8 years ago, I blogged about Uncovering Airline Pilot Secrets 1.5: Pre-flight Ground Inspection, and I considered myself fairly knowledgeable about the process.

However, today I discovered a new series on the ANA (All Nippon Airways) website—

Thinking about what we could do as pilots during the STAY HOME period, we independently planned a video series: "The World of Blue Wings ~ Aviation Classroom at Home ~". The first installment delivers the Exterior Aircraft Inspection Edition.

After watching it, I still found some new learning points.

Due to reduced flight missions during the COVID-19 pandemic, ANA pilots planned this ground instruction series aimed at popularizing aviation knowledge. The first installment provides a detailed introduction to the various parts of the airframe and aviation equipment during the Walk-around Inspection. Although the content is in Japanese, it is indeed very practical, so I recommend it.

Speaking of which, this epidemic will have a huge impact on the global aviation industry, and the effects may last for many years. For example, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, 3 to 4-engine passenger aircraft were retired one after another, and new twin-engine passenger aircraft became the dominant force in transoceanic transport.

The impact of COVID-19 on business and private travel may lessen as treatments and preventive vaccines become widespread, but working from home will likely become one of the primary modes of work in the future. Business activities such as business trips, meetings, annual parties, and product launches are expected to gradually adopt remote methods, and the aviation industry will adjust its business models accordingly. Although I cannot clearly articulate my predictions for the future just yet, the reduced use of Business Class may force airlines to raise Economy Class prices, and consequently, the cost of overseas travel will likely rise significantly.

20200514 Update ANA pilots introduced their Flight Bags again. Although the content is similar to what I wrote a long time ago in Uncovering Airline Pilot Secrets 1.2: What’s Inside a Pilot’s Case?, it is still highly recommended.