Ask The Pilot

[Kerrodt]

When I was on the 747, the JFK crews mostly came via Auckland.

Hi JB.
How would the crew get from Auckland to JFK? What sort of route would they take? And do you know what the logic behind that would be, as I'm guessing the hours would be longer. Thanks.

 

[serfty]

Hi JB.
How would the crew get from Auckland to JFK? What sort of route would they take? And do you know what the logic behind that would be, as I'm guessing the hours would be longer. Thanks.

Once upon a time (not that long ago), Qantas flew 747 BNE-xAKL-LAX and vv. Later on this changed to MEL-xAKL-LAX & vv.

I flew on both routes ...

 

[jb747]

Hi JB.
How would the crew get from Auckland to JFK? What sort of route would they take? And do you know what the logic behind that would be, as I'm guessing the hours would be longer. Thanks.

When I use the word 'crew', I'm mostly referring to only the pilots.

The 747 used to fly via Auckland from Melbourne, which is when I was most interested in the flight.

 

[mjt57]

Try sitting at a dinner table and deliberately yawning - after a few minutes, everyone will be!

At work at around say, 2am, it only takes one 'yawn' for everyone to follow suit and the zeds start pumping out.

Our shifts are structured. 7 to 7, 12hrs. I try to understand what you guys have to do, but fail, I think. Like, how does JB manage to get home after flying in from Dubai, for example? I'm ten minutes from home and am in bed and asleep before 7.30am. Other guys have an hour or more drive ahead of them. It amazes me that no-one has been involved in any crashes. So, it's even more amazing that airline pilots manage to, well, manage their fatigue, tiredness or whatever you want to call it.

Speaking of which, JB mentioned fatigue earlier and the possibility of being grounded. How long would that last?

 

[Flashback]

Do our resident pilots think something like this will be a hinderance or help?
Airbus uses cognitive computing to prevent plane crashes - Software - iTnews

 

[Boris spatsky]

Do our resident pilots think something like this will be a hinderance or help?
Airbus uses cognitive computing to prevent plane crashes - Software - iTnews

I think it will be a help in general if they get it right; but there-in lies the problem. Most major manufacturers thought that their current systems were almost foolproof, but we continue to prove that wrong as time goes on.

They do need to address information overload during system degradation; but there are so many variables and permutations that there may never be such a solution.

 

[RAM]

That's a fascinating observation - that when one of you closes his eyes, it has some sort of reaction (to tiredness) in the other. A potentially big point in any industrial relations negotiations.

Ever been driving a long distance with one or two passengers - and one nods off, then shortly after the other one does and the rhythmic sound of their breathing begins to influence/impact the driver?

At least on the road there are constant distractions (other vehicles, bends in the road, potholes to avoid, occasional intersections etc. Not to mention the lane line bumps (on the highway).

vs.

In the air with separation...

 

[jb747]

Speaking of which, JB mentioned fatigue earlier and the possibility of being grounded. How long would that last?

Presumably until you are better, though I think there's a default of two days.

 

[mjt57]

JB, this report

Qantas A380 superjumbo to Los Angeles flies almost empty

is an interesting read for those long suffering eco-pax.

From your perspective, how much less fuel would be required, or would the slack have been taken up in cargo?

In any case, it would've been an easy night for the FAs...

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Maybe this has been Asked before: re: taxiways Alpha1 Bravo2 Charlie3 leading to take off runway, how soon before a flight is the decided?
I realise it depends on how busy an airport can be in regards to take off sequence.

 

[jb747]

Qantas A380 superjumbo to Los Angeles flies almost empty

is an interesting read for those long suffering eco-pax.

From your perspective, how much less fuel would be required, or would the slack have been taken up in cargo?

Entirely empty flights happen every now and then too. Whilst expensive, the airline generally needs both the aircraft, and the crew, to eventually reach the intended destination. It's really hard to say whether they were able to make use of the cargo space. Normally the aircraft aren't near max weight on that sector, so any cargo that's available is able to go anyway. Possibly a bit extra, but I doubt that it made it profitable.

About 30 tonnes less in the way of passengers, would be something in the order of 15 tonnes less than normal fuel for the sector.

In any case, it would've been an easy night for the FAs...

You might be surprised. Whilst I'm sure they don't like being run off their feet, a boring night becomes terribly long.

 

[RooFlyer]

On ABC news tonight was a story about the reported 'numerous failures' of the Wide Area Multilateration ('WAM' - what else ) system in Australia (used, as I understand it, to allow aircraft to land closer than they would otherwise be able to, thus increasing aircraft movements). Told to us that this would impart a dangerous situation because upon failure, the close in-bound planes are instructed to abandon the landing and immediately peel off, resulting in perhaps 4 or more aircraft (in SYD, with landings on parallel runways) needing unexpected and immediate ATC guidance close to the airport. Air traffic Control people saying this was dangerous, as they aren't trained for that number.

I maintain my usual scepticism of any media reporting on aircraft and airports, but would anyone like to say whether the WAM system in Australia has inherent failure issues and if it does, is it a significant issue?

I picked my ears up about WAM because it makes the news occasionally here in Tas - there have been rumblings about it being problematical on-and-off for the past year or so, (such as this) meaning, again we are told, that aircraft can become essentially on their own on approach to HBA. I'm pretty confident I'm in safe hands, but when you are on the final approach to HBA from the north flying between those hills around Richmond at night, you do hope that everything is working OK.

