View Full Version : Who sets your Altitude Alert?
eflowj
6th Jun 2010, 15:31
I am doing a poll. What is your company SOP regarding who sets the Altitude Alert? Does it change whether somebody is handflying or using the autopilot? And personal opinion: How do you think it should be done and why?
Thanks!
Dengue_Dude
6th Jun 2010, 15:46
I've stopped flying now but it was simple:
Hand flying - set by PNF
Autopilot flying - PF
Simples
Type1106
6th Jun 2010, 16:08
Even simpler - PNF at all times
Even simpler - PNF at all times
Really?
Who does the speed/heading bugs or selects V/S etc?
B744
Hand Flying - PNF
Autopilot - PF
Pilot not setting the altitude must point at the new set altitude and say it.
CJ Driver
6th Jun 2010, 17:25
On Autopilot - PF
Hand flying - PNF
Like Zoner says, considered a "required cross-check" item, so whoever is setting it actually speaks to the other pilot who acknowledges what is being set.
Alt select/alert...F/O always.
Heading/course selectors...Captain decretion, always.
FMS, Captains decretion...always.
filejw
7th Jun 2010, 16:45
A bit old school 411...is that an L1011 or DC6 you are flying....LOL
IndAir967
8th Jun 2010, 02:42
Same here..
Hand Flying - PNF
AP on - PF
Who ever does it, sets the altitude and reads it and confirms it with the other guy.
IAC967:ok:
Rat Catcher
8th Jun 2010, 04:38
Normal operation:ok:
Auto pilot engaged PF sets and confirmed by PM
Manual flight PM sets and confirmed PF
Pilot Positive
8th Jun 2010, 18:00
A/P engaged:
PF - selects FL/altitude and says it.
PNF - acknowledges when correct FL/altitude is selected.
Handflying:
PNF - selects FL/altitude and says it.
PF - acknowledges when correct FL/altitude is selected.
At all times:
PNF calls "1000' to go" prior to level off at selected FL/Altitude and PF acknowledges. Usually the aural warning gets in the way. :ugh:
Centaurus
9th Jun 2010, 14:51
PNF calls "1000' to go" prior to level off at selected FL/Altitude and PF acknowledges. Usually the aural warning gets in the way.
On the 737 Classic the altitude alerter sounds at 900 feet to go to the selected MCP altitude. On many occasions the PNF's wait until the alerter sounds and then belatedly sing out "Thousand to Go." A bit bloody late, Mate.
Have even heard a PNF call "thousand to go" when the chime sounded because the aircraft had left a level for a new level but the crew forgot to select the new level in the MCP and the chime sounded when the aircraft had climbed 300 ft above or descended below current MCP altitude. Monkey see - monkey do, comes to mind...
In the simulator, if the instructor quietly disables the altitude alerter to check the alertness of the crew (without telling them first) invariably the PNF forgets to call "thousand to go" and the PF forgets too. Which means neither are monitoring the altimeters. Observed this slack attitude on countless occasions which means crews rely blindly on the alerter sound to remind them of the approaching altitude rather than have the situational awareness to closely monitor climb or descent rates to selected altitudes
Pilot Positive
9th Jun 2010, 16:17
Observed this slack attitude on countless occasions which means crews rely blindly on the alerter sound to remind them of the approaching altitude
Yes the aural warning is suppose to be a reminder/back up rather than the driver as the crew set the FL/Altitude themselves and are suppose to be flying the aircraft! Too much reliance on that little chime me thinks :uhoh: