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Perhaps the most important contributor
to Airbus Industrie's success as an airliner manufacturer,
the four member A320 family is a significant sales
success and a technological trailblazer. The 150
seat A320 is the foundation and best selling member
of the family. The A320 is perhaps best known as
the first airliner to introduce a fly-by-wire flight
control system - where control inputs from the pilot
are transmitted to the flying surfaces by electronic
signals rather than mechanical means. Apart from
a small weight saving, the advantage of Airbus'
fly-by-wire is that as it is computer controlled,
an inbuilt flight envelope protection makes it virtually
impossible to exceed certain flight parameters such
as G limits and the aircraft's maximum and minimum
operating speeds and angle of attack limits. Also
integral to the A320 is the advanced electronic
flightdeck, with six fully integrated EFIS colour
displays and innovative sidestick controllers rather
than conventional control columns. The A320 also
employs a relatively high percentage of composite
materials compared to earlier designs. Two engines
are offered, the CFM56 and IAE V2500. The A320 program
was launched in March 1982, first flight occurred
on February 22 1987, while certification was awarded
on February 26 1988. Launch customer Air France
took delivery of its first A320 in March that year.
The first V2500 engined A320 was delivered to Adria
Airways in May 1989. The initial production version
was the A320-100, which was built in only small
numbers before being replaced by the definitive
A320-200 (certificated in November 1988) with increased
max takeoff weight, greater range and winglets.
The stretched A321 and shortened A319 and A318 are
described separately. All four share a common pilot
type rating. Mid 2000 A320 family production was
at a monthly rate of 22, to be increased to 30 units
a month by the end of 2002.
Powerplants
Two 111.2kN to 120.1kN (25-27,000lb) CFM International
CFM56-5A1 turbofans or 118kN (26,500lb) CFM56-5A3s
or 120kN (27,000lb) -5B4s, or two 113.4kN (25,500lb)
International Aero Engines IAE V2500-A1 or 117.9kN
(26,500lb) V2527-A5s.
Performance
A320-200 - Max cruising speed 903km/h (487kt) at
28,000ft, economical cruising speed 840km/h (454kt)
at 37,000ft. Range with 150 passengers and reserves
with CFM56s 4843km (2615nm), or 5639km (3045nm),
or 5278km (2850nm); with V2500s 4874km (2632nm)
or optionally 5463km (2950nm) or 5676km (3065nm).
Weights
A320-200 - Operating empty with V2500s 42,220kg
(93,079lb); with CFM56s 42,175kg (92,980lb). Standard
max takeoff for both versions 73,500kg (162,040lb)
or optionally 75,500kg (166,445lb) or 77,000kg (169,755lb).
Dimensions
Wing span 34.09m (111ft 10in), length 37.57m (123ft
3in), height 11.76m (38ft 7in). Wing area 122.6m2
(1319.7sq ft).
Capacity
Flightcrew of two. Main cabin can accommodate a
maximum of 179 passengers in a high density layout.
Typical two class seating arrangement for 12 passengers
at four abreast and 138 at six abreast. Seven LD3
derived LD3-46 containers or palletised cargo can
be stored in the underbelly forward (four) and rear
(three) freight holds.
Production
As of early 2003, firm orders for the A320 stood
at 1397 with 1131 delivered.
Q: DOES IT REQUIRE SPECIAL SKILL TO BE A PILOT?
Ans: It requires a basic aptitude and good interpersonal
skills to be a good pilot. Basic aptitude does not
mean to be good in mathematics and science, but
it does require one to have reasonably basic numerical
abilities (a skill that makes the IT industry in
India so successful) apart from good reasoning and
communication skills. A pilots job requires to work
closely with his colleagues, so good inter personal
skills are an asset.
Q: WHAT ARE THE JOB PROSPECTS?
