warm up and wind down

1. How did you get here (to the test center today)?
I got here by car/ taxi/ hotel bus.
2. Did you fly yesterday?
No, I didn’t. Because I prepared this test yesterday.
3. Which company/ airlines do you work for?
I work for XX Airlines.
4. What’s your current position? Are you a first officer or a captain?
I am a XXX.
5. How many flying hours do you have/ have you accumulated?
I have XXX hours.
6. Do you smoke in the cockpit?
Yes, I do, sometimes.
No, I don’t. I think it is not healthy and very dangerous for flight safety.
7. Why is smoking forbidden in the cabin?
Because it is very dangerous for safety. There will be more chance to cause fire in the
cabin.
8. Do you like travelling? Can you recommend a place to me?
Yes, I do. Of course, I think Chengdu is a good place to travel. People feel very relaxed in
Chengdu. It’s a very beautiful city and food there is delicious/ good/ nice.
9. How often do you have recurrent training?
I have the recurrent training twice a year.
10. How often do you have your medical checkup?
I have my medical checkup once/twice a year.
11. Which type of aircraft are you flying now?
I am flying A320/B737.
12. Could you please give a brief introduction of your college life/ airlines.
I work in XXX Airlines. It is one of the biggest airlines in China. There are more than xx
aircraft and xx pilots. We have many types of aircraft, such as A320, B737, CRJ and so on.
I graduated from CAFUC/Air Force Flying College. I learned a lot in my school.
13. Do you think you are lucky to be a pilot?
Yes, I do. I am very lucky. Because it’s very hard to become a pilot.
14. After becoming a pilot, do you have other new dreams?
No, I don’t. I like my job very much.
15. Have you tried to make use of internet to improve your English?
Yes, I have. I often use internet to watch some movies in English and listen to some music.
16. Do you like shopping ? Have you had the experience of on-line shopping?
No ,I don’t like shopping at all. My wife buys everything for me.
Yes, I do. Yes, I have. I think on-line shopping is convenient. It saves more money and
time.
17. What do you like to do if you are not flying? What are your hobbies?
I like to sleep, listen to music, travel, surf the internet, watch action movie, cook. I can
relax myself by doing these things.
18. How often do you use the computer?
 I use the computer everyday. Because it is very powerful, I can get much information from
it.
19. How long does it take to get to work from your home?
It takes me twenty to thirty minutes by car from my home to my company.
20. What’s the weather like today? Is it good for flying?
It is fine, rainy, sunny, foggy, cloudy, CAVOK. Yes, it is./ No, it isn’t.
21. How should the pilot balance rest with work?
When we have to work , we should work hard. When we have a rest, we should have a
good rest. When I am not flying, l like doing some sports, such as playing basketball and
football.
22. Are you satisfied with your present job?
Yes, I am. As a pilot, I can travel around the world, meet different people and have different
delicious food……
23. What is the purpose of this test?
The purpose of this test is to help pilots to improve their English. I think it is very
helpful/good. But sometimes it is very difficult for old pilots.
24. What other English test have you taken?
In fact, I had so many English tests in my school time.
25. How long have you been learning English?
I have been learning English since middle school./More than 20 years. But my English is
still not very good.
26. Will you continue study English after this test?
Yes, of course. English is very useful for pilots. I will continue study English hard.
27. Are you satisfied with the salary your company gives you?
No, I am not. It is too little.
Yes, I do.
28. How many type ratings do you have?
I have two type ratings, single engine land rating, and multi-engines land rating.
29. What’s your plan after today’s test?
I will go home, have a good rest, have dinner with my family/have a drink with my friends.
30. Do you think this test is difficult for you?
It’s O.K. for me. It’s difficult for me, but I hope I can pass.
31. Do you have confidence to pass this test?
Yes, I do.
No, I don’t.

systems and equipment

1. Have you encountered any in-flight equipment malfunction? Or have you heard any
incident about it? If not, please tell me what in-flight equipment malfunction is referred
to ?
No, I haven’t. I am very lucky. Sorry, I haven’t. According to my understanding, it means
there are some problems with the equipment for example electrical system failure, hydraulic
system failure and so on. If I encounter the malfunction, first, I will try my best to control the
aircraft. Second, I will contact the controller, tell him the problem and request assistance, like
medical help. Then I will follow QRH to carry out the procedures. I will try to land my
aircraft safely.
2. What emergency equipments do you have on your aircraft?
I am flying A320. There are several emergency equipments on board. They are very
important for flight safety. We have PBE, oxygen masks, emergency slides, flashlight, axe,
escape rope, life raft, extinguisher and goggle.
3. Let’s suppose if you lost your airborne weather radar in flight, how would you
report this to ATC?
First, I will report ATC about this situation. Then I will request to climb to the highest flight
level. The weather is quite fine at these altitudes. I will also request the ATC and our company
dispatch to give us the weather information ahead and at the destination airport. We have to
land the aircraft safely.
4. During flight, if the autopilot cannot be connected, can you tell me the differences
regarding cockpit task-sharing?
According to Airbus operation manuals, we have PF and PNF in the cockpit. PF means
pilot flying, and PNF means pilot not flying. If the autopilot cannot be connected, the PF
controls the aircraft, the PNF communicates with ATC . It is very important for flight safety.
All the crewmembers will try our best to land the aircraft safely.
5. Have you ever encountered the air-conditioning system failure in flight?
Yes.I have. It happened many years ago and was very unforgettable. Just two months after I
became a captain of B737 ， I flew from TYN to SHA. During cruising at 9600m, I
encountered air condition system failure, one pack failed. First I checked the air condition
system and found the cabin altitude was rising slowly. Second, I kept calm and followed the
SOP, carried out the checklist and informed the ATC of this situation and request decent until
the cabin altitude was under our control. Then we operated the rest of flight normally. Finally
I made a safe landing at SHA.
6. What will you do if the air-conditioning system failed in flight?
I will check the air condition system if I find the cabin altitude is rising slowly. I will keep
calm and follow the SOP, carry out the checklist, inform the ATC of this situation and request
decent to lower until the cabin altitude is under control. We have to make sure the safety of
the aircraft.
7. Will you return to land or continue to fly if the air-conditioning system failed in
flight?
It depends. If the distance is very far from the destination and fuel is not enough, we’ll
return for landing. Otherwise, we’ll continue flying to the destination airport.
If only one pack is failed ,it is not a big problem. I will continue to fly to the destination
airport. If all the packs are failed and we have depressurization, we must declare the situation
to ATC and carry out emergency descent and request to land as soon as possible. We will try
our best to land safely/make sure the safety of the aircraft and all the passengers.

