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1500 questions
41
votes
2 answers
What does the letter G mean in a runway identifier?
Boulder Municipal Airport (KBDU) has runways 8 / 26 and also runways 8G / 26G. What is the significance of the letter G following the runway numbers?
slantalpha
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41
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1 answer
Why is the 787 tail cone made out of titanium?
In this question there is a drawing of a 787 that shows that the tail cone is made of titanium.
Why is such a heavy-duty material like titanium required for the tail cone?
I do not see how there could be any significant loads or reasons for excess…
h22
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41
votes
9 answers
Why was the boat mounted this way on the underside of the wing on the "Landseaire" flying yacht?
After seeing the below image of the "Landseaire" flying yacht here I was curious to know why the small boat mounted to the underside of the plane was mounted the way it was. At least to me (and @Dave who mentioned it in his answer containing this…
dalearn
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41
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1 answer
How does an Airbus aircraft connect to the Internet?
I would like to understand better where (physically in the aircraft) and how the Internet connection is received on an Airbus aircraft, in particular in an Airbus A380, and then how this system is linked to the access points that serve the…
Bluephoenix
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41
votes
6 answers
Is fuel moved around during flight on a passenger or cargo plane? If so why?
Is fuel moved around during flight on a passenger or cargo plane? If so why? Is balance an issue?
Sarah
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41
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1 answer
Can experts identify the model using this part (FOD prevention purposes)?
We found this part of an aircraft recently and, in order to improve the safety levels at our airport, we would like to know what possible aircraft model (or models) are compatible with this cover so we can locate it.
Germano Sarmento
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41
votes
2 answers
What are these five indicators at the front of the 737 passenger cabin?
As a passenger I noticed a set of five indicators on the ceiling at the front of the 737 passenger cabin. They are red, yellow (or white), blue, white, red.
The red ones seem to be coupled together (which could indicate their higher importance and…
miroxlav
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41
votes
3 answers
Why were the speed records set by seaplanes in the early thirties?
For nearly all of the 1930'ies, the fastest aeroplanes were all of the seaplane category (as opposed to landplanes, to use the terminology of FAI).
Presumably, the designers of the two categories had access to more or less the same technology…
Monolo
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41
votes
2 answers
Why do some airports park the aircraft backwards at the gate?
(YouTube) Push-in at Dortmund Airport.
While at most airports, aircraft park at the gate facing the building, there are some airports that park aircraft backwards, e.g., Dortmund Airport (shown above), and London City Airport. After arrival and…
Stefan
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41
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2 answers
Why does NASA's B-52 008 have a smoking engine in this photograph?
This is a photograph from the launch of an X-43 from the NASA owned and operated B-52 '008'. It appears that one engine is producing a plume of smoke in the photograph. Why is this?
Source
Eric Urban
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41
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8 answers
What if all passengers pay to check in extra baggage?
Suppose a given flight is fully booked and everybody shows up. Not only have they all brought the allowed fully loaded carry-on & checked-in luggage weight but exceed the free-limits. They are all willing to pay extra for, say, an additional 10 Kg…
Slartibartfast
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41
votes
5 answers
How much is the minimum safe distance between two planes in-flight?
According to FAA regulations, how far should a commercial jet be away from another plane in-flight?
How about military planes? They get really close when in formations... Is there a minimum distance?
Gabriel Brito
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41
votes
5 answers
Do military pilots have a phrase like "aviate, navigate, communicate"?
The phrase "aviate, navigate, communicate" is commonplace among pilots, as a reminder to concentrate on flying the aircraft first, with navigation a secondary focus, and fitting in communication when it won't interfere with those other…
Dan Hulme
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41
votes
6 answers
If all fighter jets become stealthy, how will they fight each other in the future? In dogfights?
I came across this question on dogfight-capable fighter jets still being made. If all aircraft become so stealthy, how will they fight each other? Only in dogfights, I presume. Or am I wrong?
user3624251
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41
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3 answers
Do jet fighters have air conditioning systems?
In most jet fighters, the cockpit is a glass dome and the pilots are exposed directly to the sun.
In addition, they are wearing flight suits and full face helmets (most of the time).
I can only imagine that with no respite from the sun, the cockpit…
Burhan Khalid
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