A day as a pilot

What does a pilots workday looks like?

Pilots execute a charm that is unlike any other professional. The thought of operating an airplane with hundreds of passengers onboard may overwhelm the commoner, but it is what a pilot does for a living. Pretty much all of us have dreamt about flying and often wondered what a pilot’s day looks like. With the ever-going pandemic lockdowns and our WFH schedules, we could all use a little daydreaming. 

• Checking the roaster. Once the pilot arrives at the airport, he/she will check their daily roaster, which informs them about flight timings and the number of trips they will be taking for the day. Typically pilots arrive at least an hour before the flight schedule. Long haul pilots may make a single trip, whereas some pilots could take up to eight trips a day.
• Meeting the crew. The first officer, along with the Captain of the flight, meet and greet the crew before take-off. They discuss the weather and brief the crew about possible turbulence or disturbances. The pilot will also look into the passenger list, cargo load and check the fuel before take-off. 
• Cockpit inspection. Once the pilot enters the cockpit, they make necessary observations and inspections for a smooth flight. The Captain will sign the maintenance release and flight dispatch forms before onboarding passengers. They do a walk around to inspect the aircraft with their well-trained eyes. 
• Onboarding passengers. When all checks are complete, the passengers are welcomed on board. Once the passengers are seated, the pilot greets them warmly, and the air hostess begins her pre-flight safety duties. 
• Flying. Finally, it is time to take off, and the cockpit doors are shut. The pilot must manually push the thrust levers and reach a high speed to enable the airplane to take off. Once in flight, the autopilot is switched on. A pilot must remain vigilant for any emergencies or anomalies. 

There is a lot more to flying an aircraft than what meets the eye. Pilots put in several hours of training and are well prepared for any kind of emergency. Do you think you have what it takes to fly an aircraft? 

Visit the IAANZ website for the best pilot training courses in New Zealand. eLearning opportunities are available for all theory subjects. https://flighttraining.co.nz/