1. What systems does your aircraft have?

I fly A320/B737. It has flight control, hydraulic, electrical, fuel, pressurization, air-
conditioning systems. They are very important to ensure flight safety.
2. Why do we use pressurization system on the aircraft? Could you explain the reason?
With the development of civil aviation of China, the aircraft is flying higher and faster. We
need the pressurization system to keep a suitable cabin altitude and make passengers feel
comfortable.
3. What factors may cause in flight depressurization?
This is a very dangerous situation. There are several factors to cause this problem, for
example, structural damage, cabin door unlocked, lightning/bird/foreign object strike, wrong
operation and depressurization sys malfunction.
4. In your opinion, which situation is more dangerous in flight? Slow depressurization
or the rapid depressurization? Why?
I think the rapid depressurization is more dangerous, because if we suffer the rapid
depressurization, we have little time to react. We have to put on the oxygen mask
immediately. Otherwise, we may suffer incapacitation. It is very dangerous for flight safety.
But some people think slow depressurization is more dangerous, because it’s hard for pilots to
notice. If the pilots find the slow depressurization, it will be very late and we can do nothing.
5. In case of rapid depressurization, what’s the standard operation procedure?
We have to put on the oxygen mask and release/deploy cabin oxygen masks immediately
and establish crew communication. Contact ATC and make an emergency descend to safe
level, squawk 7700. Make a PA to inform passengers.
6. When do you need to use the oxygen mask?
There are some situations that we need to use oxygen mask. When we suffer the
depressurization, we need to use the oxygen mask; when the crew is incapacitated, we need to
use the oxygen mask; when the passengers suffer heart attack, we need to use the oxygen
mask.
7. Under what circumstance would the passenger oxygen masks drop down
automatically in flight?
They will be automatically dropped if the cabin altitude is higher than 14,000ft.
8. What kind of control surfaces does a modern aircraft have?
There are many control surfaces in my aircraft, such as rudder, flaps, slats, aileron, and
elevator. They are very important to ensure the safety of the aircraft. Before each flight, pilots
have to check them.
9. Can you tell me a little bit about their location?
They are on trailing edge and rear/aft part of the A/C.
10. Would you explain the different functions of these control surfaces?
The control surfaces have different functions. For example,
Flaps are used to increase the lift and reduce the speed.
Rudder is used to change the direction of the aircraft.
The elevator is used to control the pitch.
They are all used to help us to control the aircraft in flight.
11. How many slides does your aircraft have? What are their positions?
I fly A320. There are six slides. They are under each door.
I fly B737. There are four slides. They are under the two front doors and two back doors.
12. Have you ever heard any story about emergency slides deployed on the ground?
Yes , I have. It was because cabin crew opened the door without disarming the slide.
No, I haven’t.
13. In which situation do you need to prepare for the emergency evacuation?
Under many emergency situations we need to execute emergency evacuation. For example,
when fire and smoke can not be controlled , bomb on board, landing gears can not be
extended and locked(collapsed/broken), belly landing, ditching and so on.
14. Can you make a brief introduction of your hydraulic system?
I am flying B737. There are 3 hydraulic systems on my aircraft. They are system A, system
B, and standby system. System A provides power to nose wheel steering, system B provides
power to normal brake. If system A fails, system B will provide power to most systems and it
will not affect flight operation. If both system A and B fail, the standby system will provide
power to the major systems.
I am flying A320. There are 3 hydraulic systems in the aircraft. They are green 、blue and
yellow systems. If one system fails, it is not a big problem. The other two can still work
normally.
15. What‘s the function of hydraulic system?
It is used to control the aircraft, such as the breaking system and landing gears. For
example, green system controls the normal brake and left thrust reverser; yellow system
controls the standby brake and right thrust reverser and blue system controls the flaps.
16. What’s the consequence if one hydraulic system fails?
If system A fails, system B will provide power to most systems and it will not affect flight
operation-B737
If one system fails, it is not a big problem. The other two can still work normally.-A320
17. If the landing gears cannot be extended/deployed, what will you do? retract
This situation is very dangerous for a safe landing. If I encounter this situation, first, I will
recycle the landing gear, or extend landing gears by gravity. If they are not successful, we will
carry out related checklist to deal with it. Contact ATC, request low pass for visual check,
prepare for a belly landing if necessary and request ground services such as foamed runway,
fire service and ambulance..
18. What preparations do you need for belly landing?
If we need to have/make belly landing, first, we will inform cabin crew to prepare for a
belly landing. Second, we will contact ATC to request dump fuel or hold to lose fuel. Request
foamed runway, fire service and medical assistance after landing. Prepare for emergency
evacuation.
19. What will you do if you return for landing due to engine failure?
The engine failure is a dangerous situation. We have to deal with it carefully. If I encounter
engine failure, first, I will contact ATC, make a panpan or mayday call to inform them our
situation and request priority landing and ground assistance after landing.
20. What navaids/ navigation equipment do you use in flight?
There are several navigation equipments on board. They are
NDB, DME,VOR,radar and so on. They are convenient to use during flight. They help us to
know our position well.
21. If you get lost in flight, what will you do?
All navigation system failure will cause us get lost, but I think it is almost impossible,
because we have many advanced navigation equipments on the aircraft and on the ground.
But if it happens, I will request radar vectors to my destination.
22. If your on board navigational equipment failed, what will you do?
This situation is very dangerous for flight safety. If this happens, I will request radar vector
to my destination.
23. What navigational equipments will be integrated into cockpit in the future?
I think in the future, more and more advanced equipments will be installed onboard, such
as more advanced radar, terrain indicator.
 communication
1. How do pilots cooperate with ATC in maintaining flight safety?
First, pilots should use standard words and callout to communicate with ATC. Second,
pilots should follow ATC’s instructions. If the pilots encounter abnormal situations, we have
to report them to ATC immediately.
2. Do you have any suggestions to ATC from a pilot point of view?
Yes, I do. First, ATC should open more frequencies when there are more flights. Second,
there should be less flow controls. Third, ATC should have loud and clear voice.
3. What’s the difference between radio English and general English?
There are many differences between the radio English and general English. First, in radio
English, we use standard words. For example, in radio English we use “negative” ; and in
general English we use “no”. The pronunciation is different, for example, in general English, I
say “nine”, but in radio English I must say “niner”.
4. What are some of the ways to communicate with ATC in flight?
We can use HF and VHF to communicate with ATC in flight.
When we fly short routes, we use VHF to communicate with ATC in flight; when we fly the
long routes.
We can use transponders, radios and ACARS to communicate with ATC.
5. If the two-way communication failed in flight, what will you do?
If we encounter the situation, we should keep calm, comply with/follow company rules and
regulations. We should squawk 7600. If possible, we will communicate with ATC through
ACARS or telephone. We can use blind transmission.
If we encounter this situation, first, we should keep calm and follow our company rules and
regulations. We should report to ATC this situation and request assistance. We have to carry
the standard procedures to ensure the flight safety.
6. How to avoid the misunderstanding in radio communication?
Misunderstanding between pilots and ATC is very dangerous for flight safety. According to
CAAC rules and regulations, we should use standard words to communicate with ATC. We
should speak clearly and loudly. If we are not sure of his instructions, we should confirm it
with ATC.
7. Have you heard any accident caused by the misunderstanding between pilots and
ATC?
Yes, I have. In 2005, at Guangzhou airport, ATC gave the pilot a taxiing instruction to taxi
via taxiway V. The pilot read back the instruction by mistake “via taxiway W”. After ATC said
“read back correct”, the pilot taxied onto W and then they had conflict with the other aircraft
with opposite direction. Fortunately, both of them stopped the aircraft in time and there was
no damage to both aircraft. It was very dangerous.
8. Why is communication between captain and first officer important?
According to CRM requirements, captain should have good communication with first
officer. Good communication can reduce pilot workload and avoid human errors. Therefore,
good communication can ensure flight safety and improve flight efficiency.
9. What do you think can cause radio communication failure during flight?
What could be the possible reasons of radio communication failure?
Radio communication failure can be caused by several reasons, for example, the
communication system lose power, the transmitter or receiver malfunction, the
communication system(or the antenna)failure caused by lightening strike, or pilots set wrong
frequency.
10. How do you deal with it? How do you handle this situation?
How do you solve the problem?
If the radio communication fails, I would check the frequency first. If we set a wrong
frequency, we need to correct it. Also we need to ensure the earphone and microphone is in
good condition. If the transmitter or receiver have problems, we can change another one.
Otherwise, I need to set squawk7600.
11. Under normal or abnormal circumstances, who’s in charge of the radio
communication in cockpit?
Who’s in charge of the radio communication in normal and abnormal situation?
According to CRM, crew members should have clear task sharing during flight. Usually, pilot
flying is in charge of controlling the aircraft, while pilot monitoring (PM) is in charge of radio
communication with ATC.
During abnormal situation, captain controls the aircraft and first officer makes radio
communication, because captain is the pilot in command, he must make the final decision.
12. What’s your understanding of CRM?
CRM stands for crew resource management. It is very important to ensure flight safety and
improve flight efficiency. It includes several principles(parts)/ main points: task-sharing, good
communication cross check and situational awareness.

