Ask The Pilot

[Must...Fly!]

A fire in the electronics.....

If you were to turn off the transponder, assuming you had the time would you communicate this to someone and if so, on a particular frequency?

 

[jb747]

If you were to turn off the transponder, assuming you had the time would you communicate this to someone and if so, on a particular frequency?

The transponder is there for ATC...so if you turned it off, for whatever reason, then you'd tell the ATC centre you happened to be with at the time.

 

[bluedoggin]

Do you know what mode it's is, A/C or S mode?

Mode C...... I'm fairly sure, it is designated ALT on our transponder, but please don't quote me on that, I have only 10 hours so obviously do not have reliable information. I'd check my ground manual but I am currently away for work

 

[Must...Fly!]

The transponder is there for ATC...so if you turned it off, for whatever reason, then you'd tell the ATC centre you happened to be with at the time.

I figured as much. Thank you jb.

 

[mjt57]

JB, who gets to do the fly past for the AGP? Is it a lucky dip or as a part of the scheduled flights?

 

[defurax]

JB, who gets to do the fly past for the AGP? Is it a lucky dip or as a part of the scheduled flights?

Answer at post #3813

It's always a management/senior check/training pilot. It's never offered to the line pilots, and for that reason we take no interest in it. I have no idea what type will be doing it.

 

[Troppo]

Hello JB

Brilliant thread, many thanks.

I have a comms question.

Do you still use HF in the 380 for long overwater sectors like SYD-LAX when outside VHF range?

I often hear QANTAS a/c on SP6 (8867/5643 kHz). If you use data link, how does ATC contact you and vice versa?

Is it voice comms, or data only?

Thanks.

 

[jb747]

Do you still use HF in the 380 for long overwater sectors like SYD-LAX when outside VHF range?

Even if we have a valid data link (CPDLC), we normally check in on HF, and get a SELCAL check. Beyond that though, we only use the HF for position reporting if the data link hasn't logged on. Across the Pacific it's all data link.

I often hear QANTAS a/c on SP6 (8867/5643 kHz). If you use data link, how does ATC contact you and vice versa?

They just send us a message on the data link. On the 380, that will activate a blue light on the coaming, and if we don't answer quickly enough, we also get a sound alert. The message appears in the 'mailbox', on the lower central screen.

Is it voice comms, or data only?

Data only.

 

[Troppo]

Many thanks.

Good old HF ain't dead yet...

 

[mjt57]

JB (or any "expert" in these matters), what are your thoughts on this one?

Missing Malaysia Airlines flight could have fallen victim to world's first 'cyber-hijack'

I'd have to ask though, wouldn't this only be possible whilst the aircraft was still in mobile coverage range?

If it's possible to do in the first place, that is...

 

[Troppo]

Hey JB - had a listen to 8867 today, and heard QF15 checking selcall as you advised.

Forgot to mention how wonderful it is to see the Senior Service in their rightful place.

:mrgreen:

Are there many other ex-Pussers in QANTAS?

Rgds

An ex-WEEO

 

[Welsh-Kiwi]

JB, firstly, this is a great thread. I'm not sure if United still allow passengers to tune into the flight deck chatter with air traffic control, but do you think this is a good idea and has Qantas ever allowed this?

Thanks
W-K

 

[harvyk]

Hi JB, just wondering if you have your schedule for May as yet?
(Personally I've got fingers crossed you're flying QF12 on 21st May)

 

[jb747]

JB (or any "expert" in these matters), what are your thoughts on this one?

Missing Malaysia Airlines flight could have fallen victim to world's first 'cyber-hijack'

I'd have to ask though, wouldn't this only be possible whilst the aircraft was still in mobile coverage range?

If it's possible to do in the first place, that is...

There's a lengthy thread elsewhere in the forum on the subject of MH370. Basically though, I think it's rubbish.

Actually I think most of the theories fall into that category...

 

[jb747]

JB, firstly, this is a great thread. I'm not sure if United still allow passengers to tune into the flight deck chatter with air traffic control, but do you think this is a good idea and has Qantas ever allowed this?

I think some of the US airlines still do this. We never have. I don't think it's a good idea...ignorance is sometimes bliss.

 

[jb747]

Hi JB, just wondering if you have your schedule for May as yet?
(Personally I've got fingers crossed you're flying QF12 on 21st May)

Rosters won't come out for another couple of weeks. In large part I'm on leave over April, May and June. I'll most likely do a 93/94 somewhere between the 29th of April and 11th of May.

For the last 8 months or so, we've been building a new house, and hopefully it will be handed over in a few weeks, so I'll spend all of that time trying to turn a building site into some semblance of a yard.

 

[defurax]

Rosters won't come out for another couple of weeks. In large part I'm on leave over April, May and June. I'll most likely do a 93/94 somewhere between the 29th of April and 11th of May.

For the last 8 months or so, we've been building a new house, and hopefully it will be handed over in a few weeks, so I'll spend all of that time trying to turn a building site into some semblance of a yard.

Can you try and make it QF94 on May 2nd

 

[mjt57]

For the last 8 months or so, we've been building a new house, and hopefully it will be handed over in a few weeks, so I'll spend all of that time trying to turn a building site into some semblance of a yard.

Half ya luck. I'm heartily sick of it, myself.

You upsizing or downsizing?

As for the comments regarding that missing flight I've never seen so my backflips and turnarounds regarding theories behind it.

 

[jb747]

Half ya luck. I'm heartily sick of it, myself.

It's been progressing well, so whilst we'd like to be in it, there haven't been any problems.

You upsizing or downsizing?

Moving to the country more than anything else.

 

[AVC]

Here's an interesting concept.

As JB like to call the Airbus "the electric jets", are the brake pedals big switches or are they still "old fashioned" hydraulic (assisted naturally).

The reason I ask is that cars are getting more electric. Our latest horse has electric park brake (which is handy as the wife can't drive off with it engaged), electric throttle, electric gear shift (which irks me somewhat, I just cant get used to turning a silly knob, couldn't they have just had a little mini gearshift like the Airbus throttle?), electric seat/windows. No electric tailgate but they are not uncommon. Any sunroof these days is naturally electric.

Brakes are getting electric brake assist (in emergency braking), and electronic brakeforce distribution, so my main question is do you think that car brakes would go full FBW?

After that, the only thing left would be FBW steering. :shock: