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Did you know that as a pilot, you can actually set whatever flight number you want to identify you on radar.... Obviously it SHOULD be the actual flight number, but this is what a colleague of my brother showed up as recently... See what else you can spot on https://www.flightradar24.com/
I'm flying today so Anne's afternoon aviation fact of Friday is back! A short awesome documentary about the history of London airfields. Chocked full of Friday facts Thanks to Steve for the link!
Planes can Aquaplane too!
Feels like pilots make a particularly heavy landing when it’s raining? They do it on purpose!
“When confronted with the possibility of aquaplaning, pilots are advised to land on a grooved runway (if available). Touchdown speed should be as slow as possible consistent with safety. After the nosewheel is lowered to the runway, moderate braking should be applied. If deceleration is not detected and aquaplaning is suspected, the nose should be raised and aerodynamic drag utilized to decelerate to a point where the brakes do become effective.
Proper braking technique is essential. The brakes should be applied firmly until reaching a point just short of a skid. At the first sign of a skid, the pilot should release brake pressure and allow the wheels to spin up. Directional control should be maintained as far as possible with the rudder. Remember that in a crosswind, if aquaplaning should occur, the crosswind will cause the aircraft to simultaneously weathervane into the wind[8] as well as slide downwind.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaplaning
There's a lot of great air-to-air footage out there, but sometimes you see something and just say "WOW". This is one of those videos.
Did you realise you fly at a different altitude depending on if you are going east or west?
The first 3,000' above ground level (AGL) you can fly at any altitude and any course. Above 3,000' AGL flying at the correct altitude is dependent upon whether you are going East or West..
Between 3,000' AGL and 18,000' you should fly as follows: If you are flying using VFR (Visual Flight Rules): If you are flying EAST , Course Heading anywhere between 0 degrees and 179 degrees (Basically the EASTERN HALF OF THE COMPASS), you must be at an ODD THOUSAND + 500 ft. (ex. 7,500') If you are flying WEST, Course Heading anywhere between 180 degrees and 359 degrees (Basically the WESTERN HALF OF THE COMPASS), you must be at an EVEN THOUSAND + 500 ft. (ex. 4,500') If you are flying IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). If you are flying EAST you must use and ODD THOUSAND ft. (ex. 5,000')
If you are flying WEST, you must be at an EVEN THOUSAND ft. (ex. 8,000')
Above 18,000 ft. you fly always fly at FLs (Flight Levels) of ODD or EVEN Thousands of Feet (depending on your direction).
Thanks Richard for the fact!!
Ever wondered what those numbers are on the end of the runway?
Runways are laid out according to the numbers on a compass. A runway's compass direction is indicated by a large number painted at the end of each runway. Preceding that number are 8 white stripes. Following that number by 500 feet is the "touchdown zone" which is identified by 6 white stripes. A runway's number is not written in degrees, but is given a shorthand format. For example, a runway with a marking of "14" is actually close to (if not a direct heading of) 140 degrees. This is a southeast compass heading. A runway with a marking of "31" has a compass heading of 310 degrees, that is, a northwest direction. For simplicity, the FAA rounds off the precise heading to the nearest tens.
For example, runway 7 might have a precise heading of 68 degrees, but is rounded off to 70 degrees.
http://virtualskies.arc.nasa.gov/airport_design/5.html
Today's post is from a guest contributor! Sent to me this morning by Jonathan.
I had always wondered what the hole was for at the back at the airplane.. and now I know. Every day is a school day folks. Happy Friday.
Because I know how you all love a quiz.... Who are the road warriers amoung you?