fuel
1.Have you heard of any accidents concerning fuel emergency? If not, please tell me
your understanding about the importance of fuel check.
No, I haven’t. First, according to flight plan, fuel check before start is very important. The
captain is responsible for the check. During flight, we will also check the endurance. If we
find anything abnormal of the fuel, we have to contact ATC. This is very important for flight
safety.
2.Tell me about the legal requirements for your aircraft fuel quantity.
I am flying A320, we can carry more than 18 tons. According to CAAC regulations, after
landing , we should have 45 minutes’ endurance. Otherwise, we have to declare fuel
emergency.
3. How do you refuel your aircraft before each flight?
According to flight plan, before each flight, we have to refuel the aircraft. Usually, PNF will
monitor the refuel. If he finds anything abnormal, he will report this to the captain. Refueling
is very important for the whole flight.
4. What safety factors should a pilot consider during refueling?
There are several factors. First, people cannot smoke around the refueling area. Second,
passengers cannot get out of the aircraft when refueling. Third, people cannot use the mobile
phone near the refueling area. Normally, the engines should be shut down.
5. According to the regulation, what does “minimum fuel” refer to?
According to the regulation, after landing , the aircraft should have at least 45 minutes
endurance.
6. How would you report fuel minimum situation to ATC?
 If I encounter this situation, first, I will report this situation to ATC and request priority
landing. Second, if the weather is not good at destination airport, I have to request to divert to
the nearest/closest airport.
7. What is the maximum fuel quantity for your aircraft?
I fly A320. Its maximum fuel quantity is 18 tons. quality
I fly B737. Its maximum fuel quantity is 21 tons.
8. How to determine the fuel endurance?
I need to consider takeoff weight, flight distance, fuel consumption rate, weather condition
and so on.
9. What are the reasons for fuel shortage?
There are many reasons. First, there may be the fuel leakage. We may also have long
holding during bad weather, fly at lower level with high fuel consumption, encountering
strong head wind.
10. When do you declare the fuel emergency?
When our endurance is less than 30 minutes before landing, we will declare fuel emergency.
11. What might be the consequences if we use contaminated fuel?
What will be the result if contaminated fuel is put into the aircraft?
It will be very dangerous for the flight safety. Maybe the engines will shut down or the
engines will be damaged.
12. What is your company’s fuel policy?
I am flying A320, we must fly according to cost index 20. and we need to refuel the aircraft
according to the weather en route and weather at the destination.
According to our company policy, we have to refuel the aircraft according to the flight plan.
The company also encourage us to save fuel.
13. Do you think saving fuel is the responsibility of the pilot?
No, I don’t. I think as a pilot, the most important responsibility is to ensure the flight safety.
Yes, I do. we can save money for our company and protect our earth.
14. If you save the fuel for your company, can you get the bonus?
Yes. but only a little. And, I haven’t received it for a long time.
15. Do you think cruising at the higher level can save more fuel?
Yes, I do. Usually when we fly higher level, we can fly at faster speed to save fuel. But
sometimes, when we encounter bad weather, such as strong head wind, we cannot save fuel at
higher level and it will be more dangerous for flight safety.

