Most Popular
1500 questions
29
votes
4 answers
Did Wolfgang Langewiesche ever change his mind about rudder pedals?
I get the feeling that if aviation was a religion and had a holy book, that book would be Stick and Rudder. Mostly because it's often spoken of with great authority by people who have never read it.
Well, I'm reading it right now. And let me tell…
Steve V.
- 23,246
- 14
- 99
- 162
29
votes
4 answers
Is there any way to relieve the Pilot in Command?
Is there any way to relieve the Pilot in Command besides hijacking and incapacitation?
This question comes from a comment by rackandboneman, who says:
And whose authority is sufficient to make an active pilot in command a pilot out of command?
I…
Steve V.
- 23,246
- 14
- 99
- 162
29
votes
3 answers
What's the UX in modern airliner avionics for diversion choices, and does it integrate to autopilot?
This question mentions a flight that had to divert, in that case to Iqaluit (YFB).
I was wondering: in modern large airliners, what is the user interface like when diverting? How is the case of "what is the nearest airport/runway we can divert to…
Fattie
- 1,892
- 1
- 21
- 41
29
votes
5 answers
Why are "counterweights" used in aircraft production?
From this question, manufacturers use "counterweight" or "ballast" when producing aircraft. Why is the use of weight necessary? Supposedly aircraft should be made as light as possible, and counterweight is just dead weight without any function.
I…
kevin
- 39,731
- 17
- 148
- 278
29
votes
2 answers
What are the legal issues for an Uber or Lyft type model for ride share on General Aviation aircraft in the United States?
Is it possible for an Uber or Lyft type service to operate that allows pilots with small aircraft to share a ride under current FAA regulations? I personally don't see how this could operate under 14 CFR 91, but maybe under what's allowed under 14…
ryan1618
- 14,900
- 31
- 102
- 187
29
votes
2 answers
What are the "spur" devices on this U2 pilot's boots?
From this video on YouTube:
What are those devices and what is their purpose?
Steve
- 2,218
- 1
- 20
- 32
29
votes
5 answers
How much of the landing runway is mine?
If I am cleared to land a couple of miles on final, may I use the entire runway to the departure end, or do I have to comply with "taxi instructions" the tower controller might give me like "turn right at taxiway foxtrot," while I am still…
Rodney
- 291
- 3
- 3
29
votes
3 answers
What is the bag for on a passenger oxygen mask?
We may all be familiar with the part of the cabin safety briefing where they say that, in the event of a reduction in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from a compartment above our heads, yadda yadda, the bag may not inflate. What is the…
David Richerby
- 11,875
- 4
- 46
- 86
29
votes
2 answers
Where does Air Force One refuel?
Obama came to Greece and then to Germany. That's a long trip, even for the majestic Jumbo. There was a lot of discussion about where the aircraft was refuelled during that trip. Do we know, in general, where Air Force One is refueled?
There were…
gsamaras
- 1,767
- 1
- 18
- 29
29
votes
2 answers
Why does IRS alignment take so much time?
Home GPS systems (like your car navigator) is able to locate you in like a few seconds, but 737NG needs to align itself for 6-8 minutes.
Why do navigation systems in aircraft take so long to align themselves?
Full name:
INS = Inertial Navigation…
Hugo Woesthuis
- 1,889
- 2
- 17
- 29
29
votes
2 answers
Is there an API to get real-time FAA flight data?
I have been using an Android app to track flights. Their information is pulled from their own proprietary database, and some (with 5 minute delay) from the FAA.
I was thinking about making an app that would do this as well by pulling from multiple…
Tyler
- 927
- 3
- 11
- 17
29
votes
3 answers
What is this white smoke like thing, seen inside the cabin before takeoff?
I saw this quite thick white smoke like thing in the cabin in my last flight, before takeoff that is, while it was taxiing and loading passengers:
Video
Please watch in HD to best notice the phenomenon.
It seems to be coming from the AC vents of…
anshabhi
- 11,490
- 15
- 76
- 137
29
votes
5 answers
Will having a history of depression prevent me from flying?
The AOPA website lists four medications as acceptable treatments for depression. I was treated with one of them, but it ended up making things far worse, to the point where I had issues with suicidal ideation. I've since stopped taking it and, while…
Trace
- 291
- 1
- 3
- 5
29
votes
5 answers
What would the reason be for this helicopter maneuver?
At 4:30 in this YouTube video, a Chinook traverses the runway on its rear wheels. The text on the video lists "Emergency landing and take-off". Is there any reason for the pilot to do this other than "because I can and it's an airshow"?
The pilot…
FreeMan
- 16,245
- 16
- 87
- 166
29
votes
3 answers
Is it possible to sail a seaplane?
Say a seaplane has ditched onto ocean or a very large lake due to engine failure. Is it possible to sail the plane to the shore using wind alone, similar to sailing a boat?
kevin
- 39,731
- 17
- 148
- 278