We call it a problem with the carbon-based interface

(Written on 12/05/2022)(Permalink)

Not so much actually mistaking altitude for airspeed, but turning the wrong dial, i.e. turning the IAS selector instead of the altitude selector or heading selector. Have you ever pushed the wrong button on your phone, or on the aircon in your car? Same sort of issue. They are all similar controls, and all in similar places. Generally not a problem, but granted a small weak point in the man/machine interface, exacerbated by lack of currency.

(Written on 01/08/2022)(Permalink)

This is done with each and every occurrence - even small non-compliance errors (not just accidents). The recorded data is reviewed by a team of peers, and the pilots also get to observe the data. The pilots are interviewed as part of the investigation - not with a punitive objective, but to find out what caused the error so that re-training may be targeted for them, and also so that general training is developed for all crew so others are more aware of the same 'traps'. It is overall a very healthy environment of constant development.

(Written on 01/08/2022)(Permalink)

Hi Guy, yes. No Qantas A380 services have operated to London since March 2020 due to COVID. They are due to start operating to London again in July I think, so you will see them again ;)

(Written on 01/08/2022)(Permalink)

Agreed, but sim training is very good - especially for procedural training (which is where these errors are). That said, I know Qantas also conducted over 200 empty flights in the actual aircraft (both B787 and A380) as part of the crew re-introduction. They are taking it very seriously, and spending huge $$ in recognition of the issue. I'm sure many other airlines with long term stood down crew are doing the same.

(Written on 01/07/2022)(Permalink)

They are being taken through extensive refresher training. Very extensive. Most other reputable airlines are doing the same. But at the end of the day.. still human. It takes a while to get back into one's rhythm. At least it's being reported and acknowledged rather than swept under the rug..

(Written on 01/07/2022)(Permalink)

Wow. Are you guys serious? The US death rate from COVID is making you look like the laughing stock of the world, and yet some of you continue to keep your head firmly wedged in the sand. Apogee of stupidity? Yeah - I think you're already there mate.

(Written on 11/27/2020)(Permalink)

Maybe so, but the title of the article is factually incorrect

(Written on 04/04/2020)(Permalink)

A very nice looking jet indeed. Far nicer than... ahem... my one. Shame they were running the APU during the filming though. Would have looked just a *little* cleaner if it was all tucked away.

(Written on 10/21/2011)(Permalink)

@f4phlyer - in nil wind 100deg, the A380 would be limited to on MTOW by about 15T out of DFW - as you say, this *could* be the difference in also not being able to make it, but it's very close. Don't know the traffic loads, etc. but assuming a fuel load of ~220T, then useful load is around 30-35T, or enough for 300+ pax. And regarding turn radius - the A380 has no problems with that. Can take a 90 deg turn on a 22m wide taxiway. FYI the rear bogies on the wing gear DO pivot - not in the same way as the B747, but it is there to assist with turns. You can actually do a u-turn on a 60m wide runway in an A380 without touching the sides. The limit in DFW is pavement strength. The B747 is also over the limit by about 15%, but is operating on a *permanent* dispensation there. The A380 would be over the limit by more than 30%, and continued operation would damage the pavement, so no dispensation would be sought or granted. @iflysx - Sadly, I think they did think twice about cancellin

(Written on 07/31/2011)(Permalink)