Our pilots are some of the best-trained in the industry, dedicated to always putting passenger safety first.
In addition to the routinely harsh weather that can be found across this very large country, Canadian pilots exceed expectations while overcoming challenging infrastructure environments, like landing and taking off from gravel and ice ”runways,” airports without proper runway safety areas, limited radar coverage, and more. These brave men and women are the ones who make economic opportunities possible in remote areas like the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Alaskan fringes of North America.
Despite the unique challenges we face, the Canadian standard for passenger and cargo safety is unmatched. With continuous training to maneuver through hazardous weather, land on icy runways, and fly through engine failures, our pilots are ready for the unexpected and prepared for the future. They are trained for life.
Before every flight, pilots inspect their aircraft top to bottom, personally confirming that critical systems are in working order. A small sample:
Flight deck prep
Aircraft weight and balance
Hydraulic pressure
Caution and warning
Doors
NOTAM
Gear pins & covers
Signs
Windows
Beacon
Thrust Levers
Parking brake
Anti-ice
Ecam status
Briefing
Flight controls
Flap setting
Flex temperature
Icy conditions can change the aerodynamics, handling qualities, and performance of the aircraft and its engines. Pilots are trained extensively in recognizing specific types of icing, how they affect various aircraft, and the procedures to use when those conditions are encountered.
A sudden change in the direction and strength of the wind, especially dangerous at low levels. Wind-shear recognition includes a sudden loss or increase of airspeed, while recovery may include advancing the throttle to maximum power while controlling aircraft pitch.
The result of differing air density. Although modern airlines are designed to withstand these conditions and pilots are trained to fly through them, they often avoid areas of reported or forecasted turbulence in order to maximize passenger safety and comfort.
The most common way to navigate these hazards is to avoid them altogether. Pilots predict them through weather forecasts, radar, and other pilots’ reports. They then use their best judgement to consider other options, such as delaying departure/arrival or flying around a storm’s path.
Icy conditions can change the aerodynamics, handling qualities, and performance of the aircraft and its engines. Pilots are trained extensively in recognizing specific types of icing, how they affect various aircraft, and the procedures to use when those conditions are encountered.
A sudden change in the direction and strength of the wind, especially dangerous at low levels. Wind-shear recognition includes a sudden loss or increase of airspeed, while recovery may include advancing the throttle to maximum power while controlling aircraft pitch.
The result of differing air density. Although modern airlines are designed to withstand these conditions and pilots are trained to fly through them, they often avoid areas of reported or forecasted turbulence in order to maximize passenger safety and comfort.
The most common way to navigate these hazards is to avoid them altogether. Pilots predict them through weather forecasts, radar, and other pilots’ reports. They then use their best judgement to consider other options, such as delaying departure/arrival or flying around a storm’s path.
À titre de représentant de plus de 5 100 pilotes de ligne canadiens employés par 11 transporteurs, l’ALPA défend les mesures de sécurité clés, les normes les plus élevées et les règlements essentiels qui permettent à l’aviation canadienne de prospérer dans le marché mondial.
Representing more than 5,100 Canadian airline pilots at 11 airlines, ALPA advocates for key safety measures, the highest standards and important regulations that help Canadian aviation thrive in the global market place.
