The C-5 is an amazing plane. It can carry almost anything. With 36 pallet positions and the ability to carry oversized and outsized cargo like tanks and satellites, it is a beast of an airplane. That is when it works. The C-5 is also known for always breaking down quite frequently. The C-5M modernization program has helped but aircrew still love to rag on ole’ FRED. Check out this video of the C-5’s version of “The Danger Zone”.
You Won’t Believe What This Transport Plane Can Do…
While it’s not unusual to see a Boeing C-17 or Lockheed Martin C-130J fly demanding profiles at air shows, you won’t see either plane be this aggressive. The Airbus A-400M is Europe’s first modern entry into the military transport category. The plane is larger than a C-130 but smaller than a C-17. While the program has been plagued by delays, the first deliveries to European customers have started. France recently took delivery of their third aircraft. The Royal Air Force expects their first A-400M delivery in September of this year.
At air shows, the A-400M is undoubtedly impressive. The aircraft performs a very complex routine with bank angles exceeding 90 degrees as part of a wingover demonstration. While the wingover maneuver is unique, there seems to be little purpose behind the heart-stopping act other than to demonstrate its maneuverability. Nonetheless, the A-400M impresses air show attendees year after year. It remains to be seen whether the day-to-day performance of the $20+ billion program will eventually elicit an equal amount of excitement by its military customers.
In the video above by YouTube videographer TopFelya, you’ll see the A-400M’s practice performance prior to the Farnborough Air Show in 2014.
This is What Chicago Midway Airport Used To Look Like
It’s hard to believe that footage from 1991 is now considered vintage. But one look at this video and its easy to see how much things have changed at Chicago’s Midway Airport since this video was taken. In this short 7 minute clip by JetLuvr2000, you’ll see numerous Midway Airlines DC-9s and MD-80s. You’ll also see 2 Southwest Airlines 737-200s and even a Northwest Airlines ‘baby’ DC-9-10 series. One place with the registration N907ML was a new MD-80 that is still operated by Falcon Air Express today.
This MD-80 aircraft was originally operated by Midway Airlines. After Midway, it flew with Reno Air then American Airlines. After American, it bounced around to a number of carriers before ending up with Falcon Air Express. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackmcgo210/6849343997/
The video was taken only months before the demise of the original Midway Airlines in 1991. Burdened by high oil prices, over-expansion and a sluggard economy, Midway ceased operations after a failed bid to merge with Northwest Airlines. In the wake of failure, Southwest Airlines grabbed many of Midway’s gates and airport assets. At the time, Southwest had a relatively small presence. They had only been flying to Chicago for less than 6 years after inaugurating service in 1985. They eventually would grow to become Midway Airport’s dominant carrier. Today, Midway Airport is one of Southwest’s largest operations in their network.
What’s it like to be a Sim Instructor on the 737NG?
While a pilot is the most commonly known job in aviation, there are hundreds of other jobs that support the aviation industry. From caterers to maintenance personnel to gate agents, all play a role in the safe transportation of millions of people around the globe everyday. Recently, Avgeekery.com had the opportunity to profile a Boeing 737NG simulator instructor in the UK. Bradley Cranstone is an experienced sim instructor on the 737 Next Generation aircraft and a Private Pilot of Cessnas in his spare time. As part of the job he is required to be an expert on the 737’s technical systems and the operational limitations of the airplane. In his spare time, he also runs the popular Facebook page called “the Aviationist”. He recently took time out of his busy schedule to answer questions posed by our avgeekery.com fans.
1. Bradley, when did you first fall in love with aviation?
It happened at a young age. I always loved aviation. I started flying at 15 by piloting single engine Cessna airplanes. Even before flying, I had the manuals and books though way before actually getting in the plane! I studied them everyday in preparation for my first flight.
2. How would you describe being a sim instructor?
Sim instructing varies from day to day. It depends on who you are instructing and their skill level. Every individual is different. It is sometimes a challenge to instruct someone new on an airplane as complex as the 737. You have to have patience and help instill confidence as you build their flying skills.
3. In the simulator, what is the most difficult part of a flying profile?
I make everything in the simulator challenging! I would say engine failures after take off is probably the hardest part of a normal simulator ride. It demands most of the pilot’s skills and knowledge. They have to remain calm and apply the exact procedure correctly in a timely manner to ensure that the plane lands safely.
4. Are there certain emergencies that pilots struggle to handle in the simulator?
Again, in relation to the previous question, handling engine failures can be very challenging. An engine failure or fire is very demanding for a pilot. They can be especially difficult when you add in complicating factors like weather or other emergencies. Successfully completing the profile can take a lot of practice, determination and patience. Through my instruction, I make sure that they are ready to handle the real thing if it were ever to happen in the real aircraft. Knowing that pilots are so well trained should make passengers feel very comfortable.
