The Cockpit

[audio:https://aviationenglishblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/10thecockpit.mp3|titles=The Cockpit]The Cockpit

The cockpit is the area in the front of the aircraft from where a pilot controls the aircraft. Referred to as flight deck on an airliner, it is basically the driver’s seat. However, the things that go on in a cockpit are far more complicated than what happens behind the wheel. The cockpit comprises of an instrument panel and controls which allow the pilot to fly the aircraft.

The cockpit of an aircraft has undergone a dramatic change over the years. After all the changes, the layout has been standardized today. Modern cockpits are fully computerized and the manual flight control has been replaced by a fly-by-wire system with an electronic interface and the control column with an electronic side-stick.

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Helicopters

[audio:https://aviationenglishblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/08helicopters.mp3|titles=Helicopters]TOPIC: Helicopters

GOAL: To learn about helicopters’ use and how they operate

Level: Easy

Exercise #1: Read about helicopters and then proceed to Exercise #2

Helicopters are the most versatile flying machines in existence today. This versatility gives the pilot complete access to three-dimensional space in a way that no airplane can. If you have ever flown in a helicopter you know that its abilities are exhilarating. The amazing flexibility of helicopters means that they can fly almost anywhere. However, it also means that flying these machines is complicated. The pilot has to think in three dimensions and must use both arms and both legs constantly to keep a helicopter in the air. Piloting a helicopter requires a great deal of training and skill, as well as continuous attention to what is happening with the aircraft.

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Parts of an Aircraft

[audio:https://aviationenglishblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/04partsofanaircraft.mp3|titles=Parts of an Aircraft]TOPIC: Parts of an Aircraft

GOAL: To learn the major parts of an aircraft by location and function

Level: Easy

1. Read about the various major parts of an airplane, then proceed to Step 2

Although there are many aircraft designs flying today, most of them share a common assembly of major parts that all pilots should be thoroughly aware of. Ever since the early days of aviation, an aviator’s primary training included the fundamental knowledge of what each part is called, its function and where it is located.

Each major part of a fixed-wing aircraft serves an important purpose. For example, the propeller helps move the aircraft through the air via thrust. The wings are lifting bodies which help keep the aircraft airborne. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers contain vital control surfaces; and the fuselage is a major structural component containing crew and passenger areas.

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Flight

In the future we will have a members only area.

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Airline Alliances and a Changed Passenger Experience

TOPIC: AIRLINE ALLIANCES AND A CHANGED PASSENGER EXPERIENCE

Read the introductory text below. Follow links to additional material.

Passenger experience as a concept has been a matter of great transformation over the last years. Both airlines and airports have invested time and expertise into revamping interiors and procedures, introducing new technologies, going green, offering bonuses and frequent flier miles club memberships, forming alliances and expanding them, as well as reinventing the entire idea of aviation security in a way that is unnerving for many a traveler or human rights activist   Read here:

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Aviation Quiz

AVIATION QUIZ

1. Many people have broken the sound barrier while driving. Who was the first person to break it in a level flight?

a) Chuck Yeager

b) Scott Crossfield

c) Wilbur Wright

d) Neil Armstrong

2. What do you hear when somebody says something while you are travelling faster than the speed of sound?

a) Nothing at all

b) A sonic boom

c) Since you are travelling faster than the speed of sound you hear words back words

d) You hear what is being said because the air inside the aircraft is travelling at the same speed as you.

3. What Does ICAO stand for?

a) International Civil Aviation Organization

b) Intense Civil Aviation Operations

c) Interstate Civil Aviation Organization

d) Interstate Civil Aviation Operations

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Ash Clouds

[audio:https://aviationenglishblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/14ashclouds.mp3|titles=Ash Clouds]TOPIC: Ash Clouds

GOAL: To learn about ash cloud’s effect on traffic and how to deal with an encounter.

Level: Medium

Exercise #1: Read about the dangers of flying through ash clouds and how to handle such a situation.

In April 2010, Europe's skies remained largely closed for several days after a mass of volcanic ash which originated from Iceland blanketed the continent causing crippling flight delays. Due to the disruptions to air traffic, a major portion of 22,000 scheduled flights destined to take off from locations throughout Europe were cancelled. In fact, only 6,000 departed during the near weeklong event. The International Air Transport Association estimated the air traffic interruptions caused approximately $200 million in damage a day. Contrary to popular belief, flying through ash will not completely destroy an aircraft in seconds, but the abrasive particles will certainly cause great exterior and electrical damage to airplanes flying through the clouds over a very short period time.

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Jet Engines

Grammar: Simple Past Tense

TOPIC: Grammar Point – Simple Past Tense

GOAL: To review the simple past tense and irregular verbs

Level: Medium

Exercise #1: Read about the structure and use of the simple past tense

The simple past tense is sometimes called the preterite tense. We can use several tenses to talk about the past, but the simple past tense is the one we use most often.

–         The structure for positive sentences in the simple past tense is:

subject + main verb (past)

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Packing

Packing!

Aim

• Practice English skills in an aviation context
• Learn some packing tips and some new vocabulary
• Have fun!

When the cabin crew come striding through the airport, immaculately uniformed and groomed, you can be sure that none of them are carting luggage that’s bulging to the point of zips breaking, or a carry-on with a pair of shoes tied on to the outside!

And you just know that when they get to their destination they’re not going to be changing into crumpled clothing, or turning the contents of their bags out onto the hotel room floor in search of a pair of socks.

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