 

[Orca]

On ABC news tonight was a story about the reported 'numerous failures' of the Wide Area Multilateration ('WAM' - what else ) system in Australia (used, as I understand it, to allow aircraft to land closer than they would otherwise be able to, thus increasing aircraft movements). Told to us that this would impart a dangerous situation because upon failure, the close in-bound planes are instructed to abandon the landing and immediately peel off, resulting in perhaps 4 or more aircraft (in SYD, with landings on parallel runways) needing unexpected and immediate ATC guidance close to the airport. Air traffic Control people saying this was dangerous, as they aren't trained for that number.

I maintain my usual scepticism of any media reporting on aircraft and airports, but would anyone like to say whether the WAM system in Australia has inherent failure issues and if it does, is it a significant issue?

I picked my ears up about WAM because it makes the news occasionally here in Tas - there have been rumblings about it being problematical on-and-off for the past year or so, (such as this) meaning, again we are told, that aircraft can become essentially on their own on approach to HBA. I'm pretty confident I'm in safe hands, but when you are on the final approach to HBA from the north flying between those hills around Richmond at night, you do hope that everything is working OK.

For those interested, here is the article http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-...m-regularly-failing-at-sydney-airport/7376740

Rooflyer, in short, you're safe so don't lose sleep

 

[jb747]

Maybe this has been Asked before: re: taxiways Alpha1 Bravo2 Charlie3 leading to take off runway, how soon before a flight is the decided?
I realise it depends on how busy an airport can be in regards to take off sequence.

Taxiway numbering varies around the world.

In Melbourne and Sydney, taxiway A parallels longest runway. In Melbourne all of crossing junctions have their own letter, whilst in Sydney, there's a mix. A6, A5, etc are junctions that join the runway with taxiway A.

In Dubai, all of the taxiways that exit 30L to the left are K, with the lowest number at the northwestern end (so we normally exit at K8 or K9). On the other side of the runway, you'll have the same number, but a different letter. I've probably said it before, but it's often easier to navigate in the air than it is once you land.

To answer your question...it's often not decided until just before we reach the holding point. For domestic operations, in particular, an aircraft may be able to use a couple of the potential start points, and different ones may be offered or asked for. ATC might use shorter holding points to get a number of smaller aircraft away before larger ones go from further downfield.

For the bigger aircraft ATC (in Oz) normally assume you'll want the full length. In Dubai, the controllers spread the aircraft over a number of departure points. We normally work out the performance numbers for the shortest point we'll accept, and just use the same figures if we happen to get a longer run. If you can't accept the one you've been cleared for, then just say so. The controllers have good idea of what's usable.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Ta Jb747.
I travel SYD - ADL a lot and plan seating to A to Z but never get it right, ie viewing SYD CBD on a takeoff from there.

 

[jb747]

On ABC news tonight was a story about the reported 'numerous failures' of the Wide Area Multilateration ('WAM' - what else ) system in Australia (used, as I understand it, to allow aircraft to land closer than they would otherwise be able to, thus increasing aircraft movements). Told to us that this would impart a dangerous situation because upon failure, the close in-bound planes are instructed to abandon the landing and immediately peel off, resulting in perhaps 4 or more aircraft (in SYD, with landings on parallel runways) needing unexpected and immediate ATC guidance close to the airport. Air traffic Control people saying this was dangerous, as they aren't trained for that number.

I don't know anything about the 'WAM' system. We'd need a controller to answer.

From what I read in the article referenced, it seems to have some relation to PRM approaches. That's a system designed to overcome the silly fact that runways are built without adequate lateral spacing (i.e. Sydney 16L/R), and would otherwise be too close to allow simultaneous instrument approaches. I dislike the PRM system...it adds complexity and interfaces badly with modern glass aircraft. Discontinuing a PRM approach will involve a radar heading and climb or descent...the requirement for which will be dropped on you suddenly. Pilots are mentally wired to 'go around' so another different procedure, which is even more rarely done, is asking for things to be done incorrectly.

 

[Boris spatsky]

Ta Jb747.
I travel SYD - ADL a lot and plan seating to A to Z but never get it right, ie viewing SYD CBD on a takeoff from there.

It's a lottery unfortunately. Frequently the runway changes on taxi so no real way to plan it that far out.

 

[juddles]

Just a simple and foolish question - but something I ponder whilst trying to grasp the physics of flight and aircraft:

From a given height, say 30,000 feet, with all engines out, would a jet glide further with full flaps or none? Increased lift vs drag sort of thing.

 

[fairbasa]

Just a simple and foolish question - but something I ponder whilst trying to grasp the physics of flight and aircraft:

From a given height, say 30,000 feet, with all engines out, would a jet glide further with full flaps or none? Increased lift vs drag sort of thing.

I'm going to take a stab and say no flaps. Flaps increase drag and therefore rob you of speed, notice how much throttle they have to put on to compensate? I would think low drag (speed) and altitude are your friends when gliding.

Curious to hear what JB has to say. I'm sure it's also quite dependent on the aircraft, e.g. Cessna vs A380!!

 

[Quickstatus]

Fairbasa, apologies if you are a pilot.

Would rather the pilots be given the opportunity to provide a definitive answer first rather than a "take a stab" answer as this is an "Ask the Pilot" thread

Sometimes the answer may take a few days as they may be inflight or on a slip