Yesterday Sept. 17th (Payday)
The YYZ-SAN sector ended up a smoothie. The seat belt sign stayed off the entire five hour flight. Well... except below 10,000 feet. I sold two books. Both to flight attendants. We had a book signing session at FL 360. One had a boyfriend totally obsessed with airplanes, but unfortunately his colour blindness put a kibosh to his dream.
I had a meeting today regarding me teaching meteorology. Air Canada wants to change the image they had with a few previous courses. How shall I put it diplomatically?Showing up for ground school Monday morning at Air Canada is similar in coming from a 'farm team' and finally making it to the NHL. The only glitch was the coach was a figure skater. They (AC) want to change things and I hope I'm part of the coaching team.
Today, the F/O didn't seem to be really chatty so Captain Doug went into the photographer mode. Here's my art collection...I call it, "Airbus Parts." Enjoy the gallery.
Maybe if I send this to Ottawa I can sell it to one of the galleries for an unfathomable amount of money? I'll just add some artsy descriptions to each pic. :) :) :)
Art whisking at 500 mph (remember to click on the photo to indulge further - heck I'm even talking like them).
The two main Airbus instruments. The PFD (Primary Flight Display) and the ND (Navigation Display) Both rumoured to cost about $100, 000 each.
The tray table is stowed. Later you will see it use.
The flight deck door and the "J" class washroom. During pre 9/11 days our flight deck door would open now and again with a confused passenger thinking it was the lavatory. Don't have to worry about that anymore. :)
Located above our heads. If you are using this rope you are not having a good day (think Tarzan). During my initial A340 training (15 years ago) the instructor knew how to tie a noose. If you were having a "brain fart" you could feel the noose near your neck. How's that for intimidation. (It was all done in fun - I think) :)
Captain Doug's approach charts held up by a bungie cord. No the chord is not Airbus certified.
Need I say more!
You are probably thinking...this toilet is not "art." It will probably fetch me the most. :)
Seriously, the toilet is a main component of any airliner. If you think not, wait until it goes unserviceable. What are airplane toilets called? Lavatories.
Part of the on board library. We have dedicated people who travel the entire fleet updating these books. I bet a Ipod touch could do the same and cut down hugely on weight. Oops, I'm digressing.
They are not called fuses on airplanes, but circuit breakers.
This device better not be lit when we land. Or else the flight attendant may be visiting the ramp in a hurry.
That big thick orange book is the MEL (Minimum Equipment List)
Both pilots and maintenance consult it when there is a snag. It sits behind the captain's seat and weighs about 25-30 pounds. What was I saying about an Ipod touch?
Like the toilet this is a "no go" item. The flight deck garbage bag. It always goes on the left armrest of the first officer's seat. Some new flight attendants may place it on the captain's armrest, but it is quickly moved. It's part number is the "PS-4029."
No I'm not kidding.
This is where the captain stows the flight attendant list. This equipment list must be filled out on every flight.
Up/Down with a little wheel? Yes, it's the landing gear lever.
Some captain's jest, if the F/O does not want to play along... then the captain will make them a "hydraulic engineer" i.e put the gear up and down, moves the flaps and don't touch anything else. :)
If you look at the picture just below, it's the captain's armrest.
This is how we set our personal settings for the very expensive Airbus armrest. Captain Doug is a C-3 guy. I've seen some with whacky settings. The worst is K-9.
I make the joke, a dog has been flying...get it? K-9 (canine).
An expensive armrest to work the joystick.
Mechanical checklist above the glare shield.
This is "plan B" in getting the gear down. Again, one is not having a good day.
Center pedestal with datalink paper. I called up Toronto's ATIS for effect.
How did I do?
Part of the center console. The park brake, gravity gear extension and the datalink.
When I took this photo, the flight attendant told me I was very creative.
Maybe I should sell these photos to an art gallery? :)
Engines 1 and 2.
No Captain Doug is not into voyeurism. This is the peep hole through the flight deck door to the galley. Years ago when on the A340 some pilot with a sense of humour (yes, there are some) put an official looking plaque on the door.
