Flying commercial airplanes is a complex and challenging task that requires a high level of training, skill, and attention to detail. From pre-flight inspections to landing and shutdown, there are numerous steps and procedures that pilots must follow to ensure a safe and successful flight.
In this topic, we will explore the key steps and principles of flying commercial airplanes, covering everything from pre-flight preparations and takeoff, to cruising and descent, and finally landing and shutdown. We will provide a detailed overview of the various phases of a commercial flight, and the important tasks and procedures that pilots must complete during each phase. By understanding these steps and principles, aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex and demanding nature of commercial aviation, and learn how to fly a commercial airplane in a safe and effective manner.
Pre-flight
Before the flight, the pilot conducts a pre-flight inspection to ensure that the aircraft is in good condition. The pilot also reviews the flight plan and conducts a briefing with the crew, verifying that all the systems are working, checking the fuel levels, and ensuring that the cabin doors are securely latched.
Start-up
After boarding the passengers, the pilot begins the start-up procedure, which involves checking:
Battery On: The pilot turns on the aircraft’s battery to activate the electrical systems. This allows the pilot to check the instrument panel to ensure that all the necessary gauges and indicators are working correctly.
Avionics On: The pilot turns on the avionics systems, which include communication and navigation equipment. These systems are crucial for ensuring that the aircraft can communicate with air traffic control and navigate to its destination safely.
Fuel Pump On: The pilot turns on the fuel pump to ensure that the fuel is properly circulating through the aircraft’s systems. This also helps to check for any issues with the fuel system, such as leaks or clogs.
Engine Start: The pilot starts the aircraft’s engines, typically by turning a key or pressing a button. During the engine start, the pilot will monitor the engine’s gauges to ensure that it is starting correctly and that there are no issues.
Taxiing
Once the aircraft is ready to move, the pilot navigates the aircraft to the runway while communicating with air traffic control. Things to watch when taxiing:
- Obstacles: The pilot must be aware of any obstacles that may be in the way, such as other aircraft, ground vehicles, or people. They should always keep an eye out for any objects that may come into the aircraft’s path.
- Taxiway Signs: The pilot should pay attention to the taxiway signs that indicate the direction of travel, and any other important information about the taxiway they are on.
- Markings: The pilot should watch for the markings on the taxiway, including centerlines and edge lines. These markings help guide the pilot in the correct direction and ensure that the aircraft is properly aligned with the taxiway.
- Aircraft Movement: The pilot should also be aware of the movement of other aircraft in the area, especially when taxiing in congested areas such as airports with multiple runways.
- Radio Communications: The pilot should listen to the radio communications from the air traffic control tower to ensure they have the correct instructions for taxiing, and to stay aware of other traffic in the area.
- Airport Diagram: The pilot should use the airport diagram to ensure they are following the correct taxi routes and avoiding any restricted areas.
- Ground Speed: The pilot must keep the aircraft at a safe speed while taxiing, to avoid accidents and comply with airport rules and regulations.
Takeoff
The pilot takes off, guiding the aircraft up to cruising altitude while following standard procedures. Series of checks performed during takeoff phase include:
- Flight Controls: The pilot checks that the flight controls are moving freely and in the correct direction. This includes testing the ailerons, rudder, and elevator.
- Instruments: The pilot checks that all instruments are functioning properly and displaying accurate information. This includes airspeed indicators, altimeters, heading indicators, and engine gauges.
- Flaps: The pilot checks that the flaps are set in the correct position for takeoff. This is usually a predetermined setting based on the weight of the aircraft and other factors.
- Fuel: The pilot verifies that there is enough fuel in the tanks for the planned flight and that the fuel transfer system is working correctly.
- Landing Gear: The pilot checks that the landing gear is fully extended and locked in the down position.
- Brakes: The pilot tests the brakes to ensure that they are functioning properly and that the aircraft can be stopped if necessary.
- ATC Clearance: The pilot obtains clearance from air traffic control for takeoff, and verifies that the takeoff clearance is correct.
- Takeoff Power: The pilot sets the engines to the correct takeoff power based on the weight of the aircraft and other factors.
- Communication: The pilot communicates with the crew and passengers to ensure that everyone is ready for takeoff.
- Before Takeoff Briefing: The pilot conducts a briefing to explain the takeoff procedure, emergency procedures, and other important information to the crew and passengers.
Climb
After takeoff, the pilot initiates the climb, which involves increasing the altitude while maintaining a steady speed. Things to check during climb phase:
- Monitor Instruments: The pilot should keep a close eye on the airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, heading, and other critical flight instruments to ensure that the aircraft is climbing as expected.
- Retract Landing Gear and Flaps: As the aircraft gains altitude, the pilot will retract the landing gear and flaps to reduce drag and increase speed.
- Monitor Engine Performance: The pilot should monitor the engine gauges to ensure that the engines are performing correctly and that the aircraft is maintaining a safe rate of climb.
- Maintain Climb Speed: The pilot should maintain the proper climb speed for the aircraft, which is usually a predetermined speed based on the weight of the aircraft and other factors.
- Monitor Air Traffic Control: The pilot should remain in contact with air traffic control and follow their instructions to ensure that the climb is safe and that the aircraft is on the correct path.