Ans: The job prospects in the airline industry are
very bright at this point of time. With the economy
growing consistently, purchasing power is driving
Indians to fly. The importance of time over money
is key to making a transition from the railways
to airlines as a primary mode of transport. The
last financial year saw a growth rate of over 24%
in domestic air travel. The growth in air traffic
is complemented by aircraft orders for over 300
jet transport aircraft by various airlines slated
for delivery over the next few years. The present
strength of airliners in the country is a mere 150
commercial jets. The aviation industry however is
susceptible to downturns such as 9/11 and SARS as
we have seen in the recent past. Airline flying
however is a universal skill and once you have a
few thousand hours under the belt, the world is
open with opportunities.
Q: WHAT IS THE SALARY OF AN AIRLINE PILOT?
Ans: In India, the salary of an airline pilot varies
with the carrier and are quite good.
The Approximate Salary of Co-Pilot Ranges between
1.5 to 2.3 Lac per month and that of Captain between
3 to 5.5 Lac per month
Q: WHAT IS A FIRST OFFICER?
Ans: A first officer is also referred to as a co-pilot.
When a qualified professional pilot joins an airline,
he/she joins as a trainee till completion of the
type rating on the airline fleet. This type rating
typically takes 6-8 months. Upon completion, he/she
flies the airplane under the command and supervision
of the Captain, functioning as an independent crew
member.
Q: WHEN DOES ONE BECOME A CAPTAIN?
Ans: After gaining adequate experience as a first
officer and upgrading to an airline transport pilot
license, one qualifies to become a Captain. Thereafter,
a training of 6-8 months is required to obtain a
PIC (pilot-in-command) rating for that particular
type of aircraft. It can take anything between 18
months to five years, depending on the aircraft,
the opportunity, the airline and your own efforts.
Q: HOW DO I BECOME AN AIRLINE PILOT?
Ans: To become an airline pilot, one must first
understand what the job involves and whether one
possesses the requisite skills. The next step would
be to understand the process involved in obtaining
a commercial pilot’s license, which is the
minimum requirement to fly for remuneration. Explained
step-wise is the process for obtaining the required
professional qualification
The minimum qualification for becoming an airline
pilot is:
· 10+2 (senior secondary school) with Physics
and Math
· 18 years of age on date of issue of license
STEP I
The first step involves an understanding of the
job profile of an airline pilot. This is to be followed
by an assessment of ones skills and attitude to
fit the job profile. There should be a good understanding
of the investment involved and job opportunities
in the aviation market. A class I medical examination
from a DGCA approved medical centre such as the
CME or IAM is the next step, and an absolute must
before making an investment in flight training.
STEP II
A detailed understanding of licensing requirements
is necessary to avoid unnecessary expenditure during
the course of training. There are theory and practical
examinations at various stages of obtaining a pilot
license. Advance knowledge of each stage is required
to optimize on time and resources. Planning of financial
resources is also vital to keep in step with training
requirements.
STEP III
This is the stage of execution of flight training
with the objective of obtaining a flying license.
Typically this period can take anything between
1-2 years and involves the sound execution of the
planning at step II. A flying license can presently
be obtained either in India or overseas. One has
to choose a flight training partner after careful
consideration to many aspects. There are written
examinations that one has to undergo in order to
obtain an Indian pilot license. There are examinations
that one has to undergo in India in order to convert
a foreign license to an Indian license as well.
There are limited organizations that currently conduct
formal classroom training for these exams and one
mostly has to be self-guided. These examinations
are in the following subjects and are conducted
by the DGCA four times a year.
a. Air Regulation
b. Meteorology
c. Air Navigation
d. Technical
Apart from these, an examination for obtaining a
radio telephony license is conducted by the ministry
of telecommunications six times a year. A schedule
for these exams can be obtained at the following
link www.dgca.nic.in
STEP IV
Issue of license involves bringing together of all
the work one has done over the period of a year.
Careful planning is required else the process of
license issue can become a time consuming and costly
affair.
STEP V
Getting a suitable airline job is the final step
in becoming an airline pilot.
Issue of license involves bringing together of all
the work one has done over the period of a year.
Careful planning is required else the process of
license issue can become a time consuming and costly
affair.
STEP V
Getting a suitable airline job is the final step
in becoming an airline pilot. |
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