For questions specifically pertaining to pilots themselves, rather than aircraft or flying; use [career] instead where applicable.
Questions tagged [pilots]
297 questions
18
votes
5 answers
In order to become a pilot, should an individual have an above average mathematical ability?
I would very much like to become an airline pilot however maths has never been my strongest subject. Are most pilots mathematically adept or can I get away with being average?
J.FLLT
- 1,231
- 1
- 12
- 18
14
votes
3 answers
What kind of sunglasses are good for flying?
I'm a beginner at aviation. I'm currently in training for gliders license.
Our instructors mentioned that sunglasses are very important if not mandatory.
What kind of properties do I need to look for in sunglasses to determine whether they are good…
ak7483
- 163
- 1
- 8
9
votes
2 answers
Who is the pilot in command when the pilot in command is resting?
On long-haul flights, there are extra pilots on board so that the flight crew gets a chance to rest. When the pilot in command gets relieved and goes to the rest area, who is legally in charge of the airplane? Is the PIC role transferred to one of…
cpast
- 4,213
- 1
- 25
- 41
9
votes
1 answer
Where can over age 65 airline pilots fly?
Some countries have no maximum age for airline pilots while many other countries specify age 60 or 65. (Austria, Russia, Canada, Australia, etc., have no maximum age)
ICAO rules currently specify a max age of 65 which allows ICAO member states to…
Mike Sowsun
- 37,747
- 4
- 122
- 156
9
votes
2 answers
Do pilots choose which aircraft to get rated for or is it the employer that decides it?
How do pilots end up flying a specific plane type? Do they choose what type of plane they want to fly and persevere the goal or do you generally get an ATPL and then get a rating based on what your employers aircraft models are?
Example:
I love…
Fabrizio Mazzoni
- 9,882
- 15
- 64
- 113
9
votes
2 answers
Do captains and first officers always fly together or are they mixed?
I was wondering if the same captain and first officers always fly together for some time as some sort of a team or are they mixed around in every flight? I suppose if you have one plane that is the case but what happens in huge airlines such as…
Fabrizio Mazzoni
- 9,882
- 15
- 64
- 113
8
votes
1 answer
How old is too old to become a pilot?
What is the highest age at which you can decide to become a pilot for a major airline, a pilot for a cargo airline, or a private pilot?
I'd like to know for Canada or France mainly. But I wonder whether these countries will have rules that are too…
Quora Feans
- 3,681
- 5
- 28
- 47
7
votes
2 answers
What is the trend of gender distribution among pilots?
Are there any statistics on the distribution of pilots between the two genders? Specifically, has the ratio changed over the past decades (I'd expect female pilots to be getting more common)?
I'm aware that the number will vary between countries.…
kevin
- 39,731
- 17
- 148
- 278
7
votes
1 answer
Is it allowed to wear polarized sunglasses in cockpit?
Is it true that Pilots are not allowed to wear polarized sunglasses?
What is the worst thing that can happen if wearing polarized
sunglasses in cockpit?
juni-j
- 377
- 3
- 6
6
votes
2 answers
What do pilots do, when there is a long wait before take-off, after gates are closed?
Pilots are supposed to carry out the mandatory checks before the flight take-off or taxi. But what happens when there is a delay, when the aircraft cannot push back from the gate, due to non-clearance from ATC, or due to heavy traffic etc.
Do the…
Firee
- 9,131
- 9
- 57
- 107
6
votes
2 answers
How do commercial airlines prepare for pilots falling sick during the flight?
According to this article, the pilot suffered a heart attack mid-air and a passenger helped in landing the plane safely.
How does commercial airlines prepare themselves for these kind of situations. Do they specifically check if there are any pilots…
Firee
- 9,131
- 9
- 57
- 107
5
votes
1 answer
Question on Pilot Age Limits Worldwide
ICAO have set pilot age limits for “international commercial air transport operations” as follows:
65 years old in multi-pilot operations
60 years old in single pilot operations
The US FAA and EASA apply the same rules. All ICAO states should apply…
RoddyPieters
- 51
- 2
4
votes
0 answers
Does anyone know what this set of aviation wings signifies?
I stumbled upon this set of aviation wings whilst searching through a box of old things, though I'm at a loss as to their origin, and what they symbolise.
Judging from the lack of skill used to craft the item (Seems the mold had an off day), I doubt…
Darthoq
- 41
- 2
4
votes
1 answer
What do Fighter pilots' thumbs look like?
I have to imagine this question doesn't get asked too often, but I read actress Sienna Miller said her "nipples look like fighter pilots' thumbs" from breastfeeding.
I'm so confused. Do pilots' thumbs have a certain way of looking that is known?
I'm…
SaraBC
- 57
- 2
4
votes
1 answer
How can you fly a plane without arms?
I hear about Jessica Cox; born without arms, she is the world's first licensed armless pilot.
How can you pilot a plane without arms? How are the controls modified in order to let her fly?
Anyway: great respect for this woman. Absolutely.
Gianni Alessandro
- 3,154
- 7
- 30
- 51