Tech, however, plays a major role in every flight, thanks to the iPads that have now become an essential part of a pilot’s flying hours. To begin with these iPads have done away with at least 40 voluminous books that were a standard on every flight. Capt Anand pointed out that iPads have reduced pilot’s daily loads of taking manuals out of bulky bags that used to be stored in the plane containing heavy paper flight manuals, charts, logbooks, and handbooks by at least 20 kgs. In addition to doing away with 16-odd million sheets of paper, the iPad saves thousands of gallons of jet fuel annually.
For Quikjet, that’s a huge improvement of fuel economy – especially important when margins are wafer-thin. To top it all, these iPad-based “electronic flight bags” are easily accessible. Using the iPad means pilots can efficiently access reference material in double quick time without having to thumb through thousands of sheets of paper and reduce paper on the flight deck. One need not go looking for pages of a manual. The iPads with apps from Jeppsen provide pilots with essential and real-time information at their fingertips at all times throughout the flight. The app offers interactive, data-driven en-route navigation information and worldwide geo-referenced terminal charts, displayed and updated on the iPad screen.
The iPads notwithstanding, Quikjet pilots have to sign at least 10 sheets of paper comprising completion of work done by the loaders and others.
As Roshan Poojary put it, “Flying generally is very special; so, that makes all flights special. As for challenges, they can come in various ways. They can be technical where there can be issues with one or more aircraft components… the most common challenge is weather, be it rain, fog or dust storms, each has its own challenges.”
In addition to being tech-savvy, Quikjet’s pilots go the extra mile for a successful flight. The extra mile is the smooth cooperation with various departments: Engineering, Operations, Commercial, ATC and many others. A single flight comprises more than 50 individuals working hard and efficiently for a flight to land safely at its destination. “Teamwork is the backbone of aviation and at Quikjet we are blessed with a great team,” said Capt Anand.
Poojary pointed out that while “flying commercial aircraft is a two-person job, there’s no work without teamwork”. Poojary has had an uneventful flying career compared to what “one of my friends had: a baby was born on his flight from Gulf to India… if I recall correctly the baby was named Jetson”, he recalled.
A pilot’s job is never a boring one. While Capt Anand pointed out that “it’s a job that demands respect and you get to fly machines you dreamed of”, and mentioned that “every takeoff is a no less than a rush, and each landing is a test of your skills and abilities”, Yuthika Rai emphasized that “every moment you are in the job demands complete dedication”.
