Talking to the passengers on the PA
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All sounds like good advice to me.
I find pax like to know what's of interest en route too.So,if for example you're passing over lac Leman (lake Geneva to the rest of us),let them know.But only if you're coming up to it and its visible without people having to stand on one another's groins to get a glimpse.
Also,be aware in this regard of what's going on in the cabin and in the pax's heads.Its a bad idea to say,"ladies and Gentlemen,we've just entered the hold over Biggin and if you look out of the left hand side you'll see 4/6/8 aircraft all just a few hundred foot away".As a paxing pilot,i'd appreciate that stuff,but your average joe would quite likely begin to hyperventilate/pray/wet themself.
I find pax like to know what's of interest en route too.So,if for example you're passing over lac Leman (lake Geneva to the rest of us),let them know.But only if you're coming up to it and its visible without people having to stand on one another's groins to get a glimpse.
Also,be aware in this regard of what's going on in the cabin and in the pax's heads.Its a bad idea to say,"ladies and Gentlemen,we've just entered the hold over Biggin and if you look out of the left hand side you'll see 4/6/8 aircraft all just a few hundred foot away".As a paxing pilot,i'd appreciate that stuff,but your average joe would quite likely begin to hyperventilate/pray/wet themself.
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:::TONE of VOICE::: & :::SAFETY FIRST:::
And finally, the TONE of your voice will determine how well your pax address is appreciated.
Some pax also enjoy being told (or so I hear) what kind of noises they can expect to hear during T/O and LDG (pax address before departure). Some older types make distinct noises when Gear/Flaps are moved.
But remember, SAFETY FIRST. i.e. rather make a good pax address before taxiing and then only once in cruise again and only after LDG when all "cockpit work" is done.
As you all know, runway incursions/taxyway incidents are on the rise. Rather say too little, but have all the situational awareness you can muster.
Some pax also enjoy being told (or so I hear) what kind of noises they can expect to hear during T/O and LDG (pax address before departure). Some older types make distinct noises when Gear/Flaps are moved.
But remember, SAFETY FIRST. i.e. rather make a good pax address before taxiing and then only once in cruise again and only after LDG when all "cockpit work" is done.
As you all know, runway incursions/taxyway incidents are on the rise. Rather say too little, but have all the situational awareness you can muster.
I give top marks to PAs that are CLEAR and include a little originality without overcooking it. I recently congratulated an SN Brussels Airlines F/A for just this. His delivery in French, Dutch and English was outstandingly clear and at a speed that other foreign nationals would have had no problem following. His were the clearest (F/A) PAs Id ever heard in 48 years of flying.
Attention Captains: If you want to give me your name than don't rush or mumble it but please state it clearly. Otherwise don't bother!
Attention Captains: If you want to give me your name than don't rush or mumble it but please state it clearly. Otherwise don't bother!
Nice
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Ladies and Gents of the PA system,
From a PAX point of view...
A lot of us appreciate the technical things if you have the info available, route, height, ambient temperature and so on and so forth
However I appreciate that some PAX don't appreciate this type of thing, so a fine balancing act is required... I'm sure you can find the median...
From a PAX point of view...
A lot of us appreciate the technical things if you have the info available, route, height, ambient temperature and so on and so forth
However I appreciate that some PAX don't appreciate this type of thing, so a fine balancing act is required... I'm sure you can find the median...
I think pilots are bad judges of PAs. We like clear, logical and simple instructions. We appreciate brevity and have little interest in imbellishment. We are rather cynical.
The average pax is none of the above.
Cheers
WWW
The average pax is none of the above.
Cheers
WWW
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this is your captain speaking. My name is xxx and assisting me on the flight deck is first officer xxx.
I think passengers would like to know there are TWO competent pilots in the flight deck, rather than an organ grinder and a monkey. It saves the looks of horror when you leave the flight deck for a comfort break!
Paxing All Over The World
I go along with pretty much all of the above. If you would like to give some technical detail to us poor anoraks (and you have the time on a longer sector) then you might say this at the end of the main information:
"For those of you with a particular interest in aviation ... we shall be in the Ockham hold for about ten minutes, during which time we shall have a particularly good view of Bannockburn, followed by our normal three engined landing on runway 016R. We could use the fourth engine but we get a percentage of every gallon saved. We shall not be using any reverse thrust as it might wake up my wife in seat 1a."
Or any other useful information that we might like ...
