Airlines’ Latest Innovations
Photo: Brian Losito Q: What are the best recent innovations in the commercial airline industry? Annie Theriault, Nelson, B.C. One very useful recent innovation is CPDLC (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications), an air-to-ground data link system that allows constant communication between pilots and air… Source
Large or Small?
Photo: Brian Losito Q: What’s more fun to fly: a large aircraft or a small one? Michael Brown, Ottawa As captain on the Airbus A320, it’s reassuring to know that 65 departments are working behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes smoothly. When I flew small single-engine airplanes, I… Source
The Age of Aircraft
Photo: Brian Losito Q: How old is the oldest aircraft at Air Canada? Carlton Lagusz, Stallingborough, U.K. An airliner’s lifespan is based on hours, years and cycles (takeoffs and landings). Fuel efficiency, technological advances and the economy all factor into the equation for retirement of aircraft at Air Canada. The average age… Source
Avoiding Turbulence
Photo: Brian Losito Q: Is there any way to detect and detour around turbulence? Ivan Chan, Vancouver Air Canada’s policy is to avoid or circumnavigate known areas of significant turbulence, especially thunderstorms. On-board weather radar detects precipitation, which, if significant, implies turbulence…. Source