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1500 questions
50
votes
8 answers
Why don't jetliners maneuver to avoid a bird strike if spotted in time?
With 75%* of the bird strikes hitting the wings and engines, why isn't there any training to avoid such strikes by banking if a flock was spotted with enough time to react?
It seems what Boeing recommends* is to ride it out then assess the…
user14897
50
votes
9 answers
Is this opinion on personal computer flight simulators too strict or is it actually true?
A couple of days ago I had a discussion with a commercial pilot and his opinion on personal computer flight simulators were a bit surprising to me.
He said that flight simulators, even with expensive payware aircraft are about as close to the real…
Fromthedeep
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votes
5 answers
In the rare event that the U.S. DOD shuts off the GPS, what's the alternative?
In the U.S., the Department of Defense along with other Federal Agencies of the Government operates & maintains the GPS.
In the rarest of the events, if for any reason whatsoever, the Government decides to shut off GPS provisioning (even…
RaajTram
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50
votes
6 answers
Why can't helicopters or Zeppelins drop fire-fighting material on burning buildings?
There have been a number of tragic cases where tall buildings have caught fire for various reasons, and fire-fighters on the ground appear to have been unable to reach the upper stories with fire hoses.
As a child watching 9/11 unfold, I remember…
Statsanalyst
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50
votes
1 answer
What is the purpose of the extra wheel on the XB-70 main gear?
This photo of the XB-70 Valkyrie's main gear shows a small wheel between the two main wheels:
Courtsey of AirPigz.com
This smaller wheel doesn't touch the ground, though I can see where it might as the side walls of the main tires compress under…
FreeMan
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50
votes
3 answers
Can the landing gear be pulled up while the plane is on the ground?
If a pilot makes a mistake and inadvertently touches the gear up lever, will it actually activate while on the ground and make the plane drop onto its belly?
I suppose that there would be some sensor to prevent this, but I would like clarification…
Fabrizio Mazzoni
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50
votes
12 answers
Why is the nose of the Mig-21 shaped so differently compared to other fighter aircraft?
If you look at this picture below, you will notice that the nose portion of the Mig-21 has a unique conical shape which is completely different from the nose of the F-16.
(Source)
(Source)
So what explains the conical design of the nose of the…
CSinha
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49
votes
3 answers
Why are the Boeing 737 nacelles odd shaped?
Why is a Boeing 737 NG engine not completely round in shape? It seems to be flat at the bottom and round at the top and sides. Earlier Boeing 737 versions (100 and 200) seem to have a more rounded shape.
(Source)
Srikanth
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49
votes
7 answers
Why do aircraft cockpit displays use uppercase fonts?
I've seen many images of aircraft cockpit displays and instrument or control labels that all seem to use uppercase lettering, even though there seems to be a lot of evidence indicating that mixed case lettering has superior readability. Why is that?
Yobert
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49
votes
6 answers
Why are two-stroke engines nearly unheard of in aviation?
Almost all aircraft piston engines are four-stroke engines, with one power stroke per piston every other crankshaft revolution and a great deal of intricate moving parts which are only too happy to break. Two-stroke engines, in contrast, have a…
Vikki
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49
votes
3 answers
Why does this 757 have a propeller engine attached to the fuselage?
I saw the following photo of a Honeywell Aviation Services Boeing 757-225:
If it's not a fake, the airplane has a propeller mounted on a pylon on one side.
What's the purpose of such strange design? Why does it need a propeller engine, if it…
Glory to Russia
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49
votes
5 answers
Can a door be shut while in flight?
What is the best way to shut a door that has popped open in flight?
I had a door on a Cessna 172 pop open shortly after takeoff and was unable to get it closed, but I was fortunate enough to be able to quickly circle around and land. I tried…
jwzumwalt
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49
votes
3 answers
How can I politely remind ATC that I'm waiting for instructions or clearance?
(background: low-hour, low-experience, private pilot.)
I've got an issue regarding talking to air traffic controllers, especially when I think they may have messed up, yet still giving them the respect they deserve as hard working professionals.
One…
abelenky
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49
votes
3 answers
Why does supersonic flight detach airflow from a wing?
I've read in several answers to questions that when a wing passes the speed of sound the airflow will become detached from the craft towards the rear quarter of the wing (thus making things like elevators ineffective.)
Why does this happen at Mach…
Jae Carr
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49
votes
6 answers
Why was my flight cancelled due to bad weather while other flights were not?
I'm stuck in Frankfurt. I missed my connection due to a delay. I was rebooked, but this new flight was also cancelled due to bad weather.
About 30 percent of all flights were cancelled today. However, if the weather is that bad, shouldn't all…
Vitalii
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