Dynamic Duo
The cabin of a Boeing 737 is occupied by the captain and the co-pilot. The attributions are the same, but the captain is responsible for the aircraft and it is up to him to take off and land. The other tasks are divided. Normally, however, the copilot communicates with the control units, fills in the flight plan and checks the procedures
top panel
– (Luciano Veronezi/)
It houses controls for air conditioning, headlights, windshield wipers, electric generators, battery, hydraulic system and fuel pump, among others. The button that activates the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), used to start the plane and maintain electricity on the ground, is also located on the roof.
Automatic pilot
– (Luciano Veronezi/)
These controls are used to program the plane’s course, select speed, direction and altitude, and set the moment when the plane should begin its descent for landing. After the data is set, the plane flies itself. It is usually activated when the plane is already level and at cruising altitude.
EFIS Screens
– (Luciano Veronezi/)
Screens 1 and 5 of the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) show data such as speed, altitude, heading and attitude (position relative to the ground). Screens 2 and 4 inform about air traffic, route, weather, etc. Screen 3 informs engine and flight control conditions, such as position of flaps and spoilers
FMC
– (Luciano Veronezi/)
The Flight Management Computer provides access to the company’s database. It stores the routes flown by the company, the ascent and descent procedures, the airport configuration and other important information.
Joysticks
– (Luciano Veronezi/)
They control moving surfaces on the wings and tail (ailerons and elevators). Turning, the pilot controls the aileron and the plane turns to the right or left. By pulling the stick towards him, the pilot controls the elevator, raising the plane’s nose to gain altitude. By pushing it, it lowers the nose and the aircraft descends.
Levers and levers
– (Luciano Veronezi/)
The right lever controls the flaps, control surfaces on the wings, which serve to increase the plane’s lift. The left lever activates the spoiler, a kind of aerodynamic brake also located on the upper part of the wings. It is used to turn in flight, lose altitude and help stop the plane on the ground.
As for the levers, there are four levers: two for each pilot. Throttle levers accelerate and reduce engine power both on the ground and in flight. The reverse levers are smaller levers, activated only on landing, after the plane touches the ground. They reverse the engine discharge flow, reducing jet speed.
Pedals
– (Luciano Veronezi/)
They control the rudder and move the plane to the left or right – when you press the right one, the jet turns to the right. On landing, they serve to stop the plane: pushing the tip of the two pedals downwards, the pilot brakes the wheels of the main landing gear, located in the middle of the plane.
FOR THE UP AND AWAY
Step by step of taking off a Boeing 747
To climb, the flaps are activated and the engines accelerated with the plane still stationary. Taking your feet off the pedal, the brakes are released and, upon reaching the rotational speed – which varies from runway to runway – the pilot pulls the stick, raising the nose of the jet to 15 degrees. Once airborne, the flaps and landing gear retract to decrease air drag.
SOURCES Augusto Fragoso and Klaus Schween, pilots and instructors at Wings Escola de Aviação Civil