Workplaces: Andrey Gromozdin, Boeing pilot

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

There are a priori professions that are heroic, shrouded in an aura of romance and legends. Today our guest is a representative of one of these professions - the pilot of AZUR air, Andrey Gromozdin. Let's take a look at his workplace - in the cockpit - and find out how the flight routine goes.

What do you do in your work?

From the age of five I had a dream to become a pilot. Moreover, a large civil aircraft. I dreamed of flying the IL-86, lifting 300 people into the sky. The second part of this dream has come true: our Boeing 767s have 336 seats. But he did not have time to fly on the first Soviet airbus: his flight age was over.

But first there was a long study: I graduated from the Sasov flight school, and then from the Ulyanovsk Higher Aviation School.

The sky is inspiring!

Now I have a permit for two types of aircraft - Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 - and I deliver passengers to different parts of the world.

Are there female pilots?

Yes. Although it was quite difficult for women to break into this profession. There was some kind of chauvinistic approach, but now the situation is changing for the better.

In our country, the percentage of women pilots is much lower than in the world, but almost all large companies have them. I know, for example, that there is a female commander in Aeroflot, and there is a female pilot in UTair.

Is it difficult for a pilot to get a job today?

Today it is very difficult. In aviation, as in other areas, everything develops in a sinusoidal manner. Three or four years ago there was a shortage of pilots: a graduate of the school could easily find a job and could make a dizzyingly fast career, it was not the companies that chose the pilots, but the pilots - the company.

Today the situation is reversed, and the number of vacancies on the market tends to zero. Cadets, laid off and laid off, agree to almost any flight job so as not to lose their qualifications. After all, the pilot, six months after the break, requires additional checks, a year later - training, and after five everything needs to be done anew.

What qualities should a pilot have?

The most important thing is a commitment to continuous improvement and a continuous desire to learn.

The profession is very dynamic. Everything is developing rapidly: from technology, flight rules, working methods and ending with documents regulating flights. It is worth relaxing a little, and you already fall out of the contour of modern aviation.

The rest of the qualities, I think, are clear from the content of the profession: this is technical literacy, and stress resistance, and the ability to work in a team, and knowledge of foreign languages.

Are Russian pilots in demand on the world market?

There is a huge demand for pilots in the world, especially in Asia. There, aviation is on the rise: so many planes are purchased that they simply do not have time to train their pilots. It would seem, why shouldn't those who cannot get a job here go there?

But there are also enough difficulties abroad. For example, China has very strict medical criteria, other countries may have local specificities in flight operations and selection that are not easy to understand. Also, not everyone is ready to leave to work in another country or work on a rotational basis, spending a week at home a month, or even less.

Nevertheless, quite a few of our pilots work abroad - from co-pilots to instructors.

Do pilots have any professional fears?

There is a saying:

There are no brave old pilots.

Fear is inherent in everyone. But the pilot is a professional to cope with stress and channel adrenaline in a constructive direction. The passenger can fall into a stupor or hysteria, and the pilot in any non-standard situation must make rational decisions in order to safely deliver passengers from point A to point B.

This is the notorious human factor. And more often than not, it has a positive impact. Otherwise, robots would have replaced pilots long ago. Thanks to the human factor in the form of designers, testers, engineers, ground personnel, flight attendants and pilots, millions of passengers travel safely and comfortably to their destinations every day.

How do plane crashes and other tragic accidents affect the psychological state of pilots?

From a purely human point of view, it can be difficult. But we try to abstract ourselves. After all, if you take every accident that you see on the road to heart, then it is better not to drive a car.

In aviation, even the smallest incident becomes the subject of detailed analysis. This is a daily painstaking work to improve the safety of air transport. The results of this work are evident. If 40-50 years ago a plane crash was an ordinary event, today every such incident is an extraordinary event, to which the front pages of newspapers and major news releases are devoted.

Therefore, in spite of everything, aviation is the safest and fastest way to move in space. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reduce to zero the risks during the operation of technical means. Because everything cannot be foreseen in advance, and the environment is sometimes unpredictable.

Astronauts watch the "White Sun of the Desert" before the flight. What rituals and superstitions do pilots have?

