view?
Unstable approach, runway not clear, or wind shear; it’s a normal safety move.
Do phones need airplane mode?
Yes—prevents network interference and meets regulations; onboard Wi-Fi is separate.
Can I visit the cockpit in flight?
No—security rules; visits may be allowed on the ground at crew discretion.
Why can luggage miss the flight?
Weight/balance limits or tight connections; bags are sent on the next suitable flight.
What’s that hot smell after landing?
Heated brakes after heavy braking; crews monitor temperatures and limits.
Why is the seatbelt sign on when it’s smooth?
Reports or forecasts ahead may show bumps; crews keep belts on proactively.
Why open window shades for landing (some airlines)?
Improves outside awareness and speeds evacuation if needed.
Why no boarding during refueling sometimes?
Local rules and safety procedures; if permitted, extra precautions apply.
What’s the ‘thump’ after liftoff?
Gear retraction or crossing a temperature inversion; both normal.
Why are we circling before landing?
Spacing, runway change, or weather sequencing pattern.
Can cabin air make me sick?
Air is HEPA-filtered and refreshed often; close contact is the bigger factor.
Why do pilots ask to sit down early?
Anticipated turbulence—securing the cabin prevents injuries.
Why no opening bins when sign is on?
Prevents injuries from falling items during unexpected bumps.
Why taxi on one engine sometimes?
To save fuel and reduce emissions when conditions allow.
Why must window shades be open on some carriers?
Situational awareness and faster evacuation readiness.
Why stop short of the gate and wait?
Ramp congestion, marshaller availability, or an occupied gate.
Training & Exams
How do I go from zero to airline FO in Europe?
Integrated ATPL or modular CPL/IR + APS MCC, then airline selection, type rating, and line training.
What is a type rating?
Training and checks for a specific jet (e.g., A320/B737), often employer-provided or bonded.
APS MCC vs MCC—difference?
APS adds jet handling and airline-style scenarios; valued by many carriers.
How many hours do I need?
Varies by market; cadet programs may accept low-time pilots, others want 1,500+ or multi-crew time.
What’s in ATPL theory?
13 subjects—performance, meteorology, navigation, systems; the heaviest academic portion.
What is UPRT?
Upset Prevention & Recovery Training—recognition and recovery from unusual attitudes; mandatory.
What happens in a sim assessment?
Normal/abnormal procedures, raw-data flying, and CRM; evaluators want safe handling and teamwork.
What is line training?
Initial flights with a training captain after type rating until sign-off as line-independent.
How often is recurrent training?
Typically every 6–12 months in the simulator plus regular line checks.
Do I need a Class 1 medical?
Yes for commercial pilots; renewals check vision, hearing, ECG, and general health.
What is ICAO English level?
Language proficiency levels 4–6; most airlines require level 5 or 6.
Tips for hour building?
Mix cross-country, night, and instrument practice; debrief well and log carefully.
How is instrument currency maintained?
Meet approach/hold recency and supplement with regular simulator practice.
What is multi-crew cooperation (MCC)?
Standard calls, task sharing, and decision-making—being an effective FO/PM.
How do I pick a flight school?
Safety record, airline links, fleet, instructor stability, and transparent financing.
What if I fail a check?
Retraining plus retest is common; improvement and attitude matter.
Do I need a degree?
Not universally; airlines weigh aptitude, training performance, and CRM heavily.
Jet transition course—worth it?
Helpful but not mandatory; APS MCC often covers essentials.
How long is a type rating?
About 4–8 weeks ground/sim, then base training and line flying.
Are home sims useful?
Great for flows and procedures—not a substitute for instruction, but excellent rehearsal.
Careers & Lifestyle
How do rosters work?
Duty and rest are regulated; patterns vary by airline/route to control fatigue.
What affects pay progression?
Seniority, aircraft type, base, and command; wide regional variation.
Can I commute to base?
Many pilots commute via jumpseat/positive-space travel; it adds fatigue and planning risk.
How do pilots manage jet lag?
Strategic sleep, light, hydration, and fatigue-risk guidance tailored to routes.
What’s seniority bidding?
Schedules, vacations, seats, and bases often awarded by seniority lists.
Are tattoos or glasses an issue?
Glasses are fine within medical limits; tattoos depend on airline policy and visibility.
Mandatory retirement age?
Often 65 for airline captains; local authority rules apply.
How family-friendly is the job?
Nights/weekends/holidays are common; seniority improves patterns over time.
Random alcohol/drug tests?
Yes—strict compliance; consequences for violations are severe.
Any social media rules?
Most airlines restrict uniformed posts and operational details; discretion is essential.
Can pilots change airlines easily?
Possible, but type ratings, visas, and seniority resets matter.
Do pilots get per diem?
Many do for meals on layovers; amounts vary.
Long-haul vs short-haul—pros/cons?
Long-haul: fewer legs, bigger layovers; short-haul: more nights at home but busier days.
How does training affect days off?
Sim/ground can cluster; rosters balance legal rest with course needs.
How do upgrades to captain work?
Based on seniority, vacancies, and experience; requires command training and checks.
Are second jobs allowed?
Often restricted by contracts/authorities; fatigue and conflicts are concerns.
What insurances matter?
Loss-of-license and income protection are common industry safeguards.
How do layoffs/recalls work?
Seniority lists govern who’s furloughed and recalled first.
Career paths beyond airlines?
Bizav, cargo, training, safety/FOQA, operations, or management.
How important is CRM beyond the sim?
Crucial—communication and teamwork reduce errors and smooth operations.
