Ask The Pilot

[Quickstatus]

I've never had to go anywhere near it. About 5T below max fuel capacity (20.5T) is normal and thats with carrying an alternate.

Thx. How much flying do you get with 1T?

 

[AviatorInsight]

I assume from your answer that domestically you refer to tons when talking fuel. With us gallons, kg's, llb's as well as tons there is room for mistakes (Gimli glider comes to mind).

Is there a standard fuel unit of measurement and referral for Australian flights and do re fuelers use the same terms ?

Depends on the plane I guess. I’ve always used kg with airliners. Both international and domestic. Even the turboprop was in kg. The GA aircraft were all in Litres.

 

[AviatorInsight]

Thx. How much flying do you get with 1T?

That’s our fixed reserve (30mins).

 

[mjt57]

The GA aircraft were all in Litres.

Most of them are probably little more than Volkswagens with wings, huh?

 

[Quickstatus]

That’s our fixed reserve (30mins).

After fixed reserved is consumed how long before engines shut down?

So a 737 could with usual passenger/freight loads could legally do BNE-PER-ADL on one fill ?

 

[jb747]

I assume from your answer that domestically you refer to tons when talking fuel. With us gallons, kg's, llb's as well as tons there is room for mistakes (Gimli glider comes to mind).

Is there a standard fuel unit of measurement and referral for Australian flights and do re fuelers use the same terms ?

The refuellers use litres. The specific gravity is then applied to convert it to kgs. You naturally end up in tonnes once the fuel load becomes large enough.

 

[jb747]

After fixed reserved is consumed how long before engines shut down?

Zero! How much fuel is in the lines?

 

[Quickstatus]

The refuellers use litres. The specific gravity is then applied to convert it to kgs. You naturally end up in tonnes once the fuel load becomes large enough.

Do the flight crew request fuel in kg?

 

[jb747]

Do the flight crew request fuel in kg?

We use tonnes...but as that's a thousand kgs, I guess the answer is yes. The loading/distribution is controlled by the aircraft.

 

[AviatorInsight]

Most of them are probably little more than Volkswagens with wings, huh?

The trainers most definitely!

 

[AviatorInsight]

After fixed reserved is consumed how long before engines shut down?

So a 737 could with usual passenger/freight loads could legally do BNE-PER-ADL on one fill ?

I’m actually doing the reverse in one day next week. I’ll have a look and see if that’s possible given the tailwinds to BNE and see what scenario it’s possible under, ie, can you do an approach, missed and then divert? Or does it have to be an overfly and head straight to BNE? I’ll confirm next week.

Do the flight crew request fuel in kg?

Yes but it’ll be in tonnes. Eg, uplift 6.6 and burn 3.0.

 

[AisleSeat]

I've been tracking my parents flight on Flight Aware. Thai Airways. LHR-BKK

I noticed that right as the plane reached the Caspian Sea, it began to climb and speed slowed. This continued until they crossed the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, where the speed increased again and the plane had reached maximum altitude.

Is this routine?

 

[jb747]

I've been tracking my parents flight on Flight Aware. Thai Airways. LHR-BKK

I noticed that right as the plane reached the Caspian Sea, it began to climb and speed slowed.

This continued until they crossed the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, where the speed increased again and the plane had reached maximum altitude.

Is this routine?

Whilst it's common enough to get some form of speed constraint on these flights, it's only in the order of .01-.02 mach. The available speed range won't allow more. The wind differs at the various flight levels, so I'd consider the speed changes as most likely caused by the wind. Even if you know that climbing will cost you some ground speed, it's generally best to climb as early as you can when heading towards Afghan airspace. If you don't take the opportunity, then you may find that a later climb is blocked by other traffic, and there are very few alternative levels available.

 

[Quickstatus]

Are there any QF pilots still on leave without pay?

Would their senioroty be affected by time away?

 

[jb747]

Are there any QF pilots still on leave without pay?

There are some, but I have no idea how many. I guess some will soon be faced with the dilemma of coming back. I know a couple who'd be very close to an EK 380 command if they stay.

Would their senioroty be affected by time away?

No.

 

[Quickstatus]

Does Qf or for that mater any airline have any home ground advantage re recruiting?.

I note that Qantas direct entry SO requirements are Level 6 English but no academic qualifications necessary (eg Bachelors degree).

How many other airlines have a Level 6 English proficiency which is at expert level

Is seniority across the Qantas group?

 

[jb747]

Does Qf or for that mater any airline have any home ground advantage re recruiting?.

As a starting point it probably does, but if I were a recruiter, it's not something I'd rely on. For someone with any decent aviation qualifications, there are many other alternatives. In my day Cathay was considered preferable my many of my military peers. They're on the nose these days, but there are others.

I note that Qantas direct entry SO requirements are Level 6 English but no academic qualifications necessary (eg Bachelors degree).

I think they consider the ATPL subjects, and all of other necessary subjects to be the equivalent of most degrees.

How many other airlines have a Level 6 English proficiency which is at expert level

Most, I suspect.

Is seniority across the Qantas group?

No.

 

[Quickstatus]

decent aviation qualifications

Whats a decent aviation qualification?

 

[jb747]

Whats a decent aviation qualification?

22,000 hours heavy jet.

 

[Quickstatus]

With the 747/380 fleet without expansion prospects, changing from right to left seat would require left seat incumbent to retire?

So would some also retire as 747/380 day FO when clock strikes 12 as changing type, base, pay? may not be as good as staying put?