Ask The Pilot

[harvyk]

I think it's probably best if we don't discuss security cards.

That's cool... Shortly after I'd posted the question I wondered if that was going to be your response...

 

[significance]

A while ago, I was on a flight in which we started coming in to land, then the pilot changed his mind and brought the plane back up and around for another go. I've been a passenger on flights where this has happened a few times before, so I wouldn't have worried, except that the pilot came onto the PA and told us repeatedly that we shouldn't worry because "we practice this on the simulators all the time." So... should I have been worried? Did this announcement from the pilot mean that it was something out of the ordinary?

 

[Voyages]

JB, do you have 'Pilot' meals or First Class meals?

The 380 has a very good crew rest setup, behind the coughpit.

Also... do you sleep in your pilot uniforms (comfortable much?) or do you change into PJs

 

[Flashback]

JB, do you have 'Pilot' meals or First Class meals?



Also... do you sleep in your pilot uniforms (comfortable much?) or do you change into PJs

IME on a KTA-PER flight the pilot's meals were different to those offered in J (and definitely different to the scrub served in whY!), will be interesting to see whether the same applies internationally.

 

[mannej]

IME on a KTA-PER flight the pilot's meals were different to those offered in J (and definitely different to the scrub served in whY!), will be interesting to see whether the same applies internationally.

Is it true that each of the crew have different meals?
If so who gets first choice?

 

[jb747]

A while ago, I was on a flight in which we started coming in to land, then the pilot changed his mind and brought the plane back up and around for another go. I've been a passenger on flights where this has happened a few times before, so I wouldn't have worried, except that the pilot came onto the PA and told us repeatedly that we shouldn't worry because "we practice this on the simulators all the time." So... should I have been worried? Did this announcement from the pilot mean that it was something out of the ordinary?

There are lots of reasons to do a go around. Invariably, doing so is safer than continuing.

The problem is that the media have started talking them up, as if they are some sort of event. They aren't. They're about the same as parking your car, and needing two goes to get it right, instead of one. But, an element of the passengers are nervous anyway, so the media feed that. End result, is that we need to talk to the nervous flyers more than we'd probably otherwise need to.

 

[jb747]

JB, do you have 'Pilot' meals or First Class meals?

I mostly try not to eat airline food. But, totally different meals are loaded for us than for any of the passengers.

Also... do you sleep in your pilot uniforms (comfortable much?) or do you change into PJs

At home or at work?

Whatever you like. Track suits are pretty common.

 

[jb747]

Is it true that each of the crew have different meals?
If so who gets first choice?

Not quite. The captain and FO are supposed to eat different meals.

First choice always belongs to the captain. RHIP. Generally, I give the choice to whomever is operating the sector.

 

[significance]

Are the crew meals as good as the First or Business class meals? Are crew allowed to have leftover passenger meals (after the food service to passengers) if they prefer what's on offer to their own meals?

 

[mannej]

It is funny you bring the point of the media up.

There is a clip on Youtube somewhere about an American Lawyer who went to the media about a flight he was on having to go around. He stated it was a dangerous practice and people would die.
The funny thing is the clip also spoke to a pilot and ATC, who stated that these "dangerous" go-arounds happened daily without much drama.

 

[jb747]

Are the crew meals as good as the First or Business class meals?

Oh, much better. In my dreams.

Actually they vary enormously, depending upon the catering supplier...as do the meals in the cabin. I expect that they are about the same as an economy meal.

Are crew allowed to have leftover passenger meals (after the food service to passengers) if they prefer what's on offer to their own meals?

Yes, with a few exceptions (like shellfish). Mostly though, crew meal times, and 'leftover' times don't coincide, so many times any offers are knocked back. The positive to leftovers, is that they are ready...now. You have to fit the crew meals in to the roster and times when the ovens have some space.

 

[anat0l]

Actually they vary enormously, depending upon the catering supplier...as do the meals in the cabin. I expect that they are about the same as an economy meal.

On one point it is interesting to hear this because I remember cabin crew on this board reporting that their meals - albeit supposed to be earmarked aside from regular pax meals - are "equivalent" to a Business meal.

On another point perhaps it's not surprising as for most flight deck - and perhaps even cabin crew - a meal is only supposed to be a means of sustenance and that only. To enjoy it would be rather pointless (cf. for most pax in premium class, enjoying food is probably an important element of the experience), but I don't suggest that flight deck meals be degenerated to something similar to what astronauts might eat (i.e. some sort of astro-glop with 12 vitamins and minerals in it).

 

[straitman]

Bill, any further thoughts on the reality of in-flight refueling in a helicopter?

As you can see from the video that it is possible. It is certainly not used in main stream operations but the special forces certainly have used it on occasions. To the best of my knowledge the Oz military do not use it and the civilian world certainly don't use it for the same reasons the jb747 has mentioned for civilian fixed wing aircraft.

 

[rechoboam]

Maybe I'm thick but- why no shellfish?

 

[Fantic125]

Maybe I'm thick but- why no shellfish?

Seafood, particularly shellfish, requires a bit more control in storage, cooking, etc.
It degrades much quicker than meat & veg and can carry a higher risk of food poisoning.

 

[serfty]

Seafood, particularly shellfish, requires a bit more control in storage, cooking, etc.
It degrades much quicker than meat & veg and can carry a higher risk of food poisoning.

Of course, same carriers might like to consider having a live seafood tank for their Pilots and First Class Passengers. Freshness guaranteed!

Back to the normal posting ...

 

[rechoboam]

Hmm. I assumed that was what was meant but if it's not good enough for the pilot I'm not sure I'd be happy either. Was wondering if maybe the lastest enterprise bargaining specifically excluded lobster etc. Does remind me of the captain in "Airplane"/"Flying High" who has to choose between meals and ends up spitting out eggs.

 

[straitman]

Hmm. I assumed that was what was meant but if it's not good enough for the pilot I'm not sure I'd be happy either.

Hardly. The no seafood argument is pretty standard across the board for both Military and Civil operations.

If you get sick from seafood the pilot can be your savour but if he get sick can you be his savour?

 

[jb747]

.....Was wondering if maybe the lastest enterprise bargaining specifically excluded lobster etc.

Nothing to do with EBAs. I recall this being discussed by a food technology person, way back during my initial entry training. It's a very long term ban. It only applies to shell fish, not fish in general (as they always make up one of the available options). Don't even need to look at the menu...fish, chicken, beef, and normally something unidentifiable.

 

[QF029]

Not quite. The captain and FO are supposed to eat different meals.

First choice always belongs to the captain. RHIP. Generally, I give the choice to whomever is operating the sector.

Have there been (m)any times on your flights where the Captain or FO have been incapacitated due to food or other reasons and unable to continue duties?