Many pilots are superstitious. Everyone has their own superstitions. For example, you cannot file anything before a flight, you cannot say in advance, “We will arrive there at such and such a time” (“We are planning …”), you need to go around the plane only clockwise, and so on. It is possible to defend a thesis about this, as well as about professional folklore.

But the most common superstition is that pilots don't like to say the word "last." They use any euphemisms - "extreme", "final", but not "last". It stuck to me too - I try not to use this word in relation to work. But in ordinary life I struggle with myself and calmly say "Who is the last in line?" or "Last day of the week".

What does your workplace look like?

Like that.

With the departure of the flight engineer, two pilots remained in the cockpit. More precisely, as we joke, five: two alive and three autopilots. The pilots take off manually, and at a pre-agreed altitude turn on the autopilot, which does all the work to further stabilize the flight and carry out the route program at the flight level. Then, at the approach or descent stage (as is customary in which company), the pilot turns off the autopilot and takes control again.

At the stage of the cross-country flight, the responsibilities between the pilots are distributed as follows. Before the flight, it is determined who will be the pilot and who will be the monitor.

• The pilot (pilot flying) controls all flight parameters, looks after the instruments, is ready to intervene in control at any time and switch to manual piloting. In this case, all the rough work is performed by automation. For example, we have a whole server rack under the cockpit with a bunch of specialized computers. They do the job of navigator and flight engineer, leaving only control to the pilots.
• The monitoring pilot (pilot monitoring) conducts radio communications, fills out paperwork and also monitors the instruments.

Both pilots have practically the same qualifications, because, except for the two of them, no one will help them in the cockpit. The only difference is that the commander has more responsibility and the last word when making decisions. Interaction between pilots is the cornerstone of flight safety, there is a whole science about this - Crew Resource Management (CRM).

Previously, the so-called fixed crew technology was in effect, when its composition did not change. People constantly flew together and, naturally, had to know and understand each other well. There was even such a concept - "the flight of the crew."

Nowadays there are completely different operating technologies (SOP), and the planes are designed so that it does not matter who is sitting next to them: a man or a woman, a Russian, a Chinese or an Arab. The main thing is to strictly follow the technology. Everything, down to standard phrases, is strictly formalized.

In most companies, there is a constant rotation of the crew. With whom you will fly tomorrow, sometimes depends on the computer, which plans the working schedule of the crews.

What gadgets do pilots use?

For a pilot, a fairly standard gadget is the iPad. Typically iPad Air 2 and up. This is due to the fact that aviation software vendors are focused on OS X.

The tablet is issued by the company. There is a special certified mount for it in the cockpit, which allows it to be used during the entire flight. The tablet contains only what you need for work: maps, software for calculations, a library. Nothing extra. We cannot take and deliver or remove something. This is done by the administrator, who has all the settings in his hands.

Therefore, I carry another iPad with me for personal purposes. Someone prefers a laptop, and someone gets by only with a telephone. This is to read or watch something, and also to keep in touch with home. There is no other way to communicate with loved ones on a business trip, except via the Internet.

Is there a place for paper in your work?

Yes, and a lot: navigator's flight calculation (CFP), weather briefing (actual weather and forecasts), weather maps, urgent messages for crews (NOTAMs), payload documents (summary loading lists, passenger list, cargo information), additional documents. The pack comes out a kilogram and a half.

Companies are gradually switching to paperless technologies, but this process is very slow, because in aviation everything must be checked and duplicated many times.

For example, navigational calculations (called CFP) are today performed on a computer using special software, but during the flight, we note in its paper version whether what the computer calculated corresponds to the actual indicators. If there are discrepancies, additional control is needed. As I mentioned above, the paperwork is mostly handled by the monitoring pilot.

How do you organize your time?

It all depends on the season and the airline. Less work in winter, more in summer. In addition, each company flies a certain distance, and a schedule is built from this.

Large aircraft such as Boeing 777 and Boeing 767 usually fly long distances. For example, you fly from Moscow to the Dominican Republic for 12 hours, where you hand over the plane to another crew. They fly back to Moscow, and you have one or three days of rest. And so in a circle. This is called a "relay race".

