Novel question
 

I am embarking on writing my second airline thriller novel and as I am not a pilot I have these two questions of detail, the answers to which will add authenticity to the story.

a) By what means can a pilot receive an onboard communication from their own head office? Is there a direct channel that allows you to talk with the 'higher ups' ?
b) If a pilot is requesting police presence on arrival who are they talking to? ATC?

Please don't laugh at the simplicity of these Qs, but although I have spent a career in the industry I only ever sit in cabin behind you. :)
Reply PM or posting. Either is fine.

thanks,
DTM.

Thread moved from Tech Log - probably more appropriate in Questions.

1. Potentially 3 ways. A. Most long haul aircraft have sat phones so they can talk with their operations people. It’s required under FAA regulations for aircraft operating on longer flights when more than 3 hours away from a suitable airport after having an engine fail. B. Starting around 1980 ACARS (Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System) started showing up in most airliners. Think of it as text messaging the company. C. Really old school but still in place - there are several “Radio” companies. New York radio, Stockholm radio, Tokyo radio, etc. They have VHF and HF radio frequencies separate from ATC frequencies. You can call them up and have them pass a message or if needed get a “phone patch” where the radio operator will call the company operations and then connect the flight crew with their operations. This ties up the frequency so is normally only done when desperate.

2. It could be done through ATC or through the company by the means above. It would probably be a matter of if the crew was concerned about everyone hearing the call. Using the ATC system would probably be faster as they would have the local police number handy.

Thanks so much. I'll put you down for a comp copy of the book. Don't hold your breath, it took me three years to write the first one, and so far with this one I am only at Chapter 3!
best,
DTM

Have a look at SELCAL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SELCAL

Thanks.More detail than I need for the average lay reader, but useful.