Be the Kulula Airlines of Your Classroom

Let me take you to beautiful South Africa, home to wild animals, stunning beaches, delicious wines and lovely people. South Africa is also home to a very successful airline you've never heard of before. Out of the Southwest Airlines mold comes another unique airline in a very competitive and tough industry.

The airline - Kulula (in Zulu meaning "it's easy.") Airlines, "which, judging by their jets, has literally branded themselves as a fun airline. Everything is labelled in a fun way: the emergency row is called the "throne zone," the rudder is "the steering thingy" and the overhead compartments are "VIP seating for your hand luggage." (Humor at Work: Airline Has Great Fun Branding Itself, April 10, 2013)

This is a low-cost airline that doesn't take itself too seriously. You could understand it by looking at the images that I found of the aircraft. But it's more than the paint on the plane. It's a culture of fun, play and humor.

How do you differentiate in a mature industry (any industry for that matter). Why not look at an industry that is extremely mature - airlines. Not just any airlines, Kulula Airlines, a quirky upstart from South Africa.

After 11 years since launching, Kulula Airlines has actually become the No. 2 carrier in South Africa (2nd only to a government owned airline), thanks to eye-catching ad campaigns that depict ordinary flyers as superheroes, under their slogan, 'Now anyone can fly!' Now, the airline is going even further with humor, using it both inside and outside the plane.

Humour has been part of Kulula from day one, said Heidi Braurer, Kulula's marketing chief. It is well to be easy and funky, but this is serious business, too. They are encouraged to be interacting and original, but not insulting to anybody, Braurer said. We don't hire them as comedians, we hire them as flight attendants. But outside the plane's cabin, Kulula is turning heads and making a name for itself in the process. The company has become very liberal with their exterior decoration (lime green paint), painting some planes with cows, signs that read This Way Up, and even adding arrows that point out each individual feature of the plane, including the black box, the seats, the back door, the nose cone, and even where the co-captain sits. It's highly unusual for an airliner to not take itself so seriously, and people are noticing. (International Business Times, "Kulula Airlines: Funny 'Flying 101' Jet Brings Airplane Humor to the Skies," March 22, 2012)

One of their six core values is Great Fun, which they define as: "We help people lighten up. Smiles and jokes are free. We always want to be genuinely friendly and provide the right environment for our staff's natural talent to shine." ("Humor at Work: Airline Has Great Fun Branding Itself," April 10, 2013)

To deliver WOW experience could also be justified on what they have done to boring & lame "flight safety lecture" when delivering it to passengers by making it more entertaining and edible. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

• On a Kulula flight, (there is no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"


• On another flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."


• On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have."


• After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in the Karoo, a flight attendant on a flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."


• Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Kulula Airlines."


• "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."
• And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Kulula Airlines is pleased to announce that we have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
• Heard on Kulula 255 just after a very hard landing in Cape Town. The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."

(D3eksha, Delivering Wow Experience: A Lesson to Learn from Kulula Air)

If in the airline industry - which relies on safety and security to the Nth degree - can inject humor into their daily operations with success, then it's a no-brainer that we in higher education can do so as well!

There are lots of great business examples of success while having fun (sounds like another post).

So next time you're struggling to create classroom and teacher differentiation, try a little humor.

As a recovering lecturer Russ Johnson makes a living in the classroom and corporate training room on a variety of topics (teacher training, student engagement, change management, etc). A popular speaker, trainer and author. http://teachertrainer.com/

Being a Commerical Airline Pilot

Today just in the UK there are well over 10,000 trained airline pilots flying different sized aircraft all over the world. There are also many more people looking to become airline pilots and it is arguably one of the best jobs in the world.

The gradual progression of the career path of an airline pilot is essential and should not be rushed under any circumstance. Putting a pilot into an aircraft who is not yet fully competent endangers the lives of all the passengers. Pilots will initially start off with smaller air craft often on short haul flights to help them build up their experience. Usually after about 5 years they will apply to become co-pilots on long haul flights and make the gradual progress to pilot. Promotion to the position of captain usually requires at least 2,400 flying hours but this is dependent on each individual and salaries can range from around £25,000 to £80,000 or more a year.

