Who is a captain of an aircraft and what do they do? The task of the captain of an aircraft is to supervise pre-flight preparation of the aeroplane as well as the flight itself. The piloting can also be done by the captain himself, or by the co-pilot, or they can take it in turns.
What are the activities of the captain of an aircraft? Pre-flight preparation including selection of alternative actions, in case it is not possible to complete the flight according to the original plan, taking into account also petrol consumption – perform pre-flight cockpit drill with the whole crew, acquaint them with the flight plan and their tasks in each phase of the flight – pre-start check of instruments and equipment of the aeroplane – communication with the airport control tower and the passengers – managing the crew during the flight itself, including the piloting, taking responsibility for a safe and economic flight, in accordance with all valid and relevant rules and regulations and with the flight plan – decision making in critical situations, calming the passengers – controlling the aeroplane and instruments during landing – reporting after the flight.
Where is it done and under what conditions? On airfields and mainly in the aeroplane itself. It requires willingness to work in shifts and no fear of heights. There is also the effect of travel over long distances with variations in climate.
What tools/equipment do they use? All systems and equipment for flight control, e.g. navigation systems, diagnostic systems, on board computers, communication systems, flight maps and detailed diagrams of airfields.
What do you need to succeed? You need high school education with a school leaving certificate (university entrance level), preferably a university education specialising in aviation, further pilot courses for the prescribed qualification for commercial pilots (in the case of military aviation military regulations and requirements are valid), training as the captain of an aeroplane and training for the specific type of plane. Proficiency in these fields is retested periodically at intervals as required by regulations. Also a certain number of flying hours is required, as well as mental and physical fitness, good eyesight and hearing, concentration, ability to make rapid decisions and responses, precision, reliability, self-discipline, ability to exercise authority, ability to organise, ability to work in a team, ability to improvise.