MODEL ANSWERS
When do pilots need to perform an emergency landing?
I believe pilots will need to perform an emergency landing, whenever they feel it’s not possible to continue flying safely or realize they aren’t able to reach an airport or overfly a specific area. In cases like this, the best alternative they have is to perform an emergency landing with ground support waiting for them, if possible.
What will communications between pilots and air traffic controllers be like in 10 years?
I believe pilots and ATC will communicate via datalink, which is a system where they can send and receive text messages for clearances, and radio phraseology in non-routine situations. I think that Datalink will become very popular in general aviation. That’s how communication will work in the future.
What recommendations did your flight instructor give you before your first check ride?
I remember that he told me to concentrate on the flight and use everything I was taught during my flight training, he also told me to follow the checklist, remember the safety speeds, altitudes and be confident, because everything was going to be ok. That’s it.
What weather conditions can cause problems during a flight?
Based on my knowledge, the worst weather conditions for pilots are: windshear on low altitudes, hail storm, thunderstorms, ice formation, strong winds are also dangerous, and anything related to a CB is a problem, that’s my opinion.
What needs to be considered before an emergency evacuation?
I think that during an emergency evacuation, a pilot needs to consider many things, for example: The airplane surroundings, the problem they have, which side of the airplane is safer, the emergency services that were provided, and of course, the best exits to use. Those are some examples.
How do pilots handle in-flight emergencies?
Well, we are very well trained for in-flight emergencies, I’d say that we follow a basic routine during emergencies, which is:
First, we need to fly the airplane, we need to take control and set a good speed, altitude and pitch.
After that, we analyze the situation, run the appropriate checklist and perform all the necessary tasks.
Then, establish communication with ATC declaring a Mayday, informing about the problem and our intentions.
And finally; Land in the nearest suitable airport with ground assistance waiting for us.
What has changed in Brazilian Aviation in the last 10 years?
As far as I remember, Brazilian aviation has improved a lot. Today, we have some very modern airports. Airlines have a modern fleet, flying big and technological airplanes. The infrastructure is improving and technology is advancing very well. We have paperless cockpit methodologies, which means that everything is in the airplane’s tablet.
What’s your favorite thing about aviation?
My favorite thing about aviation is the lifestyle, I think it’s a very dynamic profession and, in my opinion, it’s better than being stuck in an office. As a pilot, I have the opportunity to visit many different places and meet new people. I also like to control and operate the airplanes, for me aviation is a dream come true.
What was the worst situation you ever had?
From what I can remember, the worst emergency situation in my career happened 3 years ago, I was flying a Boeing 737 from Curitiba to Recife, it was a night flight and the weather was good. During our climb a passenger’s laptop caught fire due to a battery explosion, and the other passengers started to panic, because they thought it was a bomb, the flight attendants handled the problem very well and took care of the injured passenger, so I declared a MAYDAY due to a fire onboard and returned to Curitiba with fire and medical services on the ground. No one died, but the owner of the laptop was badly injured.
What is the difference between a Captain and a Co-Pilot / First Officer?
Based on my knowledge, the main difference between a captain and a First Officer is that the captain has full responsibility during the flight, he’s responsible for the airplane, passengers and crew members. He’s also more experienced in aviation and has more seniority in the company, and the captain has full authority during the flight, he has to make the final decisions. The copilot is also a very capable pilot and his job is to assist the captain during the operation.