In this guide, we will go through the most common as well as rare challenges that can hinder a pilot’s ability to operate an aircraft.
If you have ever seen planes fly by effortlessly during an air show and deduced that it's easy to fly one, then you would be very wrong! Flying aircraft requires a combination of skill, experience, and even intuition.
Contrary to what you might think, the skies can be a quite hostile environment for aircraft due to changing weather patterns, lack of visibility, and even bird strikes. Rarely, the aircraft itself can also cause problems due to instrumental failure or other hardware-related issues.
This is why aviation candidates need to learn all the challenges and risks that pilots must keep in mind when soaring through the skies. In this guide, we will go through the most common as well as rare challenges that can hinder a pilot’s ability to operate an aircraft and how they can practice and learn to overcome these challenges!
10 CHALLENGES IN FLYING A PLANE
Weather Conditions
Weather can be unpredictable, but modern science has given us the ability to not just predict but also accurately measure aspects of the weather like temperature, wind, humidity, air pressure, etc.
A small deviation in any of these factors can have a macro-level effect on aircraft that may even jeopardise a flight or worse, the integrity of an aircraft. For example, turbulence, although controllable in higher altitudes, can cause a lot of problems for both passengers and private planes.
Pilots need to carefully use their instincts and the instruments on board the plane to safely get out of turbulent airspace. It is important to keep in mind that while turbulence isn’t usually threatening, it can cause discomfort and may even alarm new pilots when they first encounter it.
Another factor to keep in mind is temperature and windspeed. Icing, in particular, is dangerous for both commercial and private planes during take-off and landing. If the surrounding air condenses and freezes on the body of the plane, it can affect the aerodynamics of the aircraft and make it difficult to control it.
Commercial aircraft are usually equipped with external sensors that can detect icing, but in the case of private aircraft, these systems may or may not be present which means that getting out of the situation will completely depend on the pilot and their expertise.
ATC Challenges
Air Traffic Control (ATC) is what makes modern aviation a reality. Think of it as traffic police, but for the skies!
The role of ATC may seem simple, but in practice, it is one of the most challenging jobs, especially when operating in crowded/busy airspace. One of the key challenges for pilots is to maintain constant communication with the ATC and follow their precise directions to avoid any mishap.
ATC ensures that every flight flies in a pre-determined path for maximum safety and not just reduces but eliminate the chance of mid-air collisions. But it is not all up to the ATC personnel as most of the responsibilities come down to the pilot.
Pilots must not only adhere to all the incoming directional instructions, but they must also be able to quickly react to emergency changes to avoid problems. This is where the pilot’s communication and experience come into play, which is why it can be particularly challenging for new pilots or trainees.
Low Visibility and Instrument Flying
In aviation, instrument flying is not just critical but also mandatory to master to ensure maximum safety. In essence, instrument flying is when the pilot solely depends on the instrument cluster and the data from it to fly an aircraft. This type of situation usually arises during poor visibility or when the pilot is unable to see what is in front of them during flight.
Aircraft instruments are advanced enough to provide all the necessary details required to operate an aircraft in the dark or during bad weather conditions. But this flying method heavily relies on the expertise of the pilot and can be quite challenging for inexperienced pilots.
Sometimes, pilots may also have to face a situation where they have to deal with a separate issue related to the aircraft and rely on instrument flying to successfully land the aircraft. This type of high-pressure situation requires careful consideration and a presence of mind to overcome.
Aircraft Management Challenges
Every aircraft is built according to precise specifications that the pilot needs to keep in mind before taking on a flight.
For example, fuel capacity and weight limits are just one of the few things that can make all the difference when flying an aircraft. While fuel is usually managed by the ground crew, the pilot must always be aware of the fuel gauge, especially when flying smaller aircraft.
The total weight limit is also important to keep in mind because every pound added to the aircraft affects not just the speed but also the fuel and manoeuvrability of the aircraft.
It can be particularly challenging for new pilots to keep these factors in mind, especially during emergencies. A deviation is any factor related to the aircraft that can cause serious issues during flight and may even result in crashes.
Aviation may not be an exact science, but fortunately, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has done a marvellous job of quantifying as many variables as possible to ensure that the skies remain safe for everyone!
Landing Challenges (Crosswind, Runway Difficulties)
One of the key components of landing and take-off is understanding the subtleties of crosswind. A strong crosswind can force the aircraft to go off course which can put it in the danger zone while descending for a landing or while taking off.
This is where aerodynamics, meteorology, and practical practice come into play. The pilot must not only keep an eye out for sudden crosswinds, but they also need to quickly counteract them in order to steer the plane on the right course.
Communication is also key during these situations as the pilot may be required to communicate with the ATC to take appropriate countermeasures. The ATC keeps an eye out for crosswinds and promptly alerts nearby planes so that pilots are ready beforehand. But a loss of communication or an error on the pilot’s part can pose serious challenges.