weather
1. Have you ever encountered lightning strike? stroke
No, I haven’t. And I hope it will never happen (to me) in my flight career, but I heard a true
story of my friend. One day, he flew from Taiyuan to Beijing, during cruising, the weather
radar indicated a small green area. When he flew into it, he felt the a/c was shaking. He told
the first officer they had encountered lightning strike and he tried to keep calm and check the
major instruments, and he found there was not big problem. He reported this situation to ATC
and requested continue to Beijing and landed as soon as possible. Then he informed company
and asked them to advise an engineer/maintenance staff/mechanics to check airplane after
arrival. He also told the cabin crew this condition and asked them to take care of
passengers .After a safe landing, ground staff checked the plane and found the lightning spot.
2. Why is lighting strike dangerous to safety? If you encounter the lightning strike,
what will you do?
The lightning strike is very dangerous for flight safety because it may cause system failure
of the aircraft, such as electrical, communication, radar and navigation sys. So we must avoid
lightning strikes.
If I encounter lightning strike, first, I will keep clam. I will leave the lightning area as soon as
possible(ASAP); then I need to check the systems and equipments, if there is something
abnormal I should divert to the nearest suitable airport. Otherwise, I will continue to fly to the
destination.
3. How to avoid the lightning strike?
First, we should make good use of the onboard weather radar. Second, we should keep a
safe distance from the lightning area. Selecting a suitable altitude is also important to avoid
lightning strike. I’ll refer to other a/c’s report to avoid it.
4. Have you ever encountered turbulence? If your passenger is injured due to
turbulence, what will you do?
Yes, I have. This happens often. If the passenger is injured, first I will make a PA to find a
doctor to treat/take care of him. Second, I will contact ATC to request land as soon as possible
and request medical assistance on arrival..
5. What other bad weather have you encountered/do you know?
Beside turbulence, I have encountered/know wind shear, icing, fog, thunderstorm,
sandstorm, CBs, low visibility, hurricane (typhoon) and so on.
6. Why is icing dangerous to flight safety?
If we encounter icing, it will be very dangerous for fight safety. Because ice on the wings
will lead to stall speed, change the shape of the wings, increase drag and reduce lift , cause
engine failure and control surfaces jammed. It is very difficult for us to control the aircraft. If
the ice is ingested into the engine, it may cause engine failure. So it is very dangerous for
fight safety.
7. Have you ever encountered icing condition in flight?
Yes, I have. Two years ago, I flew from Shanghai to Beijing. When we were flying at
FL350, we had an icing indication and found ice on the windshield. We contacted ATC and
requested descent to avoid icing area. When we descent to FL250, we were clear of icing area
and the ice on the windshield disappeared. The rest of the flight was normal and we landed at
Beijing safely.
8. How do you know icing condition on the aircraft?
We can refer to ice indicator which is installed between two windshields outside the aircraft.
Pilots and cabin crew can observe outside to find ice on the fuselage.
9. If the ice accumulated on the wings of your aircraft, what will you do?
If we are on the ground, we will contact ATC, request de-icing procedure and request
departure within effective period/duration/time of de-icing.
If we are in the air, we will request level change to avoid icing area, turn on anti-ice and de-
ice systems. Also, we can adjust our speed if necessary.
10. Which weather condition is the most dangerous one?
I think windshear at low level/ microburst is most dangerous weather. Because at lower
level , out speed is slow and we are close to the ground, we don’t have enough time and
altitude to deal with it.
11. What are your suggestions for reducing the risk of incidents caused by hazardous
weather?
Before departure, if I know there is bad weather at the destination, I will delay my takeoff.
After takeoff, I will turn on the weather radar onboard. If I find bad weather ahead of us, I
will request go round it and request divert to the alternate airport if necessary. If I know there
is bad weather en route, I will carry more fuel in case of circumnavigation and diversion.

