Bab 58: Crew Members
Captain Zhao Hetai appeared quite easygoing.
However, Li Xuan was well aware that this person was not ordinary.
When they shook hands just now, Li Xuan noticed that Zhao Hetai's right hand had calluses on his knuckles.
This was quite different from regular civilian aviation pilots who underwent training.
Based on the kind of calluses, Li Xuan surmised that he might have been a retired air force pilot due to injuries.
The way he walked and talked easily gave away his profession.
These were unexpected observations, stored in Li Xuan's memory, but his face showed no other emotions.
He calmly sat in the somewhat empty preparation room, took out a notebook from his backpack, and prepared to jot down something.
Zhao Hetai saw "Wu Qing" nod and continued with the interrupted briefing.
This was an essential preparatory task for pilots and crew members during flights.
Generally, three hours before a flight, crew members would review the specific details of the aircraft they were about to pilot, as well as summarize the weather conditions they might encounter during the journey.
This was done to prevent unexpected aviation accidents during the flight.
However, this time, the atmosphere seemed quite relaxed.
In the preparation room, besides Captain Zhao Hetai, there was also First Officer Qian Zhenyu and Second Officer Zhou Changjian.
Due to the immense size and complexity of the Airbus A380, the common crew configuration was like this.
However, typically, because the Airbus A380 had a high level of technology, the workload for its pilots was relatively straightforward.
Apart from slightly more complexity during takeoff and landing, crew members hardly needed to manually control the aircraft during cruise flight.
However, Li Xuan noticed that First Officer Qian Zhenyu and Second Officer Zhou Changjian had slightly different attitudes at the moment. When Zhao Hetai spoke, their mannerisms seemed almost like they were studying.
"Alright, we've summarized the weather conditions. Next, we have the airway information we just received."
"We'll be flying directly from Jingling to eastern Guangdong. During the flight, we'll encounter a 747 and an A320."
"Due to this being a temporary route, we have a few flight conflicts. But it shouldn't be a problem. After coordinating with Eastern Guangdong ATC, I believe we can resolve the issues."
"And then... the condition of this A380."
"The test results that just came in. Take a look..."
"Yes, Engine Three has just undergone maintenance..."
Zhao Hetai's speech wasn't fast, but every point he mentioned corresponded to the sections of the "Pilot's Guide" in Li Xuan's mind.
This was indeed an experienced pilot. However, the other two individuals—First Officer Qian Zhenyu and Second Officer Zhou Changjian—seemed a bit less intelligent.
While Zhao Hetai was speaking, they were rapidly flipping through the documents in their hands, appearing somewhat flustered.
Ten minutes later, Zhao Hetai closed the folder with a snap and summarized, "This is the A380's first takeoff from Jingling's 4F runway. I was temporarily assigned to pass on the experience to you two. I believe this journey will be very beneficial for you."
He stood up and said, "That's about it, everyone. Let's set off."
Li Xuan also stood up. Following Zhao Hetai's invitation, the two of them left the preparation room.
As for the other two First Officers, they were busy cross-referencing the information Zhao Hetai had just mentioned while murmuring to themselves.
Li Xuan held his notebook and furrowed his brow. "Captain Zhao, is there a shortage of staff in Jingling?"
Zhao Hetai's voice was hushed, making sure it wouldn't be heard by the other two officers behind. Upon seeing Li Xuan's expression, he twitched the corner of his mouth slightly. "Professor Wu looks young, but he's certainly accomplished in academics."
"Your judgment of people is pretty accurate."
He only completed half of his sentence, but Li Xuan naturally understood his meaning. The first half of the sentence seemed to be the subject, but the truly useful part was the second half: "Your judgment of people is pretty accurate."
Zhao Hetai's voice was equally subdued as he began, "Over here at Lukou Airport, our Southern Airlines doesn't have experienced A380 pilots. I was also temporarily transferred from elsewhere."
"These two 'First Officers' just graduated from flight training school with outstanding results."
"To be honest, with these two young guys, if it weren't for this being an A380, I wouldn't let them fly. It's utter nonsense!"
Zhao Hetai's attitude was completely different now compared to the preparation room. However, Li Xuan understood why he would say that.
Pilots' psychological state was a critical factor in determining whether they could participate in a flight.
Nervousness and panic were absolutely forbidden emotions. Even the slightest oversight or confusion could lead to the complete destruction of this massive airborne precision machine.
At this point, Zhao Hetai suddenly paused, then looked at Li Xuan. "I'm sorry, Professor Wu. I don't think this will affect your inspection, right?"
"While I understand your academic concerns, if we don't address this practice, it might take a serious incident to finally solve it. You don't say it, I don't say it, this kind of bad habit might persist until a problem arises."
Li Xuan smiled wryly and didn't respond.
Among various domestic airlines, only Southern Airlines had a few Airbus A380 aircraft. Additionally, due to the fact that the Airbus A380 required three crew members, it was difficult for Southern Airlines to allocate three experienced pilots for this aircraft without violating regulations.
So, even though these two had no experience, they at least met the regulations. Moreover, the Airbus A380 was a technological marvel, and with an experienced captain, they would be able to handle any unforeseen situations.
Although it was evident that Zhao Hetai wasn't pleased with this situation, Li Xuan naturally couldn't provide any response.
Firstly, Southern Airlines had no procedural issues, and secondly, even if Li Xuan wanted to point out this loophole, he couldn't. After all, he was an impostor.
However, after a brief silence, Zhao Hetai added, "It's alright, Professor Wu. My purpose here is to ensure the safety of this flight."
"On that point, you can rest assured."
The four of them boarded the shuttle to the apron, preparing for the final checks and preparations before the passengers boarded.
Soon, the Airbus A380 appeared before Li Xuan's eyes.
Although Li Xuan knew beforehand that it was a colossal object, he couldn't help but feel amazed when he saw it in person.
A colossal behemoth like a hill!
Compared to it, ordinary aircraft like the 747 seemed like juveniles.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Zhao Hetai said excitedly, "The world's largest wide-body jet!"
"Double-decker, carrying 525 passengers, powered by four Rolls-Royce engines generating a combined thrust of eighty thousand pounds!"
"How splendid..."
"The epitome of human technology!"
"Professor...?"
Mentioning that title, Zhao Hetai suddenly paused.
Then he smiled faintly and continued, "I can't help but get a bit excited when I see this behemoth... You should understand these parameters even better."
"Sorry, I'm showing off in front of an expert like you."
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
LK99
LK99 Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone