Pilots, cabin crew, the airline's flight planning department, ground crew, engineers and air traffic controllers: many actors are involved in ensuring that a commercial flight is safe. From flight planning to implementation and monitoring, flight operations comprise activities and procedures that ensure safe and efficient operation of an aircraft.
Flight planning involves determination of the ideal flight route, flight altitude and fuel requirements, while taking into account factors such as weather conditions, air traffic over the planned route and airspace restrictions. A thorough pre-flight inspection is required prior to every flight in order to ensure that the aircraft is fit to fly. Before the passengers board the aircraft, the captain checks the fuselage, landing gear, control surfaces, engines, avionics and navigation systems. The cockpit and cabin crew receive information about the flight route, fuel requirements, weather conditions, diversion airports, the number of passengers and cargo - this also takes place during the planning phase.
During the flight, the pilots are responsible for monitoring the aircraft's systems, the navigation system and the weather conditions. They are in continuous contact with the air traffic controllers. The air traffic controllers issue instructions and clearances and ensure there is a safe separation distance between aircraft both on the ground and in the air.
After landing, the aircraft undergoes a post-flight inspection. The pilots inform the relevant authorities about any inconsistencies, incidents or deviations from the original flight plan.