"Caution, flight attendants may appear thinner than they actually are."
It said a lot on the overseas flights. :)
The tray table in use with Captain Doug's tea.
The hats are placed on the back wall. Guess which one is mine? You're right, the one to fit a bigger head. On the oversea's flights, where there can be four hats, there is an unwritten rule as to where each one goes.
The Airbus joystick and the hand tiller to the left. The tiller moves the nose wheel to maneuver the airplane on the ground. Even though the F/O has a tiller, the captain the taxis the airplane. The conspicuous red button disconnects the autopilot.
The rudder pedals. The brakes are operated on the top portion of the pedals.
I hope you enjoyed my gallery called "Airbus Parts!"
45 comments:
Love the pictures of the plane:-)
Pictures are awesome ! I love the checklist on the glare shield. Airbus has good ideas :D.
Dan
Nice pics Doug. Great to see some shots from your "office"!
Yes, I am now and have been for about a month happily residing in YOW.
My next run on one of your birds is to YYT in Oct.
The Other DM
Fun Pictures! I like the peep hole one.
:)
What about the video? No luck yet?
What is the second one about?
Thanks,
-Andrew
Benjamin, "the other Doug, Giulia and Daniel. You all commented when I posted prematurely. I wanted t0 see if this site would host all my pictures at once. I was typing fast as your emails were coming in.
The "other Doug," hope to see you on one of my flights.
Giulia. I did try filming. I tried posting our approach into San Diego, but the file was too big. I must use Youtube. Another day. :)
Daniel and Benjamin. Thanks for taking a look and I hope you come back and see the final product.
Andrew. I guess you too saw my post before I finished all the editing. Hope it's all self explanatory.
Love the pics ! Keep em coming :)
I thought Airbus had Checklists directly on the ECAM (not even sure thats what its called ECAM? one of the main displays?)
Are those mechanical checklists there for backup ?
Thanks for the shots. As a Boeing fan, I always wondered why Airbus went with the sidestick controls. Thanks to your excellent photography, now I know.
It's obvious to me that it is so the captain can still operate the controls and see the PFD while a very large tray is deployed!
Thanks for photos and the info, great post.
Great pictures Doug!! You are so informative! :)
In regards to the Captain's armrest setting - what's the difference between C3 and K9?
Heather
Interesting, and funny post! I see you were over Kansas while taking these. Also, how often do the circuit breakers need to be adjusted?
Very interesting and enjoyable post Captain. This 13 year old A319 showes some wear but is still very beautiful.
As for video files being to big, you can upload them to youtube and embedd them in your blog, it's very easy and people can enjoy them right here, on your blog.
And ofcourse the obligatory question: Do you cary any part of the FCOM with you when flying? Or just the QRH and other important documentation.
I found an interesting document that might interest other airbus enthusiasts:
http://www.nafa.se/ftp/AIRBUS-A320_Brifing_for_pilots.pdf
Kind regards,
Edwin S.
Hi Dominic. There are no "regular" checklists on the ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor).
However, if there is a failure of any kind, the failure will appear on the ECAM and tell you what to do. Not only does it tell you what to do, but it knows when you activated the appropriate switches/levers. Therefore, there are no memory items on the Airbus.
Well at Air Canada we have two, but they are in-house.
So the mechanical checklists cover the "before start," "after start," "before take off" checklists. We have a plasticized checklist for the "pre-descent," "in range," "parking" and "termination" checklist.
Thanks for the question.
Captain Doug
Capt. Schmoe. We Airbus guys are still intrigued as to why Boeing has stuck with the control column.
I suspect for two reasons:
1. They won't admit to defeat. The tray table is an excellent device especially on long haul.
2. They have gone with commonality. A Boeing 767 pilot can adapt more readily in the new 787.
Thanks for the comment.
Heather. I knew someone would ask that! Hey, I'm off to Calgary today, maybe I'll show you the difference with a couple of pics. The armrest pivots up and down (for height) and then angles for comfort. When I show you "k-9" you will be saying...huh?
