From the Flight Deck: What am I thinking?

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

What am I thinking?

Here's one question from enRoute's February issue. The question was sent in from "follower" Lukas Kusiak in Montreal. Thanks Lukas.

Please note, that is not me in the photo. Although I am getting greyer, balding, and will probably be wearing glasses when I have my next medical. I talked about seniority on my last post, and it's one of the repercussions of moving up in the pecking order- age.

What Are You Thinking?
Captain Doug Morris answers your questions about aviation.
Monday, February 1st 2010

Q: What does a pilot concentrate on during takeoff? Lukas Kusiak, Montréal

After takeoff clearance, the pilot flying (PF) sets takeoff power and uses rudder pedals to steer the airplane down the centreline. The pilot not flying (PNF) monitors the engine instruments and calls “80” at 80 knots (or “100” on Airbus) to which the PF responds, “Roger.” A predetermined speed, “V1,” is then announced, denoting decision time. “Everything okay” means, “We are going flying!” The PNF then calls, “Rotate!” to begin flight. On your next takeoff, try to envision the calls “80 (or 100), V1, rotate!”

4 comments:

: S.O. Lukas said...; Hey Capt'n!
Thanks for the response! Actually, I was wondering, where are your eyes prior to rotation? I'm told there are some calls on the (PFD?) over the attitude indicator? What about runway incursions and such?

Thanks again ;); February 2, 2010 1:50 PM
: Joe d'Eon said...; I guess everybody does this differently, but one thing I am always thinking during take off roll, at least below V1, is "I can still abort ... I can still abort." I say this to myself silently. And then just before V1, I stop saying it. This gets the word "abort" into my head.

This works for me because if I do abort, I want to say it out loud for the copilot to hear.; February 2, 2010 3:57 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Hi Lukas. You're right there are Airbus calls made from flight modes depicted just above the PFD called the FMA (Flight Mode Annunciator).
The words ... "Man Flex, SRS, RWY and autothrust" rings out in my head.

I have a picture of the PFD/FMA in my "coffin cormer" article.

https://fromtheflightdeckbook.com/2010/01/coffin-corner.html

Someone did a youtube thing on all the calls for take off, climb, descent and landing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVU_OudazyY

The PF looks out the window during the take off roll.As far as runway incursions - not a nice thought.

Doug; February 2, 2010 5:51 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Joe d"Eon. You have a system that seems to work. At Air Canada, we use the word "reject" instead of "abort." Although some companies I worked for in the past used "abort." I'm afraid if I kept telling myself the word, "reject" that when it comes to "rotate" I may call "reject." Again, your system works nicely for you.

On another note, it's a little awkward during the first take off after the simulator. One has to remind oneself, "hey, I got two perfectly good engines."

Thanks for your post.

Captain Doug; February 2, 2010 8:41 PM

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Jan. 07/2010

I found your blog by accident, and I have to say it's the best aviation blog I've seen by far.
I noticed on the right hand side of your blog a link to a youtube video about Northwest 188, and thought you might like to see this descent parody if you haven't already. After reading yours and the FL250 blog about what it's like to work up in the cloudmines, and after one or two long flight sim sessions over the pond, (I sim the 320 and 330,) well it made me chuckle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0_9TIi76a4
All the best, and I hope to keep reading your excellent posts :)

Jan. 8/2010

Dear Capt. Morris, I have to start off like many others have: "I have stumbled on your blog by accident" after googling something along the lines of "plane talk" or "modern aviation stories". Thanks Google! I have been joyfully reading along for the past four months now and as a first year student enrolled in Seneca's flight program, more importantly (what I would like to consider) as a big aviation enthuthiast your blog reminds me why I must work so hard to get to my flying dream. (Trips to YYZ for spotting works just the same but can be inconvenient on time and gas, it can be a fair drive from Scarborough) From the not so great "perks"; Company airline passes. To the joys of the job; Check Ride!/Weekends in the "Box"...(I say this jokingly of course, sounds like they aren't that great after all). I can only get excited with the road that lies ahead. It also gives a little insight in the workload coming along with it!

Jan.10/2010

Hi there Doug: I'm an Emirates B777 skipper based in Dubai ....(entire comment found in post "Competent or Not.") Great blog Doug - enjoy reading it

Jan. 18/2010
Doug Best aviation blog I've ever seen. Especially enjoyed the latest entry from St. John's. Having been stationed in Newfoundland for several years, I'm very familiar with the challenges of weather on the Rock the Rock and flying! Small and large planes. Keep up the good work in the air and on the blog!

Jan.18/2010
Capt Doug. Many thanks for answering my enroute question on "the age of aircraft", published in this months enroute magazine. Also congratulations on getting through the check ; )I am another avid follower of yours and 'The Flying Scotsman's' blogs, always looking forward to the next postings. As well as the interesting technical info, they give us 'we wish we were pilots' an insight into the life of an airline pilot.

Feb. 01/2010
Just a quick note of appreciation and to compliment you on your book. I finished it already and found myself wanting it to continue! I have read alot of aviation books and websites but I found your approach really unique, and learned alot of new things. I especially enjoyed the meteorology aspect of the book. Just like in your blog, I find your writing makes me feel like I'm inside the flight deck with you - especially the take-off part you wrote about.