The minimum qualification required for an airline pilot is a 'frozen' Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). This involves passing written examinations for the ATPL and doing 200 hours of flight training, including flight tests. Commercial pilots are put in charge of a machine that is literally worth millions of pounds and therefore to become a pilot you need to develop a number of key skills. Although this job has a number of benefits, their is also a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of the pilot as they are responsible for all the people on board. They must ensure they arrive at their destination safely.

Air Traffic control plays a key role in helping the pilot to undertake their job. It is this teamwork that often ensures a safe and secure landing and take off. As an aircraft progresses along a flight route and moves into airspace handled by different air traffic control centres, communication will be transferred to a new controller for each particular sector of airspace.

The pilot is the captain of the aircraft and he must therefore demonstrate leadership qualities by directing his crew and ensuring that they all fulfill their duties before, during and after the plane has taken off.

If you feel that you would not be able to handle the responsibility that the job of a pilot brings with it then it is recommended that you do not apply for this role. This is often a part of the job that many applicants do not consider and it can hinder them in their application.

Airline pilots are responsible for flying aircraft, people and luggage around the world safely. Airline pilots will typically work on a shift basis and many get to travel to all parts of the world. One of the great advantages of becoming an airline pilot is that each day is different, exciting and brings with it new challenges and new people.

For information regarding the pilot selection process please click here: Become A Pilot [http://www.become-a-pilot.co.uk]

Pilot Jobs - Did You Know That There Were So Many Different Types?

The job of the pilot is to fly the plane right? But I bet you didn't know that so many different types of pilot jobs exist!

There are many types of aviation pilot jobs in the market, and they all have different entry requirements, remuneration packages, and professional responsibilities.

These positions are among some of the higher paying professions in the world. According to 2010 official statistics, the median annual wages and salaries for commercial pilots and co-pilots was $103,210. However, aviators working in other fields in the aviation industry may earn wages a little bit lower or higher than this.

After completing the prescribed course of study and attaining the required flight-hours, these aviators can join any of the various fields available in the air transport industry.

For instance, a person can decide to pilot a helicopter, corporate jet, commercial airplane, charter or air taxi, cargo plane, test plane, agricultural plane, commuter airline or international airline, or even become a flight instructor among other positions. Each of these professions is rewarding, so qualified aviators can pursue careers in any of these fields.

Great information about the many different types of aviation careers can be found here or here.

Almost every aviator dreams of flying a large commercial airplane for a major regional or international airline. These jobs are often very rewarding with salaries between $100,000 and $200,000 annually.

The main responsibility of cargo pilots is to carry cargo from place to place. This can be for a courier company or an import-export company. Cargo aviators earn between $23,000 and $200,000 or more annually.

Helicopter pilots are normally tasked with ferrying workers to remote areas like offshore oil rigs, evacuating people during natural disasters, rescue missions, and flying reporters and photographers and others to their destinations. These are among many other jobs that they can do. Helicopter aviators take home between $27,000 and $59,000 annually.

Agricultural pilots earn between $20,000 and $70,000 per year. Their duties include flying crop dusters over farms to apply herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides, and to plant seeds. They can also carry out aerial surveillance of livestock or wildlife.

Before anyone can become an aviator, he or she must have a relevant college degree or diploma, specialized training, a certain number of flight hours and a license from aviation authorities.

There are many schools that offer aviation training around the world, so anyone who wishes to pursue an exciting aviation career can easily research them.

Aviation is definitely an exciting industry and there are so many different opportunities that exist for anyone wishing to obtain a pilot's job... It may even be a great idea for anyone who wishes to switch careers or start a new career!

Even if it's not as a career, flying a plane certainly makes for an exciting hobby. It doesn't have to be all that expensive as one may think either!

Information about flying a plane is so easy to find, so for those who like excitement in a career or as a hobby this field is definitely worth checking out!

By Ken L. Larizza

[http://pilotskill.com]

Have you ever dreamed of flying an aircraft or piloting your own plane as a career choice or as a hobby?

Did you ever wonder what it takes to become a pilot?

If so, please go to [http://pilotskill.com] now to grab a FREE REPORT on how to get your pilot's license and learn how to fly!

Why You Shouldn't Be Scared of Flying

Even in its most abbreviated form it takes 20 minutes to explain all the things that happen before the engines start on the flight that takes you on holiday. For anyone with a fear of flying knowing about the care that goes into getting ready for a flight makes a difference to how they feel when taking a flight. The well-known saying 'Knowledge is power', is often quoted but it's nowhere more relevant than in flying, especially if you're scared. Here's a summary what happens before you even board the flight.

