What does a spoiler do on a plane?

What does a spoiler do on a plane? Spoilers can be used to dump lift and make the airplane descend; or they can be used to slow the airplane down as it prepares to land. When the airplane lands on the runway, the pilot usually brings up the spoilers to kill the lift, keep the plane on the ground, and make the brakes work more efficiently.

Are there always 2 pilots in the cockpit?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires two pilots at all times for most aircraft that exceed 12,500 pounds. Other factors, such as flight length may also demand more than one pilot. One of the biggest reasons two pilots are required for commercial flights and private jets is safety.

Why not full flaps on takeoff?

Full flaps increase drag more than they increase lift and is used to slow the aircraft for landing. Taking off with 10 to 20 degrees of flaps increases lift for takeoff without incurring a lot of drag, which you don't want for taking off.

Do pilots watch TV while flying?

Use of visual entertainment such as movies, television programs, video games, etc., is not allowed for a flight crew as they are required to maintain visual scanning outside the aircraft, if able, for situational awareness and collision avoidance.

Can a plane land if all engines fail?

Among other things, this means descending to a lower altitude and, potentially, reducing the airplane's speed. If all of an airplane's engines fail simultaneously, the pilot will perform an emergency landing.

Can pilots land without seeing the runway?

Pilots do NOT land their airplane when they cannot see the runway! However, Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a set of radio signals that will allow a pilot to line up on a runway that he cannot see. It will direct the aircraft to the end of the runway.

Do pilots know every button in the cockpit?

Answer: Yes, pilots know what every button and switch does. The school to learn the specifics of an airplane is very intense, requiring great concentration for several weeks.

Do pilots have guns in the cockpit?

Yes, some airline pilots do carry guns in the cockpit but carry a gun lawfully they must belong to a special program called the Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDOs). This program requires special training and pilots who enroll have strict limitations on when they can use the firearm.