Pilot reveals the one question she gets asked all the time

An airline co-pilot has revealed the one question she gets asked all the time which has prompted her to create a now viral TikTok.

An airline pilot has revealed the one question she always gets asked.

US-based Boeing 737 co-pilot Morgan, is known for her flight-related content, having clocked 12.3 million views on her TikToks.

In one of her most recent clips, the Chicago pilot revealed the most common question she gets asked is how to start the engine on a 737.

“Unfortunately I cannot show you an actual engine start, but I can talk you through a simulated one,” Morgan said in the clip.

Want a streaming service dedicated to news? Flash lets you stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

US-based pilot, Morgan, said the most common question she gets asked about her job is how to start an engine on a Boeing 737. Picture: TikTok/almostcaptainmorgan

She explained the first step is to turn on the Auxiliary Power (AP) because “that is what we’re going to use for our bleeder to start the engines”.

Simplified, the term “bleed air” means air coming from the engines to do things like start the engines and run the airconditioning and other things, as one TikTok pointed out.

And as for an AP unit, Morgan said it is a mini engine that can be used for AC electric power and bleed air.

She couldn’t show an actual engine start, but talked followers through a simulated one. Picture: TikTok/almostcaptainmorgan

She starts by turning on them Auxiliary Power unit – it is why airflow stops for a it during pushback. Picture: TikTok/almostcaptainmorgan

“Next we turn the airconditioning packs off and make sure the isolation valve is in auto,” she continued. “Passengers who notice that airflow stops for a bit during pushback, this is why.

“We also make sure the AP bleed switch is on so that we can get bleeder from the Auxiliary Power unit.

“Then it’s time for the actual engine start by turning the start switch to ‘ground’.”

Morgan said they normally start the second engine first.

Then it’s to make sure the AP bleed switch is on. Picture: TikTok/almostcaptainmorgan

The next step is to turn the start switch to ground. Picture: TikTok/almostcaptainmorgan

“Remember to start one engine at a time,” she said.

“When we have N1 rotation, oil pressure and N2 is above 25 per cent we can go ahead and lift the start lever up.”

She said on a Boeing 737 Next Generation, the start process takes about one minute, while on a Max it can take around three minutes.

When N1 rotation, oil pressure and N2 is above 25 per cent, the start lever can be lifted. Picture: TikTok/almostcaptainmorgan

And up goes the start lever, demonstrates Morgan using a Boeing 737 simulator, Picture: TikTok/almostcaptainmorgan

Hundreds were quick to comment on Morgan’s clip, with many asking why only one engine starts at a time, and why it begins with engine two, instead of engine one.

“On the 737 engine 1 powers hydraulics for the steering and engine 2 hydraulics for the brakes so typically engine 2 is started first,” a TikTok user explained.

Another questions she often gets asked is where pilots go when they have long breaks between flights. Picture: TikTok/almostcaptainmorgan

“Also, cabin lights are on the #2 side. If the APU is deferred, the cabin won’t be in the dark until the #1 can be cross-bleed started during taxi,” another added.

Morgan said for an engine start they put the isolation valve in auto, but added that different airlines have different procedures.

She also said a plane doesn’t require a key after many asked in the comments section.

In a separate clip, she revealed another question she often gets asked and that’s what pilots do when they have a long break between flights.

“The answer really depends on where you are and how long your sit is,” Morgan said.

“At my airline if you have four or more hours between flights you can get what is called a day room, which means if your sit between flights is less than four hours, you have to stay at the airport.

“In most cases this means you’re sitting in the terminal with the passengers waiting for your next flight.

“However, if your sit happens to be in a crew base, pilots and flight attendants usually have crew rooms we can go to, to relax and be a little bit more comfortable.”