Ever wondered what goes on inside the cockpit of a passenger plane? Ever wanted to know how a jet engine works or what happens if a plane is struck by lightning? Behind the Flight Deck Door provides insider knowledge about everything you have ever wanted to ask a pilot!
Since 9/11, flight decks of modern airliners have become off-limits to the flying public. This is despite the fact every year more people take to the skies than ever before.
Pilot Brett Manders wants to help you become a savvy traveller by providing insider tips, expert knowledge, and an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes to get you up in the air.
All told with a dash of humor, this book will demystify the art of airline travel, address those urban legends, and settle the nerves of any anxious flyers.
Simple, concise explanations cover a multitude of things passengers have asked Brett and his colleagues over the years.
- What is a small technical delay?
- Can the cabin door be opened mid-flight?
- How much do pilots really earn and do they get free flights?
- Can you get stuck to the toilet?
- Is it still possible to view the flight deck?
Brett Manders is a pilot with an Australian Airline. He has over 10, 000 hours flying experience on Airbus A320, A321, A330 and Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Praise for Behind the Flight Deck Door
“Brett’s uncomplicated, honest, and easy to understand book is a welcome addition on any flight. It offers an enlightening point of view of the all-important necessity of air travel with rare glimpses of the secret world airline pilots inhabit.”
JULIE POSTANCE, AUTHOR, BREAKING THE SOUND BARRIERS
“I really enjoyed reading this as it is an easy read, and really relatable and quite entertaining. As a nervous flyer myself it was quite interesting and reassuring to read all the different things that go on behind the scenes and learn about the ins and outs of flying.”
SARAH EMERSON, NERVOUS FLYER
“This book has so much valuable knowledge that every passenger wants to know and ask. So many things about aircraft, airlines and airports are such a mystery to many people, it is nice to have it explained is simple terms. After reading, I feel lots of little things that bothered me have been put in perspective and it has helped my fear of flying significantly. Behind the Flight Deck Door is a must have book for anyone who travels on airlines!”
NISHA SHARMA, NERVOUS FLYER
สารบัญ
Chapter 1 ‒ Before Departure
Check-in
Flight planning
Weather
NOTAMS – Notice to Airman/Airwoman
Volcanoes
Fuel
Security screening
Why does everybody have a laptop?
I have sped through security screening; how do I speed through immigration?
I am your nervous flyer
Aircraft checks
Engines turning whilst the aircraft is parked
The hard facts on commercial accidents?
Pilots and coffee
Pilots, alcohol, and drugs
Overbooking
Wing inspection markings
What is with the delays?
The barking dog noises
What about animals, how do they travel?
Do you transport bodies? What if somebody dies inflight?
Can I find out about my pilots before the flight?
Chapter 2 – During
Checklists
Seatbelts
Turbulence
Jettison fuel/dump fuel
Wingtip vortices and chemtrails
Letters and numbers on the ground
Do you really fly it or is it the autopilot?
Bad weather
What if we get hit by lightning?
Can pilots fly different aircraft types?
Radios and losing radio contact
What call signs do they give you?
Alpha Bravo Charlie Zulu and the phonetics
What happens if you hit a bird?
Are aircraft germ labs?
Can you get sucked in or stuck on a toilet seat?
Does the toilet flush out into the air?
Is it possible for somebody to open a door in flight?
How do you open doors in an emergency?
Reclining seats
Air rage and air frustrations
I saw my pilot in the galley, who is flying?
Smoking in a plane
What is a knot?
How does a jet engine work?
What does final approach mean?
Speed restrictions. Are there speed cameras?
If pilots can speed up after delays, why don’t you fly faster all the time?
Air routes and short cuts
Ice on the wings
Chapter 3 – After
The difference between good landings and a bad one
Domestic vs international
Do you want to fly the big ones?
Are you a Captain? What are the other pilots called?
What is seniority and is there really a seniority list?
Can you visit the cockpit?
What are the ongoing requirements and training?
How do you beat jetlag?
Chapter 4 ‒ I hate it when
I hear we have a slight technical delay
We are just waiting on the last of the paperwork
‒ The aircraft Technical Log
‒ Fuel receipts and dockets
‒ Load and balance paperwork
Delays and the nervous flyer
Tray table, seat back, and window shade
Lights dimmed in the cabin
Chapter 5 – Uniform
Hats
Sunglasses
Short sleeves
Epaulettes
Ties
Wings
Nav bags
Chapter 6 ‒ What I can see
All the colored lights on an aircraft mean?
Navigation
Rotating beacon
Anti-Collison lights
Landing
Four-engine planes have to be better than two-engine
Could I be talked through a landing?
How does the plane actually fly?
What is a stall?
Can we glide?
Why do you take-off and land into wind?
Chapter 8 – Miscellaneous
Future technology
Pilotless aircraft
Pilot error
MH370, will they find it?
In light of an accident
Is Qantas the safest/best airline?
What about low cost carriers? Are they still safe?
Is Boeing safer than Airbus?
เกี่ยวกับผู้แต่ง
Brett Manders is a pilot with an Australian Airline.
A former Naval Officer, he felt ships travelled too slowly, so turned his skills to flying. He has over 10, 000 hours flying experience and has flown Airbus A320, A321, A330, and the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. He is completing a Bachelor of Aviation Management and currently conducts type-rating training on the B787 Simulator.
He has lived in Singapore and all over Australia, but currently calls Melbourne home. Brett lives with his wife, Kirsty, daughter Amara and his dog, Harvey. He still enjoys going to the airport even when on vacation, and still looks up to watch planes fly overhead. Brett is an avid reader who loves bike riding, the gym, and is a passionate supporter of the Richmond Football Club.