The crew meet about an hour before the flight. While the pilots check the route and weather and decide how much fuel they'll need. The cabin crew find out about the passengers and the services they'll be offering on the flight. Most airlines take their crews to the aircraft together and plan to be at the plane about 35 minutes prior to departure. One pilot checks the outside of the plane while the other 'sets' all the instruments for the flight. Meanwhile the cabin crew are checking all the safety equipment on board and ensuring that the food and beverages have been loaded and are sufficient for the flight. As soon as the crew have completed their checks the senior crew member will let the departure lounge know that they are ready to board the passengers.

For so many people with a fear of flying this is the moment when all those weeks or months of anxiety and all the efforts to overcome their fears will be put to the test. But it's important to remember that everything we do in commercial aviation is about safety, cabin service and passenger welfare are second to safety. Without safety and airline has no reputation. So as you board your flight be confident that you are in safe hands.

While you take your seat the engineer is completing their checks, the refueller will have put the fuel on board, and the airline's operations department will submit the flight plan to Air Traffic Control. Once you are settled the crew will make sure that the number of passengers is the same as the number checked in and confirm this with the dispatcher who will give the captain the weight and loading information for the flight. Once the captain has signed and accepted the 'papers' the plane is almost ready for the flight. Finally the engineer brings the aircraft maintenance log to the cockpit for the captain to sign and then and only then is it time to close the doors and start the engines.

The thing that passengers with a fear of flying won't see of course is the constant checking and cross checking of everything that the crew and ground staff do. They won't see the tightly enforced procedures that an airline has to use. They won't see the years of sophisticated training that ensures that every crew member is operating to the highest standards. If you have a fear of flying be confident that nothing is left to chance on your flight, everything is checked and double checked every procedure is approved everything is performed to the highest standards.

You can not travel more safely than on a modern jet aircraft...not even cycling to your local grocery store, flying is the safest form of transport. Meanwhile stay informed and remember that flying is normal and for everyone in the world of commercial aviation it's the best job in the world.

Author Captain Keith Godfrey has been involved in aviation for over 50 years. He has amassed over 20,000 flying hours experience and now runs the internet's biggest web site to help people to overcome the fear of flying as well as ground courses and fear of flying books.

Learning to Fly, and Where to Get All the Pilot Gear You Will Need

Learning to Fly: What You Will Need

So you want to learn to fly. Well, this article is for you. It's about the basic stuff that you will need to become a pilot.

Goals and Plans

Learning to fly is very much like flying itself. Before you start, you need to know what your objectives and goals are. It is easier to get there if you know your target clearly. It could help pare down your requirements, too, and this is very important because learning to fly can cost a lot of money and time.

Learning to fly starts with the selection of a flight school and ends with the obtainment of your private pilot license or private pilot certificate. The private pilot certificate allows you to fly for fun, with passengers, under visual flight rules (VFR), and on most types of airspace.

After getting your private pilot license, you can continue your education by completing an instrument flying rules (IFR) rating, which enables you to fly inside the clouds and with poor visibility, a multi-engine rating, a professional pilot rating, which allows you to get paid as a pilot, and many more other ratings depending on what your goals and destination are.

Navigating to the Flight School That's Best for You

After fixing your goal, your next stop is to shop for the flying school that best suits the kind of flying you want to learn. The good news is you have a lot of choices. All you need to zero in on the one that's best for you is a set of navigational questions, so to speak.

Now, here's the checklist of what you need to ask about flying schools:

· Aircraft Fleet. Is it maintained according to FAA standards? Ask the flight school representative to show you the maintenance records of the aircraft where you plan to receive instruction. Airplanes are required to be inspected by a certified aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) every 100 hours of flight, and every year (annual inspection).

· Curriculum. Does the plan for ground and flight training have FAA approval? The FAA must approve all flight schools so make sure you ask.

· Schedule. Is the training plan suited to your own work schedule or plan? Flying demands time. Make sure that your life schedule fits that of the school. Keep in mind that you will need to fly during the day, so you should have daytime available. Most school offer instruction on weekends.

· Instructors. Do you like the flight instructors at the school? Do they inspire trust? You will be spending a lot of time on small cockpits with you flight instructor (CFI) so make sure you like them.

· Costs. What are the items you need to pay for? Make a checklist of these requirements.

