From the Flight Deck

It is probably one of the most clean buildings I have ever been in. CAE/AC keep it in pretty good shape.

When I was there they had the 787 simulator wrapped up on the ground. Hopfully sometime I will manage to fly that!

Pretty neat !

Daniel. That's right, you had the privilege of taking a "sim for a spin!" You didn't tell me about your experience. We bloggers are waiting. :)

Very interesting, thanks for posting the video! What's the deal with the 737-200 simulator in Vancouver? It's been years since AC operated that aircraft (albeit for a short time after the CP merger) hasn't it? Is the sim rented out to airlines like Canadian North or First Air?

Christer. We inherited the B737 simulator during the Canadian merge/take over.

I'm not sure who is using it, but I'm willing to bet Westjet doesn't. :)

Doug

Hahaha....I recognized a friend of mine in the briefing room shot. Next time I see him I'll have to tease him about those old man glasses at the end of his nose. I guess when you're a 767 skipper you're supposed to have that look ;-)

Whywhyzed. You pegged it!. I remember being sized up from old crusty captains. They would look over their glasses and it sometimes it was intimidating.
Life is full of circles. In about two years, I too will be a captain on the B767. I'll make sure I wear my glasses so I can scrutinize. :)
Oh well, at least I will be able to say, "Air Canada heavy" and know I have arrived. lol

I might have a question. I always used to wonder this when I flew until I looked up an answer.

How do thrust reversers work?

Probably not an EnRoute question, but what is the difference between Level D C and B simulators?

Captain Doug,

I believe WestJet has gotten rid of their own B732 sims a while ago since they haven't operated the type in some time, though they do 'contract out' their sims too. I'm not sure where Canadian North, Air North, First Air or Nolinor do their sim training though I can poke around a bit and ask.

Air North is slowly phasing out their own B732s and will be adding a B735 with winglets to their fleet very shortly that will join their existing B732 and B734 variants.

As for a possible Enroute question, 'How many flights does Air Canada operate on an average day around the world?' or 'How many different countries does Air Canada fly to?'

Brgds,
YYC Dispatcher

Scote. Just found this info. If we are going for a ride to qualify for a PPC we must use the Level D 320 simulator. It's as good as it gets. Remember a pilot gets their entire license from the simulator. The first time he/she sees the real airplane is with
a full load of passengers. Yes, a qualified line indoctrination pilot flies with the pilot for about 25 to 50 hours.

Doug

Full Flight Simulators (FFS) [4]
FAA FFS Level A - A motion system is required with at least three degrees of freedom. Airplane only.

FAA FFS Level B - Requires three axis motion and a higher-fidelity aerodynamic model than Level A. The lowest level of helicopter flight simulator.

FAA FFS Level C - Requires a motion platform with all six degrees of freedom. Also lower transport delay (latency) over levels A & B. The visual system must have an outside-world horizontal field of view of at least 75 degrees to each pilot.

FAA FFS Level D - The highest level of FFS qualification currently available. Requirements are for Level C with additions. The motion platform must have all six degrees of freedom, and the visual system must have an outside-world horizontal field of view of at least 150 degrees, with a Collimated (distant focus) display. Realistic sounds in the cockpit are required, also a number of special motion and visual effects.

Very modern training facility AC has.
Do you still have the A340 simulator? Would love to have one of those in my garage :P

I thought about buying an hour or two in a full motion flight sim, but changed my mind as I could put those money towards my PPL.

Have you hired all the 51 pilots by now, or are you still interviewing?

Captain Doug,

Regarding all the training done in a simulator:

Doesn't a normal type rating require 6 touch 'n go's?

Scotte 1992. Good question! I'm have an inkling that I may have talked about reversers before but it could have been my own blog.

If not, I'll definitely include it!

Doug

YYC Dispatcher. Haven't heard from you in awhile. Busy dispatching?

You're right about the 737-200s and Westjet. They now have a very modern fleet.

I like your first question. F.Y.I we operate from 650 to 700 flights a day with Jazz operating about the same.

Doug

Edwin.

