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1500 questions
81
votes
8 answers
Why do aircraft models end their life as freighters?
There seems to be a tendency that aircraft models are more long-lived for cargo than for passenger service.
For example, both the A300 and MD-11 are all but extinct in scheduled passenger service, but FedEx and UPS still fly scores of them.
My…
hmakholm left over Monica
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80
votes
7 answers
How miraculous was the miracle on the Hudson?
The "miracle on the Hudson" was extremely unusual - dual engine failures and successful off-field landings in commercial A320-size aircraft are very rare. The event has been dramatized and the crew (and captain "Sully" in particular) have been…
Thomas
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80
votes
7 answers
Why does the B-52 take off without rotating?
In the answer to this question it is noted that the B-52 takes off without rotating and climbs out in a nose-down attitude. Why was it designed this way?
TomMcW
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79
votes
3 answers
I just flew into class B airspace without a clearance, what should I do now?
Hypothetical: Let's say (for whatever reason) a pilot became distracted or disorientated, and found themselves in class B airspace.
What steps should they take immediately and after landing to be safe and avoid any backlash from authorities?
Joe
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78
votes
2 answers
Why are aircraft tires not pre-spun prior to landing to preserve them?
Why has someone not designed a landing wheel with a fin or fins on it so that the air will start the wheels turning before the wheels touch the ground? Wouldn't that preserve the tires longer from wear? Or would it make the control of the aircraft…
Israel Jantzen
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77
votes
4 answers
How did the 9/11 hijackers find their way to New York City?
It is quite well known that the airplane hijackers on 9/11 were not professional pilots. So, my question is how some people who didn't have any experience of navigating the airplanes could find their way, for example from Boston to New York City?
I…
Mithridates the Great
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77
votes
7 answers
Do helicopters use more fuel when hovering?
This answer says
A helicopter uses a LOT more fuel hovering than it does in forward flight.
Is this correct? Why?
Delta Oscar Uniform
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77
votes
4 answers
Why do control towers have tilted glass panels?
Almost all control towers I've seen have tilted glass panels:
Amsterdam-Schiphol tower (EHAM), source.
What is the reason behind this choice?
How is the tilt angle determined?
mins
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77
votes
14 answers
Is it considered good or bad practice to raise the flaps right after touchdown?
This question is about light, tricycle, single engine aircraft.
I have made it a habit to raise the flaps right after touchdown (when the nosewheel is on the ground). My instructor used to do that every time during initial training so I took over…
Philippe Leybaert
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76
votes
4 answers
Has any passenger airliner ever offered forward-facing windows?
The empty, dolphin-like, forehead of the A380 seems like it would be an amazing place for the first and/or business class bar, especially if it had forward-facing windows.
I realize in the A380's case there are crew rest and storage compartments in…
Dan1701
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76
votes
1 answer
How is tire rubber removed from the runway?
Every time an aircraft touches down, the tires are spun up rapidly. As a result, some rubber is left at the touchdown zone.
(image source)
As time goes on, more rubber is accumulated at the touchdown zone. How is this rubber removed from the runway…
kevin
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76
votes
4 answers
Why do English-speaking pilots and ATC say "Niner" instead of "Nine"?
Besides the fact that it's now a standard, why do American-English-speaking pilots and ATC say "Niner" instead of "Nine"? None of the other numerals are pronounced in an atypical fashion.
For what was "Nine" being mistaken that resulted in the…
End Anti-Semitic Hate
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75
votes
10 answers
Is a firm landing an indication of the pilot inexperience?
In a commercial airplane, when a landing has been a bit firm, a passenger may think it was not perfect, or maybe performed by an inexperienced pilot.
(Source)
A perfect landing is seen by passengers as one where the contact with the runway is…
mins
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73
votes
4 answers
What is the purpose of the sharp pods under airliner wings?
What are the pods with the sharp trailing edges underneath the wings of large airliners, as shown in the image below?
My best guess would be fuel tanks
Jonny
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73
votes
7 answers
What do aircraft accident investigators do in between incidents?
Consider aircraft accident investigators in your average first- or second-world nation. Something like the US NTSB, the French BEA, the Canadian TSB, the Australian TSB, ... (whichever you happen to be most familiar with is fine)
Now, most of the…
user
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