Ask The Pilot

[robinyoung]

Thank you jb747.......now I understand. I appreciate that immensely. I just assumed bird strike always caused damage and therefore could not work out why no one had reported it and dealt with issue. That explains why the first announcement was about trying to fix the issue after the stike (the cold section) and then found it was far more extensive (hot section).

Yes, I am in process of attempting a fear of flying course.I am making calls tomorrow about it. Considering I have flown to just about everywhere in the world, this fear is now becoming more, and I don't want it to cripple me. I do fly a lot,, in fact I am flying to New York in a few months, because there is no other way to get there. I do fly, but it is very very unpleasant for me. The easiest flights I have had were of late, in July on the A380 air bus. Just the fact I could watch us speed down the run way, and take off, seemed to help my worse fear, take off.Weird isn't it. I have been talking about this fear on another thread here, and had great advise

Thank you again for your prompt reply.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Just the fact I could watch us speed down the run way, and take off, seemed to help my worse fear, take off.Weird isn't it.

I had a chat with a psychologist recently, and he mentioned that being able to see what's happening actually helps quite a lot of people with regards to lowering their anxiety and fear when taking off.

 

[mjt57]

I had a chat with a psychologist recently, and he mentioned that being able to see what's happening actually helps quite a lot of people with regards to lowering their anxiety and fear when taking off.

And that's what I hate about flying - not the flying itself, but rather, that I can't see what's happening; ie. no situational awareness.

If the airlines offered selected passengers an opportunity to sit in one of the jump seats on the flight deck, I'd have both hands up. Sadly, that is unrealistic, as are invitations to the flight deck.

 

[jb747]

If the airlines offered selected passengers an opportunity to sit in one of the jump seats on the flight deck, I'd have both hands up. Sadly, that is unrealistic, as are invitations to the flight deck.

That door is well and truly bolted shut. Even if the terrorist risk disappeared tomorrow, the various security people would never let go of the control that they have gained.

 

[vitagen]

That door is well and truly bolted shut. Even if the terrorist risk disappeared tomorrow, the various security people would never let go of the control that they have gained.

I was lucky enough to visit and sit in the coughpit for about half an hour during a MH flight Per-Kul, this was about 15+ years ago though! It was awesome and I always wanted to be a pilot / astronaut after


Very likely to be posted via iPhone or iPad

 

[nlagalle]

That door is well and truly bolted shut. Even if the terrorist risk disappeared tomorrow, the various security people would never let go of the control that they have gained.

That is such a shame! I have fond memories sitting in the jump seat on many flights. Flying into LHR with a headset on was a highlight! and a 747 landing into MEL.

 

[mjt57]

That door is well and truly bolted shut. Even if the terrorist risk disappeared tomorrow, the various security people would never let go of the control that they have gained.

Yes, it's like anything. Government and authorities, once they gain some sort of power, will do anything to keep it. Short of a revolution of sorts, about the best that I can hope for is to spend $300 a pop flying a B737 at Flight Experience (got a voucher for Father's Day last year).

I suppose that it's nice that the A380 now has the video cams which people can watch. Another bonus is on some US domestic flights you can tune into one of the radios that they use on the flight deck, usually what they talk to ATC with.

 

[markis10]

Yes, it's like anything. Government and authorities, once they gain some sort of power, will do anything to keep it. Short of a revolution of sorts, about the best that I can hope for is to spend $300 a pop flying a B737 at Flight Experience (got a voucher for Father's Day last year).

You are actually in a nice spot to head down to the local airport where you can go for a spin in a Winjeel or P51 (technically a CAC CA-18) if you are very lucky and catch Mr Trappet in a generous mood, much more fun, and he can also relate what it is like flying a pig versus a QF 747!

 

[mjt57]

You are actually in a nice spot to head down to the local airport where you can go for a spin in a Winjeel or P51 (technically a CAC CA-18) if you are very lucky and catch Mr Trappet in a generous mood, much more fun, and he can also relate what it is like flying a pig versus a QF 747!

A mate went for a ride with him in the Mustang. It was a present for his wife. Not cheap, but certainly exhilarating.

Is he still a QF driver?

 

[jb747]

A mate went for a ride with him in the Mustang. It was a present for his wife. Not cheap, but certainly exhilarating.

Is he still a QF driver?

I think Jeff retired quite a while ago.

Also, I've heard that QF is making one of the 747-400 sims available to take FFs for a run.

 

[mjt57]

I think Jeff retired quite a while ago.

Yeah, I s'pose he would have. He's been around for a while.

Update:

http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews/editions/4421/features/feature03.htm

Also, I've heard that QF is making one of the 747-400 sims available to take FFs for a run.

Please, don't tease me...

Speaking of retirement, hope your retrenchment benefits are up-to-date...

Pilotless passenger planes to take first test flights over UK - Yahoo! News UK

 

[jb747]

Please, don't tease me...

I'm not teasing, though I have no idea of the details.

Speaking of retirement, hope your retrenchment benefits are up-to-date...

Pilotless passenger planes to take first test flights over UK - Yahoo! News UK

Given the reliability of the base aircraft, I expect we're safe for some time to come yet. Plus, I've only got three years to go.....

 

[Rolls]

I think Jeff retired quite a while ago.

Also, I've heard that QF is making one of the 747-400 sims available to take FFs for a run.

Yes, that is correct I have booked a session for a (very excited!) SO

 

[anat0l]

Also, I've heard that QF is making one of the 747-400 sims available to take FFs for a run.

It's available through the Frequent Flyer Store

https://store.qantas.com/Catalogue.a2?Page=ViewProduct&ProductskuId=158140

2.5 hour session (including 1 hour of sim) for 115k points or 69k points + $354.20

 

[mjt57]

It's available through the Frequent Flyer Store

https://store.qantas.com/Catalogue.a2?Page=ViewProduct&ProductskuId=158140


Arrgh. You gotta have FF points, which I don't...

Wonder if I can buy some...

 

[Tortuga]

Hello JB, I always have a keen eye on the pilots when they arrive. I noticed on one flight that there were two "captains" each had 4 gold bars on their uniform and on another flight there was a normal 4 gold bar captain and another guy with 4 silver bars - what do silver bars mean?? Is it common to have multiple captains for a flight?

 

[jb747]

Hello JB, I always have a keen eye on the pilots when they arrive. I noticed on one flight that there were two "captains" each had 4 gold bars on their uniform and on another flight there was a normal 4 gold bar captain and another guy with 4 silver bars - what do silver bars mean?? Is it common to have multiple captains for a flight?

Normally more than one Captain means training or checking. Tomorrow I'm doing the 1. There will be another captain, who is doing the check on the FO.

Different colour would mean different airlines.

 

[Hvr]

Normally more than one Captain means training or checking. Tomorrow I'm doing the 1. There will be another captain, who is doing the check on the FO.

Different colour would mean different airlines.

So is there an easy way for pax to identify a check pilot or the senior Qf staff (I know they have a proper title but I can't remember it) pilot by their rank slides or other insignia?

Thanks

 

[jb747]

So is there an easy way for pax to identify a check pilot or the senior Qf staff (I know they have a proper title but I can't remember it) pilot by their rank slides or other insignia?

Management pilots have a star on their uniforms just above the stripes. There is no differentiation for training/ check pilots.

 

[Tortuga]

Management pilots have a star on their uniforms just above the stripes. There is no differentiation for training/ check pilots.

I take it you have no interest in becoming a check/training pilot? Do those type of positions get suggested by the boss or is it up to the individual to apply for it?