Thanks Heather
Nathaniel. Good eye! While flying in that neck of the woods we talk to "Albuquerque Control" It's a bit of a tongue twister.
As far as the circuit breakers, they are only pulled if a computer or device needs to be rebooted. Most of the CBs are monitored by the ECAM. If a breaker pops, we are not allowed to reset it. This stems from a DC-9 fire many years ago in Cincinnati.
Thanks for the kind words.
Edwin. You must be privy to some info if you know the aircraft's age. :)
(Our quickest way on the flight deck to determine the aircraft's age is looking to see when the "jurassic park" magnetic compass has been swung).
We don't carry the QRH, it's on board. Both the captain and f/o have one.
As far as the FCOM (Flight Crew Operating Manual), I do carry the "SOPs" (Standard Operating procedures) which is not mandatory for the captain.
I took a quick look at your link. What a great overview of the Airbus!!! Thank you. I'm certain many readers will appreciate this. Well done!
Captain Doug
I just thought it looked a bit "scratched up" in some places and just looked up the reg =P
When you do get on the 767, aren't you gonna miss the tray on the long hauls? And the fly-by-wire, glass cockpit etc?
Is there a pay raise involved in getting the 767?
Good luck and hope you get there soon, it would be fun reading some longer haul posts from you!
// Edwin
Yes, some of the Airbus fleet is over 20 years old now.
As far as the B767 it will be a step back in time, but the pay raise ($15,000 to 20,000) will dull the pain. :)
I'm looking forward to the route structure, The 767-300 goes everywhere. Diversity is good!
Thanks Edwin
Hey Doug, on the first picture on your Navigation display it shows you in ILS APP mode. But your at FL390, when do you activate it?
Getting ready for 613 to Toronto!
re: your ENG1 and ENG2 pic.... I always thought the engines were those big things under the wings!
;-)
Daniel. When we program the "box" we always put in an approach for the destination airport.
Our flight plan predicted ILS 24R for our arrival. So that's what we used. Sometimes we override the LIDO flight plan.
A case in point, when we flew to San Diego, or some reason LIDO had us landing on runway 09. The forecast winds were light from the
west. So I suggested the LOC 27. We landed on 27.
Gotta get ready for work. Off to YVR and then YYC for the night.
Enjoy flight 613.
Captain Doug
Whywhyzed. You know, I didn't think of that. :) lol
Those "big things" will be whisking me and a plane full of passengers to YVR and YYC this afternoon.
Captain Doug
Alright, but don't you need to activate the PERF INT APP which is why it displays on the navigation display?
Daniel. You do have to activate the approach mode. If you don't, and this happens on occasion, the airplanes speeds up to 250 knots.
Not what you want to see on final approach. There tends to be a few expletives blurted out in the flight deck when this happens. :)
But in order to tell the airplane to "fly" the approach you have to engage the "Approach button."
Hope this helps.
Gotta go flying.
Doug
I always thought the red button shot the sidewinders...
Great pics, Doug! Fantastic work!
Tim
To complete, would be great to see MCP and overhead.
Capt. thank you for sharing your experiences! Really interesting reading.
Captain Doug,
Hope you had a good flight into YYC, we certainly haven't been having the best of weather lately though things are supposed to improve next week!
CYYC SPECI 200312Z 05006KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN003 OVC010 05/ RMK
ST7SC1
CYYC TAF 200238Z 2003/2024 06005KT 6SM -RA BR OVC008 TEMPO 2003/2004
2SM -RA BR OVC003 FM200400 03005KT P6SM OVC010 TEMPO 2004/
2006 3SM -RA BR OVC005 FM200600 34008KT P6SM SCT008 BKN015
OVC070 TEMPO 2006/2016 3SM -DZ BR BKN008 OVC015 PROB30 2008/
2014 3SM -RASN BR OVC004 FM201600 35012KT P6SM BKN015 BKN040
TEMPO 2016/2024 5SM -RA BR OVC010 RMK NXT FCST BY 200600Z
BKN003 is never a lot of fun!
