All Questions
24,684
questions
0
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3
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60
views
Is a passenger who is flying the aircraft liable for regulations that they violate?
Bob, a non-pilot, is flying as a passenger with Alice, who is a pilot. Alice is PIC, but she is letting Bob fly the plane. (He's not certificated, but he knows enough to be able to fly under ...
- 6,422
3
votes
2
answers
80
views
What would be the range of a cargo 777 full of usable fuel up to MTOW?
Having read about Rutan's Voyager and more recently about Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer
I wondered how would some modern long haul airliner such as a cargo Boeing777 (or other airliner) perform at this ...
- 4,328
0
votes
0
answers
67
views
What prevents the F-16 JFS from running indefinitely?
The JFS (Jet Fuel Starter) on the F-16 is basically an APU that runs on jet fuel, but started by compressed air, from what I understand.
As an aside: Please correct this too, preferably with some ...
- 3,849
6
votes
2
answers
159
views
How does the Boeing TTBW reduce fuel consumption?
Compared to a traditional airliner wing, the Boeing TTBW showcases a much longer wingspan and an associated higher aspect ratio. Intuitively, this seems to reduce fuel consumption by lowering induced ...
1
vote
1
answer
61
views
BGBW RNP A vs Straight-in approach
Good afternoon folks. I am a bit confused and trying to find the right answer. This is what we have:
Why do we have here minimum for straight-in approach even though the descent angle is 4.1 degrees?
...
- 11
3
votes
1
answer
82
views
What does "MOA excluded" when Restricted Airspace active mean?
Looking at the VFR chart at 453507N1194903W there is a note:
"BOARDMAN & BOARDMAN LOW MOAS EXCLUDED WHEN R-5701 & R-5706 ARE ACTIVE"
What is being excluded here? The military's use ...
- 1,176
2
votes
3
answers
529
views
How do I intentionally fly into turbulence?
How could I plan a flight to increase my chances of a fun ride through turbulence? What if I want to plan my flight before the weather forecast is available? The internet is full of people who are ...
- 2,249
1
vote
0
answers
92
views
What can cause an unstable phugoid mode?
For clarity, I am wondering about how aircraft design can lead to the phugoid poles becoming complex with a positive real part, so an oscillation with increasing amplitudes.
My understanding of the ...
- 11
8
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Feeling of falling during turbulence
I was on a flight recently that went through turbulence that had me convinced I was about to die. To be clear, I love flying. I find the sound of a pressurized air plane cabin to be very relaxing. I ...
- 81
5
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Does FAA track every plane at every airport?
I use Plane Finder app & noticed they have a “history” area where I can search airspace at a certain place and time.
If I SEE a plane flying, but later check their timeline (on the app), it shows ...
0
votes
1
answer
56
views
In part91 operations, If I want to use odp, do I need to follow takeoff minimum?
I know there are no take off requirements for part 91.
But if we decide to use an ODP, legally should our airplane be able to make minimum climb rate of takeoff minimums described in the ODP chart?
- 1
2
votes
1
answer
167
views
Two Plastic ATP Certs?
I recently got typed in the CL-65 and received my restricted ATP certification. I can’t figure out why but apparently due to the amount of limitations such as PIC in accordance with 61.167 and vmc ...
- 21
0
votes
1
answer
42
views
XRotor blade angle distribution
My question is about the XRotor definition of the blade angle distribution (beta), which XRotor solves for or requires as input. Is the blade angle on XRotor defined as the angle between the rotation ...
23
votes
1
answer
6k
views
How can Ural Airlines fly an A320 from an unpaved field after an emergency landing?
Ural Airlines flight 1383 had to land in a field due to hydraulic problems and fuel shortage. The airline does not scrap it, but is repairing (source) and is going to fly it. A320 landing gear is not ...
- 935
0
votes
0
answers
19
views
Aeroelasticity using MSC Flightloads [closed]
I am new to aeroelastic analysis using MSC Flightloads. How does one model a fuselage in flat plate aero modeling, or is that option only for the wings?
1
vote
0
answers
44
views
Do I need any authorization to work and sign out performed maintenance on US-registered general aviation aircraft outside of USA?
I'm non-USA citizen and holder of FAA A&P Mechanic's certificate but haven't worked on US-registered aircraft since 1999 however all this time I'm involved in commercial aircraft maintenance and ...
0
votes
0
answers
32
views
Where do you all recommend getting statistics on private aviation, specifically traffic coming from Mexico into the US?