Shopping for Training and Pilot Gear

After setting on your flying school, you may also want to find out what you need and where to find them. Pilot shops are usually found in the vicinity of flying schools and they offer the latest in pilot gear, supplies, aviation apparel, charts, reference materials, and the like. Be aware that pilot shops near the school or airport will charge you a premium on their products. That is more money spent on flight gear, and less money spent on flying. So it is better to get your pilot gear online.

The Aviator's Den ( www.aviatorsden.com ) offers the best prices in the market for pilot gear and aviation supplies. We have the best brands logbooks, flight computers, aviation headsets for general aviation and helicopter, navigation plotters, pilot training supplies, aviation apparel, aircraft checklists, aeronautical charts, and more.

We are a pilot shop by pilots for pilots and aviation aficionados. We also have an extensive collection of training books, software, and practice test for private pilots, instrument pilots, commercial pilots, certified flight instructors, airline transport pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, flight engineers, and sport pilots.

The Aviator's Den
Get Ready for Takeoff.
http://www.aviatorsden.com

America's Top 3 Flight Training Schools

So, you want to become a pilot but you don't have a clue how to get started. Well, the first piece of advice is to attend a flight training school. There are many different flight training schools in America so finding a school is not difficult. But, if you want to attend one of the best then you will want to know about America's top three flight training schools. The following three flight training schools are considered by many to be the nation's top three. So, you could attend any one of them and get a great education and really learn how to fly.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

This flight training school is also a university and is great for individuals who want to be pilots but also want a four year degree. Graduates of this university are prepared to be pilots in every sense of the word. This university also prepares students for all types of jobs in the aviation field.

ATP

Airline Transport Professionals, also known as ATP, provide pilot training at schools across the nation. If you want to work in the airline field then ATP is the best flight training school for you because you will be trained in top of the line aircraft in an environment that is comparable to that of the airlines. Flights are cross country, in various weather conditions, as well as in high traffic areas to really teach the pilot in training how to be the best possible pilot in all situations.

Delta Connection Academy

The Delta Connection Academy is another of America's outstanding flight training schools. This school trains more FAA part 141 pilots than any other school in the nation. Additionally, since the Academy is owned by Delta it gives graduates an advantage of receiving a job with the company. Of course, graduates of this flight training school may work with any airline and the academy has successfully placed graduates with 26 different airlines worldwide. Pilots from more than 86 different countries have been trained by the Delta Connection Academy. The Delta Connection Academy was previously known as Comair Aviation Academy.

If you are considering one of these flight schools then keep in mind there are a few things you will need. First of all, you will want to buy a Telex headset or a Peltor headset to protect your hearing and ensure great communication. Other things you need to buy will be addressed by the training school. So, check out the above recommendations and start your flight training today!

Natalie Aranda writes about travel and recreation. If you are considering one of these flight schools then keep in mind there are a few things you will need. First of all, you will want to buy a Telex headset or a Peltor headset to protect your hearing and ensure great communication. Other things you need to buy will be addressed by the training school. So, check out the above recommendations and start your flight training today!

Working As a Commercial Airline Pilot

The commercial airline industry is often viewed as the ultimate goal for virtually every aspiring pilot, but it's an industry that requires quite a bit of work on behalf of aspiring commercial airline pilots and captains. For those considering a career in this line of work, it's worth considering what all of the requirements and recommendations are for those who hope to be met with success during their eventual search for jobs. Furthermore, those who are considering life as a commercial airline pilot will probably want to understand a bit more about what the typical day looks like for someone who has already landed this exciting and potentially lucrative position. Before choosing commercial aviation as a career, consider the industry's current structure, requirements, and areas of opportunity.

The Requirements: Education and Experience Are the Indicators of Success

Commercial aviation is highly regulated by virtually all developed nations where major commercial airline companies shuttle passengers to local and international destinations. The reason for this is clear: At any given time, a commercial airline pilot has the responsibility of safely transporting potentially hundreds of passengers without incident. Airline companies, and the governments that regulate them, both have an interest in training pilots and ensuring passengers will have the safest and easiest trip possible.

The process of developing the proper educational and experiential credentials all begins with acceptance to an approved, accredited flight school. In the United States, the best flight schools are those that bear approval and accreditation by the Federal Aviation Administration. In other countries around the world, similar accreditation is offered by local regulatory bodies and industry trade groups. As part of the flight school process, pilots will be educated in the theory of aviation and airline operation. They'll also accrue at least 250 hours of flight experience. At the conclusion of the program, pilots will typically be awarded their commercial pilot license as long as they have met FAA guidelines for that certification.

