REVIEW - SATA - Flight in the Cockpit

SATA - Flight in the Cockpit by Just Planes

A review by Marlon Carter

Format:

Blu-Ray/Download

+ Cockpit filming using up to 5 cameras for great views on takeoff & landing!

+ Pilot Presentations

+ Briefings & Checklists

+ External Walkaround of the Q-400

+ Departure & Arrival Airport Charts

+ Cockpit Presentation of the A310-300 & Q-400

+ Cabin views on takeoff/landing of the A310 & Q-400

+ CEO Presentation

+ Fantastic scenery on many of the flights!

+ First time the Airbus A310 is featured on Blu-ray!

Introduction

SATA (Sociedade Açoriana de Transportes Aéreos) is an airline based in the Azores that operates a scheduled service both within the Azores, Europe and to the U.S. This is the second time that Just Planes has been able to visit this unique airline in an effort to showcase its service to the world. SATA operates a fleet of A310s, A320s, Dash 8 Q200s and Dash 8 Q400s. In this program we will be flying onboard the majority of SATA’s fleet to destinations such as Ponta Delgada, Sao Jorge, Terceira, Flores, Horta, Frankfurt and Boston! With just about 270mins of nonstop aviation at its best, let’s have a look at some of the highlights.

Highlights

We start off our flight from Ponta Delgada to Boston by joining our pilots in the cockpit as they complete their final checks and preparations before departure. Shortly after takeoff, the First Officer discusses our route with the use of a plotting chart and we also have the opportunity to see SELCAL procedures prior to crossing the Atlantic. Midway through our flight the Captain delivers a very enlightening cockpit presentation which is a first for the A310. Other highlights of this flight included Approach briefings and fantastic camera views from the cockpit while on approach to Boston. In addition to the great views, there is also a replay from the cabin that shows a lovely wing view of the entire approach.

For our return flight back to PDL, we once again join our crew in the flight deck as they make their final preparations. Highlights of this trip include departure and approach briefings along with fantastic views from the cockpit. There weren’t many presentations on this flight, but nonetheless it was captivating and especially so the approach to PDL.

On next round trip takes us to Frankfurt onboard the A320. While it would have nice to have more presentations on this flight, its focus was very basic and many of the highlights centered on basic flying procedures into and out of Frankfurt. Upon returning to PDL we meet the CEO of SATA who delivers a presentation on the airline’s history, fleet, services and many of the unique attractions of the Azores.

The final segment of this program takes us onboard the Dash 8 Q400 on flights to Flores, Horta, Sao Jorge and Teceira. These segments were by far the most intriguing of this program and I am sure everyone will enjoy it to the fullest. Some of the highlights of these flights included crew briefings, dispatch review, an external aircraft walkaround and most significantly, some of the most amazing scenic views from the cockpit ever seen. The Azores is undoubtedly a beauty area for flying and this program perfectly captures the thrill and beauty of flying in this region. Hands down I will highly recommend you check out this program as soon as you can!

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