Yes, we have an A330 simulator in Vancouver. It can be converted to a 340 in about 20 minutes. I think we are still interviewing. The next class (second) has started I think. I'll be there on Monday the 13th.
That means we are up to 20 pilots. Rumour has it another equipment bid will be out this week.

Doug

Edwin

A normal type rating USED to include touch and gos on the real airplane, but not anymore with the Level D sims.

I did my touch and gos at an old air force base, CYYB (North Bay) on the A320 in the good old days. :)

I read through the other comments :P

Hello Captain Doug,

Lots of interesting info on the sims....is it possible for a non pilot to tour them? How close are the sims in feel to flying the actual jet? The different levels look like they have a major impact there. I know our sims at work are fairly close in most aspects...others not so much. I'm sure the sim engineers being on 24/7 help a lot as well as pilot/instructor experience in massaging inputs etc.

Here's a possible question for you...

Why do airplane toilets flush so violently? ( maybe you've already had that one )

Another, that may be a little touchy....feel free to tell me if it is....:)

Post major maintenance...i.e engine overhaul, hydraulic pump replacements etc...are aircraft "test driven/flown" prior to being placed back in service like cars would be?

Thanks,

CAT III Approach

can anyone rent one out for fun? How much would that run you?

Captain Doug,

Definitely have been busy with work...seems like lots of people like to move airplanes in December...

It would be rather interesting to see my question in Enroute since I've got two round-trips booked in December and January on AC, but alas, no A320 family metal...though I'm looking forward to the three B763 sectors.

Brgds,
YYC Dispatcher

Hey Doug I got a Question for you I know that you guys use the sims for training the question is do you guys ever take the real birds out flying for part of your flight training? Take care Chris.

Brad. Basically if the airport is open, the runway condition is okay and the winds aren't a problem then we will fly to the destination.
But if things seem a little dubious then the crew will be off to their alternate.

I saw some interesting stats about flights that went to their alternate due to weather. Maybe once every week? We have 700 flights a day.

Glad you are enjoying the book!

Doug

CAT III approach. If you know an Air Canada pilot then there's a good chance of seeing them. :)

The sims are incredibly close to the real airplane but the ambiance of radio chatter, turbulence, etc is lacking.

I like the toilet question. When the Airbus first arrived at Air Canada over 20 years ago, that was everyone's beef. The noise.
They work on a pressure differential. So much so, they will work above 16,000 feet without any pressure pumps.

As far as the second question. Some airplanes are taken up for "a spin" but it's rare. Generally an engine run up suffices.

Thanks for the questions.

Your sims at work? Refresh my memory where that is? :)

Doug

Anon.

Firstly, I didn't realize Air Canada was out looking for customers.

So I'm not sure what the answer is to that. I'll be there Monday. Maybe I'll ask that question...
if I can remember. :)

Actually, the film clip mentions a website. Maybe there is a contact?

But I've been told they run from $700 to $1000 per hour.

Captain Doug

YYC Dispatcher. Why all the flying? Are they running 767s from YYC to YYZ or are you heading to Honolulu or Tokyo? :)

Doug

Chris, years ago (about 13) they had to do that for the endorsement. It was neat to see a B747 up in the circuit.

Now the entire license is from the simulator.

Captain Doug

Hello Doug

I am organising a Christmas party for my work teammates so I have less time for blog :(

I will resume all my response here

Hockey and Flying: Congratulation for the certificat.

Pilot perks: I'll let me serve anytime by David Beckham and maybe more... the toilet are for 1 or 2 peoples? Same thing for me I believe than Victoria wasn't very comfortable ;)


Flyer talk and more: I feel sad for your daughter who made that mistake (diesel gas). That's the reason why I won't go there... I let my husband do :)Unfortunatly those things happen but at least your daughter put gas in your car that is good news .

Next page

Nadia

next

Dreamlifter pics: I know I can't say to a pilot than his plane is ugly but I have to say Dreamlifter, Beluga, B747 and A380
are not beautiful. Sorry I'm a Dash 8 fan :) :)

Why fly bys: For spotting it makes great pics and vids. Maybe he want the tower tell him if is landing gear was down. hahaha !!! Sorry for the Captain.

