Like birdstrikes, tires blowing are rare but happen from time to time. Again, like birdstrikes, when it does happen, it is usually a non-event (assuming a plane with multiple tires). But, as we know from the “Miracle on the Hudson,” a rare event can occasionally cause a serious accident. In 2000, on one of the […]
Flight Deck
Is water in an aircraft unfit to drink?
I am a pilot and work for an airline that subcontracts to a major airline and operates regional jets in the livery of the major airline. Regional airlines are not exactly renowned for high levels of service, or for their commitment to spending money on the little things that would be easy to scrimp on. […]
How to disable MCAS during flight and manually control the aircraft?
MCAS or Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System is a software method of helping prevent unwanted attitudes in the Boeing 737 Max series aircraft. It works by applying nose down Horizontal Stabilizer trim imput when the aircraft’s Angle of Attack exceeds a certain point nearing a stall. Angle of Attack (AoA) is determined through two vanes that […]
Why does the Boeing 747 have the cockpit on the second floor while the Airbus A380 puts it on the first floor?
The placement of the cockpit on the second floor of the Boeing 747 and on the first floor of the Airbus A380 is primarily due to the design choices made by each manufacturer. The Boeing 747, which first flew in 1969, was designed with a distinctive hump to accommodate both the cockpit and a passenger […]
Where would a flight between New York and London do an emergency landing if it’s engines fail in the middle of the Atlantic?
If all of its engines fail, it will land somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic. There are many possibilities. Now, if it’s a twin-engined aircraft, and ONE of its engines fail, it will proceed to the nearest ETOPS (ICAO: Extended Twin Operations) Alternate Airport associated with the closest ETP (Equal Time Point). If it’s lucky enough […]
Does an airplane take off automatically upon gaining sufficient speed or is there anything the pilot must do in order to lift the plane?
We all know that at the right speed, there would be lift on the wings and that the plane would rise up. Only thing is if the plane just continues flat like this, it will eventually lift up in the air, but would rise up parallel to the ground. It will not have the typical attitude of […]
Did you know : The Boeing 777X is not the first commercial airplane to offer a folding wing.
Infact, The Boeing 777-200 was originally designed with a much longer folding wing option in order to use airport gates that had been built to accommodate fleets of DC-10s/767s & save on fees. The 196 foot 11 inch wingspan, presented gate compatibility & taxiway congestion problems to many potential customers. Boeing’s solution was to offer […]
How did pilots find out their position on the globe before their aircraft was equipped with GPS?
The British were the first to come up with an analogue ‘GPS’ system for aircraft. The HS-121 Trident (which by the way was the first aircraft to even perform an automatic landing in the late 60s) had an actual moving map in the cockpit that showed the pilots the live position of the aircraft. It was a world […]
Did Concorde expand in flight?
Due to the extreme frictional heating from flying at a sustained speed of more than twice the speed of sound, Concorde would expand in length by as much as 9 or 10 inches because of thermal expansion. Concorde the best aircraft to ever grace the skies expanded due to the kinetic heating on the airframe. […]
How long can a Boeing 777 fly without refueling?
A Boeing 777 has a maximum range of approximately 9,395 nautical miles (17,395 kilometers) when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. However, factors such as wind conditions, flight altitude, and payload can affect the actual distance it can fly without refueling. The aircraft is also equipped with a fuel-saving feature called “Eco Throttle,” which can […]
What are the chances of accidentally deploying the reverse thrust while the aircraft is still on air, just about to land?
The chances of accidentally deploying reverse thrust while an aircraft is still in the air, just about to land, are extremely low. Modern aircraft are equipped with safety features and mechanisms to prevent such accidental deployment. Pilots are trained to follow strict procedures and to use multiple safeguards to ensure the safe operation of the […]
Takeoff or Landing: Which Is the Greater Challenge?