By the way: FAO Turboprop pilots ... Please remember that you are wearing (at least) special headphones and maybe noise cancelling ones and we are not. Also, you are used to speaking to ATC who are wearing special headphones, so do speak up over the noise. I said, please speak loud enough over the noise of the props.
--------------------
"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
"For those of you with a particular interest in aviation ... we shall be in the Ockham hold for about ten minutes, during which time we shall have a particularly good view of Bannockburn, followed by our normal three engined landing on runway 016R. We could use the fourth engine but we get a percentage of every gallon saved. We shall not be using any reverse thrust as it might wake up my wife in seat 1a."
Or any other useful information that we might like ...
By the way: FAO Turboprop pilots ... Please remember that you are wearing (at least) special headphones and maybe noise cancelling ones and we are not. Also, you are used to speaking to ATC who are wearing special headphones, so do speak up over the noise. I said, please speak loud enough over the noise of the props.
--------------------
"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
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Sorry FI, just re-read my post, I didn't mean to come across so sarcastic!
I tend to say "joining me / with me on the flight deck is SFO...." and make a point of saying if s/he will be doing the flying; there's usally some idiot in Row 1 who will screech "are you leaving him on his own up there?!" when you get up for a leak!
(In fact it's probably the same person who panics whenever the pilot's PA is a woman's voice!)
I tend to say "joining me / with me on the flight deck is SFO...." and make a point of saying if s/he will be doing the flying; there's usally some idiot in Row 1 who will screech "are you leaving him on his own up there?!" when you get up for a leak!
(In fact it's probably the same person who panics whenever the pilot's PA is a woman's voice!)
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Well as PPRuNe's resident radio broadcaster, I think I'm qualified to add my humble thoughts to this thread.
My advice would be to avoid 'aviationisms' like 'push back' and 'on stand'. I've heard crews say 'top of descent' and 'flight level' before now. It means nothing in the real world. One thing drummed into me for years as a presenter is being real and being natural, and that's the key to a good PA for me.
Humour's tricky to do also, so stay away from it unless you're a natural.
Biggest laugh I had was on an EZY flight from NCL to BRS recently, where we touched down (heavily) and the PA crackled into life...'ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Bristol, where the local time is...er....er.....(fumble)....er....(punter shouts from row in front of me "ten past eight!"....er...the time is....er, eight ten.'
Much laughter from pax.
My advice would be to avoid 'aviationisms' like 'push back' and 'on stand'. I've heard crews say 'top of descent' and 'flight level' before now. It means nothing in the real world. One thing drummed into me for years as a presenter is being real and being natural, and that's the key to a good PA for me.
Humour's tricky to do also, so stay away from it unless you're a natural.
Biggest laugh I had was on an EZY flight from NCL to BRS recently, where we touched down (heavily) and the PA crackled into life...'ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Bristol, where the local time is...er....er.....(fumble)....er....(punter shouts from row in front of me "ten past eight!"....er...the time is....er, eight ten.'
Much laughter from pax.
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Hi,
Speaking as a humble piece of SLF and someone who is a bit of a nervy flyer, that in the first announcment, it's nice to know whats going to happen after take off. I don't mean a long boring run off of the departure, just a simple : "After take off, we'll be climbing to xxxxft and then making a left/right turn towards xxx" or whatever the departure involves.
This helps to settle my nerves 'cause I then know whats going to happen and don't freak out when the plane makes it's first turn(Yes, I do sometimes, sad, isn't it
)
I definitley feel more relaxed when I know what to expect. A friend of mine told me he was on a flight to White Plains, New York(I think) and the pilot came on the PA and let them know about the approach as I believe it's a bit of a freaky arrival. Said it really kept his trousers from turning brown when the aircraft made a steep turn at low altitude a few miles from touchdown!
Anyway, hope this helps.
Cheers!
Speaking as a humble piece of SLF and someone who is a bit of a nervy flyer, that in the first announcment, it's nice to know whats going to happen after take off. I don't mean a long boring run off of the departure, just a simple : "After take off, we'll be climbing to xxxxft and then making a left/right turn towards xxx" or whatever the departure involves.
This helps to settle my nerves 'cause I then know whats going to happen and don't freak out when the plane makes it's first turn(Yes, I do sometimes, sad, isn't it
)I definitley feel more relaxed when I know what to expect. A friend of mine told me he was on a flight to White Plains, New York(I think) and the pilot came on the PA and let them know about the approach as I believe it's a bit of a freaky arrival. Said it really kept his trousers from turning brown when the aircraft made a steep turn at low altitude a few miles from touchdown!