Air Canada training: Hurry up to become B767 Captain cause you could be my Captain on my first flight to LHR next year. And maybe take a picture in the flight deck like Victoria... with less legs ;)

Sorry for the stupid things i've said...but you miss me.

Bonne soirée

Nadia

Nadia. Are you saying you would join the mile high club with Mr. Beckham? Shame on you!!!! :) :) :)

I agree, Victoria kind of looked uncomfortable probably because it wasn't Captain Doug's hat. lol

I won't comment about the toilets although I did hear a rumour about one of our model types where this was possible. I'll stop right there!!!! :)

I now get the gas for both our vehicles. My wife got into an accident while getting gas when we first moved to Ontario. (People drive a little more aggressive here). So it's Captain Doug getting and PAYING for most of the gas. :)

Have fun at your Christmas party!!!

Merci Nadia

Nadia. I don't think your comments are stupid. Far from it! You add a "joie de vivre" to my blog. :)

It's okay to be a Dash 8 fan. I have over 5000 hours flying them.

I'll try my best to get on the B767. An equipment bid came out today and they need more 767 captains but only a handful.
It's a deal as far as the picture! :)

I'm flying to Montreal tomorrow morning. Maybe one day we will fly to YQB.

Bonne Soiree aussi

Capitaine Doug

OMG, Nadia!!!! I love your comments! :):):)

Yes!!! Join us getting served by David Beckham!!! I am not going to touch that washroom comment, though. (I'll write you privately on that one!) Ha ha ha...kidding.

Like Captain Doug said, I too like when you write. Don't leave again for too long.

And have fun at your party. :)

Hi Doug,

Some Enroute questions for you (not sure if they are any good):

Who makes the tires for the planes? How long do they last?

Why are the windows so small?

What can cause the windshield to crack?

How many crew members are required for the 777?

Hope some of these are helpful!

Heather :)

Good morning Captain Doug,

Thanks for the answers. I actually knew the toilet one, because of what I do for a living:) Man, there is one heck of a DP when they flush!

Sure wish I knew an AC pilot. Maybe someday I'll run into one in YYZ!

Thanks again,

CAT III Approach

Giulia. Thanks for backing up Nadia! No, not about Beckham but about commenting. :)

Heather. The tire one is excellent. (Used to be only Goodyear, but now we also use Michelins)

The window one is coming out soon.

The windshield one I will leave alone. :)

The crew member one is also a great one!

Thanks for going out of your way!

Captain Doug ... gone flying!

P.S I will be meeting my sister "Heather" in Halifax tonight.

CAT III approach. I'm certain our paths will cross! I'm off to YUL, YYZ and then to YHZ for the night.
Tomorrow night I'm off to see Mickey Mouse in Orlando.

Captain Doug

Nice video Doug. Have you noticed that all the "Sim Halls" look exactly the same? The Toronto Atrium looks the business though - very welcoming. But - there's usually a BUT (;)) - where do they get the people to do the voice-overs? I've seen loads of these these type of productions: publicity material for the latest "whizz-bang mega mis-sile box" to training films showing the procedure to replace a "Number One Floggle Toggle on a Mod 3.1.2.A-1-B Thrunge Reversing Bucket". The're all the same! Do you think there is a storage facility somewhere with all the commentators lined up on shelves - the producer calls the facility and arranges for a suitable candidate to be delivered a 21.00Z... Enough - still a good video.

Also had this delivered to my in-box this morning: RAF Air Clues mag. Interesting article on p. 6 -
The Icing on the Wing

Pt.2

Doug, re the "Sim environment", when I had the time in the A330 configured sim at Manchester - EGCC, not KMHT - the one thing lacking was the ATC transmissions. Other than that everything else was fairly well up to speed, including the demonstration of "moderate chop" during an autoland approach to 05R - it dislodged my water bottle from the stowage just to the left of the LHS!!

