Being an airplane pilot is probably one of the best jobs in the world. However, as idyllic as it may seem, his/her responsibility goes far beyond carrying people from one point to another.
Pilot’s work is not only about piloting the aircraft. Within his/her routine there are different tasks that must be combined in the most appropriate way, taking advantage of all resources available so that the flight operation is performed in a safe way. Thus, within the different functions of a pilot we may find:
Together with the operations department, they will supervise the flight plan considering the aircraft performance, altitude, weather conditions along the route as well as the characteristics of the departure, arrival and alternative airports.
Coordinate with the rest of the technical and auxiliary crew the flight operation performance, informing them about the most relevant aspects along the route and reviewing the procedures to be followed in both normal and emergency operation.
Upon arrival at the aeroplane, they shall check the correct functioning of navigation systems and will make a visual inspection on the external elements (fuselage, wheels, landing gear, engines, wings…) ensuring that there is nothing abnormal that might compromise flight safety.
In collaboration with ground staff will make the necessary load sheet adjustments, verifying the most convenient distribution of passengers as well as the correct stowage of cargo and luggage in the cargo compartment and, also, adapting the fuel supply to the route and its conditions.
Once the doors are closed, they will maintain continuous communication with the control tower from where they will be authorized to start engines and guided to the runway for taking off after clearing the way.
Right before takeoff, will review the checklist in order to verify, once again, that everything is working correctly.
He/she will maintain constant communication with the different control centers along the entire route, following its instructions and alerting of any anomaly that could endanger the safety of the flight (storms, other traffic, emergencies…).
Will conduct regular checks upon flight instruments so as to ensure that the aircraft is kept within the established plan, checking for proper fuel consumption as well as systems and engine performance, informing traffic controls, at all times, in case a change of course or altitude is needed.
On the flight plan he/she will check that it is being followed according to the scheme and will record any variation and its cause (consumption, altitude, deviation).
He/she will keep a close collaboration with the second pilot, supervising each other so that the margin of error is zero. Resting times will also be adapted to the flight performance in order to avoid fatigue.
Will fill in the relevant flight reports, writing down any irregularity or breakdown for further review and repair.
Will inform passengers about all general aspects of the flight as well as about any incident affecting its normal development (delays, turbulence, deviations from the route…)
Upon arrival, he/she will follow the control tower instructions for a safe landing and a taxi to the parking station without mishaps.
He/she shall give appropriate instructions to the cabin crew on board so that any unforeseen event is promptly known for all and a quick solution is achieved.
He/she will review the relevant checklist, confirming everything is working correctly and properly disconnected.
Will fill in appropriate reports and inform ground engineers of the general condition of the aircraft, reporting any abnormalities.
The difference between a commercial pilot and a private pilot is none but remuneration. While the former can be paid for flying an aircraft, the latter cannot receive any money for such activity, that is, he/she cannot be professionally engaged.
However, since the activity is the same, the functions of both do not vary too much as the protocol for performing a flight operation is the same in both private and commercial operations.
Thus, the common functions for both will be: develop a flight plan; make pre-flight checks on navigation systems and external elements; coordinate the operation with the rest of the crew (if any, in the case of a private pilot); maintain communication with the different control centres, follow their instructions and report any intention to change course or altitude; regularly check the proper functioning of flight instruments; fill in the relevant reports by cross-checking any variations to the plan; review the checklists and verify that, once the flight is completed, everything is properly turned off; inform the ground services of any anomalies that may need extra inspection.
As we can see, there are many tasks that a pilot has to do to fly the aircraft. Moreover, together with all the technical aspects are human skills such as teamwork, leadership capacity, crowd control (in the case of airline pilots, where they are responsible for the safety of more people) or decision making, all equally important to perform his/her job and be a good pilot.
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