“Flying Experience of a Commercial Pilot”

Lot of people have asked me about the flying experience of a commercial pilot. So I thout of writing an article on flying experience. Usually, the Captain arrives at least one hour before the flight’s scheduled take off and meets his crew.

Then, with the first officer, he checks the mail, reads the latest company instructions and checks all the applicable operation notices. Operation notices contain information on such things as war zones, Royal flights, new danger areas etc.

The pilots then check the pre-prepared flight plan which shows the routes and heights to be flown.

The plan will also show the fuel required and it is essential that this is checked as it can be annoying to run short of fuel in the air. Many accidents have occurred in the past due to errors between litres,gallons and American gallons.

The next check is the weather and the meteorological report usually takes a little time to study and the pilots will discuss the implications of the en route and landing weather forecast. The weather forecast can also affect the decision on the amount of fuel required as strong headwinds will mean additional fuel.

Taking all factors into account the pilots will consider diversion airfields which may be required. Note the preparation is necessarily thorough and this aspect of flying is essential at all phases of training and throughout a flying career.

The final factors to be considered are the Air Traffic Control. It is necessary to consider the possible ATC requirements which may mean having to fly at a height different from the one planned and this of course can affect the fuel requirement. Then the loading sheet, which carries all the cargo and passenger details ( sometimes called The Manifest).is checked to ensure the aircraft does not exceed it’s all up weight and balance limits.

Finally with the paperwork all correct the pilots go to the aircraft. The pilots then carry out a walk round of the aircraft using a check list and ensuring all is ok. They look for any unexplained or unusual change from the norm such as oil leaks and damage.

The Captain then briefs the cabin crew and the pilots supervise the loading and fuelling. Once they are satisfied the passengers are then put on board.

The pilots then follow their checklists and ensure all the equipment is serviceable and the computers are correctly programmed before asking ATC for their slot and taxi permission.

Once cleared the aircraft is taxied to the runway and, with all checks completed, and clearance to take off obtained the pilots taxy onto the runway and commence the take off run. Throughout the take-off and climb to the operational height the pilot has to concentrate on many aspects. Height, speeds and track must all be closely monitored along with radio contact and ATC instructions. The cabin crew also need to be kept aware of progress. This phase of flight is one requiring close crew co-operation. Once in level flight the work load eases and the pilots can relax a little but they still need to maintain alertness for changes in the route or weather conditions. Weather turbulence means the passengers must wear their safety belts and cabin crew need to be informed throughout the flight of any problems.

At altitude the pilots task is to monitor the equipment and the progress of the flight keeping regular contact with ATC. As the destination approaches the work load again increases. Once the aircraft starts to descend it will demand the full attention of the pilots. The descent will take the plane into more crowded airspace and require constant vigilance. At the same time the equipment must be more carefully monitored. The pilots must decide which type of approach they will use and this will depend upon the weather at the destination and on the aircraft type. Some aircraft have an auto-land facility and some do not. Once again the check list is brought into operation and every item is checked including the radio selections and the height below which the pilot cannot descend unless he can see the runway. This height is determined by three major factors, the experience of the pilot, the equipment carried by the aircraft and the airfield approach limitations.

Once on the ground the aircraft is taxied to a stand and parked but the pilot does not finish there .The flight must be fully recorded and any technical faults reported in the technical log and finally in the pilot’s personal log book. The pilot then checks his mail and any notices before signing off and going home.