One of your "anon contributers" asked if the sims could be hired for "fun" - I don't know about fun, but there is Virtual Aviation in the UK who offer weekend time on an hourly rate at a number of UK locatations, and BAFT - British Airways Flight Training at Cranebank near EGLL also offer an "experience" program. A quick search with a suitable application should provide the required info.

I offer no comment on Mr and Mrs Beckham ;o) !!

Kind regards,

IanH

Captain Doug,

One B767 flight is YYZ-YYC (returning back from Christmas with the family). The other two are a flight to and from CUN for a friend's wedding.

I'm never a big fan of flying around the Christmas season to be honest, full flights and delays caused by weather are never a lot of fun from the passenger point of view. Generally I also avoid YYZ at ALL costs, but it is a small price to pay for an extra day with the family.

Brgds,
YYC Dispatcher

WILL02D I noticed all "sim" buildings have the same ambiance. Almost equivalent to a hospital or a morgue. lol

As far as the voice over, I agree, sounds like the "voice" should be on a ATIS. :)

I guess someone figured if the film is going to be on simulators then the voice should be "simulated." :)

Thanks for the article on icing. I'll peruse over it before I teach on Monday.

And regarding "taking a sim up for a flight." I'm surprised they don't do that here. Maybe "home security" south of the border will raise
eyebrows.

I'm presently in Halifax, Nova Scotia about to launch for Toronto and then due to south to Florida for the night.

Doug

Thanks Doug - re Air Clues, most of the "main features" are winter flying related; a good all-round read. I can relate to the young Vulcan co-pilot who landed in 4 feet of fog! I spent 3 tours - 11 years - in that general part of Lincolnshire and often used to cycle to and from work in similar conditions. Most times, the roadway was just visible but sometimes....

Please give my regards to "the mouse"; Charlies Steakhouse @ Goodings Plaza on I Drive usually did a fair Rib-Eye...

Kind regards

IanH

IanH

Charlie's Steakhouse on International drive? I'll ask about it. We get in there really late though.

Just found out our flight out of Halifax is delayed 30 minutes. It's going to be tight getting out on sked to Orlando.

Seems like you missed your flight captain ! :P Seems weird that YYC de ice takes so long to delay a plane for an hour :P

Daniel. You are spot on! Our flight out of Halifax was running about 90 minutes late so crew sked got another crew to do the Orlando flight. Pity!

Now I'm home, but I have to go back tomorrow to finish the pairing...Ottawa and back.

I met your father! Yesterday and today! Great fella!

Doug

Today eh? Was he kinda mad :D He was telling me about last night. Was he in the middle of the mess with that flight?

daniel. No, he didn't seem angry.... :)

Once you get promotion Iguest your flying days to YYT are over and you will be missed. On another topic what is your favorate restaurant while doing the layover in St.John's Mine would the Celtic Hearth for their home made bread and home style soups and also Blue on Water for their hamburger and ceaser salad. One more the Classic Cafe on Duckworth st. for their clubhouse sandwich using real turkey meat and thick home made bread. Take care, Chris

Hi Chris. It's gonna take awhile to get on that 767. In the mean time, I must check out your suggested eateries. Having said that, it sure is tough
to avoid the excitement George Street has to offer. :)

I used to go to the Classic Cafe for breakfast... frequently. It offers a great view of the St. John's harbour.

But we moved hotels so we are at the other end but MUCH closer to the street which boasts the most bars per capital in Canada. :)

To make 50 comments on this post I have another question.

Could you explain VREF for me, what I know is that it means reference speed for an approach? But could you explain a bit more. I came across this while reading about the 777 flap speeds and it said something like VREF 30 + 80, what does that mean?

Thanks a lot
Edwin

Edwin. You are asking an Airbus guy. :)

But it looks like the reference speed (for flap zero) for flap retraction when the flaps were set at flap 30. (VREF 30 + 80) after take off.

For the Airbus, flap retraction is done at "S" (slat) speed. Airbus uses flap 1, flap 2, flap 3 and flap full. I still don't know what angle of flap that
translate into. :) 99% of our take offs are with flap 1.

