Microjets Soon To Fly Over Europe
The skies over Europe could soon get a little more congested. Manufacturers such as Cessna and Jet Bird will be releasing a new kind of private jet in the form of the “microjet”. Though these jets are much smaller than your run of the mill commercial jet, they claim to be better for the economy.
At a fraction of the cost of commercial airliners, these microjets will be more affordable for companies needing a quick way to shuttle their clients and staff from one place to another. Many of these jets will make as many as 3 trips per day. The downside to this new type of jet airliner is that they fly at the same altitude as commercial jets, yet their collision-avoidance systems aren’t nearly as sophisticated.
At one point, microjet makers assured Europe’s air traffic control officials, Eurocontrol, that they wouldn’t fly above 28.000. However, that agreement has been squashed by pilots who say that flying at such a low altitude burns up too much fuel, therefore making it to expensive to maintain. Eurocontrol officials are planning to do extensive testing in Budapest, which could lead to stricter regulations on these new little planes.
Flying Throughout History
Since the days when Orville and Wilbur Wright jumped into the first real airplane, man has come up with some highly interesting, if not imaginative, airplane designs. From simple jet packs strapped to the back to huge multi-winged monstrosities, the airplane has seen it all. Here are just a few of the inventive ways man has tried to take to the skies.
1.) The Wright Military Flyer
In 1908, the military announced that they needed a small 2-seated aircraft for observations. The following year, the Wright Brothers created the very first military aircraft from a wire-braced biplane, complete with a 30 or 40 HP engine that powered 2 wooden propellers. Though initial test runs went rather smoothly, it was when Lt. Thomas Selfridge of the Army Signal Corps got on the plane that things went sour. Shortly into the flight, the plane crashed and Lt. Selfridge was killed, making him the very first person to die in an airplane crash. After a few modifications, the first real military flyer was finished in June of 1909.
2.) The Ecker Flying Boat
Sometime between 1911 and 1913, Herman Ecker built his version of the Curtiss Flying Boat. However, do to the fact that there were no detailed manuals or how-to kits, Mr. Ecker built his flying machine out of whatever he could get his hands on. He covered the wings of his flying boat with muslin and used carpet tacks and sealed them with wallpaper sizing glue. Though on clear days he had no problems, but on rainy days, the glue would dissolve and the paper would become porous. The motor he used for this plane was a converted 6-cylinder marine engine, with an automobile radiator for cooling. Due to the fact that there was no instrument panel, all adjustments were made simply from the sounds the engine made.
3.) Gyrocopters and gyroplanes
In the 1950’s, Dr. Igor Bensen introduced a whole new machine to the world of avionics, calling it the Gyroglider. Gyrocopters or gyroplanes are a helicopter/airplane hybrid and have come to be called one of the safest flying machines to have been made so far. The difference between the gyrocopter and a regular helicopter is that the rotor blades on the gyro are unpowered, and if the craft is fitted with a pre-rotator, can eliminate the need for a runway. One of the safety features of the gyroglider is that if the engine fails while in the air, the craft can be glided to the ground for a safe landing. The B-8M gyroglider is considered an experimental aircraft and because it falls under the category of unpowered aircraft, requires no license to fly. However, proper training is a must.
4.) The Airscooter
In 2000, a new company was formed in Nevada called the AirScooter Corporation, and is in the process of building, testing, and eventually distributing a new style of flying machine called the AirScooter. The idea behind the AirScooter is based on a coaxial design packaged in a light weight craft that offers intuitive control and maximum maneuverability. The company co-founders Woody Norris and Jim Barnes, are working with some of the lightest and most space-aged materials to create the perfect VTOL craft. Interested parties in the new AirScooter include agencies such as the military and the postal service, as well as flight recreational enthusiasts. However, the AirScooter is still in pre-production and there is no determined date at to when they’ll be available for sale.
There are literally hundreds of oddities in the world of aviation. Everything from the first real hang-glider, made in the late 1800’s, to the Personal Wings designed by Yves Rossy, a.k.a. FusionMan. Man will always have the desire to fly through the air, and will always come up with bigger and better ways of achieving this feat.
The vacation deals offer the cheapest airline tickets to its frequent customers. The airline tickets of aloha airlines are relatively cheap and easily available round the year. Whereas the flights to rome italy are expensive during Easter and Christmas. The cheap travel deals include the facility to have travel trailers stay near the mountains and the lakes especially in the wonderful surroundings of Lake districts where Wordsworth wrote his romantic poems.
FAA orders JFK Airport to limit scheduled operations
As of March 30, 2008, JFK International Airport will begin limiting their scheduled operations. The FAA issued the order on January 15, 2008 due to the number of flights that are over capacity during their peak operating hours. They are hoping that this order will help in decreasing delays and increase efficiency.
According to acting administrator, Robert A. Sturgell, afternoon and evening arrivals are down to about 62%, which is 6.5% lower than last year. Passengers are finding it harder to get to their destinations on time, and it could cause problems throughout the United States if something isn’t done about the problem soon.
Once the order goes into effect, it should bring arrival times back to a percentage rate that will in essence, affect airspace across the country. The order will go into effect at 6:00 am, EST on March 30 of this year and will last until October 24, 2009.
Flying questions answered at AskaCFI.com
Becoming a pilot is a feat all in its own. Whether you intend to fly small planes or commercial airliners, it’s not something to be taken lightly. If you’re thinking about becoming a pilot, but have a few questions you’d like answered first, then you need to check out AskaCFI.com.
