Hello everyone.
By way of introductions, I’m a pilot for Delta and very excited about Delta’s reach into the “new media” world.
I hope to become a regular poster giving you an inside view into my world at Delta.
I’ve been very lucky to have a few “odd jobs” around Delta from working in our Operations Control Center to writing a newsletter for our furloughed pilots to producing an internal Flight Operations podcast to flying the antique planes in our museum.
In the coming months, I plan to show you what the heck is inside my flight kit, take you on a tour of our Operations Control Center, show you where we train, and take you through some of our archives.
When I say “show you,” I mean it. I just got a new video recorder. I really want this to be a conversation, so, if there is something you’d like me to show you, post it in the comments.
Tailwinds,
Robin
November 12th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Looking forward to the future posts. Maybe the Flight Attendant training center too.
November 12th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
As a pilot, I would love to hear if you have any tips for people who are afraid of flying. A good friend of mine is trying to get over this fear. Any suggestions?
November 12th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
About the Flight Attendant training Center - I’m sure I can interview a Flight Attendant Trainer at the center. I’ll put it on the list.
tailwinds, Robin
November 12th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
For those who fear flying (and those who don’t), I hope you will keep coming back to this blog to see and learn what lengths Delta goes to in keeping our operation as safe as possible. As the other commenter asked about Flight Attendant training, I hope to show you glimpses of all aspects of Delta from training to technology, to our maintenance and operations. I hope the information, knowledge, and authenticity, will ease any traveler’s fears.
tailwinds, Robin
November 13th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Robin,
This may be off-topic, but wouldn’t it be nice if the passengers could listen to ATC like UAL does (channel 9)? I think it’s a great way for curious passengers and aspiring pilots to have an opportunity to listen to their pilots and ATC. I’d trade on-demand video for it in a heartbeat.
It would be cool to see some videos of simulator take-offs and landings from the cockpit. In the future it would be super-cool to have the ability to watch, in real-time, the front, back, and sides of plane while in flight.
Thanks
November 14th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
OCC to the R E S C U E.
Please shed some light on the many complex issues of what goes on behind the scenes of running the airline. If people really understood how DL isn’t out to “ruin my Christmas” when the following happens:
* Why can’t Delta just send another plane if mine is broke?
* We have clear skies here and why is the plane late because of weather?
As a former Air Line employee, I’ve always thought to myself, “if the flying public only knew….” type stuff.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Robin, as a private pilot and aviation buff, I can’t wait for you to expose some of the archive stuff and old planes. Besides “Ship 41″, what other old planes do you have in that off-limits hanger at ATL, and are they in flying condition? What will become of “The Spirit of Delta”, is it going to fly again, or is it done? Glad they have put a pilot on here, I anxiously await your additional postings and videos. And I will agree with TinFlyer, put ATC up on one of the channels. It’s more interesting than the reruns on DELTA TV.
November 26th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Aviation Buff,
In addition to the DC-3, “Ship 41,” the Delta Heritage Museum has a 1931 Curtiss Wright TravelAir and a Stinson Reliant in Northeast colors. All three are in flying condition. The museum has also has the Boeing 767 the employees bought the airline and has had the Huff-Daland Duster on loan from the Smithsonian.
Here is a link to more information: http://www.deltamuseum.org/M_Education_DeltaHistory_Aircraft_HuffDaland.htm
tailwinds, Robin
November 30th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Can you share with us about the types of items are carried in the pilots black bag? I overheard these bags are known as a pilots’ brain bag. What items are being kept inside the bag and how often does stuff have to be updated throughout their careers?
November 30th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
TriStar Fan,
That is one of the videos I plan on doing. I’ll be glad to show exactly what is in my “brain bag.” Here is the short list of what’s in MY flightkit:
- all the charts to get into and out of the airports my airplane flies into
- operational manuals for my plane
- rules and regulations
- two flashlights
- and some pictures of my family
Revisions arrive every two weeks for the charts and such. Revisons for the other manuals occur roughly every quarter.
tailwinds, Robin
December 5th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I agree with the other two posters in saying that it would be great to listen to ATC on board. Several other people at FlyerTalk http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=489 have mentioned that as well. Hopefully some of the customer insight people will be reading.
December 14th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Yes, an ATC audio channel please!
- DeltaMD-90Flyer
December 14th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Captain Robin,
Thanks for your blog! I look forward to reading more. Keep ‘em Flying sir!
- DeltaMD-90Flyer
January 5th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Here’s another vote for an audio channel devoted to ATC. For me, at least, it’s a big point in favor of flying United when all else is equal.