Page 24 - AA 2018_09

Training up

FLIGHT LEVELS
A PILOT’S VIEW Great changes means great caution

‘There are eadlines speak of unprecedented the most coveted airlines lose pilots During line training of a new pilot, or
to overseas competitors offering very
even a crew member changing aircraft
growth and pilot shortages, and
yet it was only a short time ago
operational Hthe industry was stagnant and in lucrative contracts. And let’s not forget types, transit times become a lower
that cabin crew and managers are also
priority. The 30 or 40 minute turn-
flow-ons that a downcast mood. But that stagnation on the move in this game of musical around cannot necessarily be achieved
was aided by a lack of strategic
chairs.
without rushing, and as we all know,
It is a time of excitement for many,
can crop up planning on some fronts, as the signs but there is a need for caution as well. rushing has no place on a flightdeck.
Furthermore, there may be a
were there that growth was coming. As
in times of a consequence, there is a global state When the industry has spent time need to discuss or debrief an aspect
in hibernation, pilots can become
of the previous sector while it is still
of catch-up in recruitment, training
great pilot and fleet expansion. very comfortable in their role and fresh in the mind. Navigating and
Aviation has always been a paradox.
complacency and routine is their
reviewing the manuals and logs,
movement.’ It is a dynamic undertaking that is at greatest foe. They are familiar with considering items from the minimum
the aircraft, the network and even the
the mercy of so many outside elements
equipment list, briefing a departure,
beyond its control – financial market unusual aspects of the operation that running checklists and even setting
collapses, SARS, bird flu, terrorism. can crop up from time to time. There up frequencies are all tasks that take
Is that why airlines are prone to is very little that they haven’t seen and more time until a certain level of
hanging off until the last moment in their experience is a high value asset. experience is gained. And even with
executing plans to cope with growth And when a new captain has been hours on type, they are tasks that must
and expansion? Perhaps they want to cleared to fly the line, the chances are be methodically approached.
be absolutely certain that the bottom that they will have an experienced first A lack of familiarity with the
isn’t about to fall out of the bag? officer in the seat beside them. aircraft type or the port may
But when the tide does turn, it is But when training and recruitment also translate into the carriage
not easy for the industry to pivot. It is rise, these scenarios do not necessarily of additional fuel. There may be
akin to turning a super-tanker around play out. It is possible that a new an increased chance of flying an
– the process is slow and takes up a captain and a new first officer can be instrument approach or executing
lot of water. And all the while cracks paired together to fly to a relatively a go-around when in training and
can begin to show in the form of unfamiliar port. This is not unusual, pilots quite frequently will slow
cancellations and airport queues. nor necessarily brings with it any down a little earlier in the descent
At a deeper level, it is a time when inherent risk, but it is a consideration and approach phase as they come to
airlines need to be wary and stand for the crew to take into account. know their new mount. Assessing
strong on their standards. In times of Fortunately, in the modern world of the terrain, traffic, prevailing winds
great change, training takes place in airlines, threat and error management and weather for an arrival at an
great numbers and at all stages. There is part of the training syllabus and unfamiliar port are all considerations
are new recruits to train, possibly crews are well versed in considering that come more quickly with
in their first multi-crew role, there the lurking demons before they ever experience. In the interim, and always
are internal courses as pilots change take flight. Some airlines have a policy for that matter, extra fuel is the best
aircraft types, and there are upgrades to restrict captains from flying with available insurance policy.
as first officers take up their first junior first officers. Many years ago, These tasks and the time they
command role. And with each trainee, British European Airways issued pilots take are generally conducted behind
there is a knock-on effect somewhere with brown epaulettes until they had a the flightdeck door and beyond the
else along the line. certain level of experience on type and prying eyes of the public. To the
Across the industry, no-one is no two pilots wearing that colour on latter, they simply manifest as a delay,
Ramping up pilot recruitment, immune. General aviation ranks their shoulder could fly together. and provide a source of frustration.
training, upgrades and are depleted as pilots crack their However, there are operational Further, the flight training food chain
command training programs first airline job and regionals lose flow-ons that can crop up in times of can leave fleets under-crewed and
takes time. seth jaworski experienced pilots to the majors. Even great pilot movement within airlines. cancellations result, leading to even
greater frustration.
It is not an ideal situation for the
travelling public, but it is a necessary
one. Whether they know or appreciate
the fact, that delay or cancellation
will ultimately contribute to their safe
passage.
In these times of great change, it is
also a time for great caution. Rushing
the process, shaving corners or
accepting second-best is not how we
do business in aviation. And may that
situation never change.

24 AUSTRALIAN AVIATION