Both takeoff and landing present unique challenges for an aircraft pilot. During takeoff, the pilot must ensure that the aircraft gains enough speed for lift-off while also maintaining control and monitoring various systems. Landing requires careful coordination of altitude, speed, and angle of approach to ensure a smooth touchdown. Both phases of flight demand skill, […]
A320neo Derated Takeoff
The aircraft actual takeoff weight is often lower than the maximum regulatory takeoff weight. Therefore, in certain cases, it is possible to takeoff at a thrust less than the Maximum Takeoff Thrust. It is advantageous to adjust the thrust to the actual weight, as it increases engine life and reliability, while reducing maintenance and operating […]
Can the pilot still manage the pitch control if the aircraft elevators jam mid-flight?
The elevators are typically located on the horizontal stabilizer at the tail of the aircraft and are used to control the aircraft’s pitch, which refers to the up and down motion of the nose. When the aircraft elevators become jammed, it means that the primary control surfaces responsible for pitch control are stuck and cannot […]
Why do airline pilots get paid so well for turning on autopilot and sitting?
By – Captain Alejandro Merediz (A350) Years ago I was at a wedding. We were assigned a table with people we didn’t know. All of a sudden, a guy started a conversation: “So what do you do for a living?” “I’m a pilot.” “Are you a pilot, or a copilot?” After clarifying the roles of […]
What does FLEX stand for Airbus planes?
When the takeoff weight is lower than the maximum performance-limited weight, the takeoff can be made with a reduced thrust. All bigger size jets use this method of “assumed temperature”. In Airbus, it happens to be called FLEX, short of flexible temperature. The maximum takeoff thrust is limited by outside air temperature (OAT). By assuming […]
Why do both pilots handle the throttles during takeoff?
During takeoff in commercial aviation, both pilots handle the throttles to ensure safety and redundancy. This practice allows for better coordination and communication between the pilots, and provides a backup in case one pilot becomes incapacitated. Additionally, it facilitates a smooth and controlled acceleration during the critical phase of flight. Safety and Redundancy Having both […]
What are possible situations which may lead in an aircraft exceeding speed limits?
There are many possible situations. In high speed jet aircraft, the pilots need to keep a very close eye on the speed indication, particularly when cruising at high altitudes. When in cruise, the aircraft speed is usually just a few knots below the vmo/ mmo (Maximum operating speed/ Maximum operating Mach). So, a speed excursion is highly […]
Is it possible to drop the landing gears manually?
Yes, it is possible for some aircraft to lower the landing gear manually in the event of hydraulic failure. In older aircraft, such as those from the 1970s, this task was often performed by the flight engineer as part of their duties. However, modern aircraft are designed with backup systems and emergency procedures that allow […]
How can you start a jet engine?
In general, the main challenge with starting a turbine engine is ensuring there is sufficient airflow before introducing fuel. If the compressor blades are not pushing enough air through the engine, introducing fuel and beginning combustion will cause the engine to overheat and will damage it. This is called a hot start. So, every jet engine […]
The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) in most airplanes is located on the tail section of the airplane. This is where you also find the data recorders and voice recorders because the tail is the safest place in a crash. You would be able to see the ELT antennae on the air frame of an airplane […]
How do airplanes stop by using reverse thrust?
There’s a few different ways depending on the thrust reverser in question. The first two kinds are similar which are a clamshell style and bucket style thrust reverser. They essentially have a moveable section of the rear engine cowling which can be simply hinged or extended and rotated to come together. This creates an angled […]
Why is there an altitude limitation on operating the slats/flaps on the A320?
The altitude limitation on operating the slats/flaps of the A320 aircraft exists because Airbus did not conduct tests on the flaps and slats at altitudes above 20,000 ft. This decision was made because testing the effects of flaps and slats at higher altitudes becomes more complex. As the aircraft ascends, the impact of compressibility on […]
Satellite-based landing system
This particular feature allows pilots to execute “straight-in” approaches to airports through the utilization of satellite positioning, even in scenarios of poor visibility. The implementation of this feature, known as SLS, was initially carried out by Airbus in 2015 for *CAT1 approaches, and was supported by the European GNSS Agency (GSA) – now EuSPA – […]
What is the zero fuel weight of an airplane?
It is the aircraft weight after we subtract the fuel from the equation. So, for instance if the aircraft has take off weight of about 65000 kgs and out of it 12000 kgs is the fuel, then the zero fuel weight is (65000 – 12000) = 53000 kgs. The zero fuel weight is not a […]
How safe is the Boeing 737 MAX series?
