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1500 questions
23
votes
2 answers
Is this aerodynamic braking procedure normal in a 747?
I found this instagram video via YouTube:
The description in the YouTube video states that:
This aerodynamic baking procedure is applied to reduce wheel brake and engine wear
I have two questions:
Is this a normal procedure for the 747? If so,…
nodapic
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23
votes
5 answers
Does ATC hear the same poor audio I hear on LiveATC?
When listening to air traffic control (ATC) communications on something like LiveATC there is a lot of feedback/static that often makes it difficult to hear. Do controllers hear the same feedback and static in the tower or is this due to the…
user59381
23
votes
4 answers
What determines in which direction a runway is used?
A nearby airport has a single 05/23 runway (3900m long), where airplanes start and land in one direction during certain periods and in the opposite direction during other periods.
How is the direction determined -- I assume it's air traffic control…
Andre Holzner
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23
votes
4 answers
Why would it not be OK to replace a map light bulb with an LED?
In the question about if it's OK to change your own map light, why did JScarry say "don't you dare replace [your map light] with an LED"? Or was he kidding?
Dave
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23
votes
1 answer
What is the indicated device under the tail of this B-29?
Was lucky enough to have the B-29 "Doc" flying over the house this weekend.
What's the mechanism under the tail indicated by the red arrow? Tail-strike preventer?
I did some searching and found it in other pictures, but never a labeled…
Organic Marble
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23
votes
1 answer
What makes a jet single pilot certified?
Why are some small-ish jets (Embraer Phenom 300, Pilatus PC-24 for example) single-pilot certified? The pilot still has to fly+navigate+communicate. Why would a small jet be more manageable than a bigger jet? Or is it more the case that they would…
Quora Feans
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23
votes
3 answers
Why is the "Dutch" roll called so?
Why is the "Dutch" roll called so? When did this name enter common usage, and what is its origin? Please cite sources if possible!
Raj
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23
votes
2 answers
How exactly did engineers come to the final design of jets like the F-16 or SR-71?
I ask this question because I read somewhere that SR-71 was designed in 60's with hand calculations and drafters and when engineers later tried to improve the design with modern computers they found that they got original design exactly correct!
I…
Mridul
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23
votes
1 answer
How much weight does a blisk save?
A Blisk is a bladed-disk, all one monocoque component.
So the blades do not have to be inserted and secured, and they are not removable. No nuts and bolts either.
The downside is that any serious damage to one blade, and the whole blisk must be…
DrZ214
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23
votes
3 answers
Why are FDRs and CVRs still two separate physical devices?
Given the histories of flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders, I somewhat understand their origins as two separate physical devices. Given their separate tracks of development, regulatory requirements, and storage mechanisms, it stands to…
Bret Abel
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23
votes
3 answers
Could the SR-71 Blackbird be used for nearspace tourism?
The Blackbird had two seats onboard. Could it be reactivated for nearspace tourism, placing a paying tourist in the other seat? If no, why not or why isn't it being proposed? In leveled flight, the Blackbird flew up to 90,000 ft (27 km) MSL and…
Giovanni
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23
votes
2 answers
What operation is this aircraft performing?
While reading Wikipedia about Ust-Kut Airport, I've run into the following picture:
I'd like to know which operation is depicted here?
This doesn't seems to be a take-off, as per my very limited knowledge. It is by far landing. If I am correct then…
trejder
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23
votes
5 answers
Can you request a new squawk code if you don’t like the one being assigned?
Just out of curiosity. If you get assigned a squawk code and you don’t like it out of superstition or other negative associations you have with it, can you request a new one?
J.L
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23
votes
1 answer
What is this strut in biplane rigging, attached only to wires, not bearing any load?
A few biplanes like the Stearman have a strut parallel to the fuselage, halfway along the rigging's landing wires and flying wires, not fastened to the airframe, not bearing any obvious load. One on each side. What are they for? What are they…
Camille Goudeseune
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23
votes
5 answers
What are pro/cons of steam as lifting gas for airships?
I was reading Wikipedia page about hot air airship and another Wikipedia page about the first powered and steerable airship which was powered by a steam engine. So I ask myself "why didn't they use the exhaust steam from the steam engine as lifting…
Manu H
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