Ask The Pilot

[jb747]

When taxiing, Do such aircraft have "satnav" devices which tell the pilot to "in 100m turn left" in typical female voice?

I have never seen roundabouts for aircraft movements - do they exist?

Run up bays would be the closest thing to a roundabout, but they aren't built any more, and most of the aircraft are far too big to enter them.

There is no guidance. That would require us to know in advance which way ATC are going to send us...and they make that up as they go. have a look here http://aerosociety.com/Assets/Docs/Events/703/Frank Chapman.pdf

 

[Quickstatus]

There is no guidance. That would require us to know in advance which way ATC are going to send us...and they make that up as they go. have a look here http://aerosociety.com/Assets/Docs/Events/703/Frank Chapman.pdf

When pilot-machine interfaces are designed, are there formal human factor analysis and certification before they are approved for use

 

[jb747]

When pilot-machine interfaces are designed, are there formal human factor analysis and certification before they are approved for use

Everything in an aircraft goes through some form of certification, but that simply means that it fulfils the regulations. Some are much better than others (as it is in cars too). Some makers listen...others listen to themselves.

 

[flychrisfly]

have a look here http://aerosociety.com/Assets/Docs/Events/703/Frank Chapman.pdf

Regarding the brake to vacate (BTV) technology on board, how much time does it take to reconfigure when ATC decide to land you on a different runway?
Also, does it work well, as in is it accurate?

 

[hummel]

Always an interesting thread to read, now I've got someone on the *inside* - Best mate just moved to HKG to fly 777's for CX... poor bloke only been OS once to Thailand!

 

[Kc4334]

Hi there JB

Just wondering how long it would take to convert from an Airbus aircraft to a Boeing. I know there are two completely different philosophies but how long would it take to be converted to for instance. The A388 to the B789.

Thanks

 

[jb747]

Just wondering how long it would take to convert from an Airbus aircraft to a Boeing. I know there are two completely different philosophies but how long would it take to be converted to for instance. The A388 to the B789.

In my case, I was long time Boeing, and the entire 744 to 388 course lasted 4 months. I expect going the other way would be a similar duration. Course lengths are varied depending upon the circumstances. I doubt that anyone who could get a seat on a QF787 would not have flown Boeing at some time in the past....there have been a lot of them, and some people have switched between them a number of times.

The companies selling these aircraft all tout courses measured in days...and I guess I could find my seat after one of them.

 

[jb747]

Regarding the brake to vacate (BTV) technology on board, how much time does it take to reconfigure when ATC decide to land you on a different runway? Also, does it work well, as in is it accurate?

Our aircraft don't have it.....

 

[Kc4334]

Hi JB

Recently read an article on the Middle Eastern airlines attracting Aussie pilots over to OMDB OMAA and the like. How many pilots from Qantas go a year and if you had your time again would you pack your bags and head over.

 

[jb747]

Recently read an article on the Middle Eastern airlines attracting Aussie pilots over to OMDB OMAA and the like. How many pilots from Qantas go a year and if you had your time again would you pack your bags and head over.

I have no idea how many QF pilots head overseas, either permanently or for limited contracts. They aren't rare. I have friends who have flown for Emirates almost since its inception...that's where many of the 89 dispute pilots ended up.

My career worked out perfectly where I was...so I see no reason to have moved.

 

[Kc4334]

Hi again JB

Is it rare to get people from different countries on the flight deck on a QF aircraft. Is QF Aussie biased?

 

[straitman]

Lads,

Totally random trivia question - I've heard that on approach to the airport at La Paz in Bolivia, the flight crew (of at least large aircraft/heavies) are required to wear their oxygen masks because of the altitude of the airport, and I guess the reason is if something went wrong you would need oxygen - can anyone confirm?

When I flew into La Paz last December the crew did not use oxygen. It was not an issue until they opened the a/c doors. They did have a doctor going around the immigration queue checking to see who needed oxygen and there were a few (including me). They have a comprehensive medical setup for any and everyone who needs oxygen. My SIL who had a light cold needed a wheelchair to get to the a/c for the next flight.

For those that don't know LPB Elevation is 13,325ft AMSL.

 

[Major]

Just how comfortable are the coughpit seats and what sort of seat adjustment is available ?

As we are all different I imagine you need to adjust the seat nearly every time.

 

[jb747]

Is it rare to get people from different countries on the flight deck on a QF aircraft. Is QF Aussie biased?

I think it's a requirement to be an Australian citizen...though Australia is full of people from all parts of the world.

 

[jb747]

Just how comfortable are the coughpit seats and what sort of seat adjustment is available ?

As we are all different I imagine you need to adjust the seat nearly every time.

They are the most adjustable seats on the aircraft. They move fore and aft (and outwards for access), and vertically electrically. There's tilt/lumbar. The aim is not so much your comfort, but rather to have enough adjustment to get your eyes to a very specific point in the coughpit; that especially affects the angles of vision needed for low vis operations. Boeing and Airbus both have sightlines that you use to ensure your eyes are in the right spot.

Armrests on both sides, with the one on the outboard side (near the sidestick) adjustable vertically and for angle (there are alphanumeric settings, so it's not done by feel). The rudder pedals also adjust through a long range (and again numerically set).

 

[mjt57]

Armrests on both sides, with the one on the outboard side (near the sidestick) adjustable vertically and for angle (there are alphanumeric settings, so it's not done by feel). The rudder pedals also adjust through a long range (and again numerically set).

Interesting point.

How do the seats/position adjustments cater for short and very tall people? Presumably really tall pilots aren't sitting back in first...

 

[jb747]

How do the seats/position adjustments cater for short and very tall people? Presumably really tall pilots aren't sitting back in first...

Adjust the seat to put your eyes in the right place. That will most likely mean that the seat height is lowered. (There's a sight line using parallax to get that). Adjust the pedals forward until you reach the position you like (ensuring that you can achieve full brake and full rudder at the same time). These settings are visible (I use #7). Adjust the outboard armrest to your personal settings (my two settings G and #7). Done. The range of pilot sizes that are comfortably accommodated is large.

 

[mjt57]

The range of pilot sizes that are comfortably accommodated is large.

Wish the same applied to us plebs down the back...

 

[por930]

Wish the same applied to us plebs down the back...

It is....get a F or J seat and you should have ample room, though not with the great view JB has

 

[CaviAck]

I think it's a requirement to be an Australian citizen...though Australia is full of people from all parts of the world.

Was at the Aviation Careers Expo in BNE over the weekend and IIRC they require you to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident with a passport that will allow you to enter all countries that are QF destinations.