How does autopilot work? What's a 'go-around'? A Canadian pilot answers your biggest questions about flying

Yahoo

22-07-2025

Have you ever wondered how many pilots are actually needed to fly your plane — or what they're really doing when autopilot is on? Maybe you've been sitting on a delayed flight, wondering why the departure time keeps getting pushed back. Or maybe you're wondering if you really need to put your phone on airplane mode when you take off.
Air travel rules, terms and procedures can be, at times, mystifying. To help, we asked a pilot to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about upgrades, plane landings, flight delays and more.
Below, Ryan*, a Canadian commercial pilot, shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to get passengers safely from gate to gate. Here are some of the most-asked questions he gets as a pilot.
How many pilots are needed to fly to a destination?
"At an airline, we operate with a minimum of two pilots," says Ryan. "However, there are many situations where a third, or even fourth, pilot is required."
"For instance, flights exceeding 14 hours in duration or those departing during the late night or early morning hours typically need additional crew," he explains. "On a typical long-haul flight to Asia, which takes approximately 14 hours from Toronto, we usually have four pilots onboard: a captain, two first officers and a relief pilot."
Ryan says that during a flight, one pilot assumes the role of "pilot flying" — "meaning they are responsible for takeoff, landing, and a portion of the cruise" — while another serves as "pilot monitoring," who handles radio communications, coordinates with air traffic control, manages paperwork and performs other non-flying duties.
"The flight duty is divided into four shifts. During cruising, two pilots operate the aircraft while the other two rest in the overhead bunk facilities," he says.
After about three hours, the crews switch roles.
"This rotation typically happens twice over the course of a long-haul flight," he says, noting that "all four pilots are present in the flight deck" for takeoff and landing.
How does autopilot work? When is it used?
"Autopilot is commonly used on most modern jet airliners," says Ryan. "While takeoff and landing are typically performed manually, in conditions of low visibility, the aircraft is capable of landing itself using an automatic landing system, though pilots remain fully alert and ready to take control at any moment."
The autopilot system is used to manage the aircraft's speed, altitude and route using onboard GPS and "inputs programmed by the flight crew," says Ryan.
"Pilots can override or adjust the autopilot at any time," he says, to do things like "navigate around weather systems, change speed or alter altitude to avoid turbulence."
"Even when autopilot is engaged, pilots retain full authority over the aircraft and continuously monitor its course and systems."
What causes flight delays?
Flight delays can be annoying — and there are many factors that contribute to a delay.
"Airlines always strive to operate on time, but delays can occur for a variety of reasons," Ryan says. "Ensuring an on-time departure requires coordination between many teams, both on the ground and behind the scenes."
He says that common causes of flight delays include everything from weather conditions — either at the departure or arrival airport — to maintenance required to ensure the aircraft is safe to fly. The speed and efficiency of passengers boarding also plays a factor.
Why do planes abort landings?
"Aborted landings, also known as 'go-arounds,' occur when a landing is discontinued for safety reasons," says Ryan.
He says there are many reasons a landing may be deemed not safe — whether it's due to obstructions on the runway or bad weather.
"There are specific weather minimums that must be met — such as visibility, cloud coverage and wind conditions — in order for a safe landing to take place," he explains.
If the conditions aren't right to land, pilots will initiate a go-around, which, in essence, means they'll attempt the landing again.
"We climb up again, get to a safe altitude and then coordinate with air traffic control to come back and land," he says. "A go-around may also be initiated if the preceding aircraft hasn't vacated the runway in time, preventing a clear and safe landing zone."
It can also be used if there's a technical issue when trying to land.
"Let's say we're coming into land and we have an issue with the gear, or we have an issue with putting down the flaps or any mechanical things," he adds. "We will go around, deal with the situation, run some checklists and coordinate with maintenance and air traffic control, and then we'd come back when it's safe."
Ultimately, if the pilots determine that a safe landing cannot be made for any reason, they will always choose to abort the landing.
"The aircraft will then either attempt another landing at the same airport or divert to an alternate airport, depending on the situation," he says.
Does putting your cellphone on 'airplane mode' actually matter?
If you've ever travelled, you know that you have to switch your phone to "airplane mode" before taking off. But why? And do you really need to do it?
"Airplanes are equipped with sensitive communication and navigation systems that can be affected by cellphones not set to airplane mode," says Ryan.
"For example, when a phone receives a call or text, it can sometimes cause a buzzing or interference in the pilots' headsets, which are used to communicate with air traffic control."
Air traffic controllers instruct pilots to climb, turn, descend and move safely, whether they're on the ground or in the air, so maintaining clear communication between ATC and pilots is important — so important that it's a federal requirement that phones be switched to "airplane mode" when flying.
By switching your phone to airplane mode when asked, Ryan says you're helping to "prevent any potential disruption to onboard systems" during the flight.
How can travellers get free upgrades when flying?
"This question comes up frequently, and unfortunately, there is no guaranteed or 'free' way to receive an upgrade," says Ryan. "However, in certain cases, upgrades may be offered at the airline's discretion."
He says that dressing up a little nicer or mentioning when it's a special occasion could get you an upgrade, or at least something special from the airline.
"I've heard of airlines giving passengers free cake or little bottles of champagne, just to make the experience better," he says.
He says that factors including aircraft weight and balance, frequent flyer status, or overbooking in economy with available seats in business or first class can also lead to a passenger being upgraded.
"Sometimes it's not an upgrade to the seat specifically, but it might be an upgrade to your meal or drink," he says.