Beyond the Certification: Additional Requirements for the Successful Pilot

While some commercial pilots have experienced success simply by going to an approved flight school and working through the required number of aviation hours before receiving their license, many others have opted for additional education. In fact, many pilots enrolled in flight school already have a bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, or aviation-related field. This degree is evidence that pilots have gone to extra lengths to ensure their knowledge of the physics and mechanics of flight.

After receiving their degree and attending an approved flight school, most pilots on track to work in commercial aviation will next pursue their medical certificate. This document is critical to ensuring they're in good health and able to fly a commercial jet without incident. Most pilots will also pursue an instrument rating and a multi-engine rating, which serve as proof of their proficiency in operating complex, commercial airliners. Most airlines will further require an airline pilot transport certificate either prior to hire or within a few months of a pilot having joined the company.

Most Pilots Work Their Way Up to Tier-1 Commercial Flight

Though commercial aviation is a big draw for aspiring pilots and those with a new license, it should be viewed as the ultimate promotion and the final destination for a successful career in the skies. Most pilots do not start their careers at major commercial operators with only their certificate and 25 hours of flight. Instead, most of today's pilots worked their way up through private aviation experience, local and regional airline companies, and entry-level co-pilot positions at commercial operators in the United States or abroad.

As with all positions, pilots who want to maximize their chance at long-term success in commercial aviation will need to build an impressive resume. That resume should include not only the classroom theory needed to understand flight, but also the real-world experience needed to demonstrate the pilot's capacity for safe flights of any duration.

A Day in the Life: What Commercial Pilots Can Expect on the Job

Commercial airline pilots can expect to arrive at the airport about two or three hours prior to their scheduled flight's departure. Like their passengers, commercial pilots have plenty of things to get done at the airport before they can even make their way to the aircraft. Upon their arrival, pilots will immediately check in and then meet with representatives who will discuss weather conditions, potential hazards, and any relevant delays that might impact the pilot's flight.

After this initial briefing, pilots will next meet with the flight's co-pilot or captain. They'll also meet with the flight crew and discuss the flight's expected departure, duration, and arrival. With this meeting completed, the pilots and cabin crew will next proceed to the aircraft itself. There, they'll check the plane's instruments and ensure that the aircraft is ready to take off without any problems.

If the flight is a short-haul route, typically to a domestic destination just a few hours away, pilots will typically conduct their round trip all in the same day. If the route is longer, or is an international flight, pilots can typically expect to stay at least one night in the destination city before they return to their home airport with another group of passengers. In most cases, airlines fully or partially compensate pilots for overnight arrangements. Most airlines offer their own pilot "communities," which typically consist of a small apartment, a community center or gym, and other basic amenities.

Though many pilots are assigned "regular" routes, some pilots work in shifts or fly alternating routes throughout a given week or month. The decision of whether or not to assign regular or rotating routes typically lies solely with the commercial operator. Pilots may want to assess which style of assignment is used prior to interviewing for a position or accepting a job with a given commercial airline.

Follow the Jobs: New Commercial Pilots May Want to Work Overseas

The commercial aviation industry in the United States has been in a period of either stagnation or contraction for the past several decades. Wide-ranging consolidation of regional and national commercial carriers has left aspiring pilots with fewer job opportunities and a far greater level of uncertainty about their future in aviation itself. Most airlines in the United States receive thousands of applications for just 20 or 50 positions each year, making it a long process for the typical pilot, but that doesn't have to be the case.

In countries throughout Asia and the Middle East, commercial aviation has never been stronger. In fact, many airlines throughout this part of the world have more positions available than they have qualified commercial pilots to fill them. For American pilots, that means a real chance at success in the industry. Thanks to the shortage of qualified commercial pilots in Asia and the Middle East, as well as the superior aviation training available in the United States, most international air carriers are willing to pay a premium salary to applicants with U.S. flight experience. When combined with the more generous pension, health benefit, and vacation time options available upon hire, these jobs represent a real opportunity for experience, growth, and advancement for determined commercial pilots.

