FYI: Former Concorde Flight Engineer Unveils the Magic Behind Operating the Iconic Supersonic Jet
A former Concorde flight engineer has shed light on the thrilling experience of operating the legendary supersonic aircraft, renowned as the most intricate passenger jet ever built.
A Glimpse into Concorde Operations
Warren Hazelby, a seasoned flight engineer, embarked on his maiden supersonic journey from London to New York in 2002. His account offers a rare, spine-tingling perspective on managing the complex systems of Concorde.
He shared with CNN that, although Concorde’s interior was more cramped compared to the Boeing 707s and 747s he had previously flown, the complexity of its controls was unparalleled. Seated directly behind the pilots, Hazelby was confronted with an expansive console bristling with knobs and dials responsible for the aircraft’s systems, engines, fuel, and hydraulics.
Navigating the Intricate Controls
Despite boasting two decades of experience as a flight engineer, Hazelby underwent six months of intensive training on a Concorde simulator to grasp the supersonic jet’s intricate systems. Concorde remains unmatched in history as the fastest commercial passenger plane, capable of flying at speeds surpassing Mach 2.
"The first time you go through the sound barrier, that’s quite an experience," Hazelby revealed to CNN Travel. His role was crucial in ensuring the aircraft safely breached the sound barrier, a task demanding constant vigilance and adjustments.
The Role of a Flight Engineer on Concorde
John Tye, a former Concorde pilot, emphasized the vital role of flight engineers, describing them as an indispensable part of the flight deck team responsible for addressing any issues during the flight.
"On Concorde, we were always changing speed, changing altitude, so there was never a phase where there was little to do," Tye explained. Flight engineers were constantly engaged, monitoring temperature gauges, checking for fuel leaks, and ensuring all components were functioning correctly.
They had to swiftly address any issues by either shutting off components or activating standby systems. Diagnosing leaks, whether fuel or hydraulic, was also a critical part of their responsibilities.
The Future of Supersonic Travel
Since Concorde’s final flight in 2003, the era of commercial supersonic flight has been dormant. However, advancements are on the horizon. Denver-based Boom Supersonic is developing a plane that aims to fly at Mach 1.7, approximately one-sixth slower than Concorde, yet still twice as fast as conventional aircraft.
Moreover, NASA’s X-59 supersonic aircraft is poised to make history with its revolutionary design. If successful, it could pave the way for a new era of commercial supersonic travel in the near future.
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
