Oct 11
6
Airline Pilot Training Part 2
In my previous post we looked at what airline pilot training is required to become eligible to apply for Airline Pilot Jobs. In this article I will discuss the training you can expect to receive once you have been recruited by any of the major airlines. Naturally the training will differ between companies and aircraft types however the information I will give is general and will mostly apply to all. Pilots will usually receive an induction course first covering necessary knowledge about the company such as administration, contact information etc. Information you will need to know that is not specific to flying the aircraft.
Standard Operating Procedure’s: Safety First
The primary goal for any airline operation is and always should be safety. Safety of flight is achieved first and foremost by standard operating procedures. The objective here is to standardize all pilots so that regardless of who you will fly with all tasks are performed in the same manner to eliminate errors which could lead to accidents. Therefore an initial part of your airline pilot training will be to study regulations and company specific procedures.
Aircraft Type
Most airlines but not all operate more than one aircraft type in their fleet. Therefore you will be allocated to fly a specific type such as a Boeing 777 or perhaps an Airbus A330. You are required to be endorsed on that particular aircraft before you can fly it. An endorsement usually consists of three steps:
- A ground school for aircraft systems
- Simulator training
- A simulator check
Aircraft Systems
Usually computer based ,you will study the systems applicable to the aircraft you will be flying. It is important to gain the knowledge of these systems, how they work and their limitations etc. Ground school for systems usually takes around two weeks to complete and you will be quizzed on your knowledge at the end.
Simulator Training and Check
After completion of the systems ground school you will team up with a partner and commence flying training in a simulator. Here you will start off practicing normal operating procedures and standard call outs common to normal flight operations. Following this you will run through many non normal and emergency procedures. The beauty of the simulator is that it allows you to experience full blown emergencies and to practice recovering from them, this is something that can’t be carried out in the aircraft itself. Finally you will undergo a simulator check where you will be tested on both your normal operations and ability to recover from emergencies.
Online training and Line Check
Once your endorsement is complete you are then permitted to continue your training in the aircraft itself. You will be assigned to a training Captain who you will fly with you for a certain period of time or sectors in order to complete your training and ready you for line operations. This is quite an intensive time as you will discuss and be questioned on all aspects of the operation.
Last of all you will complete a line check with a company check Captain. You will be tested on both your ability to fly in accordance with the company policies and will also undergo an oral check. If you are successful your airline pilot training will be completed and you are now cleared to be rostered for normal flight duties.
About admin
I am an Aussie living and working in Japan as an Airline pilot. I fly Boeing B767's on international routes from Osaka and Narita on both passenger and freight operations.
I enjoy writing and try to update my Blog and FB Page on a daily basis.
