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1500 questions
23
votes
1 answer
Why do chunks of aircraft debris float?
In reading about various theories of what happened to flight MH370, there's a lot of discussion about it possibly crashing into the ocean, breaking up, and pieces of the aircraft floating hundreds of miles away.
Is it generally expected that large…
SSilk
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23
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3 answers
In WW2, were self-sealing fuel tanks really cost-beneficial?
I just read this question and answer, which seems to confirm my fears that an incendiary bullet will still destroy you if it hits your fuel. In other words, a self-sealing fuel tank will not protect against incendiary bullets. The wing will be…
DrZ214
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23
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3 answers
What exactly is the meaning of "detent" in aviation?
I come across it in many different situations e.g. "settings changed to flight detent" or "landing altitude changes at first detent". There are other scenarios which I came across in the past, but I don't remember them.
Could someone explain me all…
kg1913
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23
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2 answers
Have any operational aircraft ever used over wing fuel tanks?
We are most familiar with under wing fuel tanks, has any operational aircraft ever used over wing fuel tanks?
jwzumwalt
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23
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3 answers
Are engines automatically stopped in an emergency landing?
This answer made me wonder if engines are stopped automatically after an emergency landing as soon as one of the exit doors are opened.
(...) if the engine is still running, you're about to run forward into the area where you're at risk of being…
Arsenal
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23
votes
2 answers
Why do T- tail airplanes have a shorter vertical stabilizer?
Airplanes with a T-tail design have a shorter vertical stabilizer than the conventional design , what is the reason?
Arian
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23
votes
6 answers
Could airline tires be deflated in mid-flight to reduce weight?
As a means of weight reduction to reduce fuel consumption, could the tires on an aircraft’s landing gear be deflated once airborne then re-inflated just prior to landing? Is that feasible and safe?
securitydude5
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23
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2 answers
Why does the Dassault Falcon 7X's cockpit have ashtrays?
While looking at the first implementation of Fly-By-Wire systems, I see that the 7X was the first business jet with fly-by-wire controls.
Looking at the Wikipedia page for the aircraft, I saw this photo of the cockpit and noticed the ashtray in…
reidi2000
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23
votes
3 answers
What pilot certificates were needed to fly the Space Shuttle?
Were there specific FAA (or other relevant regulatory body) pilot licensing or certifications required to fly the Space Shuttle? Are they specific to the Space Shuttle, or would it have fallen under an existing pilot license scheme?
BZN_DBer
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23
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1 answer
How are large cargo aircraft loaded at airports?
Passenger aircraft are accessed at gates, or using buses. While they are parked waiting for passengers to board, the area they use is billed by the airport.
I was wondering what is the procedure for loading large cargo aircraft, whose payload must…
mins
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23
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3 answers
Do (or can) pilots observe religious fasts when flying?
This question is about religious fasts like the Muslim Ramadan and others.
Is there a civil aviation regulation about this? Must a pilot eat and drink by the regulations (or abstain from flying), or is this an issue left to the pilot's personal…
Kaljjk Darreen
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23
votes
1 answer
What is this old US Army Air Corps plane?
This photo was taken by my Grandfather in 1918 at Rich Field in Wako, TX. I don't think that it is a Taube because of the front structure, engine type, 4 wheels, fuselage shape, etc.
W Steward
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23
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2 answers
How does ATC handle tv coverage of police pursuits in the US?
On YouTube there's a lot of aerial footage of US police pursuits to be found, usually filmed from news helicopters, flying around and doing a lot of maneuvering in the same small area, sometimes in the immediate vicinity of big airports.
Almost…
Rob Vermeulen
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23
votes
4 answers
Which fixed-wing aircraft has the highest number of required flight crew members?
Most modern airliners require two pilots to operate. Older airliners require a flight crew of three: two pilots plus one flight engineer.
Has there ever been an aircraft where the number of required flight crew members is extraordinarily high, for…
kevin
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23
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4 answers
How does a large cargo plane like the C-130 Hercules take off and land in such a short distance?
So I was at an air show and saw a C-130J Super Hercules showcasing its capabilities.
The take-off distance it covered was amazingly short (I guess equal to fighter jets), even though it uses propeller based engines. The landing was also super…
Amod
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