You can fly to the "ring". This is when you fly out of one city, then visit several others, then return. For example, Yekaterinburg - Phuket - Novosibirsk - Kamran - Vladivostok - Bangkok - Moscow.

If we talk about small-capacity aircraft, then there the pilots go to work almost every day, performing short turning flights. There are very few business trips, all flights start and end at home.

What does the crew do during the inter-voyage rest?

Someone with what: someone sleeps off, someone watches TV, someone goes to the gym or the pool. The presence of a simulator, by the way, is very important for us when choosing a hotel.

If we are on the "relay race", then a lot depends on the policy of the company and on the situation in the host country. If she is happy, then you can go to the beach or go shopping. If you have time, visit local attractions. But you cannot drink alcohol and engage in any kind of extreme recreation.

Have you ever encountered bullying on board?

The "hooligan" on board always happens for one reason - alcohol. Since we fly to tourist destinations, we encountered this quite often. There were even cases when brawlers had to be tied up. At the same time, it was the flight attendants or other passengers who had to calm down the drunkards.

In any emergency, pilots are prohibited from leaving the cockpit.

Now, due to the tightening of responsibility and due to publicity, there are fewer incidents of hooliganism on board. But I would not advise anyone to drink on board anyway. Flight itself is a load on the body (air is dry, pressure is low), you should not dehydrate and load yourself even more. Upon arrival, you will be able to catch up in a comfortable environment and without administrative and criminal consequences.

How do you deal with jetlag?

It's a little easier for us than, for example, for passengers. You arrive so tired that you just get to bed and go to bed.

It is more difficult to force yourself to rest before the flight, especially if before that you spent some time in the "day - awake, at night - sleep" mode. It is very difficult to just lie down and fall asleep during the day. After all, as you know, fatigue accumulates, but rest, unfortunately, does not. It is impossible to get enough sleep for the future, but you can get tired with a large margin.

It is more difficult not with a change in sleep patterns, but with a ragged diet. Sleep rebuilds quite quickly, but the stomach is much slower. Therefore, at night, it happens, incredibly hungry, and vice versa, delicacies during the day do not cause any enthusiasm.

What's in your bag?

I have three bags.

One small one. I use it on turning flights. There are several pens, markers, a ruler, all the necessary documents, an iPad, a signal vest, a thermos mug and a dryer. They help me fight sleep. Someone for this carries seeds, someone - a manual expander, I have drying.

If this is a "relay race" for a day or two, then a small suitcase with two compartments flies with me: for papers and for the most necessary clothes (what to wear for dinner and to the sea). If the business trip is long or through different climatic zones (there are flights from minus 35 to plus 35), then my "reversible" bag rides on top of a suitcase, which already contains everything - from thermal underwear to light slippers.

What place does sport take in your life?

The pilots annually pass VLEK - a medical and flight expert commission. This is a pretty strict physical: five main specialists plus a cardiogram, research and analysis. After 40 years, additional studies are carried out, and after 55 pilots are generally examined in a hospital.

To pass VLEK, you need to keep yourself in shape. In addition, after flights, when you sometimes sit for 12 hours in a row, the body simply requires physical activity. Unfortunately, it is not possible to go in for team sports. For example, I love hockey, but who needs a player who is constantly on business trips? Therefore, I do fitness: jogging, swimming, walking, if there are no other possibilities - charging with an electronic trainer in the room.

Do you have a pre-trip medical check-up?

In Russia, this anachronism still remains, although this has not been the case in the whole world for a long time.

For some reason, we think that without this everyone will start flying drunk or on drugs. But civil aviation pilots are well aware of the degree of their responsibility, and no one wants to part with their profession.

Is it true that …

1. Is it better not to drink coffee and tea on board, as the water on the plane is of poor quality and full of chemicals?

The water is really not the same as on earth. First, due to the low pressure, it boils at a lower temperature. But it is never brought to boiling water for security reasons. You are unlikely to like it if a neighbor accidentally spills boiling water on you.