A Great Career with International Opportunities

With an exciting daily routine, fascinating domestic and international destinations, and airline job opportunities that span the globe, those interested in commercial aviation are in store for an exciting professional life. Though it might require applying outside of U.S. boundaries, those determined to succeed in this industry will find all of the job openings and long-term advancement possibilities they need to enjoy a long, rewarding career in the world's skies.

Get started with your career as a commercial airline pilot today. The most lucrative aviation job markets at the moment are the Asian and the Middle-Eastern markets so considering an international career might be a good way to go. There's a high demand for new talents every day - don't miss out on a great opportunity.

Want Better Test Pilots? Stop Telling Them They Have to Fly Over Barren Deserts -New Scenery Needed

Not long ago I was talking to a Navy pilot who had retired and he went to go work for the airlines. He stated to me that he hated it, and he felt as if he was driving a school bus. This is because compared to the little fighter plane he was flying in the Navy, this big airliner was not very maneuverable, not very fast, and not very much fun to fly. Nevertheless, it was a job, a good paying union job, so that's what he did. He said if he had to do it all over again he may have chosen something else, perhaps a different path in life. It turns out that he did go to pilot test school in Maryland and he was well qualified to be a test pilot.

Of course, when the U.S. Congress back then was going through its budget cuts and BRAC strategies, he was no longer needed in the U.S. Navy, and so he got out and went to work for the airline. He had considered going to work for Northrop, Boeing, Lockheed, or one of the companies which is now merged with one of those three at the time. Unfortunately, they all wanted him to move out to the desert, live in the middle of nowhere, and work for them. Those weren't really very good working conditions, and he had always been stationed near the coast in Florida, California, and other military bases around the world.

This led me to consider something else that perhaps we haven't thought of. If we want better test pilots, better engineers, and better scientists working on the next generation of aerospace, then maybe we should stop telling them that they have to live in the barren desert just to have a good job. After all, if you are a test pilot risking your life, do you really want to be flying over a barren desert? Wouldn't you rather be flying out over the water off the coast of California? What's the difference anyway? If the plane is going to break up and you are going to eject, you're going to leave that airplane anyway.

If the airplane is able to come back and land, most of these military bases have giant runways near the coast and you wouldn't have to fly over populated areas. It seems to me if we want to have the very best of breed then we need to give them some new scenery, and stop asking them to go live in such harsh conditions in the middle of the desert just so they can work on a black project, or fly the latest and coolest aerospace innovation; just a thought. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Aircraft Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

Tips to Teaching Student Pilots of Airplanes Recovery From Unusual Attitudes

As a flight instructor I recently gained some great tips on effectively teaching student pilots how to recover from an unusual attitude.

An unusual attitude can easily be created by a student or inexperienced pilot who for whatever reason is not paying attention to his instruments (often in poor visibility conditions) and gets into generally one of two positions. Either they inadvertently enter a climb that will eventually lead to a stall or spin, OR they enter a dive that will eventually cause them and their airplane to be used as earth moving equipment. We know it to be a bad idea to try to move mountains or earth with airplanes.

Recently I was flying with my chief flight instructor as he was conducting an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) for me. Any instrument rated pilot who does not fly at least 6 instrument approaches under simulated or actual instrument conditions in a 6 month period has to undergo one of these checks with a flight instructor who is current, in order to gain their currency back.

During part of the check it was necessary for me to do some partial panel work in which my chief covered some of the instruments to see if I was still able to fly an approach this way as well as recover from a couple unusual attitudes he placed me in. This is an expected part of this flight check.

When my chief did this he told me to use only the airspeed indicator (ASI) and the turn coordinator for the unusual attitude recovery. I had never been taught it this way. I always had the attitude indicator and the heading indicator to look at as well. Mistakenly until then I had thought that it was the vertical speed indicator (VSI) I was to look at in order to see when we were level again. If you do this you will quickly be a smoking hole in the ground as the VSI lags reality by 7 or 8 seconds. I learned from my chief that it was the ASI I was to look at.

So when you first teach unusual attitude recovery to your new private pilot students allow them to keep the hood (a view limiting device to simulate them being in actual instrument conditions) off while at the same time you demonstrate how they are to recover from this. They will see how, as the airspeed reverses either direction, i.e. goes from decreasing to increasing or vice-versa, that at that very moment the aircraft is level with the horizon.

