From the Flight Deck

Luis Arciniega from London, Ontario asked (Permission received to post)

Luis. We use a combination of GPS (Global Position Satellites) coupled with an inertial reference system. This inertial system uses laser gyros to detect motion and attitude. To be honest both systems get a little confused if we fly directly over the North Pole.That is one reason why the closest route is actually 60 nautical miles away from the North Pole. There are four major polar routes and none of them go directly over the pole.

This was submitted by DJ Nasty Naz from Fredericton, New Brunswick. (F.Y.I he owns an award winning Restaurant in YFC- Caribbean Flavas).

His question: I have been travelling a lot lately, especially throughout the winter season, and was wondering how is it that planes"seldomly" skid off the runway. My SUV has special winter tires, with studs etc on them, but when I asked personnel at the airport they said planes don't have such things. So how do they not skid with all that ice and snow on the ground.Also, wouldn't it be easier for cities like Fredericton etc, where there are huge amounts of snow and ice, for the tarmacs to be heated..? Oh and one more question, ha, how come when we are landing, it always sounds as though the captain turns "off" an engine, as there is always less engine noise....and then coming closer to landing it sounds as though the plane is "SPEEDING" up. I could never figure that one out. Looking forward to your response.P.S great idea to have a column to be answering all of our crazy...weird...wild and wacky questions :)

Dj Nasty Naz. Thanks for your questions!

1. I understand enRoute sent you reference to my "anti-skid" question/answer.

Runways are treated with chemicals (we don't use salt because it's too corrosive) to give better braking action. When the runways are contaminated (snow, ice, slush, etc) we pilots are given a CRFI (Canadian Runway Friction Index).This decimal ranking ranges from zero (nil braking) to maximum braking on bare dry concrete of one. We consult charts to determine whether the CRFI and wind components allow for a safe landing and take off.

2. I often asked myself the same question. Why can't aprons and runways be heated to alleviate snow ploughing?

It sure makes sense here in Canada. 

3. When landing, the engines are near or at idle setting. Sometimes when a gust of wind is encountered the engines spool up a little.

Please see www.enroute.aircanada.com for the latest and greatest.

Why do Air Canada aircraft not sport the Canadian flag? I know the name says it all but it's far from patriotic. Every carrier in Canada has or had but not Air Canada.

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From the Flight Deck: Good question as to why we don't fly around with the Canadian flag!Just to be sure, I checked out some of our competition's livery. You were 100 percent correct! WestJet, Sky Service and Air Transat sport the Canadian flag. I could ask my Air Canada "paint contact" but I'm certain they would tell me the red maple leaf coupled with "Canada" more than suffices. Some of our airplanes have six large maple leafs which may trump the two small ones found on the competition's fuselage.

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Response: Thanks Capt Morris. I find it strange as CP Air even had the flag and Canada written along side of it. I find it annoying that Air Canada doesn't. Is it possibly a polical thing. ie Quebec. If so that has to be rectified as they still are welcome Canadians like all of us :)
I can't believe you responded and am extremely pleased! You can certainly use my name in the blog or anyway you wish. Air Canada is and will always be my favorite carrier anywhere!

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From the Flight Deck: Thanks for the prompt reply and permission to post. I shall. EnRoute will be posting my response to a "paint" question either in August or September's issue. Maybe I'll poke my "paint contact" about this when I get confirmation of my facts. Again, thanks for the email and thanks for flying Air Canada!

From my experience with circadian dysrhythmia (jet lag), remedies are as unique as the individual. What works for some doesn't necessarily work for the rest. Our Air Canada medical department suggest flight crew rest prior to an overseas flight i.e a one to two hour afternoon nap. For passengers, this is easier said than done because of the excitement of travel. Many passengers think they will sleep on the flight. But sometimes you may have a unsettled child nearby, a chatty seat partner or you may be entrenched with our on board movie selection.

Here is what I wrote in my book : From the Flight Deck: Plane Talk and Sky Science. I also copied enRoute's March issue on jet lag.

I assume you are taking flight 860 (YHZ-LHR).

Enjoy the trip.


