Loss of Control In-Flight - Flight Crew training
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Goodwood
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And of course modern aircraft not only have alpha vanes, they drive all the translations into speed warnings on the PFD. It is possible to figure out what the alpha is with certain PFD settings, but for the main part commercial pilots are trained to follow flight directors and effectively be clueless about what is actually happening with the aircraft.
IMHO it is mostly engineers who argue that alpha is not necessary; I've also been told by OEMs that it would be 'too difficult' for commercial pilots...
The bottom line is that speed is only a proxy for alpha and a very large proportion of airline pilots that we fly during on-aircraft UPRT have to be taken back to basics in understanding how an aeroplane flies - especially with respect to the impact on alpha of relative airflow in a climb and a descent.
Just as an aside, if you buy a new Cessna 172 Skyhawk, it comes with an Alpha gauge included!
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Surrounded by aluminum, and the great outdoors
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well thats one way to practice and polish basic flying skills isnt it...you see to have a bug up your ass (head) when it comes to this...what's your problem with ex-turboprop guys n gals??