Using the turn coordinator they can see if the wings are level or in a bank. It follows then that if the ASI shows the speed to be increasing, power should be reduce and if it is decreasing the yoke should be pushed forward and the power increased.

Once a student has seen this a few times to convince them of the validity of the ASI as telling them the aircraft is level they can do the recovery while under the hood using only this and the turn coordinator for the initial recovery.

I have seen this help students easily master this exercise.

iPads for British Airways Pilots

British Airways has just announced that they will be equipping their 3,600 pilots with iPads to improve the efficiency of their operations and their customer service. The company also recently provided iPads to its entire cabin crew and ground operations staff. These technological advancements are all part of a 5 billion dollar investment to improve the flying experience for all of their passengers. Whether you are purchasing discount flights on British Airways for economy class or you are purchasing the most expensive business class seats, these technological advancements are expected to improve your travel experience immensely.

British Airways asserts that having access to real-time operational data will allow the pilots to plan a more efficient flight using the most current and relevant information available. This information is expected to make flights quicker and to make arrival times more accurate. This is good news for both passengers and pilots alike. You can expect a smoother flight with a lower chance of a late arrival. If your flight time is going to be delayed, you will be more likely to be informed of this information further in advance and with a greater accuracy in the announced delay time.

This advancement in technology will also provide the flight crew with increased access to up-to-the-minute information which they can relay to the passengers. Everyone will be more aware of any delays or changes right when they happen which will make planning easier and more accurate.

Members of the British Airways flight crews are reported to be ecstatic about these improvements. They now have more information to offer to the passengers and are able to be informed of changes right as they happen. This marks a great advancement and is expected to improve the travel experience for everyone.

With more and more people obtaining discount flights on British Airways, you may think that the airline is going to be lessening their services. However, with the announcement of massive technological improvements such as these, it appears that all is well and is moving forward. British Airways is doing everything that they can to lead the way in using technology to improve flight accuracy and customer satisfaction. The iPads are expected to make flights safer and more enjoyable by providing staff with the most current and relevant information at their fingertips. The increased ability to provide more accurate information to both passengers and airline staff will result in a more personalized and enjoyable travel experience for all.

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Airline Flight Pilots

There are a whole lot of institutes that provide the requisite training to qualify anyone to become a pilot. Pilots are highly trained professionals, who either fly airplanes or helicopters to carry out a wide variety of tasks. Except on small aircraft, two pilots usually make up the cockpit crew. The most experienced pilot, the captain is in command and supervises all other crewmembers. The pilot and the co-pilot often called the first officer, share flying and other duties. These duties include communicating with air traffic controllers and monitoring instruments. Some large aircraft have a third pilot depending on the need. However, because new technology on aircraft can perform many tasks that a third pilot used to do, they have been eliminated.

Before departure, pilots plan their flights carefully. They also make sure that baggage or cargo has been loaded correctly. Takeoff and landing are the most difficult parts of the flight, and require close coordination between the pilot and first officer. Unless the weather is bad, the flight is usually a routine trip. Pilots and first officers usually alternate flying each leg from takeoff to landing. With autopilot assistance, the flight management computer, the plane travels a planned route and is monitored by air traffic control as it passes various terminals.

Although flying does not involve much physical effort, the mental stress of being responsible for a safe flight, regardless of the weather, can be trying. Pilots must be alert and quick to react if something goes wrong, particularly during takeoff and landing. Pilots must have an airline transport pilot's license. Applicants for this license must be at least 23 years old and have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flying experience, including night and instrument flying.

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The Curious Case of the Vanishing Airplane

The question on everyone's mind right now is: where did Malaysia Airline Flight MH370 go? And when I say everyone I mean everyone. It's all over the news, the social media, every newspaper, and last but not lease on every other person's mind. People discuss it when they meet, when they have dinner.

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 was a scheduled international passenger flight that disappeared on 8 March 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport. The aircraft operating the service, a Boeing 777-200ER, last made contact with air traffic control less than an hour after take-off. The aircraft was operated by Malaysia Airlines and was carrying 12 crew members and 227 passengers from 15 nations and regions.

Even after ten days of its disappearance the range of possibilities/conspiracy theories to explain the matter are still extremely wide. Some theories are plausible whereas some are highly unlikely. Leave it to the public to propose solutions to a problem that the experts from 26 countries cannot find.