- Adjust Aircraft Trim: As the aircraft gains altitude, the pilot may need to adjust the trim to maintain the correct pitch attitude and to reduce control pressures.
- Conduct Systems Check: The pilot should perform a systems check during the climb phase to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly and that there are no issues with the aircraft.
Cruise
The cruise phase of the flight can be relatively calm and uneventful, but the pilot must remain vigilant and attentive to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Things to watch:
- Instruments: The pilot should continuously monitor the aircraft’s instruments, including airspeed, altitude, heading, and engine gauges, to ensure that the aircraft is flying at the correct altitude and airspeed.
- Fuel Consumption: The pilot should keep track of the fuel consumption to ensure that the aircraft has enough fuel for the entire flight and plan for fuel stops if necessary.
- Weather: The pilot should keep an eye on the weather conditions and anticipate any changes that may affect the flight. The pilot should also keep in contact with air traffic control to receive the latest weather information.
- Navigation: The pilot should check the navigation equipment and ensure that the aircraft is flying on the correct flight path. This includes making any necessary course corrections and following air traffic control instructions.
- Passengers and Crew: The pilot should periodically check on the passengers and crew to ensure their comfort and safety.
- Systems Check: The pilot should conduct periodic systems checks to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly and that there are no issues with the aircraft.
- Communication: The pilot should remain in contact with air traffic control and other aircraft in the vicinity to ensure safe separation and to receive updated information about the flight.
- Emergencies: The pilot should be prepared for any emergencies that may arise during the cruise phase and have a plan in place to respond to them.
Descent
As the aircraft approaches the destination, the pilot initiates the descent, reducing the altitude and speed while following standard procedures, and prepare for landing. What to do during descent phase:
- Review the Approach Briefing: The pilot should review the approach briefing to ensure that they are aware of the approach procedures, the runway configuration, and any potential hazards in the area.
- Reduce Speed: The pilot should begin by reducing the aircraft’s speed to the recommended approach speed. The approach speed varies depending on the aircraft type, weight, and other factors.
- Descend at a Safe Rate: The pilot should initiate the descent at a safe rate to ensure that the aircraft maintains a safe and controlled descent.
- Monitor Instrumentation: The pilot should continuously monitor the aircraft’s instruments, including the altimeter, airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator, and engine gauges, to ensure that the aircraft is descending safely and at the proper speed.
- Communicate with Air Traffic Control: The pilot should remain in contact with air traffic control and follow their instructions to ensure that the aircraft is on the correct path and is properly sequenced for landing.
- Extend Flaps: The pilot should extend the flaps to increase the lift and reduce the aircraft’s speed. The amount of flap extension varies depending on the aircraft type and the landing weight.
- Lower Landing Gear: The pilot should lower the landing gear to provide the airplane with a stable platform for landing. The landing gear can be lowered manually or automatically, depending on the aircraft type.
- Arm Spoilers: The pilot should arm the spoilers, which are the panels on the wings that help slow the aircraft after landing.
Landing
The pilot lands the aircraft, guiding it to the runway while communicating with air traffic control. The Landing checklist may vary depending on the type of aircraft, but here are some common items that may be included:
- Landing Gear: The pilot should verify that the landing gear is down and locked.
- Flaps: The pilot should verify that the flaps are set to the proper position for landing.
- Spoilers: The pilot should verify that the spoilers are armed.
- Altimeter: The pilot should verify that the altimeter is set to the correct local altimeter setting.
- Approach Speed: The pilot should verify that the aircraft is at the correct approach speed.
- Fuel: The pilot should verify that the fuel level is sufficient for landing and for any necessary go-arounds.
- Landing Lights: The pilot should verify that the landing lights are on.
- Passenger Briefing: The pilot should brief the passengers on the landing procedure and any other relevant information.
- Emergencies: The pilot should review emergency procedures for any potential issues during landing.
Shutdown
After landing, the pilot turns off the engines and performs post-flight checks to ensure that the aircraft is in good condition. Here are the steps that a pilot should follow during the shutdown phase:
- Parking Brake: Apply the parking brake to keep the aircraft stationary.
- Shut Down the Engines: The pilot should follow the procedures for shutting down the engines, including reducing the power and turning off the ignition.
- Electrical Systems: Turn off all electrical systems, including the avionics and the battery.
- Remove the Checklist: Remove the landing checklist and any other flight documents from the cockpit.
- Deplane Passengers: The pilot should wait until the passengers have deplaned the aircraft before exiting themselves.
- Secure the Aircraft: The pilot should secure the aircraft by closing all doors and hatches, removing any trash or debris, and locking the doors.
- Post-Flight Inspection: Conduct a post-flight inspection of the aircraft, looking for any damage or issues that may have occurred during the flight.
If you are interested in becoming a pilot and learning how to fly commercial airplanes, it is essential to receive proper training and education from a reputable flight school. While it is possible to learn some aspects of flying through flight simulators and self-study, becoming a licensed commercial pilot requires extensive training and certification from a certified flight school. A good flight school can provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to become a successful and safe commercial pilot, and prepare you for a rewarding career in aviation.