Anyway, hope this helps.
Cheers!
Bottums Up
EightsOnPylons
My spiel FWIW. Modified to suit conditions.
Pre take-off
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, Captain Claret speaking. On behalf of first officer Bill Bloggs, it's my pleasure to ad our welcome to that of Jacinta, Naomi & Melissa (only ever two or thre F/A so easy to name all) with you in the cabin, on board Flight 1234 to Bravo and onto Charlie.
[(If F/O Flying) You'll be in Bill's capable hands on this sector.] Take off will be/is expected to be to the East with a right turn over Mt Whatsit, with the city visible on the right hand side and the Adelaide River visible on the left.
Bill will/I'll come back to you once we're under way with further details. Once again, Welcome aboard.
Climb/cruise
Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain speaking once again, we're now 75 km from Alpha, climbing through 13000 feet on our way to cruise 41000 feet. We're expecting mostly smooth flying conditions and the seat belt sign has been extinguished. You are now free to move about the cabin, however, company policy requires that your seatbelt remain fastened whilst you are seated, incase we encounter any unexpected turbulence.
Our track takes us directly to Bavo, we pass [points of interest] and expect to have you disembarking on schedule at 12 o'clock. There is a 1 1/2 hour time difference and the time in Bravo is 11:15. For our arrival you can expect clear skys, a temperature of 25 degrees and a light easterly breeze.
I'll come back to you just prior to our descent, with an update on the weather and arrival time, for now though, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.
Just pre TOPD
Ladies & gentlemen, the Captain once again. We're currently 150km north east of Bravo and shortly to commence our descent. We will have you departing at 12 o'clock on schedule, the current weather at Bravo is 17degrees, sct low cloud, rain, and a moderate breeze from the south. Our approach will take us over the city and landing into the south. There may be a few bumps (if you think there will be turb) towards the latter stages of the approach but nothing to cause you any concern (Mrs C is a scared flyer!). For passengers continuing to Charlie, we will be on the ground for aproximately 30 minutes whilst we refuel, and for passengers leaving us at Bravo, on behalf of the entire crew, I thank you for flying with Pegasus Air. We look forward to your company when next you travel. Thank you, and G'day.
Notes:
If delayed, don't lie but try to give a better explanation that technical troubles, BUT use laymans terms.
If strange noises/bangs/flames; again don't lie. Reasure by confident tone and phrases. eg after engine failure, "as you can see we're quite comfortably flying on the remaining (#) engines".
If weather means there is a real chance of a missed approach, consider pre warning pax in the descent brief with a statement such as;
"weather at the airfield may prevent us from landing and if required we will climb away and try again. So, if you hear the engines accellerate and feel the aircraft climb away, this is a normal manoeuvre."
Hopefully the missed approach prep avoids panic if you execute the we climbed vertically and I thought we were gunna die manoeuvre.
Avoid ummm, arrgh. Speak confidently and clearly, without hurrying or ramblling.
My spiel FWIW. Modified to suit conditions.
Pre take-off
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, Captain Claret speaking. On behalf of first officer Bill Bloggs, it's my pleasure to ad our welcome to that of Jacinta, Naomi & Melissa (only ever two or thre F/A so easy to name all) with you in the cabin, on board Flight 1234 to Bravo and onto Charlie.
[(If F/O Flying) You'll be in Bill's capable hands on this sector.] Take off will be/is expected to be to the East with a right turn over Mt Whatsit, with the city visible on the right hand side and the Adelaide River visible on the left.
Bill will/I'll come back to you once we're under way with further details. Once again, Welcome aboard.
Climb/cruise
Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain speaking once again, we're now 75 km from Alpha, climbing through 13000 feet on our way to cruise 41000 feet. We're expecting mostly smooth flying conditions and the seat belt sign has been extinguished. You are now free to move about the cabin, however, company policy requires that your seatbelt remain fastened whilst you are seated, incase we encounter any unexpected turbulence.
Our track takes us directly to Bavo, we pass [points of interest] and expect to have you disembarking on schedule at 12 o'clock. There is a 1 1/2 hour time difference and the time in Bravo is 11:15. For our arrival you can expect clear skys, a temperature of 25 degrees and a light easterly breeze.
I'll come back to you just prior to our descent, with an update on the weather and arrival time, for now though, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.