5. What is the best part of your job as a simulator instructor?
The most fun part of my job is being in the aviation environment everyday. I love watching pilots progress and improve. I also love being in the simulator. With the new technology, it feels so real and lifelike!
6. Tell us a little bit about your Facebook page called “The Aviationist“.
The Aviationist was created to join a community of pilots, to share the same interests, goals and inspirations. What makes his page unique is how he unloads massive amounts of 737NG trivia, photos and insight to his page everyday. We have over 6,500 fans now and are growing everyday.
7. Last question, we’ve seen a number of Chemtrail buttons posted on Instagram lately. Is that now part of your curriculum?
The chemtrail button! Ha! I wish it was. I would feel very cool to have that button on the overhead panel!
Heartbreaking Look at Tripoli Airport Attack
Tripoli Attack destroys much of nation’s fleet.
Photographs have recently emerged of the fallout of fighting that has engulfed Tripoli Airport over the past month. We’ve already seen video of the Airbus A-330 that was destroyed in the fighting. Just last night, photos of other damaged and destroyed aircraft began to surface on the internet. The damage is extensive. An Airbus A-320 that was only 3 1/2 years old looks to be a write off. The control tower also looks to be rendered completely useless by RPGs and rocket fire. It appears that Tripoli is open again though. The latest NOTAMS show that the field is operating albeit with some equipment out of service.
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This Plane Lost An Engine With Cameras in the Cockpit
It doesn’t matter what airplane you fly or how many engines you have, losing an engine as a pilot or a passenger is always a harrowing ordeal. Fortunately, losing an engine in flight is a fairly rare occurrence. The Airbus A-340 is powered by four Trent 500 engines providing 56,000 lbs of thrust each. When one fails, there are three other ones to take up the slack.
However, certain systems are degraded. In the video, you’ll see that certain galley electrical loads are shed. With the loss of a generator, the aircraft prioritizes the available power in order to ensure that critical systems are powered. In this case, coffee makers are less important than flight instruments and other systems.
The video is a great example of Crew Resource Management or CRM. CRM is how crew members interact with each other and use available resources to fly safely. In this case, you’ll see the first officer being proactive, offering advice while still deferring to the captain to make the final decision.
Spoiler: In the end, the plane lands safely. What is amazing though is knowing that for the pilots, it’s just another day in the office.
Trump’s 757 Flies 12 Minute Joy Ride Over NYC
Trump took a joyride around New York City in a 757 yesterday.
Donald Trump’s private 757 flew a 12 minute flight from New York LaGuardia to JFK airport yesterday. Even though it was an IFR flight, the distance between the two locations was so small that no intermediate points were filed on the flight plan. The flight plan was filed direct to JFK with only 11 statute miles separating between the two airfields. Vectors from air traffic control added some time and distance to the route. While it was most likely just a positioning flight for later travels, it must have been a beautiful sightseeing tour of lower Manhattan…probably even beats a ride in a Trump helicopter!
Airbus A-330 Burns after RPG attack in Tripoli
Militants attacked the capitol airport in Tripoli on Sunday July 20, 2014. Up to 12 planes were damaged in the attack. The attack also included a direct hit of the control tower where casualties were reported.
Some Twitter users posted pictures of the attacks. One photo showed an Airbus A-330 that was appearantly damaged by an RPG. The attack also destroyed a Bombardier CRJ-900 Next Gen and a private jet. Later, photos were posted of another relatively new Airbus A-330 destroyed by rocket fire. A video of this same attack was released just hours ago on You Tube under the account Good Morning Libya. The Airbus A330-200s aircraft were delivered to new Afriquiyah in 2012 as part of an effort for Libya to begin a path to economic normalcy after the fall of the Gadaffi regime.
New KC-46 Tanker is Taking Shape
The KC-46 program is beginning to take shape. Underway after many false starts, contract disputes and lawsuits, the first aircraft recently rolled off the production line. Engines haven’t been added yet, nor has the boom. The aircraft will enter ground and electronics testing soon with its first flight expected later this year. The first delivery of the low-rate production models will be delivered to the Air Force next year. Initial operational capability is not expected until 2017.
Recently, an Avgeekery.com contributor had the opportunity to visit the Boeing plant. There he took a short video of the KC-46 Pegasus planes on the 767 production line. Check out the video below. If you’d like to see more of Sagar’s amazing work, check out Horizontal Rain photography.
Boeing is banned from Touch And Goes at Airshow After Risky Maneuvering
Boeing’s 787-9 airshow profile might have been a little too aggressive.
Earlier this week, Boeing put on quite an impressive show with their new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft at the the Farnborough Air Show. The plane did a number of bold maneuvers not normally seen by a plane that size outside of airshow performances. The videos of both the practice flight and the actual performance have been trending quite strongly online to rave reviews.
