The Training Center

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are crucial in the aviation industry, providing a detailed blueprint for flight safety and operational consistency. This blog post delves into the importance of SOPs in guiding pilots through each phase of flight, from pre-flight checks to landing. SOPs not only minimize human error but also ensure pilots are trained to handle emergencies efficiently. They are essential to pilot training, especially with specific aircraft like the A320 or B737, and continuously evolve with technological advancements. Overall, SOPs remain vital in maintaining high safety standards in air travel.

The Airbus A320's fly-by-wire (FBW) system electronically translates pilot inputs from side sticks and pedals into control surface movements, replacing traditional mechanical linkages. Flight control computers process these inputs, operating under various control laws to ensure optimal response and safety, including flight envelope protection in Normal Law. The system uses electro-hydraulic actuators for control surface actuation, with artificial feedback provided to pilots. Built-in redundancy enhances system reliability. Benefits of the A320's FBW include reduced aircraft weight, improved safety and performance, and smoother flight experience.

Embarking on the journey to become an airline pilot in 2024 involves a systematic approach. This comprehensive checklist outlines key steps, emphasizing the importance of a solid educational foundation, selecting accredited flight schools, and enrolling in rigorous flight training programs. Accumulating hands-on experience, obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and navigating the competitive job selection process are pivotal milestones. Continuous professional development ensures pilots stay ahead in the dynamic aviation landscape. Overall, this snapshot offers aspiring aviators a roadmap to turn their dreams into a rewarding reality in the evolving world of aviation.

On July 17, 2007, a commercial A-320 aircraft with 187 passengers and crew on board crashed while attempting to land at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. The weather conditions were adverse, and the aircraft was operating with one engine reverser deactivated. During the landing, the ground spoilers did not deflect, and the aircraft veered to the left, overran the runway, and collided with a building and a fuel service station. All persons on board the aircraft and 12 people on the ground were killed. The accident caused severe damage to the surrounding area, and the TAM Express building was demolished due to structural damage.

In December 2014, an Airbus A320-216 aircraft on a flight from Indonesia to Singapore experienced a failure of the Rudder Travel Limiter, which triggered a series of Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) messages. The flight crew performed the ECAM procedure for the first three messages but took different action following the fourth, which resulted in an electrical interruption to the Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC) and caused the autopilot to disengage. The aircraft entered an upset condition and eventually stalled, resulting in a crash that killed all 162 occupants.

The investigation found that the cracking of a solder joint caused the RTLU failure, and unresolved repetitive faults occurred due to existing maintenance data analysis. The flight crew's actions and subsequent inability to control the aircraft in Alternate Law were also contributing factors. The Final Report and additional resources, such as a video replay of the accident and articles on stall situations and system resets, provide more information on this tragic event.

This blog article discusses why becoming a commercial pilot might be a good career choice, despite the current pandemic situation. Before the pandemic, there was already a shortage of pilots due to global economic growth, an increase in air travel, and pilots approaching retirement age. While the pandemic has led to a temporary oversupply of pilots, the airline industry still needs to prepare for the future and avoid a shortage in a few years. Boeing estimates that there will be a demand for over 600,000 new commercial pilots in the next 20 years, and airlines need to start training now to be ready when the industry recovers. The article also mentions the importance of innovative training solutions and the use of online and virtual formats. Overall, the article suggests that becoming a commercial pilot might be a good career choice in the long run, despite the current challenges.