Secondly, a person's taste perception at high altitude is completely different. Salts and acids are perceived differently. That is why many people like to drink tomato juice on the plane. Its perception is almost unchanged compared to the ground, but the taste of tea or coffee may seem wrong.

As for the purity of the water on board, this is strictly monitored. The containers for it are regularly washed, and the refueling is carried out by a special machine under the close supervision of engineers.

2. Do pilots and passengers have different food?

As a rule, yes. Moreover, the commander and co-pilot also have different food. Again, all for security reasons. Both pilots should not be allowed to get indigestion or any food allergy after eating the same.

But don't worry, the quality and content of the food for the pilots is about the same as for the passengers. The same fish, chicken, meat.

3. If the “Fasten seat belts” light is on for a long time during a quiet flight, has the pilot simply forgotten to turn it off?

Sometimes it happens. But rarely. The conductors are constantly in the salon, they will definitely notice this and ask what is the matter.

Another thing is that the pilots know in advance when the turbulence will begin (the zones of possible turbulence are indicated in our special maps), and can turn on the light bulb in advance, 10–20 minutes in advance, in order to protect the passengers.

4. Can the flight attendant enter the cockpit only with a special password?

Yes. Moreover, only the senior flight attendant can enter. Before each flight, the procedure for entering the cockpit is agreed upon. We will not let you in without a prearranged signal.

In addition, the cabin is equipped with video surveillance, so that we immediately understand who entered with what.

5. Should the pilot always be in uniform?

Yes and no. Yes, if you are flying with passengers. And here everything is pretty strict. For example, one of the companies where I worked was heavily fined for not wearing a cap. I made a detour of the plane without a cap - minus 25% of the salary.

Not if the flight is ferry. Then you can fly in ordinary civilian clothes.

In addition, airports set certain requirements for appearance. For example, in Bangkok, a pilot without a uniform will not be allowed to the plane, no matter what documents you show.

There was even a funny incident. One of the pilots was not brought a uniform from the laundry on time. What to do? Do not wait until it is washed and stroked, disrupting the flight. I had to go on board first to one pilot, take off the uniform, hand it over to the pilot. He changed his clothes, and then he was also allowed to pass.

6. The pilots do not hear the applause of the passengers?

We have an armored door to the cockpit, you can hardly hear anything through it. Usually the conductors tell later that the passengers clapped and conveyed their gratitude. (By the way, if you liked the flight, write a few words about it in the feedback sheet or on the company's website. Those who tried for you will be pleased.)

I myself have heard applause twice. Once there was a full plane of children - the most grateful passengers. And the second, when we arrived in Bulgaria and were in the waiting area for two hours because of bad weather. We sat down from the second approach, at the first time the fog had not yet completely dispersed. Naturally, the passengers clapped and shouted in such a way that they could be heard even through our armored door.

7. Do pilots constantly have romance with flight attendants?

Do not know. I don't like it when they dig into my personal life, and I don't go to others.

My wife is a flight attendant. We met at the "relay", and the relationship began on the ground. But not at once. The schedule interfered: she flew away, then me. Then we met.

Life hacking from Andrey Gromozdin

1. Come to the airport with a comfortable time limit. Most companies, including charter companies, allow electronic check-in from home. You just have to drop off your luggage and go through security. For a person to arrive three hours in advance and get tired even before getting on the plane, only duty-free shops and restaurants are profitable.
2. When going through pre-flight security, put everything from your pockets into your bag in advance. This will significantly speed up the process and will allow you not to run around looking for your phone or boarding pass left for inspection.
3. Drink as much fluids as possible on board. The air in the aircraft is dry and deliberately not humidified so that moisture does not damage the aircraft structure. Therefore, the more you drink, the better. Therefore, "do not let yourself dry up"!
4. During a long flight, do micro-gymnastics. Let the joints, especially the joints of the legs, move a little so that the blood does not stagnate.

But the most important advice to readers is to always enjoy the flight.

There is some kind of magic in this, when your body is transported from one end of the world to another for some 8-10 hours at extraordinary speeds.

Even 100-150 years ago it was impossible to imagine such a thing. Therefore, do not treat flights as something everyday (even if you fly a lot) - have fun!