Blog: A week in the life as a Pilot

[TeePee]

Speaking for myself in our Citation, the auto pilot goes on after about 500ft on takeoff, and depending on clearance will usually be set to fly a certain heading and maintain a certain vertical speed. The initial cruising altitude is set (usually as assigned by ATC) and the AP will capture that altitude. Enroute, the AP will be set to Nav mode and will follow the route programmed into the GPS as assigned by ATC. Altitude changes are usually done through setting the new altitude, and making a power change as necessary. The auto pilot will also fly much of the approach, and I'll fly the last 1000ft by hand. The Citation actually hand flies very nicely, and I have flown an entire flight this way. This is typical of GA operations in smaller airplanes equipped with auto pilots.
Some Airlines have autopilots that are more advanced and can fly 'Category III' approaches, allowing the autopilots to land the plane without pilot intervention. Ths requires special equipment and pilot certification.

[chuckskull]

Enjoying this thread

I imagine it's been possible for AP to do the whole flight, terminal to terminal, no problem for quite a while now, just a matter of computing power and relative postion and speeds. I imagine the problem is that AP has no idea what to do when things go wrong. For example the airbus that lost both engines earlier this year and landed in the hudson. If I'm ever in that situation I'll take an experienced pilot over any computer system.

[Will404]

thanks, really interesting thread

[jim]

I imagine the problem is that AP has no idea what to do when things go wrong. For example the airbus that lost both engines earlier this year and landed in the hudson. If I'm ever in that situation I'll take an experienced pilot over any computer system.

Nah, the computer would be a right laugh.

SYSTEMS: Emergency situation, lost all engine power.
AUTOPILOT: Entering glide mode, moving onto bearing for nearest available runway
SYSTEMS: Current mass dictates landing 6.8 miles short of runway
AUTOPILOT: Emergency fuel dump
SYSTEMS: Current mass dictates landing 3.7 miles short of runway
AUTOPILOT: Emergency cargo dump
SYSTEMS: Current mass dictates landing 800 yards short of runway
AUTOPILOT: Emergency passenger dump
SYSTEMS: All systems indicate glide landing will be successful

[handscombmp]

Sorry i haven't updated this for a while but i've been busy.

To your questions about the autopilot, how we use it depends on the current conditions.

They are very advanced now and can land a plane in fog but it's only done when it's a real must. That because you have to leave more time inbetween planes due to interferance and making sure they are clear of the runway etc.

One thing you do need to bear in mind with though is that the ap is not a just one command (if that makes sense) but a series of different one. You have one for speed, height, heading.

The speed tends to stay on the most as it means you can control the plane without having to constatly adjust the throttle's.

On thurs i had an easy day of flying in which the flights left on time and the waether was fairly good both ways.
It's just a shame by day was ruined by getting back to my car and finding someone had somehow driven along the back of the car.
Luckily my car was parked in a CCTV area so i've got the number plate. If anyof you have a corsa and drove into the back of a S5 i'm after you

That about all from my blog then guys as Fri i didn't go flying.

Hope you enjoyed it and i'll see if someone post a blog of their job up on Monday.

[Andeh13]

Its been a really interesting thread, both from you handscombmp and some other interesting posts! thanks guys

[Tumble]

So who's going for it Monday? I reckon Hanscombmp picks a random and PM's them and then next week, the blogger does the same...

[TAKTAK]

Sounds interesting, you get an insight into lots of different industries

[handscombmp]

So who's going for it Monday? I reckon Hanscombmp picks a random and PM's them and then next week, the blogger does the same...

Yep. All sounds good.

Now really i just need a list of people who would be willing to do it.

If you want to do it then can you please leave a reply in this thread thanks

[Powderhound]

random fact: the pilots also have to eat different meals to each other to reduce the chance of their being no pilot because of the food.

it actually seems pretty interesting being a pilot. but is it not boring sitting in that cockpit all the time? not really doing much.

Surely you can't be serious?
http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/images/airplane7.jpg

[jim]

I might do it in January if anybody's interested, I'm finished for the year next week so no point doing it until then.

Only thing is, I work in IT so it's hardly a venture into the unknown - you're not going to all find out something fascinating that you've got no experience of. Nonetheless, I have a right laugh some days and reckon I could probably build a twitter-style blog out of it over the course of a week. Maybe see how it pans out with regard to volunteers?

[dave87]

Handscombmp - Perhaps start a thread to organise the blogs? That way you could link to each one in turn in the opening post?