AskaCFI.com is a great site run by a Certified Flying Instructor, and is designed to help all student pilots and those who already have their licenses, with any questions they may have. It is also designed to help pilots in finding answers to any problems they might be experiencing.
There is an entire section set up to explain the how-to’s of flying, as well as a glossary section that explains many of the terms used in the flying industry. You can also fill out the contact form and ask Paul your questions, and he’ll do all he can to make sure your questions are answered in a timely manner, with as much information as possible.
There is also a forum that break down issues such as medical questions and where to get supplies and accessories. Before asking your questions, check out the FAQ section to see if your questions has already been answered. This section isn’t very large right now, but it’s always better to check it out first.
If you’re thinking of becoming a pilot, or if you’re already a pilot but still have questions, then you need to check out AskaCFI.com. Because if you’re going to ask a question about flying, who better to ask than a Certified Flying Instructor?
M400 SkyCar by Moller International
I remember watching the Jetsons as a kid and thinking that it would be so cool to live in a world where your car and your plane were the same vehicle. However, the Jetsons was only a cartoon and those things just didn’t happen. That is until now.
A company called Moller International, has created a personal aircraft that can literally be parked in the garage. Introducing the M400 SkyCar, a personal vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle. This incredible machine is capable of taking off and landing as a helicopter does, but flies from point A to point B in the same manner as any airplane. Plus, it can travel short distances as any car. The SkyCar can carry up to 4 people, has a maximum speed of 375 MPH with a cruising speed of 275 MPH at an altitude of 20,000 ft., and is roughly the size of a large automobile.
I really never thought it was possible to own one of those flying cars that the Jetsons cruised around in, but the SkyCar by Moller International, proves that we really are living in the future.
2008 Eclipse 500 For Sale
Not really interested in buying a used airplane, then you’re in luck. Check out this beautiful 2008 Eclipse 500, now listed for sale out of Stockton, California. Your brand new plane will come with flight and multi-function displays, autopilot controls, and data entry keyboards. This plane will have 2 Pratt and Whitney turbofan engines and will be able to carry 249 gallons of fuel. As far as the exterior and interior designs, that will be totally up to the buyers. You decide on the paint scheme and the interior design. Be one of the first to have this beautiful plane on your runways, and enjoy flying in style. If this is something you think you might be interested in, check out the full ad at 2008 Eclipse 500, today.
1991 BAE Jetstream 32 For Sale
If you need an airplane that can carry more than just a couple of people, then you need to check out this 1991 BAE Jetstream 32, now listed for sale out of Tennessee. This awesome plane comes with a dual Collins digital nav/comm systems and transponders, Sperry flight direction, a Fairchild CVR, and a GPS system. It also comes with cabin air conditioning and heating, a lavatory, and an enhanced performance kit. The exterior is all white and the interior has seating for 19 passengers. It comes with 2 Garrett engines aligned with 2 McCauley props. The company will give a BAE audit upon request. If you’re interested in this craft and would like more information, check out the full ad at 1991 BAE Jetstream 32.
2006 Pilatus PC-12 For Sale
Looking to add a new member to your pilot charter or shuttle service? If so, check out this beautiful 2006 Pilatus PC-12 now listed for sale out of Colorado. This passenger plane comes with dual Garmin transponders, traffic and terrain avoidance system, weather data link with XM satellite radio, and Bose X headsets. In addition, you’ll also get air conditioning, 110 volt cabin outlets, and Iridium phone capabilities. The exterior is done in a deep blue upper portion, and a white underbelly. Inside, you’ll find 8 wheat colored BMW seats with matching carpet. This plane has less than 350 total hours of air time and will be due for its annual inspection in October 2008. For more information, go to 2006 Pilatus PC-12.
Morane-Saulnier MS 760 II Paris Jet For Sale
Get your hands on a piece of aviation machinery that will make you look and feel like a million bucks. Check out this Morane-Saulnier MS 760 II Paris Jet, now listed for sale out of Las Vegas, Nevada. This cool airplane comes with a Collins radar altimeter with stormscope and skywatch traffic, a Bendix autopilot system, a Shadin air data/fuel computer, and an IFC approved GPS system. With this plane you’ll also find a 2 inch standby ADI, high pressure main tires, a 2nd altimeter and airspeed indicator, and a Davitron digital clock. The exterior of this plane is done in a white upper portion and a light blue underbelly, accented with dark blue stripes. Inside, you’ll find beige leather seats with tweed inlays. This plane has just over 2100 total hours of air time and excellent maintenance records. If you’d like more information, check it out at Morane-Saulinier MS 760 II Paris Jet.
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2005 Tiger AG5B For Sale
Attention weekend pilots! I invite you to check out this 2005 Tiger AG5B, now listed for sale. This plane is packed with Garmin equipment such as dual nav/comm systems, transponder, and GPS system, as well as an S-Tec autopilot system. The exterior painting is done in a white upper fuselage and dark blue lower, while the interior seats are done in grey leather and matching carpeting. This plane has only 225 total hours of air time, and is powered by a 180 HP Lycoming engine and 2-blade Sensenich prop. This plane has no known damage history, comes with complete logs, and is due for its annual inspection in April of 2008. If you’d like more information about this airplane, check it out at 2005 Tiger AG5B.
