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Cockpit Chronicles: How to park a 757

by Kent Wien (RSS feed) on Jan 29th 2008 at 8:00AM

So you just bought yourself a 757. Congratulations are certainly in order. But when you approach the gate in Aruba for your well deserved vacation, you find no one to guide you in. They're all just standing around waiting for you to line up your shiny new ride.

Fortunately you've read this blog just in time. Usually when you approach a gate, you'll have someone from the ground crew who will guide you into the gate with wands and tell you when to stop. But let's take a look at how to self park at a gate with an automated parking system. The version seen here in Aruba is one of the earliest types used. But this tip will also come in handy in Miami and soon JFK where they're installing even more advanced versions. These things are popping up all over the country.

As you can see in the pictures below, there is a small box right in front of the airplane with two vertical lights (A). If you're centered, both lights will be green. Move off to the right and the right light will turn red. So you simply position the airplane until you see two green lights that indicate you're on the centerline.

To stop, look over to the right at the black board (B). Now just line up the lighted florescent tube (shut off in the photo below, after the jump) with the line that notes the airplane you're flying.

How to:

Today's flight was just a one day trip, also known as a 'turn.' Leave Boston in the morning for a 4 1/2 flight down to Aruba, sit around for an hour and then fly home. The total flight time is 9 1/2 hours. Any flights over 8 hours in a day requires a relief pilot which allows for each of us to get an hour break on each leg of the flight. We take the breaks back in the first class cabin which usually results in some strange "who's flying the plane?" looks.

Oh, and for the 'photo of the trip,' it's a sunset shot off the left side of the airplane that we often get while on the way home from the Caribbean. I usually take a nice picture of the captain when this happens, but I was sitting in the left seat at this point in the flight while el Jefe was back resting. So I had to be the one in the picture. Thanks to Dave the co-pilot for snapping this.

For the next trip, I'll show you how to go to London and back without experiencing any jet lag whatsoever.

Filed under: Learning, Stories, North America, Airlines, Transportation, Airports, The Cockpit Chronicles

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neil Jan 29th 2008 11:10AM

Interesting read, Kent!

gfb Jan 29th 2008 12:00PM

Any tips on equalizing pressure in your ears?

I fly a lot for work and just lately it has been getting harder each time for me.

Kent Wien Jan 29th 2008 12:44PM

Good question gfb.

For the climb out, there's not much you can do except maybe yawn a bit and possibly chew some gum. But it's the descent that you really need to plug your nose and blow a bit. Once you sense that you're starting down (usually 30 minutes out) carefully pop your ears with this blowing method. It will do wonders for you.

If you still have problems, bring some Afrin with you and use it about 45 minutes before descent or anytime you feel some pressure on the way down. I don't like to use Afrin as it causes me to clog up more after a few hours, but it really helps in these situations.

James Thomson Jan 30th 2008 2:48PM

Hi Kent, my name is James Thomson, I am a 14 y.o. student pilot from Chicago Illinois, and wonder what it takes to get to flying the 757/767 for American Airlines (Favorite plane and airline). My mom is a F/A with American but she is ORD based. Love to hear from you.

JT

Kent Wien Jan 29th 2008 10:38PM

Hi James.

We just might have to work on a feature where I try to answer that question. Stay tuned...

Jose Altuve Jan 30th 2008 12:00AM

Hello kent!

Hmm Automated Parking System for a 757/727 and an Airbus 321... and where is my parking for my little C-172?? :( i mean i know everybody can afford a 757 but im in the minority who can only afford a Cessna! :P hehe just kidding great writting partner, you are my hero! hope that American hire again in 6-7 years when i have enough PIC time :P

Take care brother!

Jose.

Jamie Dawson Feb 4th 2008 1:20AM

Kent,

I've got a suggestion. Why dont you do a series of posts on certain topics? for example "The 757 Series" and so on. Its just a thought.

Jamie D