abnormal situation
1.What may cause the pilot to abort the takeoff?
During rolling, if speed is before 80kts and there is a system failure, burst tire,
unusual/abnormal noise, takeoff configuration warning, we should reject T/O.
If speed is above 80kts but lower than V1 and there is engine failure, windshear warning, fire
or fire warning or we think the airplane is unsafe, we should reject T/O.
There are many reasons for pilots to abort takeoff. For example, if we encounter engine
failure, engine fire or windshear and so on, we will abort takeoff.
2. How to make a rejected takeoff?
Before V1, if we have to abort takeoff, firstly I order/declare“stopping” loudly and retard
the thrust to idle, use the thrust reverser to the maximum, extend the speed brakes and try to
stop the a/c on the R/W as soon as possible. Secondly we must report to ATC clearly and
immediately .Then we should request ground assistance from ATC. If necessary, we will
execute/carry out emergency evacuation (the captain will make a passenger announcement to
let them know the situation and comfort passengers).
(After V1, we will continue take off and use maximum power to control a/c attitude, follow
the SOP and carry out checklist. I will report to ATC and company dispatch this situation and
request return to airport or divert to other airport)
3. What are the possible consequences if the pilot rejected the takeoff after V1?
According to CAAC rules and regulations, pilots should not reject takeoff after V1. If the
pilots disobey rules and abort takeoff after V1 ,the a/c may rush out of R/W and it will cause
the a/c damage and PAX injuries even accidents.
4. If ATC informs you that they received an anonymous call saying there is a bomb on
your aircraft, what will you do?
Bomb on board is very dangerous for flight safety. If it is on the ground, I will keep calm,
and try to find the bomb. I will contact ATC and request emergency assistance and evacuation.
We have to ensure the safety of the passengers and the aircraft.
If it happens during flight, first, I will contact ATC and request divert to the nearest airport.
Then I will also request priority landing and ground assistance. After landing ,I will carry out
emergency evacuation.
5. What is your company’s specific procedure for bomb on board?
If we are on the ground, we will disembark passengers and request bomb squad to deal with
it.
If in the air, we will select a suitable speed and request to land as soon as possible. We also
need to request emergency services and bomb squad upon landing.
6. Have you ever heard of the accident of ground collision? collide
Yes, of course. 2 years ago, at Beijing airport, a refueller collided with an aircraft. Visibility
was poor that day, the driver could not see the yellow line on the ground, so he collided the
aircraft.
7. According to your opinion, why did the ground collision happen?
There are many reasons. First, they don’t follow CAAC rules and regulations strictly and
they don’t follow the SOP strictly. Second, the runway or taxiway was contaminated, the
braking action might be poor. Third, aircraft and ground vehicles’ braking system may fail.
Fourth, the pilots don’t understand the instructions of the ATC, or ATC gives wrong
instructions to the pilots. Ground collision is a very serious accident, we have to try to avoid
them.
8. What damage may the aircraft have during the ground collision?
Ground collision may cause fuselage damage, structure damage, engine damage and so
on.The aircraft to aircraft collision is more serious than aircraft to vehicle collision.
9. How to reduce the ground collision?
Pilots and ground drivers should strictly follow SOP and ATC taxiing instruction. They must
taxi carefully during bad weather condition. We must inspect aircraft and trucks carefully
before operation.
10. Have you encountered bird strike?
No, I haven’t. I am very lucky.
11. Why is bird activity hazardous to flight safety?
Why are bird activities considered hazardous to flight safety?
If we fly in the bird activity area, we may encounter bird strike. Bird strike may cause
engine failure, structural damage, windows broken and so on. They are very dangerous for
flight safety.Because when there is bird activity, the aircraft will encounter bird strike. Bird
strike is very dangerous for flight safety.
12. At which flight phases do you usually encounter bird strike?
Because birds are always flying at low level, we usually encounter bird strike during takeoff
and landing.
13. Do you have any suggestions to reduce the bird strike?
According to the rules and regulations of our company, below 10,000 feet, we should turn
on all lights, reduce to a slower speed.
I suggest the airport (authorities) have/install/introduce more advanced equipments to drive
birds in the vicinity of the airport.
14. What are the consequences of bird strike?
Bird strike may cause engine failure, structural damage, windows broken and so on . They
are very dangerous for flight safety. So we must avoid bird strike to ensure flight safety.
15. Have you ever diverted? What are the reasons for diversion?
Yes, I have. Two months ago, I flew from Shijiazhuang to Shanghai. When I entered
Shanghai area, ATC informed me Hongqiao airport was closed due to bad weather and low
visibility. We decided to divert and ATC informed us Jinan airport was suitable for diversion.
We landed at Jinan airport successfully.
The reasons may be bad weather, destination airport closed, aircraft damage or malfunction,
important military activity, aircraft performance and low endurance.
16. What information do you need to know about the alternate airport?
If we decide, there are a lot of in formation we need to know about the alternate airport. We
need to know runway condition, weather information, ground facilities/equipments, and
maintenance.
17. What support can you get from ATC for diversion?
They can provide us alternate airport information and weather information, airways
coordination, radar vectors, and communication with alternate airport.
18. What are the possible causes for the delay?
Delays may be caused by flow control, bad weather, military activity, airport closed, aircraft
malfunction ground service, and tug not in position.
19. What are your suggestions for reducing the delays?
I think the air force should give us more airspace. Or we could have more flight levels in the
sky. So flow control will be reduced and our delays will be reduced too.
20. Do you think more delays happen in large airport?
Yes, I do. Many reasons may cause delay, such as flow control, ground service, bad weather,
military activities and aircraft malfunction. At large airports, there are more flow controls and
ground staff are too busy to provide quick service.
21. Have you ever heard mid-air collision? near miss What reasons might cause mid-
air collision? Do you have any suggestions to avoid mid-air collision?
Yes, I have. Several years ago, two aircraft collided in the air. Both aircraft got TCAS
advisory and ATC instruction when they are in conflict with each other. One of them followed
ATC instruction to avoid conflict, the other one followed TCAS advisory. Unfortunately, the
instruction and advisory were opposite and caused the disaster. Since then, ICAO issued a
regulation that TCAS advisory has the priority over ATC instruction.
Reasons: ATC’s wrong instruction, TCAS failure, misunderstanding of instruction, pilots’
wrong operation, unknown activity.
Suggestions: Both pilots and ATC have to use standard radio communication terms to avoid
misunderstanding, check the equipments more carefully, observe outside while flying,
monitor TCAS indication frequently and follow TCAS TA and RA strictly.
22. What is runway incursion? Have you ever encountered runway incursion?\
Runway incursion means some things are on the runway which will affect the flight safety,
for example, another aircraft, some animals, people, trucks and so on.
Yes, I have. …..
23. How to avoid runway incursion?
Runway incursion is very dangerous; it will cause some accidents if we are not careful. We
have to be very cautious during taxiing. First, both the pilots and ATC should use standard
words to avoid misunderstanding with each other. Second, pilots need to look out while
taxiing. Third, if we are into the runway by accident, we have to inform the ATC and other
aircraft about this. Last, I think the airport authority has to inspect the taxiing way and runway
all the time to avoid different kinds of incursions.

