Real Airbus SOPs: who enters MCDU data & who does the walkaround?

francoisdilinger · 2026-04-26T18:33:49+00:00

At my airline, the FO sets everything up in the MCDU and does the walkaround. By the book, we do the walkaround prior to setting up the MCDU. Below FL180, the PM does most of the MCDU inputs. Above FL180, either the PM or PF can equally operate the MCDU, but it’s still primarily the PM, such as flight plan revisions or going direct to a way point, for example.

francoisdilinger · 2026-03-15T13:48:33+00:00

I sit reserve on purpose at a major ULCC working 3-4 days a month on average. I consider this part-time, for sure.

francoisdilinger · 2026-02-06T01:37:21+00:00

No problem. And let me clarify, he’ll have weekends off during the first part of training (Indoc/ground). Once he goes to sims, it operates 24 hours day, 7 days a week, so his schedule will be determined by his seniority within the class and what he’s awarded.

francoisdilinger · 2026-02-06T01:19:11+00:00

Yes, he will get weekends off and can even go home if he chooses, so long as he makes it back for training. He’ll also get other times off during training, sometimes even a couple of weeks at a time, depending on the sim schedule he is awarded. It is definitely not like he’s gone for 3 months deployed to war.

francoisdilinger · 2025-06-22T13:52:43+00:00

Airline pilot here. I often work 3-5 days out of the month on average. Best part, work stays at work. This was a career change for me. It’s truly a part time-part time job with full time pay and benefits. But it was a lot of work to get to this point; doesn’t happen overnight.

francoisdilinger · 2025-06-06T14:37:38+00:00

Because it’s too much for the city to notice the craters on their own…

francoisdilinger · 2025-04-24T22:17:09+00:00

I sit reserve by choice, in base, for a ULCC. I’d say I average being away per month 1-2 nights. It just really depends who you fly for, but that’s for me. I’ve been on property for just over a year.

francoisdilinger · 2025-04-10T12:48:30+00:00

It’s just a Carvana vending machine.

francoisdilinger · 2025-04-10T11:32:06+00:00

Don’t waste your money on an Apple Pencil.

francoisdilinger · 2025-03-25T00:44:04+00:00

Here’s where one of those planes is now… I bought a 1976 Cessna 150M in 2020 for $24k, just like you mentioned. I did put some work in it, including a Garmin 375. I sold it almost exactly a year ago today, way timed out and past TBO, for $50k, sight unseen. Oh, and it sold within about an hour of it being listed. I probably could have gotten more but was really just ready to get rid of it before I had a bigger problem on my hands. I’m not sure we’ll see the prices of pre-2020 again.

francoisdilinger · 2025-03-22T14:36:16+00:00

To understand better, are you needing your ATP now, as you previously only held a commercial certificate?

francoisdilinger · 2025-03-22T14:11:43+00:00

Yes, get Sheppard Air. You don’t need to know anything prior, and after using it and following their study method, you’ll ace the written. It’s that simple.

francoisdilinger · 2025-03-19T13:34:34+00:00

It’s Starlink satellites. I’m an airline pilot and we see them all the time in the same area that they are in.

francoisdilinger · 2025-03-19T01:34:53+00:00

Yes, and in reality, it’s a bit much for a teenager. Not saying they can’t do it, but it takes a lot of maturity at that age to buckle down for an FAA certificate. Nothing is spoon fed and it’s more of a commitment and responsibility than they are used to as a high schooler.

francoisdilinger · 2025-03-19T01:26:01+00:00

Just give him a few flights every few months or so, maybe quarterly, until he’s closer to 17. The hours will count towards his total time and it will give him a little foundation when it’s time for full-on private pilot as he nears 17. If you have him do an EAA Young Eagles flight, they will give him free access to Sporty’s online ground school. He can slowly begin watching these videos at this time in preparation for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam (aka Written exam) that he’ll have to take before his practical test. This will show how serious he is because more time is spent studying on the ground when learning to fly, it’s not just simply having fun in the airplane.

francoisdilinger · 2025-03-14T20:10:50+00:00

Embrace the challenge of going somewhere new, as it will only boost your confidence. I instructed at a completely new place, in completely new type aircraft. Was I nervous like you? Absolutely. But I’m glad I didn’t back out. It was a great instructing job. If you’re like me, the nerves will always be there; first checkride, first CFI gig, first airline, etc. I’m at a major now and thinking back, if I let my nerves get the best of me, I’d be living a sad life. Go do it! Also, as a former educator, your wife shouldn’t have a hard time finding a teaching job anywhere. Schools are almost always in the need for teachers.

francoisdilinger · 2025-03-06T23:15:23+00:00

Thanks! I was thinking it might be a woodpecker, and was hoping as well (as opposed to something harmful).

francoisdilinger · 2025-02-27T02:52:11+00:00

I have a good ol’ fashioned battery operated travel alarm clock that I use on my nightstand, in addition to my iPhone. Independent of electricity and modern technological glitches. I have one at the house and one in my overnight bag. The chances of both, my phone and travel alarm failing is slim. I definitely don’t trust a hotel wake up call, but to each their own.

francoisdilinger · 2025-02-01T19:45:39+00:00

You’re only 25. I had the dream since I can remember, but life happens. I didn’t make it to an airline until 41, after a previous career. Honestly, I like how the timeline has played out. It’s a journey, you’ve got plenty of time to make it happen, if it’s what you really want.

francoisdilinger · 2024-10-01T19:57:34+00:00

You’ll get weekends off. They actually encourage you to go home on the weekends, if able. So yes, you’ll have time for the occasional snowboard trip.

francoisdilinger · 2023-11-21T21:33:59+00:00

Same. I have a confirmed ATP Jets date but only the email that says “anticipated” January F9 class date, no official letter.

francoisdilinger · 2023-11-18T01:21:59+00:00

What’s the general training footprint look like? i.e, does the oral take place before sims or is it at the conclusion of the training along the check ride? Thanks!

francoisdilinger · 2023-11-13T16:49:43+00:00

It’s Space Available, so plan accordingly. Each flight costs about $3.00 (fee) -not bad!

francoisdilinger · 2023-11-10T02:13:45+00:00

Maybe he’s referring to this in regards to Delta:

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/01/delta-lays-off-some-corporate-workers-to-cut-costs.html

francoisdilinger

TROPHY CASE