Do commercial pilots actually fly the plane?
Yes a plane can land by itself using a system that is often referred to as “autoland”. The pilots can program the auto-pilot to carry out the landing automatically whilst the pilots monitor the aircraft. Automatic landings probably account for less then 1% of all landings on commercial flights.
Why do airplanes not go faster?
Airplanes don’t fly faster because it is not in their economic best interest. Flying faster means burning more fuel. This means ticket prices would go up. History has shown passengers rather spend more time in the air if it means lower airfares.
Can a recreational pilot fly in an ATC airspace?
Recreational pilots cannot fly in airspace requiring ATC communication, but it’s a good idea to learn to use the right words. This knowledge can help them in an emergency, and it helps prepare a recreational pilot for a private pilot certificate, if he decides to continue his training.
How do pilots decide how high they fly?
When the flight takes off, there is an optimum altitude at which the aircraft will fly for its weight. As the flight progresses, fuel is burned by the engines, which reduces the weight of the aircraft.
When is a pilot unsure of an ATC clearance?
When a pilot is uncertain of an ATC clearance, that pilot shall immediately request clarification from ATC. (b) Except in an emergency, no person may operate an aircraft contrary to an ATC instruction in an area in which air traffic control is exercised.
Who is the higher authority, the pilot in command or ATC?
Absent an emergency, an urgent need* or an inability to comply with ATC, a pilot is required to obey an ATC clearance. Given this relationship and its exceptions, its is hard to quantify who has a “higher” authority. Both are the ultimate authorities of their domains, but who overrules who is dependent on the situation.