Q: Does an airplane handle differently when it’s empty? 
Daniel Asuncion, Halifax

Usually, pilots only fly an empty aircraft to reposition it for another flight, to send it off for a fresh coat of paint or to pick up a new addition to the fleet. And, yes, an empty airplane handles differently. A light airplane taxis quicker, gets airborne sooner and climbs faster. It’s also more susceptible to surface winds, so getting a smooth landing takes a little more finesse as flight controls are more sensitive.

Q: How does an airline pilot become a captain?
Richard Stilwell, Toronto

Captaincy, awarded on seniority, takes about two months of training. To become captain of the Airbus A320, I completed a three-day introductory command course followed by ground school, simulator training and a flight test. Then came 50 hours of line training on a real airplane with a line indoctrination training captain. The final step saw me back in the simulator for “command sims,” ending with a memo­rable moment as my fourth stripe was awarded during the command final line check.

Q: Where can I sign up my husband for a fear-of-flying course?  
Patricia Cardoso, Barrie, Ontario

I know of one fear-of-flying course (deplour.com) led by an experienced Air Canada pilot and a psychologist. It’s a two-day seminar that combines behaviour modification techniques with aviation education. Besides managing your anxiety, knowing what causes aircraft noises or understanding turbulence goes a long way toward treating aviophobia (fear of flying). To increase your knowledge – and reduce your fear – there are countless websites, CDs and books, including mine: From the Flight Deck: Plane Talk and Sky Science (ECW Press).

Q: What does a pilot concentrate on during takeoff? 
Lukas Kusiak, Montréal

After takeoff clearance, the pilot flying (PF) sets takeoff power and uses rudder pedals to steer the airplane down the centreline. The pilot not flying (PNF) monitors the engine instruments and calls “80” at 80 knots (or “100” on Airbus) to which the PF responds, “Roger.” A pre­determined speed, “V1,” is then announced, denoting decision time. “Everything okay” means, “We are going flying!” The PNF then calls, “Rotate!” to begin flight. On your next takeoff, try to envision the calls “80 (or 100), V1, rotate!”

Photo: Brian Losito

Q: How old is the oldest aircraft at Air Canada?
Carlton Lagusz, Stallingborough, U.K.

An airliner’s lifespan is based on hours, years and cycles (takeoffs and landings). Fuel efficiency, technological advances and the economy all factor into the equation for retirement of aircraft at Air Canada. The average age of our fleet is approximately nine years. (Air Canada operates the youngest fleet of any North American network carrier.) Our oldest airplane has racked up over 96,000 hours but will retire in 2013, when the sleek Boeing Dreamliner arrives.

Q: What do pilots look for in their visual inspection?
Tony Martins, Calgary

A visual or “walk-around” inspection must be done before every flight. Nearly 120 items are checked, from tires and navigation lights to access doors and engine intakes. Since many service vehicles approach aircraft, we also scan for dents and bumps, and during winter, we scrutinize the exterior for snow and ice. You’ll see pilots wearing a bright fluorescent vest during this safety check. This check is usually com­pleted by mechanics on the wide-body fleet.  

Q: What does “Air Canada Jetz” (painted on the side of some aircraft) mean?
Shirine Eltaher, Toronto

Air Canada Jetz flies five Airbus A320s configured with 64 business class seats catering to sports teams, rock bands and corporate clients. Famous guests have included the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Montreal Canadiens, U2, the Rolling Stones and the Boss (not mine – Bruce Springsteen). Customers dictate everything from the departure point and time to the menu and entertainment, and the gourmet meals are second to none.  

Q: If you could fly anywhere to get your favourite food, where would you go?
Christine Rigby, Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

The list is long: I’d fly to London for pub grub or Thai food, Tel Aviv for hummus and Japan for miso soup and gyoza. I’d also head to New Delhi for chicken tikka masala, Seoul for Korean barbecue and Hong Kong for its gastronomic diversity. Closer to home, I’d set out for Ches’s in St. John’s for fish ’n’ chips or the Stinking Rose in San Francisco for the Forty Clove Garlic Chicken.

Photo: IstockPhoto.com / Mailtobee 

Q: What is the most unusual food you’ve ever had, and where did you have it?  
Catherine Korman, Montréal

I’ve had octopus in Greece, steak tartare in France and pig’s knuckles in Germany. I couldn’t get up the nerve to eat freshly skinned eels in Japan or chocolate-coated crickets in Korea, but I’ve eaten chewy cod tongues in Newfoundland. And while I passed on the “century eggs” (preserved chicken, duck or quail egg) in China, I did give pigeon a try in Hong Kong.

Photo: istockphoto.com / travellinglight 

Photo: Brian Losito

Q: Is there any way to detect and detour around turbulence? 
Ivan Chan, Vancouver

Air Canada’s policy is to avoid or circumnavigate known areas of significant turbulence, especially thunderstorms. On-board weather radar detects precipitation, which, if significant, implies turbulence. Modern airliners also have low-level wind-shear detection systems. No device detects turbulence due to jet streams, but weather maps depict and forecast all types of turbulence. Sometimes all it takes to ensure a smooth ride is for flight dispatchers to plan flights around areas of turbulence or at different altitudes.