Ask the Captain: Are some pilots better than others?

Question: It is normal we meet drivers worse than us and better than us. Are some pilots better than others, especially when it comes to takeoff or landing?

-- Submitted by reader Renato, Brazil

Answer: Pilots are people, consequently there are various skill levels. The training and evaluations are designed to ensure competency and expertise for all professional pilots; this is a much higher standard than drivers. Takeoffs and landings are not the best indicator of skill, decision-making and handling abnormal situations are more important.

I fly frequently and I am confident that the pilots are skilled professionals.

Q: If a pilot is qualified/certified to fly multiple types of planes, can they fly more than one type of plane on a given work day?

-- Rob Faure, Doylestown, Pa.

A: Yes, if a pilot maintains currency on multiple airplanes, there is no restriction on when he or she may fly it. It is possible for a pilot to fly two different types on the same work day.

Q: Are the left and right sides of the instrument panel basically the same regarding gauges, instruments, etc.? If so, can the captain elect to fly in the right seat instead of the left seat? Does company policy indicate that the captain must sit in the right seat? You offer great insight into the air transportation industry and thank you so much for this column!

-- Tom Charette, Johnstown, Pa.

A: Yes, the same flight instruments are on the left and right panels directly in front of the pilots.

Some operators permit pilots to swap seats while others mandate that the captain fly from the left seat. It depends on the operator and the regulator.

Thank you for the kind words about the column, I am glad you enjoy it and find it useful.

Q: I was wondering if you think flight engineers will ever be needed again?

-- Jade Swayze

A: No, automation has eliminated the need for flight engineers on modern jets.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.