food and health

1.Do you like the in -flight catering?
Yes, sometimes when I am hungry, I feel the in-flight catering is delicious. But most time I
don’t like it because the food is always the same. I have no appetite.
2. Do you have the same food with captain or first officer? Why?
According to CAAC rules and regulations, in order to avoid food poisoning , captain and
first officer must not eat the same food. If there is something wrong with food, at least one
pilot is able to control the aircraft.
3. What will you do if you feel uncomfortable in flight?
If your first officer/captain is incapacitated what should you do? incapacitation
I will give the control to my first officer. Tell ATC and our company dispatch and try my best
to make a safe landing.
I will ask air marshal to take my first officer out of cockpit. Then I will ask the purser to make
an announcement to find a pilot from passengers to help me control the a/c.
4. In what circumstances do you declare medical emergency?
I declare medical emergency when we have injured or sick passengers and crew members
on board. And they are seriously ill and need immediate treatment.
5. If a passenger had a heart attack in the flight, what will you do?
I will make a panpan call and request priority landing or diversion if necessary. Try to find a
doctor onboard to treat him. I will request medical assistance on arrival.
6. What kind of medical help can the cabin crew provide to the passengers on board?
I don’t know. In my opinion, maybe they will provide oxygen to the passengers. They can
look for a doctor on board to treat the sick passengers. Also they can inform the captain to
contact ATC and request medical assistance after landing.
7. Do you think it is important for pilots to keep fit?
Yes, of course. As a pilot, health is very important. So we should pay much attention to our
health. There are many ways for us to keep fit, for example, keep a good mood, eat some
healthy food, have a good rest and take some exercises and sports. For me, I think the best
exercise is running and swimming. I will not get hurt for these exercises.
8. What will cause the crew incapacitation?
Crew incapacitation is very dangerous for crew members and flight safety. There are many
reasons for this situation, for example: bad food, not enough rest, some illnesses such as high
blood pressure and heart attack. So we have to try to avoid the incapacitation. If the pilot
doesn’t good, he cannot board the aircraft.

Aircraft and routes

1. What are the differences between the Boeing aircraft and the Airbus aircraft?
The airbus aircraft are made in Europe, its A380 is the largest aircraft in the world. It is
famous for/uses the side stick and fly-by-wire system; the Boeing aircraft are made in
America, they have longer history than Airbus company. It is famous for/uses the control
column and fly-by-cable system, and its next newest product will be the dreamliner --- B787.
2. If you have the choice to fly A320 and B747, which one will you choose?
I will choose B747, because I am flying B737.The update training from B737 to B747 is
easier, both aircraft are from same company. B747s are usually used to fly to big international
airports, and international flights have fewer delays. (because B747 is larger , safer and easier
to fly than A320 and it is more comfortable.)
3. Do you prefer domestic routes or international routes? Why?
I prefer international routes because I can travel around the world, enjoy delicious food,
experience different culture and make new friends. International routes have fewer delays and
flow controls.
I prefer domestic routes, because my English is not very good.
4. Do you prefer long haul routes or short routes? Why?
I prefer long haul routes. Long haul routes have fewer delays and flow controls. And long
haul routes can have longer flying time, so I can have more rest time.
I prefer short routes, because it is not very tired. And as a first officer, I need more chance to
practice my landing operation skills.

security
1.Why is liquid not allowed to be carried into the cabin?
According to the rules and regulation of CAAC, the passenger can not take the liquid into
the cabin. If the liquid is flammable and explosive, it will be very dangerous for flight safety.
2. Can you name some of the dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods include explosive, flammable, erosive, toxic, radioactive goods, such as
alcohol, bomb and so on.
3. Do you have the training about dangerous goods in your company?
Yes, we do. We have this kind of training once a year.
4. What do you learn in the training?
We learn to identify the dangerous cargo that can be carried on board. We also learn
procedures to transport these dangerous goods.
5. What can the airport security check do to prevent the terrorist activity?
The security staff have advanced equipment to find dangerous things. All the security staff
have professional skills and experience, they will know what is dangerous for the aircraft and
passengers.
6. Do you think the security check has been improved in the last decade?
Yes, I do. Many advanced facilities/equipment have been installed in the airport. Ground
staffs have had more and more professional training to improve their skills. We need to
follow/comply with stricter security check procedures.
Yes, I do. In the last 10 years, the airport has more advanced equipment. And the ground
staffs have better training and skills. They also have stricter security check procedures.
7. Do you have any suggestions to improve the security check in China?
I suggest improve security check efficiency, so we may have fewer delays and passenger
complains. We can also have more advanced equipments to help the ground staffs.

