Our undercover captain reveals what goes on in the cockpit…

How has the job changed since you started?

When I began flying commercially 27 years ago, it was a different world. First, most aircraft were what we would describe as “clockwork”, meaning the
flight instruments were predominantly dials, onboard computers were basic, the aircraft systems for pressurisation, fuel, air conditioning and so on were manually controlled, navigation was by radio beacons and gyroscopes and the autopilot was relatively basic. Nowadays, all of the flight data is displayed on TV screens, the computers are more sophisticated (but less powerful than your tablet), aircraft systems are automatically controlled, navigation is by GPS and the autopilots are so accurate they can land the aircraft exactly on the centre line of the runway.

Most airlines have also installed what could be termed a “spy on the flight deck”, which is a system that records any event or deviation outside of a set of parameters defined by the airline. This is designed to enhance safety, or to stop pilots having fun! I think it’s true to say that, over time, the pilot’s role has become less about manually flying the aircraft and more about programming computers and managing systems and people.

Other changes over the years include the ban on smoking, no visitors other than crew to enter the flight deck since 9/11, pilots being able to work longer hours, and much stricter controls on the consumption of alcohol before reporting to fly (the limit is almost zero).

How much of a flight is spent on autopilot?

At present, all take-offs are manually flown. Depending on aircraft type, the autopilot may be engaged at approximately 500 feet. It will then remain engaged to about 1,000 feet before landing, depending on weather conditions. If it is a low cloud base it could be later or if it is windy, and in particular a crosswind, it could be earlier to allow the pilot to adjust to manual flight. If the weather is foggy for landing then the aircraft must auto-land and the autopilot will be disconnected once the aircraft has decelerated on the runway.

The autopilots are so good now that, depending on aircraft type, there is no requirement to see the runway before landing; the problem is finding your way once on the ground. Not all aircraft have the capability to auto-land if the fog is really dense so in this case they would need to wait for an improvement in conditions.

Having said all that, as pilots we do enjoy flying the aircraft. If weather conditions are favourable, the air traffic environment not too busy and we are familiar with the airport and surroundings then we may manually fly below 10,000 feet.

Is most flying boring?

Short-haul flying, no. Long haul, yes. The latter can involve flights of up to 14 hours in duration. Depending on the length there may be two, three or four pilots to ensure that each has the opportunity to have a break and remain alert when flying the aircraft. However, we still end up sat at the controls for anything up to about eight hours. During that time we need to monitor what the aircraft is doing, manage the navigation, deal with any problems that might arise, check weather for nearby airfields should we need to divert, and talk to air traffic control. Even after all of these duties there is still considerable time left. So what do we do the rest of the time? Well, we eat our meals, read the newspaper, put the world to rights, stretch our legs and enjoy the amazing view. Fear not, though, we are still actively monitoring the flight.

Do you check your bags or store them up front?

It depends on the length of trip. Small suitcases and holdalls can be stored on the flight deck, otherwise they will need to be checked in. Generally speaking, long-haul trips can be up to two weeks long and will necessitate a larger bag, whereas short-haul ones are typically just a few days so a holdall will suffice.