How orofessional is this?

[click]

I'd find out what they are smoking and buy them a carton! At least we know that JAT has real pilots capable of doing a visual instead of FMS geeks who fornicate with the ops manual.

[Chimbu chuckles]

Nope...you are just watching a very experienced crew, who clearly fly together regularly and know what they are doing, enjoying their profession in a region that hasn't outlawed fun in some PC backlash against life.

I used to fly the same technology in a similar scenario...we used to smoke but admittedly not through a landing...perhaps there was a little more chit chat than would be considered proper but then they were flying a visual approach and I don't speak their language so am unsure how much was non operational.

The captain flying from the RHS was clearly concentrating on the flying and not partaking of most of the chit chat...the remaining crew members responded to commands for config changes and ran the checkists in a timely and professional manner. It was a joy to watch actually..lovely flying and a beautiful landing...727s don't land themselves unlike some more modern aircraft...727s and their ilk are mans aeroplanes.

I firmly believe having watched them that had the weather been bad they would have responded in an equally professional manner and the film would have had a completely different 'tone'.

I envy them their job...but not their pay probably. If I could earn what I do now flying a 767 doing what they are doing in their 727 I would be there in a fast minute.

As far as the ground prox...that was a glideslope warning and he was flying the Papi...from time to time I set that off too on a visual approach at my home port...but my airline, like his doesn't have ACARS flashing off a message to BS castle 1/4 of a second later. It could be as simple as a slightly steeper than nominal GS in order to clear a chimney or other obstacle that is not a consideration on a visual approach...which is exactly the case where I live.

[fireflybob]

I'd find out what they are smoking and buy them a carton! At least we know that JAT has real pilots capable of doing a visual instead of FMS geeks who fornicate with the ops manual.

Well said, click!

There is, as they say, more than one way of "skinning a cat". What's more important? Doing the "right thing" or doing "things right"? (You'll need to think about that one!). Despite the minor "transgressions" (and I don't approve of smoking, let alone on the flightdeck) this crew seem to be operating well as a team - how well would they deal with an emergency?

[Avman]

It brought back memories of many a jumpseat B727 ride I had when flying was still fun! Yes, the B727 operates with an F/E -but I don't know if the present FEDEX ones still do. As for the "Glidescope" warning, I've heard it (temporarily) more often than not when on a tight visual circuit. Had it gone on the whole way down that's something else, but in this instance it was short and sweet -which suggests it was well within acceptable parameters. A well excecuted visual approach by three pros. Just remember that some countries/airlines don't have to fear suicidal terrorists as much as others, and these still tend to practise a more open cockpit door policy.

[Grunf]

FYI:
Knowing some of the crew members (not all, mind you) and since I do understand them it is quite true that this is a well coordinated team flying for God knows how long (20 years at least, maybe even longer).

This is their home airport and they know all the visual cues. As for the chit-chat it is informal but it goes with the level of traffic (extremely low), good weather and familiarity with the terrain (ergo the chicken story).

As for mentioning of Africa - presumably this crew has flown there (and in Asia) for too long to be used to "visual only" approaches.

I would gladly be on that a/c or with that crew, whenever and wherever (and I probably was, many times).

At least 727 nas no hidden FMS related surprises.
Cheers

[JJflyer]

Orowhat?

Also the Capt in the RGT seat does have APP plates... Have a look at his sliding window "Clipboard". Attached right there me thinks. Very orofessional though must agree

JJ

[Panman]

No one was smoking. One person with bad eyesight mistakes a pen for a cigarette and everyone else goes along with it. I though orofessional pilots were supposed to have good eyesight (whether corrected or not).

[DrKev]

(FWIW, captain is definitely holding a cigarette and the cigarette smoke is very hard to mistake for anything else).

[big.al]

Very unorofessional indeed!

"I love the smell of irony in the morning...."

[Stearperson]

Looks like a good approach and landing to me. Some of my best approaches and Ldgs have been while the Non Flying pilot was telling jokes and cracking me up.

Looks like they have an FE and two jumpseaters. Pretty standard situation in a 727. The closed door can be seen behind the guy standing.

The captain is smoking,either that or they are on fire.

The US Airmans Information Manual actually states it is acceptable to descend below the g/s after the middle marker when landing in vmc.