The B737 Max is probably the safest aircraft in recent history. It has a long production and usage for all its models and marques, and has been the subject of a re-certification which has been prolonged, intense, and extensive. Not only has there been a design review of the mechanical, electronics and computer systems, but […]
Side Stick Or Yoke?
Aircraft safety is paramount in all aviation operations. At the same time, airline operators have to look at ergonomics and how they influence pilot performance. Although Airbus and Boeing cockpits are largely similar in terms of displays and flight controls, one significant difference exists: Side Sticks and yokes. How do they affect flight safety and pilot experience? The Airbus uses a Side […]
Can turbulence cause structural failure in airplanes?
Turbulence can cause structural failure in airplanes, but it is very rare. Airplanes are designed to withstand significant turbulence and are regularly maintained to ensure their structural integrity. However, severe turbulence can cause damage to an airplane and, in rare cases, result in structural failure. It is important to note that turbulence can also cause […]
What happens if a door of the aircraft opens during flight?
If a door of an airplane opens during flight, it can be a dangerous situation. The sudden change in cabin pressure can cause the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly and can cause injury to passengers and crew. Additionally, the rush of wind and noise can make it difficult to hear or communicate with others. The […]
Are anti-ice an option or mandatory when flying in cold weather and a high altitude? How serious of an issue is forgetting to turn anti-ice on?
Anti-icing systems are an option for aircraft, but they are typically mandatory in cold weather and high altitude conditions. This is because ice can form on an aircraft’s wings, tail, and other surfaces, which can greatly reduce the aircraft’s lift and cause it to stall or crash. Forgetting to turn anti-ice on is a very […]
In the A320, what action or control input triggers the activation of the ground spoilers?
In the A320, spoilers play a crucial role in various phases of flight, including takeoff, landing, and in-flight speed control. The aircraft is equipped with five spoiler surfaces on the wings, each serving specific functions. Spoiler number 1 functions as a ground spoiler, extending only when the aircraft is on the ground. Spoilers 2, 3, […]
What does RAT MAN signify when it comes to the switch on an A320 aircraft?
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles. The aircraft has two switches for manually extending the RAT, one on the hydraulics control panel and the other on the emergency electrical configuration panel, both found on the main overhead panel. The RAT is designed to automatically deploy when it detects a loss of two AC generators, resulting in […]
Runway overrun due to unstable approach caused by pilot error
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles. “Why are you swimming in the water?” 30 years ago on 4 Nov 1993Runway overrun due to unstable approach caused by pilot errorat Kai Tak Airport, British Hong Kong Aircraft type Boeing 747-409. Operator China AirlinesIATA flight No. CI605ICAO flight No. CAL605Call sign DYNASTY 605Registration B-165Flight origin Chiang Kai-shek International […]
What is the working method behind CAT III landing system?
Categories of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) The ILS is categorized into three different categories: CAT I, CAT II, and CAT III. CAT III is further divided into three subcategories: CAT IIIa, CAT IIIb, and CAT IIIc. Each category has specific requirements and limitations regarding visibility and decision heights (DH). CAT IIIb and CAT IIIc allow […]
What happens when an aircraft stalls during takeoff?
When an aircraft stalls during takeoff, it means that the airflow over the wings is no longer sufficient to produce lift for the aircraft to remain in the air. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as an incorrect takeoff configuration, a malfunctioning engine, or a pilot error. When an aircraft stall occurs, […]
What is Sideslip?
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles. A sideslip is a maneuver used by pilots to increase the rate of descent or lose altitude quickly without gaining much airspeed. To execute a sideslip, a pilot will typically follow these steps: Reduce power to idle or near idle. Apply full opposite rudder. Apply aileron in the direction of […]
A320 pilots, does the airplane automatically maintain an optimal minimal drag sideslip angle in case of an engine failure?
