Monthly Archives: February 2012

Phraseology in International Air Transport Operations

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

Avoid the use of Slang by Captain Shem Malmquist Pilots should “avoid the use of slang” in international communications.  For those pilots that will fly some international trips during their career, it is worthwhile to explore what that statement really means.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Safety | Tagged

Aircraft Pilot Coupling (APC) PIO Transport Aircraft

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

Written by Shem Malmquist, Captain MD-11 Most pilots have heard the acronym “PIO” (pilot-induced-oscillation) at some point in their careers, and most assume it is related to poor piloting skills. Recognition and recovery from PIO is not even taught in … Continue reading →

Posted in Safety | Tagged

Weather Avoidance – Transport Aircraft Operations

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

By Captain Shem Malmquist While thunderstorms can occur during any part of the year, we all think of Spring as “thunderstorm season”.  With the warming of the weather comes an increase in convective weather. This is an excellent time to … Continue reading →

Posted in Safety

The Effect of Negative Pitch Changes on Landing Performance

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

By Captain Shem Malmquist One area of flight performance that is misunderstood by some pilots is the affect of pitch changes just prior to landing.  Specifically, some pilots will aggressively lower the nose just prior to touchdown.  While this technique will … Continue reading →

Posted in Safety

Stabilized Approaches

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

(image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380) By Captain Shem Malmquist There has been much emphasis on the importance of the stabilized approach.  I recently came across an interesting analysis of the time saved by flying an approach at higher speed as opposed to configuring … Continue reading →

Posted in Safety

Cold Temperature and Wind Effects on Altimetry

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

  (Image from http://www.mountainflying.com/) By Captain Shem Malmquist Barometric altimeters are prone to various errors. Most pilots understand the effects of non-standard pressure. We correct for this below transition altitude by setting the local altimeter setting as provided by ATC. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Safety

Windshear

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

Photo from http://wildaboututah.org/images/VirgaTucsonJulioBetancourt-4.jpg By Captain Shem Malmquist At least once each year we each return to fly the simulator.  The “game” in the simulator is fairly predictable.  We know what to expect most of the way through – we are more … Continue reading →

Posted in Safety | Tagged ,