The Pros' Guide to Jet Lag

You know the symptoms: lethargy, dehydration, disturbed sleep and trouble concentrating. Doctors call the condition "circadian dysrhythmia," while the rest of the world knows it as "jet lag". It occurs when your built-in clock is out of sync with the outside environment, upsetting your bodily functions. Jet lag has been blamed for athletes losing competitions, politicians blundering in international relations and business people failing to secure major deals. Most people, including flight crews, succumb to it in some form or another.
Dr. Claude Thibeault, Air Canada's senior director of occupational health services, frequently advises Air Canada employees on how to cope with jet lag. According to Dr. Thibeault, there is no magical fix for everyone, but measures can be taken to minimize the effects of jet lag. And much of the solid advice he offers flight crews can also be applied to passengers.
Before the flight, Dr. Thibeault recommends plenty of rest. Many passengers think they can get caught up on their sleep during the flight, but it doesn't always work out that way. For a night departure, consider taking a nap for 11/2 to two hours in mid-afternoon, which is a low period in your circadian rhythm.
On the day of your flight, show up early, wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes, and have everything you'll need, such as tickets and passports, readily at hand. Airports are getting larger and more congested, so they can present a real challenge to passengers who are running behind schedule.
During the flight, get as comfortable as possible. Take off your tie, loosen your shoes or, better yet, bring slipper socks. One common strategy to minimize jet lag is to avoid alcohol and drink lots of water, as this reduces dehydration. Consuming water is so important that members of flight crews are given an extra litre for every eight hours of duty.
Passengers can also follow the example of flight crews by stimulating their circulation during the flight. If you see a pilot walking down the aisle, don't be alarmed, as the pilot is probably just limbering up. At the very least, be sure to get out of your seat, if only to walk to the washroom. "Studies have clearly demonstrated that the most successful technique for combating sleepiness is physical activity," says Dr. Thibeault. You can also keep alert by reading, playing a game or conversing.
Once you arrive, your ideal sleep schedule depends on the length of your stay in the new time zone. If you are staying for only a day or so, as is the case with most crew layovers, it's better to keep close to your sleep schedule at home. But if you're staying longer, you should heed the motto "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Change your watch to the new time and try to adapt your sleeping habits accordingly. One day of recovery time is usually needed for each time zone crossed.
Dr. Thibeault suggests that if you don't fall asleep in 20 to 30 minutes, you should get out of bed so as not to associate bed with sleeping problems. Get up and read or watch TV, but don't use alcohol as a sleeping aid, because it upsets the natural sleep patterns. Incidentally, you don't necessarily need one long sleep; two separate periods of deep sleep can be just as refreshing.
The best way to ensure a sound sleep is to optimize your sleeping environment. Set a comfortable temperature, preferably on the cool side. Darken the room - wear a mask if necessary - and shut out any noise by using earplugs. Some crew members even refuse to take hotel rooms near the elevators and ice machines.
Working out can also help take the bite out of jet lag. Studies have shown that people who are fit tend to overcome jet lag faster than those who are not. Some members of flight crews make a point of heading to the gym during their layovers. It is a good idea, however, to avoid strenuous exercise immediately before sleep.
Everyone gets jet lag; it is a matter of personal difference as to how long you suffer after the flight. NASA’s suggests that it takes one day for each time zone crossed to recover from jet lag. The most effective approach to fight it may be to combine multiple strategies rather than to rely on a single one. Take your cue from flight crews, who are veteran troops in the war against jet lag, and keep the traveller's enemy at bay.

Do aircrew suffer from jetlag?
People are often surprised to hear that aircrew are affected by jetlag, although we do get accustomed to it. It helps to stay hydrated with plenty of non-diuretic drinks, such as water and juice, and studies show that physical activity is an effective remedy. I always try to work out in the gym on layovers, but walking also does the trick. And I usually adjust my watch to local time when the flight attendants start asking, “What time are we landing?”

Dear Flight Deck, I've been reading whatever I can find on the web that is published as truth and fact, rather than these fear of flying sites which are no where near factual enough for me. I was an AirCadet as a kid and never had a fear of flying. However, at 36,000ft approx. 1.5hrs into the flight coming back from Mumbai to London on the 5th April 09, I had the worst experience of my life that has left me deeply concerned for my safety and Im not sure I will ever fly again as a result. I can only assume our flight went through clear air turbulence because the sky was clear and bright blue. I have been through turbulence many times before but nothing like this. I know that wings can safely flex up to a metre, but I saw the wings easily reaching this and the fuselage at front twisting to the left and the back (tale) twisting the right, like huge hands were chinese burning the aircraft body, people were thrown everywhere, afterwards all 3 pilots left the cockpit (one after another) to inspect something towards to the rear of the craft. Nothing was ever said to us from the pilots for the duration of the flight. I have completely lost faith in pilots. You see; I transfer my life into their trust and I expect that to be respected permanently. Was this just bad luck, bad crew? Or even scared crew themselves? I thought air clear turbulence could be avoided now? Please help, I need facts and explaination for what happened. Regards Lucy

Took the one year aviation diploma students (Brampton) to Air Canada flight dispatch (March 31st). Located on the 9th floor off airport premises the lights are always on pumping out nearly 650 flight plans a day. Fourteen desks toil around the clock. This picture shows a dispatcher working the "international" (Asian) desk. Flight 015 (Hong Kong direct) already departed but the forecaster is responsible for flight following. He will ovesee the Osaka, Tokyo, Beijing, Soeul, Shang Hai flights plus others.

The entire floor is run by Air Canada and has a great view of Toronto Pearson.