I'm certain we are going to get a few comments on this pushing this post well into 50 comments plus. :)

FLAP POSITION: MANEUVER SPEED

FLAPS 0: VREF30 + 80
FLAPS 1: VREF30 + 60
FLAPS 5: VREF30 + 40
FLAPS 15: VREF30 + 20
FLAPS 20: VREF30 + 20
FLAPS 25: VREF25
FLAPS 30: VREF30

Yeah, you're an Airbus guy for now, but hopefully not for long. :)

Do you know if AC has any plans to retire their ageing 767s? Will you be on them at the time of retirement or will you be back to being an Airbus (A330) guy by then?

Also, do you predict any AC pilots leaving for Emirates? I read that they are going on a "roadshow" in Canada to recruit new pilots. They have already done so in the UK & US.

Edwin

^ I think they said they will start phasing them out when the 787's come...Which wont be soon with all the delays. -.-

I think the B767s will be phased out eventually when the B787 shows up on the ramp. But talk about a carrot that seems to keep getting further and further away. We have quite a few 767s, so yes, I will most likely be on them before they head for the desert.

Over five years ago, a few Air Canada pilots left for Emirates but now one is seeing pilots leaving Emirates. I for one, went over for the interview but decided Canada is not such a bad place to live. :)

We had one pilot leave Air Canada for Emirates but since returned. Yes, he lost quite a few numbers on the seniority list but he's happier. I got a great recount of his story when I flew with him.

There's a saying, and it certainly applies to Emirates, "happy wife, happy life." Many got a little grumpy living in the sandbox but for others
they absolutely love it.

The demand for pilots is on the increase, so it should make for interesting times.

Doug

Daniel. You're absolutely correct on all counts. Doug

Thanks for the answer Daniel, that makes sense.

Yeah I understood that you would be on it, but was just wondering if you would have moved on the A330 by the time of retirement :P. How long do you expect to stay on the 767?

Good move by you to stay in Canada as there are currently a lot of pilots complaining about being fatigued.
Especially on the Airbus fleet(A380 excluded).

Do you know why it is that the American industry is opting for the more fuel efficient 787s and why there currently isn't a single A380 order in north america (except ILFC)? I mean, there are a lot of ageing 747s that will eventually retire.

Thanks for the answers Captain =)
Edwin

Good morning Captain.....

I can see 100 on the horizon with this one :)
If airspeed is in knots, then do you mean Vref is, in one example, 80 knots more than stall speed( not sure if stall's the right term, but I know you wouldn't be flying close to stall if you could help it ) for that position.....30 being the position/angle of the flaps?
And here's another one....
When on final approach, and you extend the flaps, I always notice that on a clear day the turbines spool up a bit, but in weather ( fog ) they seem to spool a lot more....is this because you come in just a bit hotter in case of a go around, or am I imagining things? Would the Vref speeds be different in weather, or is that the reason for such a large margin ( + 80 ) so the pilot flying knows that close to the min margin for a certain flap position, he/she better start thinking of choosing a different one?

Thanks again,( great question Edwin )

CAT III Approach

Captain Doug and IanH,

Very interesting article on icing......even more interesting about the tail and how it interacts to provide downforce as flaps are extended. Kind of neat that the conversation in the post was going in that direction, and it was hidden in this article as well a few posts before!

Thanks again....to YYZ on Friday morning for breakfast! Home for the holidays!

CAT III Approach

Edwin. Good question about why no 380 orders in North America. Looks like Boeing is a doing a great job "ruling the roost." :)

CAT III approach. I truly can't answer for the Boeing side of things.

For the Airbus, the engines will spool up a bit as more flap is added on approach. Remember flap also induces drag.

In weather (cloud) the engines will spool up a bit more because engine anti ice is turned by the pilot if the TAT is below 10C.

Vref speeds vary according to weight, wind, engine anti ice, etc. The Airbus calculates it's own. Sweet.

CAT III approach.

IanH's attached article on icing is a great one. In fact, I "copied and pasted" the intensities of icing for my PowerPoint presentation tomorrow.

Doug