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles. The Airbus A320 is equipped with a system called “Alpha Protection” which automatically maintains an optimal minimal drag sideslip angle in the event of an engine failure. This helps to ensure that the aircraft remains in a stable and controllable state, even in the event of an emergency. Additionally, pilots […]
Utilize Ailerons for flap-like functions
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles. Is it possible to utilize ailerons for flap-like functions? Aileron droop is a noteworthy feature seen in many modern airplanes, including models like the Boeing 777 and 787, as well as Airbus A320, A330, A340, A350, and A380. This aileron droop, also known as “aileron deflection,” is usually managed through […]
What are the consequences if a pilot delays the aircraft’s rotation during takeoff?
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles The standard rotation rate for most transport category aircraft is typically set at 3 degrees per second. When an aircraft reaches this rotation speed during takeoff, the pilot is expected to smoothly pull back on the controls to establish a specific pitch attitude. This pitch attitude can vary depending on […]
How do you track a plane?
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles. The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has raised the disturbing question of how a modern aircraft packed with communications equipment can apparently vanish without trace. Tracking a plane involves the use of various technologies and systems that enable the monitoring and tracking of aircraft in real-time. The disappearance of […]
Royal Air Force Chinook HC6A (CH-47F) became stuck in soft ground after a forced landing
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles This Incident happened in 2021. A loaded Royal Air Force Chinook HC6A (CH-47F) became stuck in soft ground after a forced landing due to a technical problem. Aircraft soon sank into the field, likely due to the extended period of wet weather. However, the extremely soft ground had made the […]
What causes the flaps on an airplane to be extended more during the landing phase compared to the takeoff phase?
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles Choosing the right flap setting for takeoff can be a bit of a puzzle. It’s a balance between minimizing your takeoff distance and not compromising your climb performance. Even at the lowest flap setting, there’s some extra drag, and the more you extend them, the more drag you create, which […]
Prior to departure, what data is typically entered into the Flight Management System (FMS) as part of the pre-flight setup?
In the Airbus A320, pilots adhere to a mnemonic known as “DIFSRIPP” to systematically set up the Flight Management and Guidance Computer (FMGC) for navigation and input the performance parameters required for takeoff. D – Database Check: On the Data page, we initiate the setup by accessing the aircraft status subpage. Here, we verify critical […]
How do pilots determine the “point of no return” during a flight, and what significance does it hold in aviation operations?
In aviation, there’s a critical concept known as Equal Time Point (ETP), often utilized in Extended Range Twin Engine Operations (ETOPS). ETP is the point along a flight route where it takes the same amount of time to reach both the destination and the departure point in case of a return. To illustrate, let’s consider […]
What is the impact of a wet runway on V1 during takeoff?
V1, or the takeoff decision speed, holds critical importance in aviation, especially on wet runways where safety considerations become paramount. This speed represents the point below which pilots can opt to abort the takeoff in the event of an engine failure or other major issues during the takeoff roll. Beyond V1, regulatory standards mandate that […]
Use the Correct BARO Setting for Approach
Using an erroneous barometric reference setting during approach may cause the aircraft to fly lower than the published approach path, when the vertical guidance and trajectory deviations use the barometric reference. This can lead to a risk of controlled flight into terrain in poor visibility conditions or at night. This article explains the potential consequences […]
The pre-flight inspection
forms part of the essential requirements for air operation, as required in Annex V (point 6.2) of the ‘Basic Regulation’ (Regulation (EU) 2018/1139) Source – Stefano Daniele LinkedIn Page
Wake Vortices
All aircraft generate wake vortices, also known as wake turbulence, which continue to be evident far behind the generating aircraft. Another aircraft crossing this wake may feel a sharp and brief turbulence which can be strong under some circumstances. Let’s review the specific characteristics of wake vortices’ and how pilots should react in case of […]
Concorde Cockpit and Flight Engineer’s station
Visit –https://hub.daddyssolutions.com/demo/debug1/blog/ for more interesting articles
Airbus tests new technologies to enhance pilot assistance
Toulouse, 12 January 2023 – Airbus UpNext, a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus, has started testing new, on ground and in-flight, pilot assistance technologies on an A350-1000 test aircraft. Known as DragonFly, the technologies being demonstrated include automated emergency diversion in cruise, automatic landing and taxi assistance and are aimed at evaluating the feasibility and pertinence […]