Just pre TOPD
Ladies & gentlemen, the Captain once again. We're currently 150km north east of Bravo and shortly to commence our descent. We will have you departing at 12 o'clock on schedule, the current weather at Bravo is 17degrees, sct low cloud, rain, and a moderate breeze from the south. Our approach will take us over the city and landing into the south. There may be a few bumps (if you think there will be turb) towards the latter stages of the approach but nothing to cause you any concern (Mrs C is a scared flyer!). For passengers continuing to Charlie, we will be on the ground for aproximately 30 minutes whilst we refuel, and for passengers leaving us at Bravo, on behalf of the entire crew, I thank you for flying with Pegasus Air. We look forward to your company when next you travel. Thank you, and G'day.
Notes:
If delayed, don't lie but try to give a better explanation that technical troubles, BUT use laymans terms.
If strange noises/bangs/flames; again don't lie. Reasure by confident tone and phrases. eg after engine failure, "as you can see we're quite comfortably flying on the remaining (#) engines".
If weather means there is a real chance of a missed approach, consider pre warning pax in the descent brief with a statement such as;
"weather at the airfield may prevent us from landing and if required we will climb away and try again. So, if you hear the engines accellerate and feel the aircraft climb away, this is a normal manoeuvre."
Hopefully the missed approach prep avoids panic if you execute the we climbed vertically and I thought we were gunna die manoeuvre.
Avoid ummm, arrgh. Speak confidently and clearly, without hurrying or ramblling.
Last edited by Capt Claret; 13th May 2004 at 10:23.
Rambling PAs are intensely annoying. Brevity wins. Even worse are unimportant PAs that interrupt the IFE. Who the F cares about the items available from the sales trolley etc etc ad nauseum IF you interrupt the movie! Either give the PA before the film(s) start or wait for the end of them.
Paxing All Over The World
reverserunlocked: Good advice. Your EZY story reminds me of a crew that were on the last leg of a day ploughing back forth between LTN/GLA/EDI.
As we rolled off the active at about 22:00, the CC started the usual burble, "Ladies & Gentleman, EasyJet welcome you to <pause> err <pause> ..." All of us in the cabin shouted in unision: Edinburgh!!!
With regards to turb: Cpt Claret had it right with "There may be a few bumps" as I think that some passengers do not recognise that turbulence comes in many forms. You say 'turbulence' and they hear 'thrown around the sky and I'm gonna
'
So the variations and definition of the turbulence is helpful:
A few bumps ...
A bit bumpy ...
I'm sorry, it will be rather bumpy after take off but only for a couple of minutes whilst we climb up to the clear sky that is waiting for us.
OK, I know that's a bit over the top but telling folks that the sun is still shining and they will see it again, helps them to get through the bumps.
I have to say that I never think the a/c is going to fall from the sky but I am anxious about the feature of tubulence. So if I know it's 10/20 mins and you have promised me blue sky the other side, then I'll be fine.
--------------------
"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
As we rolled off the active at about 22:00, the CC started the usual burble, "Ladies & Gentleman, EasyJet welcome you to <pause> err <pause> ..." All of us in the cabin shouted in unision: Edinburgh!!!
With regards to turb: Cpt Claret had it right with "There may be a few bumps" as I think that some passengers do not recognise that turbulence comes in many forms. You say 'turbulence' and they hear 'thrown around the sky and I'm gonna
'So the variations and definition of the turbulence is helpful:
A few bumps ...
A bit bumpy ...
I'm sorry, it will be rather bumpy after take off but only for a couple of minutes whilst we climb up to the clear sky that is waiting for us.
OK, I know that's a bit over the top but telling folks that the sun is still shining and they will see it again, helps them to get through the bumps.
I have to say that I never think the a/c is going to fall from the sky but I am anxious about the
feature of tubulence. So if I know it's 10/20 mins and you have promised me blue sky the other side, then I'll be fine.--------------------
"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Ich bin ein Prooner.
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Which was the U.S. airline that until a few years ago (Pre-all the terror activity) gave out P.A. announcements onboard such as, i.e. after a "firm" landing-"Will passengers please remain seated until the aircraft has finished skidding to a stop at the terminal, before trying to leave the wreckage?"
I'm sure I recall reading in a respected Avmag (pehaps Flight) that the passengers actually liked it, and that passengers numbers actually went up.
I'm sure I recall reading in a respected Avmag (pehaps Flight) that the passengers actually liked it, and that passengers numbers actually went up.
