Charter Jets When Time is Money
Just as soon as the pilot receives permission he moves his charter jet onto the runway while heading into the wind and continues down the runway. In many ways the take-off of an aircraft is like starting a car in low gear, shifting to second gear and finally into high gear as speed increases. The pilot of the charter jet adjusts the angle or pitches of the flap.
After take-off the bite is increased and the jet engine speed is reduced. When the plane reaches cruising altitude the pilot reduces engine speed and is in high. Thankfully the pilot has all the flying on his mind, while mine is on New Jersey to sign some papers.
The pilots continue checking after the charter jet is airborne and during the climb to altitude. They pull up or retract the landing gear. They also move the flaps into flight position where they are brought up close to and in line with the under surface of the wing. When the aircraft reaches the altitude called in the flight plan, another cursing check is made.
While flying the course the pilot reports his position from time to time as he passes over air traffic control points. As he flies along designated airways he knows when he is over such points by a flashing light on the instrument panel or by a cone of silence when over a radio range station. Both the flashing light and the signals in his earphones are caused by the radio signals which the station markers send up. He also keeps track of his position by checking landmarks on his charts. (more…)