Ssmith From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 2, posted (12 years 1 month 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 2382 times:
thank you, i need to know how you use math while flying. i would also like to know how you make flight plans and determine what you need to do while on the flight? iw would also be helpful if you could give me any information regarding anything you to at your job?
Buff From Australia, joined Mar 2007, 0 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (12 years 1 month 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 2353 times:
1. Math: use "arithmetic" (adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing) ALL the time. And in the head, not with a calculator. Knowledge of geometry and basic physics is an asset in understanding a lot of other aspects of the job.
2. Flight plans are generated by a contracted outfit and given to us by our dispatchers.
3. Things "done" on the flight are mandated by our Standard Operating Procedures and Flight Operations Manual.
4. For the last part of your question, it is impossible to answer in anything less than a very big book.
If you want to ask specific questions, I and others would be more than happy to try and answer them.
Me From United States of America, joined Oct 2000, 220 posts, RR: 2 Reply 4, posted (12 years 1 month 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 2333 times:
Math was never my strong point. Average skills are all that is required. As an example of the typical math involved:
ATC issues a clearance to cross a fix at 11,000 ft and a speed of 250 knots. You are flying at 31,000 ft (20,000 ft to decend) and your speed in the decent will be cruise mach until transitioning to 300 knots indicated (50 knots to slow). Decending at idle power and 3000 feet per min.
Thousands of feet to decend, multiplied by 3, plus the distance to slow to 250 (20 times 3 plus 5 = 65 miles) The DC9 I fly will require about 1 mile to slow 10 knots with the power at idle in level flight at a fairly low altitude. To slow 50 knots requires aprox 5 miles.
This is just a rule of thumb. During the decent you should be re-computing to assure that you will cross the fix at 11,000 and 250 knots. Strong tailwinds/headwinds will require additional adjustments. You may want to wait till 55-60 miles with a strong headwind or start the decent at 70-75 miles with a tailwind.
This is just an example of a rule of thumb used every flight.
XFSUgimpLB41X From United States of America, joined Aug 2000, 3952 posts, RR: 36 Reply 5, posted (12 years 1 month 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 2319 times:
Got a question.... When they tell an aircraft to cross at fix at an altitude and speed, are they talking about groundspeed or indicated? I know most all aircraft also have groundspeed readouts. This last post has made me wonder which speed they are talking about. I know the posted speed limits in the FARs are KIAS, just dont know about ATC restrictions.
XFSUgimpLB41X From United States of America, joined Aug 2000, 3952 posts, RR: 36 Reply 7, posted (12 years 1 month 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 2288 times:
Jetpilot500 From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 78 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (12 years 1 month 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 2285 times:
The DC-9's I fly don't even have a Groundspeed readout. We have to use the E6B or just ask ATC.
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