Flying a heavy/super on PilotEdge

[Kim Ellis]

A few questions from simmer pilots (as distinct from real world pilots) as to what it is like to fly a heavy (B747-400) or a super (A380 or B747-8i) on PilotEdge, so here is the PilotsEye video that I refer them to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENe89j89 ... XKEfjlIlBQ

From my personal perspective, the short answer to the question is it is both hell and heaven. It is heaven because that is what a heavy/super pilot always gets. It is hell because on PilotEdge you do absolutely everything as PF. The bonus of real and realistic ATC on PE guarentees your blood pressure will go very high. If I am being honest, I really can't do KLAX-KSFO properly without ending up in a lather of sweat. This video gives those interested a glimpse of most things you can expect in a heavy/super, such as: ATC changes to the best plans of mice and men, spectacular views on approach, very busy workload periods, mega frequency changes (don't worry about the pilots who wonder aloud about what you're going on about, when they get their 5+ frequency changes in 30+mins, and you get yours in 10 mins), extraordinarily slow mandated taxi speeds (much to PE ATC mirth), not being able to taxi on most taxiways because you'll crack the concrete, don't think you'll ever be able to do a heavy/super flight without checklists (you'll forget something important), the need to be able to regularly and perfectly perform a go around when you are least mentally capable, extraordinary feeling of pride and achievement as you approach the destination terminal (even if there are no water trucks), etc.

If you are going to have a go at a heavy/super on PE, make sure you get your type rating first, or you're not going to be the most popular plane around. If you can, get one of the heavy/super PE pilots to give you a hand. Just remember there aren't that many of them. Take advantage of the hundreds of good heavy/super videos on YouTube, both sim and real world, as they will provide almost everything you want.

[bruce]

Great film, love the music just before the water arch.
Comms aside I recall someone saying that heavies were complicated, sounds like someone has been spinning me a yarn.

[Jeff N]

Cool video. I'm having a hard enough time branching out to turbo prop twins from single engine props, I can't even imagine trying to fly the big iron as a single pilot. Big respect to you heavy guys.

[Kim Ellis]

Good one Bruce. Start a B747-400 from dark & cold to taxi in under 20 minutes with no mistakes and I'll take my hat off to you.

[Kim Ellis]

I sometimes fly the ATR 72 or the Dash 8, trust me Jeff, twin turbo props are no joke. If you get a type rating for one of the modern jobs, then you can fly a heavy/super no problem.

[Kim Ellis]

When I logged in tonight, this was in my inbox:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1-w2yJJ ... gest-vrecs

The cockpit mood goes from almost jovial during pushback, to deadly serious for the rolling start, and during the initial climb out, the silence says it all. I think someone contemplating doing a heavy/super type rating will get a sense of it from this video.

And of course don't forget those of us who regularly do long haul. You might think you wouldn't like it, but the feeling of accomplishment when you set her down is just plain off the planet stuff. Crossing the Pacific from Sydney to Dallas is one thing, but Sydney to London with a short refuel somewhere is a whole different ball game.

Enough of this fun stuff, I need to get ready for my daily PilotEdge flight.

[Nick Warren]

I know some of my landings are less than glorious, but I don't appreciate the plane calling me names . 8:46 (First video)

[Kim Ellis]

I know some of my landings are less than glorious, but I don't appreciate the plane calling me names . 8:46 (First video)

I know I am thick at times Nick, but I have no idea what you are referring to. Can I have it again please.

[Anthony Santanastaso]

I know some of my landings are less than glorious, but I don't appreciate the plane calling me names . 8:46 (First video)

I know I am thick at times Nick, but I have no idea what you are referring to. Can I have it again please.

The plane's computerized voice is telling the pilot to "retard" the throttles to idle for landing.

[Kim Ellis]

LOL, thanks Anthony, said I was thick at times. Evan though we have the correct meaning (slow down, reduce, etc) and the slang meaning (a retarded or handicaped person), we do not use the later meaning very much in Oz English, so it never crossed my mind that was what Nick was referring too.