manuals and terms

1. Can you tell me some of the technical manuals or handbooks in the cockpit?
We have FCOM （ Flight Crew Operation Manual ） , QRH(Quick Reference Handbook,
MEL(Minimum Equipment List) on board.
2. Are these manuals convenient to use? Are they written in Chinese or English?
Yes, they are. Some are in Chinese and some are in English.
3. Do you think the manuals in English is difficult to understand?
Yes, I think so. It is very difficult for me to understand.
No, I don’t think so. Because B737 is made in USA, actually we cannot find Chinese in the
cockpit. And sometimes the Chinese translation will make some misunderstanding. We have
to read the English manuals sometimes. Besides, it can help me to improve my English.
4. Do you prefer read the paper manuals or electronic files?
I prefer paper manuals, because they are not harmful to my eyes.
And I think paper manuals are more convenient to use and we get used to them.
5. Do you think the paper manuals will be replaced by the electronic files?
No I don’t think so.
Sorry I don’t know, my company will decide it. It’s none of my business.
Yes, I do. First, I think it is the development/trend in the future. Second, electronic files can
be carried easily, and sometimes it is easy for pilots to find the part they want. And I think
using electronic files can save the wood and protect the environment.
6. What are the advantages of ILS approach compare with VOR approach?
ILS approach is precision approach, VOR approach is non-precision approach. ILS approach
is more accurate, safer and easier to fly. Pilots always use the ILS approach.
7. Do you know TCAS? How does it work?
TCAS stands for traffic collision avoidance system. According to ICAO regulation, all
passenger aircraft should be installed/equipped with TCAS.( It can provide pilot traffic
information (TA)in the vicinity of the aircraft, such as altitude, distance and movement. It also
provides avoidance advisory(RA) to help pilot keep safe separation from other traffic.) TCAS
is very important to ensure flight safety.
TCAS stands for traffic collision avoidance system. TCAS can help pilots keep a safe
distance with other aircraft. We have to follow TCAS instruction to avoid near misses and
collisions. TCAS is very important to ensure flight safety.
8. Do you know ATIS? When and where do you usually listen to ATIS?
Yes I do. ATIS stands for Automatic Terminal Information Service. Usually pilots listen to
ATIS before departure and approach.
9. What information can you get from ATIS?
From ATIS I can get a lot of information, such as runway information, wind degree and
speed, temperature, QNH and so on. They are very important for a successful departure and
approach.
10. Can you introduce your normal checklist to me?
Yes, I can. The normal checklist includes standard procedure of a normal flight. It contains
pre-flight checklist, taxiing checklist, before and after checklist and so on. We have to use
normal checklist at every phase of flight.
11. How do you carry out/execute your normal checklist procedure?
According to the regulation, PF controls the aircraft and orders the PNF to carry out the
checklist. PF will also confirm the operations.
12. Do you know QRH? Please introduce it to me?
Yes, I do. QRH stands for Quick Reference handbook. When we encounter abnormal
situations, we will refer to QRH to carry out the standard procedures.
13. Do you know MEL? What does MEL mean?
Yes, I do. MEL stands for Minimum Equipment List. Before engine start, if we encounter
equipment malfunction, we carry out MEL to decide to stop or continue flight. If we continue
fly, we must follow O procedures to ensure flight safety.
14. Do you know EFIS?
EFIS stands for Electronic Flight Instrument System. This system includes all the flight
instruments, such as PFD, EICAS, ND and so on. This system can help pilots to know the
altitude , the weather , engine indication and so on. EFIS is a very important part of the
aircraft.
1.What are the advantages and disadvantages of analogue instruments?
The advantage of the analogue instruments is that it is easy to find the information. The
disadvantage is that it is not very accurate. The modern aircraft use the digital instruments.