I am looking into gathering some data on incoming private aviation traffic from Mexico. I am mostly focused on states that have a high number of flights incoming like Texas and Florida.
5
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Flaps Cessna 172 breaker tripping
Why does the breaker keep tripping when I try to use the flaps in my 1965 Cessna 172G? It’s a 15 amp breaker. After I reset the breaker, the flaps will go up but then the breaker trips when ...
- 71
1
vote
1
answer
114
views
Minimum HP for ultralight
What is the minimum HP needed to fly a 200 pound ultralight? I’m looking at a 6.5 HP, 3600 RPM Predator engine, but is that enough?
- 21
0
votes
0
answers
51
views
Terminal pitch angle guidance law [closed]
In the graph below, a flying body is guided by applying a commanded pitch angle (control input) to approach a certain target position.
I've tried to set pitch command = LOS angle, so I calculate LOS ...
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
98
views
What weather conditions have been tested with a wind tunnel?
If I want to know how my aircraft component performs in different atmospheric conditions, I might want to test it in a wind tunnel. What sorts of weather conditions have been tested in a tunnel?
I am ...
- 2,249
1
vote
0
answers
68
views
Does there exists on-time data for the EU, like there does for the US?
I've recently found a fantastic dataset straight from the US government. It has detailed data including scheduled departure/arrival time vs actual departure/arrival time, taxi time, cancellation, for ...
- 111
1
vote
2
answers
109
views
Can vortex ring state (VRS) be solved by shaping the blades so that the vortexes they produce are weak enough not to form a vortex ring?
Vortex Ring State is one of the hazardous states a helicopter can find itself into. VRS happens when a helicopter has low airspeed (and usually hovering OGE) and is descending. If the helicpoter is ...
1
vote
2
answers
121
views
Does the ground effect change with temperature changes?
The title is my question. Does the ground effect change as the temperature of the ground changes? In cold weather, a more cushion effect can be expected, and in hot weather vice versa?
- 7,535
0
votes
1
answer
92
views
Hood time with an autopilot
I'm trying to build simulated instrument time (under the hood) flying an airplane with an autopilot. Let's say I have a safety pilot, I put a flight plan in the autopilot, I put the hood on, I engage ...
- 1,107
0
votes
0
answers
47
views
How is calculated the Vertical wind? [closed]
I have the following formula to calculate the vertical wind component, but I don’t understand when it refers to “moy”, maybe graph polinomial relation as “moy” in this formula is not a parameter or ...
- 1
9
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Why do newer engines have such wide fan blades?
Every treatise I read about propellers/fan blades/wings states that long, thin wings are more efficient than wide stubby ones.
So why is it that the blades in high-bypass turbofan engines fitted to ...
- 93
1
vote
0
answers
117
views
Can the S-64 Skycrane really power itself out of vortex ring state?
It's claimed (all over the web too) that the Skycrane is the only helicopter to be able to power itself out of vortex ring state. The claims says that it is possible to power out of vortex ring state, ...
0
votes
0
answers
55
views
Would a winglet be able to work in supersonic airflow?
Of course, there is a reason why existing supersonic airplane designs do not use winglets in the same way that an airliner wing uses winglets. I imagine the parasite/wave drag penalty from a winglet ...
2
votes
0
answers
148
views
Are there other examples of Brown-Stigler incident?
I have just finished reading A Higher Call and wondered if there are other cases where a pilot showed his mercy to the foe when they are in desperate situation. Looked through several B17 related-webs,...
- 133
1
vote
2
answers
170
views
Seeking the memoir of a WWII Luftwaffe pilot
Around 40 years ago, or perhaps a little earlier (say around 1980), I read the memoir (or perhaps the biography) of a fighter or perhaps light-bomber pilot who flew for the Luftwaffe on the Russian ...
- 185
1
vote
1
answer
69
views
Sensitivity of the gyroscopic instruments if below or above green arc
What will happen to the gyroscopic instruments (heading indicator and attitude indicator) if the vacuum pressure from the engine driven vacuum pump is too high or too low?
Will the indications be ...
- 41
1
vote
3
answers
189
views
Why no CFM-56 for the E3?
Why did the USAF not upgrade the E3 from TF33 engines to the CFM-56 like they did the KC135? From the Wikipedia page on the E3, the latter variants sold overseas had the CFM-56 from the factory and ...
- 1,560
1
vote
1
answer
80
views
P-8A Poseidon Airfoil type
Could someone help me find out what airfoil type is used on the P-8A Poseidon symmetrical, conventional, thin or supercritical airfoil?
