Can pilots text and fly?

Even if personal electronic devices are banned during flight, pilots often use text-based systems to communicate with controllers on the ground. The difference is in situational awareness. Using technology that folds into flight operations is directly connected to the job at hand.

Are pilots allowed to talk to passengers?

In the airlines and in much of corporate aviation, the pilot rarely talks directly to the passengers during flight. In fact, there is a “sterile cockpit” rule that says that there shall be no communication with anyone other than the flight crew and ATC below 10,000 feet indicated altitude.

Can pilots use Internet in flight?

Pilots benefit significantly from Wi-Fi, too. Onboard internet is key to modern, two-way communication. Wi-Fi can make or break urgent situations. Onboard internet providers are better than you think.

Can pilots use cell phones while flying?

Can pilots use their phone while flying? A pilot may not use his or her phone for non-flight related tasks during takeoff, landing, or while flying under 10,000. Upon reaching cruising altitude the pilot is free to use their phone at their own discretion.

Do pilots watch Netflix while flying?

Use of visual entertainment such as movies, television programs, video games, etc., is not allowed for a flight crew as they are required to maintain visual scanning outside the aircraft, if able, for situational awareness and collision avoidance.

How Do Pilots Pass The Time On Long Flights?

Can pilots fly their friends for free?

Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.

What is the 10000 feet rule?

Commonly known as the "sterile cockpit rule," these regulations specifically prohibit crew member performance of non-essential duties or activities while the aircraft is involved in taxi, takeoff, landing, and all other flight operations conducted below 10,000 feet MSL, except cruise flight.

Do pilots like it when passengers clap?

Answer: It always caused me to smile. The appreciation of executing a challenging approach and landing is a compliment. Often, pilots feel that we are just doing our jobs when faced with a challenging approach and landing.

Why can't you recline during takeoff?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) set the upright seat rule for two main reasons: it makes it easier to evacuate the plane in the case of an emergency and it can help limit injuries.

Why do pilots like flying at night?

Easier Navigation

Navigating at night can actually be much easier than during the day. Large conurbations and their associated street lights can be seen from miles away. Making it easy to pinpoint them and fly towards them. Roads are also much easier to pick out against the surrounding terrain.

What do pilots see when they fly?

Pilots have a unique viewpoint while flying private or commercial aircraft. They get an unobstructed view of stunning natural sights, such as pink lakes and rectangular-shaped icebergs. Some have reported seeing UFOs, while others have flown over swirling hurricanes.

What is the 60% landing rule?

A typical Part 135 operator must plan to land on a maximum of 60 percent of the most likely runway, which means the weather, available approach and runway conditions at the time of departure must reasonably be expected so that the aircraft will come to a full stop within 60 percent of the available runway.

What is the 500ft rule in aviation?

Except with the written permission of the CAA, an aircraft shall not be flown closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.

What is the FAA 400 foot rule?

In general, you can only fly your drone in uncontrolled airspace below 400 feet above the ground ( AGL ). Commercial drone operators are required to get permission from the FAA before flying in controlled airspace.

Can a pilots wife fly with them?

Yes, the airlines know they have married couples in their cockpits and they're okay with it. I'm sure there are a handful flying together at each of the majors. No one else wastes time thinking about it.

Do pilots carry guns?

Yes, some airline pilots do carry guns in the cockpit but carry a gun lawfully they must belong to a special program called the Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDOs). This program requires special training and pilots who enroll have strict limitations on when they can use the firearm.

Do pilots get their hotels paid for?

The airline handles and pays for accommodations for crewmembers when they are on a trip. Many pilots do not live where they are based and choose to commute. Generally, if pilots need to travel and stay away from home when they are not on a trip, they are responsible for their own accommodations.

What is the 80% rule for aviation?

The 80:20 rule means airlines need to use their take-off slots at least 80% of the time in order to retain them. A "justified non-use provision" will be retained to prevent airlines flying ghost flights.

What is the 18 inch rule in aviation?

Most maintenance personnel have heard of the 18-inch rule and know what it means. For those who don't, the 18-inch rule means that whenever you do Use the right fluid, in the right maintenance or inspect an aircraft, you should not focus on just that task or specific area alone.

What is the aviation 1% rule?

In the field of aviation medicine, the 1 percent rule is a risk threshold that is applied to the medical fitness of pilots. The 1 percent rule states that a 1% per annum risk (See also Risk management) of medical incapacitation is the threshold between acceptable and unacceptable.

What is the 90 10 rule in aviation?

90 percent of the time, the pilot's attention should be outside the flight deck. No more than 10 percent of the pilot's attention should be inside the flight deck. smoothly, and accurately applied with reference to the natural horizon.

What is the 321 descent rule in aviation?

A general rule of thumb for initial IFR descent planning in jets is the 3 to 1 formula. This means that it takes 3 NM to descend 1,000 feet. If an airplane is at FL 310 and the approach gate or initial approach fix is at 6,000 feet, the initial descent requirement equals 25,000 feet (31,000–6,000).

What is the 3585 rule in aviation?

1) Exemption 3585 allows the Flight Follower to release a flight to an airport or alternate when the TAF indicates, through the conditional statements (TEMPO, PROB, BECMG) that the weather could be below authorized landing minimums at the estimated time of arrival.

Can pilots see in the dark?

The answer is quite simple, no, they don't actually see anything at night. Before takeoff, pilots scan the sky to avoid hazards and prevent compromising the entire flight.

What happens if a bird hits a plane engine?

Jet engine ingestion is extremely serious due to the rotation speed of the engine fan and engine design. As the bird strikes a fan blade, that blade can be displaced into another blade and so forth, causing a cascading failure.