coorperation and preparation

1. What emergency training do you take with the cabin crew?
Several years ago, we had emergency training with cabin crew. We practiced evacuation
from the cabin, extinguishing fire and using emergency equipments. But now we don’t have
trainings together.
Yes, we have emergency training once every 2 years with cabin crew. I think it is very
necessary to have this kind of training. Usually we practice how to carry out emergency
evacuation and ditching.
2. Why pilots should know something about flight attendants work?
I think flight attendants and pilots are working as team. We have to know our different tasks.
As a pilot, we should know how the flight attendants work in the cabin. It is very necessary to
make a good cooperation, especially in emergency situations.
3. Why is cabin crew important in emergency situation?
In emergency situation, the cabin crew is very important for us to ensure the flight safety.
For example, If we have to carry out emergency evacuation after landing, pilots will do their
job in the cockpit, the cabin crew will comfort the passengers in the cabin and make
preparation for emergency evacuation. After landing, they help us to evacuate passengers
from the aircraft as soon as possible. We work together and follow good CRM to ensure flight
safety.
4. How should pilots cooperate with cabin crew to ensure the safety?
We should work as a team, follow good CRM and have good communication with each
other. For example, if we have cabin fire, the cabin crew can inform the pilots as fast as the
can. The pilots can make a PA to help the flight attendants comfort the passengers.
5. Do you think the captain’s briefing with cabin crew should be mandatory?
Yes, of course. It is the regulation of CAAC and our company. Cabin crew should follow
captain’s order and cooperate with pilots on board.
6. Do you have to prepare for the flight the day before?
Yes, I do. The day before the flight, I will go to our company website to make flight
preparation. There are many things for me to complete during the preparation. I will check my
flight routes, my crew members , the flight map , the weather information and so on. This is
very necessary for a good flight.
7. What do you do in the briefing room before you board the aircraft?
We have direct preparation in the briefing room. All crew members get together one hour
before departure. Captain briefs all flight crew and cabin crew. We get related flight
information, aircraft condition and weather information. First, all crew members get together
in the briefing room and captain brief other crew members. They get information of flight,
weather, aircraft and flight plan from dispatch. Then they go to the airport, walk around the
aircraft, refuel the aircraft and check onboard systems.
8. How long does the preflight preparation last?
About one hour.
9. What do you usually do in preflight preparation? Is walk-around the aircraft a part of
your preflight preparation? Please give me some detail.
In the preflight preparation, the pilots will check the systems in the cockpit to make sure
every equipment is in good condition. And we will also have ground check.
Yes, it is. Pilots need to walk around the aircraft from the left side of nose following the
clockwise direction. We need to check landing gears, engine cowling, fuselage, flight control
surfaces and so on.
10. How do you get loading sheet? Which department is responsible for the provision of
loading sheet? What kind of information is included in load sheet？
I get loading sheet from ACARS or ground staff/company dispatch. Weight and balance
department is responsible for this loading sheet.It includes flight number, passenger and crew
number, takeoff weight, trip fuel, C/G, cargo and baggage, VIP information and so on.

more
1. Can you tell me the differences between passenger flight and cargo flight?
There are several differences. First, for a passenger flight, we carry both passengers and
cargos; for a cargo flight, we only carry cargos. Second, for a passenger flight, we should
provide services to them. Usually the cargo flight fly at night.
2. What are the main duties of a pilot of a passenger plane?
First and for most, the pilot should ensure the safety of the passengers and the plane. Second,
the pilot should carry the passengers to the destination on time. Third, during flight, the pilot
should give passengers a comfortable and stable flying experience.
3. What the aviation industry in China will be like in 10 years from now?
Of course, it will be better. First, I think there will be more planes and pilots. Second, More
and more foreign airlines will come to China. More and more people will have their own
planes. It will be more convenient for people to travel. I think we should have better
management at that time.
4. If there’s a fight between two passengers on your aircraft, what will you do?
If it happens on the ground, I’ll report to our company dispatch and request policeman
(ground staff/security) on board. If it happens in flight, I’ll report to our company dispatch
and request policeman on board after landing, and I will ask the sky marshal to control them.
Drunk passenger;
(If he sits there quietly I `ll do nothing) If he makes trouble, I will ask the sky marshal to
control him, or call security staff if necessary.
5. If the passenger refused to check-in his over-sized luggage, how do you deal with it?
Well, actually, it is not my job to deal with this problem. And I will inform our company
dispatch and let them deal with it.
I’ll report to our company dispatch to ask them to deal with it.
I`ll ask the ground staff to deal with it as soon as possible. If I miss my slot time, I`ll advise
ATC this situation and request new departure time
6. If you made a hard landing, how will you explain to your boss?
 First, I hope this situation will not happen to me. If I made a hard landing, I think I will tell
him the truth. It is impossible to hide this because QAR will show the truth of event. On the
other hand, as a pilot I should be honest and it is important for flight safety.
7. How often do you have the recurrent/simulator training?
We have the recurrent training twice a year/every six months/every half year.
8. Which subject is the most difficult for you during the recurrent training?
I think loss of all hydraulic sys power is the most difficult one. Because it will be very
dangerous for pilots to control the aircraft.
I think the dense smoke in the cockpit is the most difficult one.
9. Where do you have simulator training? In China or other countries?
I have simulator training in Qingdao flight training centre, Shangdong, China.
10. Do you think English is important for flight safety?
Yes, I do. English communication is becoming more and more important. We need to use
English for international flights and some domestic flights, such as Shanghai, Beijing and
Guangzhou. All aircraft onboard displays are in English, pilots need to understand them
quickly to ensure flight safety and improve flight efficiency.
11. If the passenger refuses to turn off his mobile phone, what will you do?
I will ask cabin crew to persuade him to turn off his mobile phone, otherwise I have to get
him out/ask him to get out of the aircraft.
12. If your captain is reading novels/newspapers/magazines in flight, what will you do?
According to our company rules and regulations, he can not do this. I will ask him to stop
reading and tell him this is very dangerous for flight safety.
13. Can pilots read newspapers and magazines in the cockpit?
According to our company rules and regulations, pilots can not read newspapers and
magazines in the cockpit. If pilots read newspapers and magazines, they can not focus on
flying and monitoring the aircraft instruments, it will affect flight safety.
14. If you have approached your duty time limit, will it affect your decision making?
Yes, it will. If I have approached my duty time limit, I will be very tired. It is difficult to
focus on flying and I may have slow reaction. It will affect my decision making.
15. Do you think human error is the main factor concerning flight safety?
Yes, I think so. Most of the accidents are caused by human error. So I think plots have to be
very careful to avoid human errors.
16. What can you do to increase the safety margin?
Safety is pilots’ first priority. We have to do everything to ensure a safe flight. First, we have
to strictly follow standard procedures and regulations. Second, we should have good
communication with ATC and other crew members. Third, pilots should have more
professional trainings. I hope my whole flight career can always safe and happy.