Airline Pilot Explains the Industry’s ‘Robust Safety Programs’ Following High-Profile Incidents
Pilot’s Insight into Air Pressure
Captain Wolf, who hails from a family of airline pilots, began his flying career at the age of 15 and has spent 27 years with major airlines, becoming a captain in 2017. He prefers to keep his identification confidential.
“Regarding the recent crashes, many people rush to point fingers at pilot error. No pilot arrives for duty intending to make a disastrous decision. We meticulously document any issues that arise during our flights, even if it’s done anonymously. Major airlines have comprehensive safety protocols in place.
“It retrieves data from the flight data recorders, known as black boxes. For instance, there was a flight in Southern California that came too close to mountainous terrain, prompting us to issue a memo advising against accepting certain routing. The airlines do not take safety lightly.”
What does the black box do?
“It captures all five radio transmission microphone recordings along with any conversations with the first officer. It also includes an ambient noise microphone for sounds entering the flight deck. Moreover, it features a digital flight data recorder that logs airspeed, altitude, and the angle of the aircraft. It records the position of the flight controls every quarter of a second.”
The Friendly Skies
What’s the situation with pilots and flight attendants?
“There are numerous divorces in the aviation industry. With eight hours of flight time away from home for five days straight, my passengers come first. If something goes wrong at home, it’s up to you to handle it. Our partners are incredible. I interact with flight attendants only about twice a year.”
Flight Dynamics
Can you explain the landing and takeoff processes?
“Everything is automated. Since the 1980s, computers have controlled these functions. At a designated airspeed, we pull back on the control column, which lifts the wheels off the ground using the yoke and rudder pedals. The system remembers our controls, allowing us to steer left or right with our feet. We follow multiple checklists during landing. Electric navigation adjusts our speed manually, slowing the airplane down for a turnoff and activating the landing gear. We’re then automated for the landing maneuver.
“Takeoff power is only sustainable for five minutes, after which we adjust the wing flaps. The engines are rated to maintain that level of power only briefly.”
Have you ever felt fear during a flight?
“When I was flying for a regional airline, we encountered severe thunderstorms. We avoided flying at higher altitudes, as thunderstorms peak around 16,000 feet. We were in the densest part of it, and it was a rough ride.”
I expressed my gratitude to the captain, mentioning that I had spent more time conversing with him than my entire trip to the Philippines.
Howard Stern’s Florida Encounter
Palm Beach. While many opt for Porsches or fancy golf carts, Howard Stern prefers to walk. His security detail ensures he and his wife, Beth, remain undisturbed. Perhaps as he quipped on his recent show, people simply don’t recognize him.
Howie: “I might never venture outside again. It’s chaotic out there. I dress like a beekeeper. It’s sweltering, and folks don’t even know who I am.”
It’s a pity that the iconic Howie goes unnoticed. He made an appearance at a senior center in Palm Beach and remained unrecognized, despite being one of the busiest personalities around. Just the other night, he attended “La Bohème,” but was so packed with commitments he could only stay for “La.”
Should have stayed in New York, kids, should have stayed in New York.
