I write from the perspective of a long retired pilot who only flew on old fashioned round dial types (Britannias, VC10s, 707s and 747s). This does not mean that I decry the modern Airbus and Boeing systems – far from it, I think the Airbus philosophy has made a great contribution to air safety. The… Continue reading A personal reflection on the AF447 accident
Tag: speed
Going supersonic
While preparing for this afternoon’s Luton flight I noticed on the Significant Weather chart that strong north-easterly winds were blowing at high altitudes almost everywhere over Europe. Added to this, the weathermen were forecasting severe turbulence too. During an extra thorough briefing we went through all the options and even considered flying the complete route… Continue reading Going supersonic
..and do you really understand how aircraft fly?
Alice’s White Queen claimed she could believe ‘six impossible things before breakfast’. Pilots come a close second. What about that most basic bit of aeronautical knowledge, how an aeroplane flies? In the English speaking world the usual demonstration is to blow over a sheet of paper and watch it rise.. Let’s admit it, it is… Continue reading ..and do you really understand how aircraft fly?