The cockpit occupies the bow of the hull. Pilots are located in it, as well as many instruments and sensors with which pilots control the aircraft.
The view from the cockpit of the lagoon is presented below.
Cockpit device
The cockpit of the aircraft for pilots occupies the smallest possible volume, since there is not much space on the airliner. But at the same time, the workplace of each pilot provides free access to instruments and controls of the vessel, as well as a full view through the glass in the front of the room, the so-called flashlight.
The lantern includes two windshields, two movable vents and two side windows. Windshields have mechanical wipers (like cars) and hydrophobic protection from rain and snow. The strength of the windshields and their mounts is designed for a possible meeting during the flight with birds.
The cabin of the passenger aircraft is separated by a strong armored partition with a lockable door from its rest.
The composition of the flight crew
The full flight composition of the aircraft includes:
- ship commander (first pilot);
- co-pilot;
- flight engineer (flight engineer);
- navigator;
- airborne radio operator.
Now almost all passenger aircraft have automated flight control with a high degree of reliability. This is achieved thanks to a multi-stage control system.
Therefore, the crew may be smaller - only two people (1st and 2nd pilots). It depends on the direction and range of the flight. For example, if there are radio beacons and flight observation systems along the entire route, there are no reasons to have a navigator and an on-board radio operator in the flight group.
How do you like the view from the cockpit? Exciting, right?
Accommodation for crew members
The commander of the ship is located in the seat left of the entrance, the co-pilot is on the right. The flight engineer (if included in the crew) is usually located behind the seat of the co-pilot, as he must see the signals and signs given by the first pilot.
Aircraft cabin: equipment location
The most important and often used devices during the flight are placed in the closest and most convenient zone of visibility and accessibility.
To increase the reliability of control of the airliner, duplication of especially important equipment is provided for both pilots.
To control the course of the aircraft manually designed handles located on the side panels, and foot pedals.
Directly in front of the pilots is a dashboard with instruments showing flight parameters, navigators, an alarm system, a landing gear control handle, as well as autopilot remotes.
The wings, air brake, radio navigation and communication are controlled by the middle console located between the pilot seats.
The top console controls the systems:
- power supply;
- fuel supply;
- hydraulics;
- air conditioning;
- fire safety, etc.
The plane’s cabin has a wardrobe for clothes and things of pilots, a folding table, a place for storing documentation.
For the convenience of pilots, next to their workplace are ashtrays, stands for pens and pencils, cups, etc.
Also, the cockpit is equipped with sets of oxygen masks and life jackets, a first aid kit, an electric lamp, an ax, etc.
Cockpit security
Protection of pilots and equipment from attack is provided by:
- Strengthening the design (armoring) of doors and partitions;
- special door locks;
- a code device;
- video surveillance systems in the passenger compartment.
Crew Lounge
Some aircraft make long flights without landing (at a distance of more than 15 thousand kilometers), and the flight takes more than 18 hours.
This places high demands on the crew in terms of their physical and mental health. After all, they have a great responsibility! Hundreds of lives depend on the correctness of their actions!
Therefore, pilots always need to be calm and alert.
For this, a number of preventive measures have been developed:
- The power sets for them are different, so that with the possible poisoning of one pilot, the second could control the aircraft.
- There is a rest room, which can be located in the passenger compartment, under it or above it. During the flight, each crew member is assigned a 5-hour rest (or sleep).