What does a airplane pilot do?

Question

Ok...i know they sit in the cockpit and drive the plane, but like, what excatly do they do? Do they control the plane 100%? Do they just ensure laminar flow, and do they have computer assistance?
I'm just really curious =) Please only answer if you know what you're talking about...

Answer 1

We start by preflighting the aircraft, ensuring that all systems are operating correctly and that the aircraft is safe to fly. Then we start it up, get taxi clearance, and move out. there is a steady stream of checklists that must be accomplished prior to departure, so we are quite busy at this time. They include things like programming and verifying the route and power settings, weight and balance concenrs and a few other things. After takeoff, its pretty much just a "listen and comply" type of job. climb, descend, turn, all that fun stuff. Primarily the autopilot is in control of the plane, but we need to tell the autopilot what to do, its not very smart after all. We are frequently running checklists and checks to ensure that the plane is operating perfectly, and cross-checking each other on altitude and heading selections.

While it is true that the autopilot "flies" the plane, I seriously doubt we'll see a time in our lifetimes where pilots are obsolete. People that say they are simply do not understand how complicated it is to fly an airplane. Automation takes a lot of the "hands-on" work and makes a machine do it, but we aren't simply drinking coffee up there as was suggested. There is a lot of mental planning and foresight that needs to be excercised in order to be safe and effective.

Answer 2

The pilot controls take offs and landings mainly. When they are at cruising altitude they can set it on auto pilot and enjoy a cup of coffee but they are always listening to the radio for commands from air traffic control. The second they hear to decend 1000 feet they are up and doing it. There usually isn't much spare time because of that.

Answer 3

if you get microsoft flight simulator and all of the pedals and stuff it is ment to be just like flying a real plane. I think that it would depend on the plane for exapmle the little ones the pilot controls pritty much 100% but the bigger ones have much more technology in.

Answer 4

nowadays, its mostly make sure everything is working correctly, modern planes are capable of flying themselves takeoff to landing, but still arnt exactly 100% reliable, so they usually take care of the takeoff and landing to be safe, they are also there in case of some unlikely emergency

Answer 5

Ask little boys with dogs named scraps if they are into gladiator movies and if they've ever seen a grown man naked

Answer 6

they get drunk and let the computer do everything after takeoff and just before landing i think that's just commercial pilots

Answer 7

mainly its takes off and landing, automatic pilot rest of the time.
don't forget he is the boss!

Answer 8

fly plane

Answer 9

Go through the sites below....you will have a better understanding....

Answer 10

i know,if there's a problem there's a red panic button that they push,and it contacts the airport