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The fact that he’s 72 and still flying is impressive in itself. Having never been to Paro, he’s done a better job than I could do. Although, flying a 737 in the Pilbara is pretty much the same right? 😜 (I’m joking in case that didn’t come through)

Underneath the skin, they are all still 737s. Nothing unsafe about it. Sure some have a couple more functions than others and they all weigh a little different, but they all fly exactly the same. This is why VA can’t just get another operator’s 737 and add it to the fleet. They would need to...

Yeah just chop and change like it’s another aircraft. I had a 3 sector day about a month ago and each one was on a different aircraft. SYD - BNE on an 800 then BNE - CNS on the MAX and CNS - BNE on a 700. This week I did SYD - BNE on an 800 then BNE - PER on the MAX, so it’s now just part of a...

Not yet, it’s coming up next month. I’ll find out soon if it’s in the MAX or NG.

Yep, it’s worse by about a tonne.

DPS - OOL is not restricted, but the reverse is. Taking off on runway 14 is the more restrictive of the two departures at OOL.

From what I can tell the 300-400-500 types had varying options but were definitely a lot less than the NG. The biggest one being rounded dials or that hybrid digital readout on the center panel. That then flowed onto the center pedestal with weather radar and navigation options. Not to mention...

They do have the tiller as well, and this is the problem VA are having. Sure, they can get second hand NGs from around the world but the problem is, that they can’t get enough from the one airline to keep the differences across the fleet to a minimum. Otherwise you would end up flying a 4...

I have actually, about once per week on average. It is a good aircraft to handle, rides turbulence so much better, and is a lot quieter which really helps on big days.

All airlines are different because some are allowed to taxi from the right hand seat if there’s a tiller there. Only the ex Silk Air NGs have a tiller fitted so for fleet commonality we aren’t allowed to touch it.

The Captain will hand over once the aircraft is pointing straight down the runway. This is when they will say “you have control”. I will then take control and call for take off thrust to be set. At this point the captain will then push the TOGA button. On landing after passing 60 knots and I...

It handles it the exact same way it does in the cruise with a crosswind. Applies the drift by crabbing into the wind to maintain the runway track all the way until we disconnect it. The problem when it’s very gusty is that it reacts a lot slower than a pilot would. I will more often than not...

Yep it’s true. There’s a lot of turnover in the junior ranks of late and I’ve bumped into some FOs who just use Virgin as a way to get into QF because of this weird thing with the subsidiaries.

At the end of the day, the airlines are now being run by bean counters. You really do need to do it for the love of aviation. Too many people have come and gone who like the idea of being a pilot but once they realise the package as a whole, many end up leaving for more stability in their lives...

That bulletin came out exactly one year ago today. And still nothing has been done. I’ve forwarded this onto the technical pilots to then move up the chain, especially highlighting Petter’s recommendations with the left pack, which I completely agree with. It’s something I have kept in the back...

None so far for me.

Nope nothing unusual. They issue your descent clearance well before your nominated top of descent and drag you in well below profile. You will also hardly be on the arrival and they will vector you instead to achieve the required spacing. As you get closer they also start issuing speed...

Yes it is really stupid. Even though the engine is just windmilling in the breeze those blades could still injure him if he was closer. The engine wasn’t operating that’s fake news. There’s also chocks and gear pins still in place. My guess is he probably doesn’t have a job anymore.

I should have done that while he wasn't looking. Next time. ;)

1. Yes it is always up to the PIC. 2. We use all of that. The weather radar is the best tool we have on board (besides the MK I eye ball). ATC have a rough idea of the weather in the area so we can ask them but most of the time it won't be anything we don't already know. I have used them to ask...