airline pilots out there...?

Question

i am wondering what percent of the time you execute what you feel is a picture perfect flight. i know that since you haven't killed anybody you're probably doing a good job, but i know that you can land a plane but still feel like you could have done it smoother. another sub-question... do you actually land the plane most of the times. i'm 14 and have a love of aviation. i watch videos online all day, play flight simulator, and i know this doesn't constitute anything, but i truly do love aviation. i have been looking and fortunately know someone who is a pilot and am annoying the hell out of him with questions.

thanks guys (and girls)

Answer 1

Picture perfect? 0 percent. There's something on every flight that we could have done better. It seems most people judge a pilot by how smooth his/her landing was, but there's allot more to every flight. I like to think I learn something on every flight, even if it's something not to do.

Most landings are flown by hand. Only certain aircraft are capable of landing with the autopilot.

Don't worry about annoying your friend, I sure if he's like any other pilot I know they'll never tire of talking about it. Good Luck.

Answer 2

If you say that you have flown a perfect flight you are probably a lousy pilot! There's always something you can do better.



Very often I would say the "ideal" real world flight is where you keep your thinking ahead of the airplane at all times, execute all manouvers correctly and efficiently, keep good and open communications with all your crew members, enjoy great weather, great views, and arrive with forecast fuel in the tanks, 30 mins early and are in the bar with a cold beer by sundown!.



I've had plenty of days like that (I get to fly every three or four days all over the world) but mostly you are doing a generally good job in variable weather conditions making sure you stay alert and attentive to the next thing that could kill you while enjoying the view, and the coffee!



Ironically, the "best" flights I've had are the ones where everything seems to go wrong from the beginning, but you still get everyone from A to B in a safe and efficient operation. That gives you the most satisfaction in the job.

Answer 3

Well...perfection is something we all try to achieve, but never quite do! That's not to say I don't have flights in which nothing I consider adverse goes wrong, that is actually the norm!



When you really "grease" a stiff crosswind landing, it's tantamount to getting a birdie in golf, at the 18th hole...It makes you feel great!



As you are an aspiring aviator, if you just remember two things...remember these age old adages: "The two most useless things to a pilot are: altitude above you, and runway behind you" Even more importantly..."Any landing you can walk away from...is a good landing!"



Good luck in you endeavors!

Answer 4

I started flight training when I was 14. It was the best thing I ever did and im thankful to have a successful career doing something I love. My advise is, get into flying as soon as you can. There is no age limit as to when you can start training. Before u know it u will be getting paid to do what you love!

Answer 5

You have come to the right place.