Shot down by a hostile country

This theory suggests that the airplane was shot down by a hostile country after it entered foreign airspace or incurred a missile strike from land or by air. This theory is plausible but with a couple of gaping holes. First of all the missile would have shown on radar especially military radar.

Captain Amjad Faizi, a retired Pakistani aviator, who retired from PIA as a 747 captain and Director Flight Safety, believes that a foreign air object (a missile or some other type of projectile) hit the aircraft and as a result of this the cabin depressurized destroying the aircraft's tracking systems and resulting in heavy casualties.

Secondly, after being hit, the Boeing 777-200ER has a highly sophisticated system called an 'electronic locator device' which turns on automatically transmitting the aircraft's location. Boeing also monitors all its aircraft via various tracking devices and monitors, if the aircraft was shot down then why didn't they notify the airline. Again this theory is plausible but there is no evidence so far to support this.

Aircraft crashed into the Ocean

This theory explores the possibility that Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 crashed into the ocean and went straight to the bottom due to its weight. This is highly unlikely because, firstly the Boeing 777-200ER is equipped with highly sophisticated satellite and radar guidance systems that help the pilots fly the aircraft, these systems would notify the pilots of any problems with the aircraft's path and whether or not it was going to crash into the ocean. Secondly, the aircraft has flotation devices that will keep the plane afloat and bring it back to the surface if it crashed into the ocean, more over in case of a crash the Electronic Locator Device (ELD) would turn on automatically transmitting the plane's location.

An example of a this type of landing on water would be that of US Airways Flight 1549 that took off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City that, on January 15, 2009, struck a flock of Canada Geese during its initial climb out, lost engine power, and landed in the Hudson River off midtown Manhattan with no loss of life. The plane floated on top of the water, as shown in the photograph taken after the crash.

Air France flight 447 suffered a similar fate when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in 2009 killing all 228 passengers and crew on board, the debris floated on top of the water and the plane was located by the authorities. In the case of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 there is no debris floating in the ocean and the plane has not yet been seen floating on the surface of water.

Hijacked by Terrorists

Experts have not said anything about the plane being hijacked by terrorists or any members of the crew, although law enforcement agencies are investigating families of crew members and the passengers. However in case of a hijacking, the hijackers would have to be expert aviators, they would've known how to turn off the data systems and the transponder.

A transponder is a device that sends electronic messages from the airplane to radar systems about the plane's flight number, altitude, speed and heading. Moreover in case of a hijacking the pilot transmits a code informing the ATC (Air Traffic Control) of an ongoing hijacking, the ATC in turn informs the law enforcement agencies.

Conspiracy theorists argue that the message broadcast on the radio by either the co-pilot, pilot or the hijackers that said "All right, good night" is one to raise suspicion after which there was no communication form any of the plane systems including the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS).

The Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System is the onboard computer that collects information and a whole lot of it about the aircraft's and the pilot's performance, this information is used by the airlines and the manufacturers to monitor pilot and aircraft performance.

Experts say that the phrase "All right, good night" is said before ending a radio communication as a pleasantry, and that it happens all the time. The biggest hole in this theory is this: A message is transmitted by the hijackers claiming responsibility for their act and state their demands, there has been no such demands in the case of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 nor any terrorist group has claimed responsibility for any such action.

Hijacked by the United States Navy

This theory emerged after a new report circulating the Kremlin(official residence of the President of the Russian Federation), prepared by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (GRU) states that the US Navy diverted Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370) from its intended path to its secretive Indian ocean base on the Diego Garcia atoll. The report also says that MH370 was already under GRU 'surveillance' after it received a highly 'suspicious' cargo load which has been traced back to Republic of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.

The report said that the US Navy was able to divert flight 370 to its Diego Garcia base by remote controlling the aircraft, as the Boeing 777-200ER is equipped with a fly-by-wire system that allows the aircraft to be controlled like any drone type aircraft. This reports also notes that the transponder and the ACARS systems would have to be turned off manually, how these systems were turned off is unknown. Suspicious cargo or not someone is very successfully hiding something.

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has given rise to theories that explore one possibility or the other, some bizarre theories even suggest that the plane was abducted by aliens. The events seem to come right out of a Hollywood movie or a suspense novel. These are all theories, theories with a lack of concrete facts and empirical data. The truth will be unveiled when the wreckage, or hopefully the fully intact plane, with all the passengers and crew members alive and well is found. I much prefer that the plane is found with all the passengers and crew unharmed.