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1500 questions
32
votes
6 answers
Why aren't there simplified fly-by-wire helicopter controls?
I was discussing helicopter control with relatives over the holidays, particularly regarding how difficult it is to fly one and how changing any control requires adjusting the other two main controls. One of my relations asked whether any…
Todd Wilcox
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32
votes
2 answers
What are the advantages of more than 4 propeller blades?
I have heard that propellers with more than four blades are not as efficient as 4 or less blades because of lower thrust which may result from interfering prop-streams. But I see the ATR-42/72 and they have 6 blades. What is the reasoning and the…
SMS von der Tann
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32
votes
11 answers
If a helicopter's tail rotor fails, is it possible to perform an emergency landing?
In the event of a total failure of the tail rotor, is it possible to maneuver a helicopter to an emergency landing spot that is within, say, 30 minutes flying time?
What are the maneuvers required for a pilot to fly reasonably straight, and how do…
Krishnaraj Rao
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32
votes
3 answers
Why can't runway 18 at Frankfurt Airport accept takeoffs or landings in the opposite direction?
Runway 18 at Frankfurt Airport is one example of a runway which is numbered on only one side. Aircraft can only takeoff in the 18 direction, and cannot takeoff in the 36 direction, nor land in any direction except in an emergency situation.
What is…
Him
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32
votes
6 answers
How are turbine engines started?
What happens to a turbine engine from the time that a start is initiated until stable idle is achieved?
What can go wrong?
casey
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32
votes
2 answers
What does the snowflake with temperature symbol on an approach plate mean?
I've only seen the snowflake symbol with temperature listed on this one approach plate for KASE airport in Aspen, CO. I looked for it in the legend but didn't find it. Does anyone know what the snowflake symbol with temperature means?
ryan1618
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32
votes
2 answers
How do pilots rest on long-haul flights?
When flying on a long-haul airliner flight in economy, often I find it very hard to fall asleep. However, when off cockpit duties, they still have to get rest so that they are able to control the aircraft without being exhausted and collapsing on…
Qantas 94 Heavy
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32
votes
9 answers
What things can a passenger look out for, to indicate an emergency?
As a passenger with a keen interest in aviation, I'd like to think I'd be eagle-eyed enough to spot a problem that the pilots mightn't be able to see, from where they're sitting (for example, an engine sputtering or ice on the wings).
What things…
Danny Beckett
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32
votes
3 answers
What is the behavior of false glideslope signals?
I know that an ILS transmits not only the correct glideslope but also signals that can be interpreted as a false glide path. But I'm not familiar with the details of these erroneous indications. What causes "side lobe" or "mirror" false glideslopes?…
jrdioko
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32
votes
9 answers
Is excess lift or excess power needed for a climb?
As answered in this question, aircraft need excess power - not excess lift - to climb. This is plausible when the aircraft's thrust vector has a vertical component (its nose and engine points upwards), but I challenge the requirement of excess power…
Chris
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32
votes
6 answers
Why do passenger aircraft have the little airjets over each seat?
I never turn them on, but I do turn them off if I notice them. Is this a relic from the age when people lit up next to you and you wanted to blow away the smoke? The system must weigh almost a ton on a large aircraft and seems pretty unpopular and…
yippy_yay
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32
votes
7 answers
What is the proper procedure after a bird strike in a single engine plane during takeoff?
First, let me set this up and then ask a general question. I'm just trying to give some context as to why I'm asking.
I'm working on my private pilot license and was practicing with my PC simulator (X-plane) this weekend. I was flying a Mooney…
Jae Carr
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32
votes
3 answers
Why do turbine engines take so long to spool up?
Piston engines reach full rpm within a second or two, but turbines take much longer. Why is that?
ptgflyer
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31
votes
5 answers
What special handling characteristics or techniques do biplanes have?
How does flying a biplane differ from flying a monoplane? Apart from the increased drag and lift, how does it handle differently, and what effect does that have on manoeuvring?
In particular, I'm interested in differences between a biplane and a…
Dan Hulme
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31
votes
2 answers
Why is a special certification needed to land at Paro Airport?
Why is Paro Airport (currently the only international airport of Bhutan) considered one of the most dangerous airports to land in the world?
Is it because of the mountains? In my opinion, Princess Juliana International Airport is also as challenging…
TesterMen Tester
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