US Airways - March 2013 - 11

embark

Did You Know?

What’s the difference
between a captain and
a first officer?
Every US Airways flight
requires at least two
pilots to operate the
aircraft.
The captain, who
sits on the left side of
the cockpit, is the commander of the plane and is
legally responsible for the
aircraft, passengers, and
crew and for making major
command decisions.
The first officer, who sits
on the right side of the
cockpit, shares flying duties
and tasks with the captain,
is responsible for any task
delegated by the captain,
and weighs in on major
decisions.
The designation between

how
does a
plane
turn?

a captain and a first officer is based on seniority
with the airline. Captains
are distinguished with
four bars on their epaulets
and jacket cuffs, while
first officers have three
bars.
No matter the rank, every
pilot is required to have the
same level of initial qualification training and yearly
continuing qualification
training.

illustrations by nigel holmes

to put it simply, planes turn by banking to the
left or the right. the key to this banking motion is
found on the wings.
on the back edge of each wing, near the
wingtips, is a movable surface called an aileron.
to turn left, for example, the pilot moves the
plane’s controls to the left, which makes the left
aileron deflect
up and the
right aileron
deflect down.
this changes
the effective
shape of each
wing, and
therefore the
amount of
lift that each
produces: the left wing produces less lift, which causes it to

News, Notes, and
Inflight Insights

Why do my
ears pop?

★

It’s all about air pressure. As a plane climbs
and descends, the change in
altitude causes a change in air
pressure — the higher the plane, the lower the
pressure. The cabin is pressurized to protect you
from any significant shifts in pressure, but your
ears can be sensitive to even the slightest changes.
As a plane takes off, the air pressure decreases
and causes the air trapped in your inner ear to
push your eardrums outward. This expansion may
result in discomfort and muffled hearing. However, your body naturally equalizes the pressure
in your ear, which can cause the popping sound.
As a plane descends, the opposite occurs. Air
pressure increases while the inner ear is still adjusted to the lower pressure and therefore the extra
pressure pushes the eardrum in.
To help equalize the pressure in your eardrums, you can try holding your nose and mouth
closed and blowing gently, or try swallowing or
yawning.

dip down, and the right wing produces more lift,
which causes it to tip up. the net result? a bank
to the left.
a smooth and efficient turn requires a few
additional control inputs from the pilot. to keep
the plane’s nose pointed in the right direction
throughout the bank, the pilot adjusts the rudder
using foot pedals. and to maintain altitude
throughout the turn, the pilot typically adjusts
the elevator to keep the aircraft level.

usairwaysmag.com

march 2013

http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - March 2013

US Airways - March 2013
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Musical Pilgrimages
Hub Crawl: Denver Airport
Wine & Dine: Chef's Tables
Wine & Dine: Artisan Cheeses
Great Escapes: Cypress Inn
Adventure: Washington, DC by Bike
Great Escapes: The Gathering in Ireland
Adventure: Puerto Rico Golf
Charlotte EDC
Great Escapes: Barcelo Hotels and Resorts
Gear Up: The Smart Kitchen
Travel Feature: The Rome Less Traveled
US Airways Feature: Order Up!
Great Tastes: Phoenix Dining
From Philly, With Love
Route of Discovery: San Luis Obispo, California
Atlantic 10 Conference
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - March 2013