With rising fuel prices and falling profits, the airline industry is constantly searching for bold new ways to pinch a penny and boost efficiency. Most airlines have already cut back on planned cruise speeds to conserve fuel. But you can only slow down so far before induced drag begins to eat away at aircraft fuel efficiency. Stanford’s Dr. Ilan Kroo has a radical new solution: fly in formation. Read more…
All posts in Aviation News
Plane Overshoots Runway on Carribean Island
This one’s been circulating around the web for a week now. On May 31, a piston twin ran off the 2,100 foot runway in St. Barthelemy Airport (SBH) in the Carribean. What makes this video so interesting, aside from the surfer-dude commentary, is that the pilot opted not to go around even after floating for nearly three fourths of the runway.
When should you execute a go around? As one of my first flight instructors said: go missed anytime the approach does not look perfect. Seriously now, increase power and go around if there is any doubt in your mind as to the safety of your upcoming landing. Continue on to the video. Read more…
Fed Ex MD11 Crashes at Narita Intl in Tokyo [video]
An MD-11 operated by Fed Ex Express crashed and burst into flames during landing at Narita International in Tokyo, Japan. The pilot and copilot of Fed Ex Flight 80 were killed in the accident according to a CNN report. The video shows the airplane bouncing twice and rolling left before landing inverted next to the runway. Read more…
What Makes a Good Pilot on Talk of the Nation
NPR’s Talk of the Nation raises questions on the quality of airline pilot training and support made available to newer pilots. Topics discussed in this thirty minute show include Captain Chesley Sullenberger’s handling of US Airways flight 1549, airline schedules, crew rest periods, and flight safety. Airline pilots call in and discuss the state of the airline industry, advancements in technology, and raise questions on the quality of airline training programs.
Guests include Matt Wald, aviation safety reporter for the New York Times and John Nance, a former captain for Alaska Airlines and prominent aviation author. Read more…
Flying Photos
