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1500 questions
41
votes
7 answers
Do lights on aircraft flash in a specific pattern?
On a clear night, everyone can spot planes quite easily: they have flashing lights. I have noticed that the pattern seems different for different planes, and tried to find a meaning.
What I saw so far is that they seem to have three lights that…
PlasmaHH
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41
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4 answers
Since there's "Zulu" time, is there also "Alfa" time?
In talking about an upcoming flight, I was explaining that all flight planning is done in the background in Zulu time (UTC). I understand that, and it makes sense, and I know that tickets are only printed for in local time for pax convenience.
It…
FreeMan
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41
votes
4 answers
Why does an aircraft leave a white smoke trail?
Why does an aircraft leave a white smoke trail?
Tom
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41
votes
3 answers
Is it dangerous for a supersonic aircraft to fly at exactly Mach 1?
If a plane that is designed for supersonic flight, say the Concorde, kept flying at exactly the speed of sound, would there be any danger in that? If so, what could get dangerous at constant Mach 1 flight and how long can a plane survive in flying…
Giovanni
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41
votes
6 answers
Do missiles need anti-icing?
Are anti-icing systems needed for any missile carried by a small combat jet? And if so, how is this achieved?
I realize of course that missiles typically fly at Mach 2.5+, so the compressive effects will heat the air around it. However, a jet is…
DrZ214
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41
votes
5 answers
Is it possible for an SU-25 to fly high enough to shoot down a Boeing 777?
A common theory from pro-Russian netizens surrounding the MH-17 tragedy is that it was a Ukrainian Sukhoi SU-25 ground attack plane that shot down the civilian airliner. However, the MH-17 was flying at an altitude of 10,500 meters when the service…
Evil Washing Machine
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41
votes
4 answers
How is fuel dumping safe?
The answers to this this question make it clear how modern airliners dump fuel in the case of an emergency. As far as I understand, fuel dumping might be done to lower an aircraft's weight to the maximum landing weight, particularly soon after…
raptortech97
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41
votes
9 answers
Can all helicopters hover, and how long does it take to "stop"?
Following the accident of Kobe Bryant's helicopter N72EX, there are a few things that puzzle me:
While waiting for clearance to fly close to Burbank airport, the helicopter didn't "stay in place", but actually made all sorts of loops and circles…
jcaron
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41
votes
3 answers
What unique challenges/limitations will I face if I start a career as a pilot at 45 years old?
I'm contemplating a mid-life career change. I made some money in another industry, and now have the luxury of choosing a job that pays less, but provides enjoyment and satisfaction. I suspect being a professional pilot could be the ticket. I'm…
Ben H
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41
votes
13 answers
Other than a swing wing, what types of variable geometry have flown?
We're well familiar with swing wings, on small and large aircraft from both the east and west.
What other types of variable geometry have been tried?
Adam
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41
votes
2 answers
How did NASA Langley end up with the first 737?
This answer shows N515NA, CN/MSN: 19437 as an early 737, and mentions that it may be the first one.
Was this a special design built for NASA, or perhaps a prototype that nobody wanted for commercial use?
uhoh
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41
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5 answers
Is the seat-belt sign activation when a pilot goes to the lavatory standard procedure?
Yesterday, I took an inter-European commercial flight with a popular budget airline. Before take-off, the captain announced that the First Officer would be taking the entire flight today.
During the middle of the approximately 2 hour cruise, the…
Cloud
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41
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7 answers
Why are airplanes riveted and not screwed?
Replacing airframe panels and inspecting hard-to-reach parts would be easier with screws, I presume. So why are rivets used?
yippy_yay
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41
votes
4 answers
How do conventional missiles fly?
With the exception of cruise missiles, most missiles don't have any obvious lifting device.
If you watch a missile being fired, prior to its rocket firing it does exactly what you'd expect: momentarily plummet toward the earth. And yet the moment it…
Party Ark
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41
votes
4 answers
How do PAPI lights work?
Usually, there are four lights at the sides of runways which show airplanes' altitude status:
four red lights: too low
two red, two white: appropriate altitude
four white lights: too high.
If two airplanes with two different altitudes approach, do…
Super Hornet
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