Crosswinds can be very dangerous, especially when flying smaller, lightweight aircraft. It can also be quite distressing for inexperienced pilots and can put the crew and passengers at risk.
In-Flight Emergencies
As mentioned, the skies can be quite hostile, especially in the case of inexperienced pilots. There are a lot of variables to keep in mind and each one can have a serious effect on either the aircraft or the flight in general.
For example, a pilot needs to learn how to cope with in-flight emergencies so that they can mitigate risk and smoothly land the aircraft before an issue escalates. Emergencies like engine failure or loss of cabin pressure are extremely dangerous scenarios that pilots must always be aware of during every flight.
A sudden loss of pressure, fuel issues, engine problems, or even instrument failure can seriously hinder the ability of the pilot to control the aircraft which is why the CAA mandates that all pilots train according to these various scenarios so that they can deploy appropriate countermeasures.
Human Limitations
Even though modern aircraft are great at minimising various risks during flight, there is still the possibility of human error. While commercial pilots are rigorously trained to be the best of the best, private pilots, especially Private Pilot Licence (PPL) holders with limited experience can be prone to various types of human errors.
Small factors like fatigue, stress, or bodily ailments can severely compromise a flight and may even incapacitate the pilot, which can have grave consequences. Even though pilots extensively learn human and aircraft limitations during training, there is still always a chance of human error during every commercial and private flight.
Dealing with Passenger Related Challenges
To expand on the topic of human error, pilots may also face unrelated challenges. For example, pilots may have to learn how to deal with various passenger issues. In some cases, like for medical emergencies, the pilot may also have to perform an emergency landing.
In the event of an emergency landing, the pilot is expected to follow protocol. These protocols contain a series of instructions and processes that the pilot must carefully analyse in their mind during high-stress situations.
For example, if the pilot makes the wrong call and lands an aircraft, then their decision may be questioned by the CAA which may even result in penalisation. But on the other hand, if the pilot decides not to land, they may endanger the life of the passenger onboard. These types of complex situations are rare but when they happen, they can pose a serious challenge for even veteran pilots.
In other cases, pilots may also have to deal with abusive or distracting passengers that can put not just the flight, but everyone onboard at risk. These issues can be quite dangerous and are one of the areas that will always be a wildcard in the field of aviation since it can be quite difficult to predict human behaviour.
Following Strict Regulations and Facing Penalties
The CAA is understandably very strict when it comes to pilot conduct and professionalism. All pilots are expected to perform per the high standards set by the CAA. Failing to do so may result in suspension and, in extreme cases, the CAA also reserves the right to disqualify a pilot and revoke their flying privileges.
If any of the above challenges present during a flight, then the pilot may be penalised and questioned. Aviation is a serious field that requires careful consideration, attention, and a lot of practice. Pilots who have trouble following authority or keeping their cool during high-stress situations will likely find aviation to be a very challenging career or hobby.
Challenges Off the Tarmac
Expanding on the previous point, being a pilot is not just about flying aircraft, it is also about being able to live up to the task of being a role model for the general public. Flying is a combination of training and having the right mindset – and this is why being a pilot can bleed into a person’s personal life as well.
For example, a candidate that has a substance problem may find it extremely challenging to maintain a stable career in the world of aviation. Sometimes, personal problems can severely affect the mindset of a pilot and may even hinder their ability to fly a plane.
This is why the CAA scrutinises every offence closely to figure out the core problem during in-flight incidents. So, if you are looking to become a pilot, then you must adopt a healthy and progressive lifestyle off the tarmac in order to have a successful career in aviation or you could risk facing severe challenges and even dangerous consequences.
OVERCOMING THE HARDEST PARTS OF FLYING
Now that you know the challenges of flying a plane, it's time to look at how a candidate can mitigate or even eliminate these challenges in their journey in aviation.
Flight schools play an important role not just in training candidates in flying aircraft, but also in developing a certain mindset. To develop the mindset of a good pilot, flight schools must constantly nurture the passion for aviation in each candidate.
If a pilot only trains to ascend and descend without understanding the nuances of aviation, then they will likely develop severe gaps in their training down the road which may lead to consequences.
Flight schools not only teach students how to overcome challenges, but they also comprehensively prepare them by putting them in various emergency scenarios with the help of simulation training.
Most great flight schools, like Sherburn Aero Club, have a panel of expert and dedicated flight instructors that care about the art of flying and its importance in modern society. Schools like Sherburn give weight to pilot demeanour as well as training to produce one of the finest private and commercial pilots in the country.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, Sherburn caters to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on the challenges related to flying a plane and how Sherburn Aero Club can help!
Photo by Simon Fitall on Unsplash