It seems to be, that the Boeing 737-800, like many commercial ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
139
views
Are there fixed wing planes that have a Vne above their terminal velocity with the nose pointed straight down?
Are there any fixed wing aircraft that will not exceed Vne if they are taken to their ceiling, engine is pulled to idle or shut down, and then the nose is pointed straight down? Lets assume they are ...
- 1,176
0
votes
0
answers
77
views
How do engineers design a Stabilized Visual Approach Flight Path? What are the Best Simulation Software Options for Validation? [closed]
I am working on designing a flight path for a stabilized visual approach during the final leg of an approach to a specific runway. I aim to ensure a safe and efficient approach that complies with ...
0
votes
0
answers
88
views
How can I optimize galley space utilization?
I am working on a project aimed at improving the galley (inserts) of a commercial aircraft. My focus is on "" I have discovered that the galley often takes on a U-shape design, and the ...
- 9
1
vote
2
answers
116
views
Is there any information regarding the combustion efficiency of LH2 over kerosene?
Taking as reference the airbus A220 it needs around 22000 lt of kerosene to be filled. Is there a rough analogy of how much LH2 would the same aircraft need to operate in similar ranges. Of course ...
- 63
1
vote
0
answers
41
views
What effect does fuel in ACT 1 and ACT 2 have on Cargo Carrying capacity on an A321 aircraft?
Are there any limitations on how much cargo can be carried in H3,H4, and bulk on an A321 if there is fuel in ACT1 and ACT2?
What is the reference manual for this information?
8
votes
3
answers
6k
views
Has this USAF flight violated russian airspace?
Just encountered this interesting flight on FlightRadar24:
From the path, it looks like it may have "violated", or let's say, been to, russian airspace. Even if not, one has to wonder what ...
- 183
1
vote
1
answer
468
views
How do you capture the localizer in an A320?
I understand that pushing 'Approach' should do it (when in range), but it doesn't. There must be another step that I'm missing (the computer has been set up so it's not that).
What is the step-by-step ...
- 11.8k
2
votes
1
answer
646
views
Helicopter V speeds explanation
I am reading Cat A heli procedures, and there is Vtoss speed, so what is the difference between Vx(best angle of climb speed) and Vtoss(take off safety speed) ?
1
vote
3
answers
161
views
Can the use of wide-chord supercritical airfoil blades in a helicopter with coaxial counter-rotating rotors solve retreating blade stall?
The problem with retreating blade stall is that it limits the VNE and the overall top speed of helicopters. Retreating blade stall is basically the tip of the retreating blade having too much AoA at a ...
1
vote
1
answer
516
views
Could "Lady Be Good" Incident Prevented by the Technology of its Time?
For those who don't know, Wiki page of the incident sums up. I don't have much knowledge about communication systems of WWII, but I know how radio communication work. This page has
The aircraft flew ...
- 133
1
vote
2
answers
103
views
Pitch=Flight Path Angle + Angle of Attack if bank angle=0?
Question: Is the statement in the title correct?
Recently, I am taking a course about flight mechanics (click for the slides). It states that "If bank angle is null, then pitch angle = flight ...
- 21
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How can I solve this question using the 1 in 60 rule?
What is the explanation for the question below in detail?
A pilot is heading east and decides to fly to an alternate airfield which is 4NM south and currently 30NM from his present position. What is ...
- 185
0
votes
2
answers
118
views
How do you know what altitude to be at for "APPR" mode to work?
How would you know what altitude to be at to capture the glideslope on an autopilot RNAV or ILS approach? (I am mainly focused on MSFS airliners, but this could apply to other planes or in real life)
...
- 253
15
votes
6
answers
7k
views
Why don't planes (mostly airliners) primarily use GPS for navigation?
For the four airliners that I use in Microsoft Flight Simulator (A320neo, A319, A310-300, and 747-8I), I always have to align IRS and set up RAD NAV on the MCDU. Why can't we just use GPS?
On the 747, ...
- 253
0
votes
0
answers
53
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Tecnam twin p2006t electrical master switch when towing
Does anyone know why the electrical master switch must be on before towing the p2006t? Seems odd to me; there is a reason, I just can't find it. Who knows this answer? Peter.
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
128
views
How Can I Know If An Airport/ Airfield Is Equipped To Operate During A Power Outage
My buddy was asked this by an IP. Is there a way to see in any publication that an airport is equipped to operate during a power outage? Or a way to see if a airfield has backup power?
- 13