Photo: DavidCB N1819U McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 United Airlines What happens if the pilot loses complete control of the aircraft? This week’s question comes from Herbert Garrison. I assume he meant the total failure of the control wheel or control column, a device to physically fly the plane. On the modern Airbus, we refer to it …
What happens if the pilot loses complete control of the aircraft? Read More »
Source: Wikipedia Helios Airways Boeing 737 If both pilots were incapacitated, would the flight attendant know how to land the plane? Scott Richards asks the above interesting question. Well, AIRPORT 1975 was an attempt to portray such a possibility. In this movie, the captain of a small plane suffered a heart attack and crashes into …
Below is the second part to an earlier posting on the ‘perils of personal parachute’, a question by Jenny… Hi Captain Lim, As what we have seen and heard from the news, the survival rate when a plane crashes is mostly 0%. Is there no technology now that can be done to improve the situation? …
Hi Captain Lim, As what we have seen and heard from the news, the survival rate when a plane crashes is mostly 0%. Is there no technology now that can be done to improve the situation? Are personal parachute impractical to increase the survival rate at all? If let’s say the turbine will suck people …
Hi Captain Lim, Why a cockpit is called a cockpit in the airplane? Susan. Hi Susan, I have answered this question in my book, Life in the Skies. I reproduce it below for those who have not read my book yet: “Ever since I can remember, the area in front where the pilot sits to control …
Why a cockpit is referred to as a ‘cockpit’ in the airplane? Read More »
Dear Capt Lim; I have limited flying experience (two introductory flight lessons in a Cessna and several commercial flights, including some Transatlantic trips), so please excuse my ignorance. I was wondering; since the earth is spherical and the curvature is approximately 6 foot “drop” for every three miles i.e. a 6 foot person will disappear …
Does a jet plane constantly adjust its nose down to follow the curvature of the earth? Read More »
Hello Captain Lim I am writing from Singapore. I noticed sometimes the plane takes off in one direction and sometimes in the opposite direction at the Changi Airport. Why is that so?? SK Chee Hi Chee, For safety and performance reasons, airplanes should take off into wind. When wind direction changes, the ATC (air traffic …
Dear Capt Lim, I am hoping to join a flying school and want to know if my eyesight will prevent me from doing so. I have +0.25 in both eyes and I want to know if that will affect me in my flying. I would also like to know the maximum limit of eye power …
What are the eyesight requirements for airline pilots? Read More »
Hi Captain Lim, I was just reading your latest post on someone asking, ” What if an engine catches fire in the air? ” I understand that the Boeing 777 is one of the safest airlines but I did not get to read much about Airbus A330 in your website. May I know what do you …
Hello Captain Lim, Welcome back! How would you compare the Airbus A320 against the Boeing 737 – from the economics and pilot*s point of view, say, the A320 against B737-800NG? From the passenger*s point of view, I like more the A320 – by a rather wide margin… Thank you! Best regards, Cosmin Ciortan Hi Cosmin, …
How would you compare the Airbus A320 against the Boeing 737 Read More »
Hello Captain Lim, This is Steven. I am curious to know if airplanes now fly through the Bermuda Triangle. I know, back in the days, lots of airplanes and ships were lost there. Do pilots still try to avoid that area? I have heard that there is a strong magnetic field or something there. Do …
Do airplanes now fly through the Bermuda Triangle? Read More »
Hi Captain Lim, The information on your website has increased and enhanced my knowledge on aviation significantly. I got a question I hope you could help solve my doubts. What are the factors that lead a plane to crash and not glide? I am a bit confused on ‘why plane crash’ accidents occur because I …
Hello Sir, I’ve heard of this question that I would like your answer on. “You are a First Officer in a cockpit with a Captain flying on an Airbus. Suddenly, an alarm blares and warns that the plane is heading onto a collision course, however the Captain refuses to acknowledge the warning and tells …