Aircraft recognition question
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Aircraft recognition question
I asked this question on another thread, which seems to have been deleted for other reasons. So here goes again...
Does aircraft recognition form part of formal pilot training?
Thanx.
Does aircraft recognition form part of formal pilot training?
Thanx.
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Well, for instance when hearing ground instruct a pilot to "give way to the 757" etc. I wondered, do they ever reply "err...just remind me what a 757 looks like"...
I imagine they just get to know them? But there seems to be so many similar shapes these days I just wondered about possible confusion.
I imagine they just get to know them? But there seems to be so many similar shapes these days I just wondered about possible confusion.
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If one is ever to grace a flightdeck I would be mortified if they didn't know what a 757/737/320/777/747 etc looked like, so much so that you shouldn't even be there in the first place 
I've come across pilots that don't know the difference between some common aircraft types, and it doesn't bother them at all.
I've also rarely (never?) heard an ATC transmission that doesn't give the carrier name (when liveried accordingly) when requesting an aircraft to follow instructions after that aircraft.
I've also rarely (never?) heard an ATC transmission that doesn't give the carrier name (when liveried accordingly) when requesting an aircraft to follow instructions after that aircraft.
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I've come across pilots that don't know the difference between some common aircraft types, and it doesn't bother them at all.
In the cruise we then have a gentle conversation about safety and aircraft recognition, etc etc.
I am sure they think I am barking.
I once caused chaos at MAN having been told to taxy after a "somethingair"' CRJ. A small jet with a T tail taxied past, so I followed it. The berating I got from the ground controller was unjustifed IMHO, as the aircraft I actually followed was a EMB145 - also in BA colours but a different airline. (They look the same to me!) I don't think my answer of, "Listen mate, I'm paid to fly them, not spot them" helped! But I do think he should have been more specific. Being put in the sin bin of a monster repositioning taxi cost my company loads as I was in a 747.
I think most pilots know the major airliners, but anything smaller is a bit of a mystery to me. As for bizjets, I can recognise Gulfstreams because of their oval windows, but anything else - I don't have a clue.
I think most pilots know the major airliners, but anything smaller is a bit of a mystery to me. As for bizjets, I can recognise Gulfstreams because of their oval windows, but anything else - I don't have a clue.
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I once saw the transcript of an R/T exchange when a Beverley reported a conflict with a 707; the airliner's crew asked ATC something on the lines of "Please inform the janitor of that tenement that this 707 is a DC8".
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I remember an ATCO saying,
"Give way to the Wardair B747, that's the one with the Kangaroo on the tail...."
"Give way to the Wardair B747, that's the one with the Kangaroo on the tail...."
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Wasn't Wardair a Canadian Company founded by Max Ward, an early Bush Aviator? If so, why would it have a Kangaroo on the tail - it just had its name - see here http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ir_747-1D1.jpg
OD
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I was asked by a pilot friend how the controller knows what type to say in the conditional clearance,he thought we were all "super-spotters". I didn't have the heart to tell him that it's written down in front of us. Having said that, controllers are taught aircraft recognition along with performance characteristics.
On the subject of "after-the landing...", in the UK the subject aircraft will always be the first one on the approach.
On the subject of "after-the landing...", in the UK the subject aircraft will always be the first one on the approach.
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I would have thought that good aircraft recognition skills for EVERYONE involved in flying or handling aircraft would make airports safer places and to be honest its not that difficult is it ? If I was a pilot I would make sure I knew every type and carrier, not for spotter type kicks but for professional pride.
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"Give way to the Wardair B747, that's the one with the Kangaroo on the tail...."