YYC Dispatcher
I'm loving the pictures Doug. Seems you have a knack for photography. Do I smell another idea for the next book? A picture book? Hmmm... I'd buy that.
YYC Dispatcher. We landed in YYC around 10:30 p.m last night. They were calling it 200 overcast and 3/4 visibility. RVR was 6000 plus and
it wasn't that bad. But I saw my first runway report for the season, "100 percent bare and wet" and we picked up some ice on the approach. I want my summer back! Having said that, I see you guys had "summer cancelled." :)
One of "our readers" is wanting info on being a dispatcher, can you send me your email again? (I'm having difficulty finding it)
I hope you don't mind answering some questions.
I'm off to YVR this morning and then back to the "big smoke."
Captain Doug
Andrew. That's what we told the kids when they were allowed to visit..."the red button shoots things." :) We still get a "brief visit" from parents pushing their kids in the flight deck during pre-boarding. Usually the parents are 10 times more excited to see the flight deck than the kids. The child just stands there in awe.
I do allow pictures and throw my hat on the child, but they are so taken up with the moment it doesn't always work out.
Captain Doug
Hi Tim. Thanks for the feedback. How is the flying going? Doug
Lavi
Excellent idea!!! An Airbus picture book. What age group should I cater it too? Then again, aviation enthusiasts come in all ages and from
all walks of life. My present F/O got me pumped again to write THAT weather book for pilots. He taught meteorology at the Moncton Flight Centre's
two year aviation diploma.
Speaking of weather...lots of it in YVR (Vancouver) and YYC (Calgary). Now sitting in cold,wet YYC. Off to YVR and then bring the ship home to YYZ
later this evening.
Thanks for the positive feedback .... as always.
Doug
KIMGY I'll try to get some pics of the MCP (Master Control Panel?) and the overhead.
Glad to share the experience.
Captain Doug
What no cup holder in the flightdeck. I figured this is the most important thing on board exspecially for us coffee junkies,lol.
The seat covers have got to go.
:)
Hi Doug. Flying is going great. Leaving Tokyo Narita for Beijing Capital tomorrow. My first trip into the heart of the PRC. Should be an interesting trip especially with the metric airspace.
Tim
Hey Doug love the photos :D and the " if you have to use this, you're having a bad day"
Alex
Hi Chris. There is indeed a cup holder! The only glitch, it's where we put our Jeppeson charts, so it's covered up.
Having said that, many pilots build their own Jeppeson chart holders. They cut a hole out to accommodate the cup holder.
There are even some enterprising pilots who sell an aluminium version. It is so versatile it can work on the captain's and F/O's side.
However, I'm sticking to my one dollar bungee cord. It's lighter and easier to carry in my flight bag.
What's that about cheap pilots? :)
Doug
Hi Alex. It's true about the escape rope. Things would not be going too well. :)
Years ago, a company I flew for thought they would include a flight deck evacuation as part of annual training in the Dash-8. The first officer at the time fell and broke his wrist and ripped his pants That exercise ceased, thereafter. :)
Hi Tim. What aircraft are you flying? As far as the metric thing, it's a non event on the Airbus. Just a push of a button handles things.
RJAA - I miss Narita!
Giulia. I'll take an electric seat over the manual one instead of new seat covers. The old A320's have manual seats which are hard to adjust.
At least that's the excuse I use when I have a snug landing on a non-electric seat A320. :)
I noticed the newer seat covers are dark grey which mask the brown coffee stains. At least I'm hoping it's coffee stains. :)
One has to remember the flight deck is also the kitchen/dining room. There are crumbs and dust all over the place. The flight decks do get cleaned
but as to how often, I am unsure? I noticed there is one pilot who has taken it upon himself to "snag" the cleanliness of the flight deck by writing,
"flight deck requires deep cleaning."
You have sharp eyes to notice the state of the seat covers. :)
Captain Doug
Very nice! Always interesting to read your posts on the real life of an airline pilot.
take-care
Andy
Thanks Andy. Much appreciated and keep visiting! Captain Doug
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