Today, the Seattle Times aviation blog writer Dominic Gates is reporting that air show officials banned touch and goes by large performance aircraft after Boeing’s performance earlier in the week. An Airbus official commented that the wings of the new stretched 787 came within 15 feet of the ground as the plane maneuvered just after rotating. Boeing has denied the claim.
Check out the videos below and voice your opinion. Was the maneuvering too aggressive?
Airplane Almost Hits Whale on Landing
A seaplane nearly hit a whale in Alaska last week. Yep, a WHALE! Pilots have dealt with elk and other wildlife on the runway before. Alaskan bush pilots are used to flying in challenging weather and austere conditions. Yet landing on smooth water in an quiet bay is not where they would expect such a challenging approach. The pilot’s quick reaction by applying power at the last second avoided a potential mishap. The incident occurred in Angoon, about 55 miles southwest of Juneau.
Click here to read the entire story by Laurel Andrews of the Alaska Dispatch.
Lockheed Martin Confirms Order For Civilian Version of C-130J
Lockheed Martin announced today at the Farborough Air Show that they have signed a letter of Intent with ASL Aviation Group for up to 10 LM-100J commercial freighters. The LM-100J is the commercial equivalent to the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft flown by the US Air Force and allied nations.
In today’s press release by Lockheed Martin, Hugh Flynn, the chief executive of ASL Aviation Group said:
“We’ve long relied on our L-100s to deliver results that no other aircraft can produce. From flying humanitarian relief supplies over rugged African terrain to transporting key cargo within Europe and around the world, no other plane can do what a Hercules can do.”
The upgraded Hercules aircraft will enhance ASL Aviation’s ability to provide cargo and humanitarian transport to austere locations throughout the world but primarily in Europe and Africa. No date has been set for delivery. Certification of the LM-100J by the FAA for civilian use is still pending. This is the first sale of the civilian version of the C-130J since Lockheed Martin announced its intention to certify the aircraft for civilian use earlier this year.
Deployed Air Force Aircrew Rocks Out to Worst Song Ever
Really, guys? A video recently surfaced of a deployed Charleston AFB crew rocking out to Nickleback for one of their unit’s morale videos from a couple of years back. It’s pretty funny. In aviation, it’s an unwritten rule that in order to be aircrew you have to acknowledge that Nickleback, Daughtry and Creed all suck. The only think that would ever suck worse than those bands would be if all 3 bands got together for a power ballad. Ears would bleed and kittens all over the earth would die.
It’s also a well known secret that if you ever want a jet to stop working properly, all you have to do is play a little Scott Stapp or Chad Kroeger on a Jambox in the crew rest area. (That’s why songs from those bands are banned in Air Force airplanes all across the world.) A slew of faults will instantly appear on the overhead panel of the jet. Even jets hate the screeching noise that passed for mid-2000s butt rock. We’re guessing that this video may actually account for why so many Charleston AFB jets were always broken in the desert.
Rock on warriors…thanks for doing what you do, but stick to your day job!
This Man Got Stuck in an Airport Overnight. What He Did ‘All by Himself’ Will Amaze You.
A middle aged man recently was stuck in Las Vegas after he missed his flight. Instead of just sleeping on an uncomfortable chair in the boarding lounge, he put together an epic music video just using his iPhone and the cheesy 1970s “All By Myself” power ballad. His only mistake was not using the original Eric Carmen recording of the song.
This Man Lives in an Old Abandoned Airplane
Sixty-four year old Bruce Campbell is living every avgeek’s dream. He owns an old retired 727 and has turned it into his private abode. The plane isn’t exactly first class. Only one bathroom works and the kitchen is rather spartan. Nonetheless, it’s an avgeek’s dream. For more info, check out The Blaze article by Oliver Dorcey.
This is NOT How You Should Talk to Air Traffic Control
This video makes any professional pilot cringe. It’s kind of like watching Michael Scott on an old episode of The Office. From the first “roger” to the “precautionary landing on the beach” near JFK, the entire audio clip is infuriating. You can read the full story as recorded by the New York Times in 2011.
This Video Makes an EVA AIR Boeing 777-300 Look Sexy
Eva Air isn’t exactly known for being a ‘sexy’ airline. Their paint scheme is uninspired. Their marketing campaign is unremarkable. Yet, this video by famed airplane photographer Clay Lacy and 3DF make this Eva Air 777-300 look like the Belle of the Ball.
About the Eva Air conditioner 777-300
The Eva Air 777-300 is a flagship aircraft in the Taiwanese carrier’s long-haul fleet, known for its comfort, efficiency, and range. This wide-body jet, manufactured by Boeing, features a spacious three-class configuration, typically accommodating around 330 passengers. Eva Air has outfitted these aircraft with its signature Royal Laurel business class, premium economy, and economy cabins, providing a range of travel options for its international clientele.
Powered by twin GE90 engines, the 777-300 allows Eva Air to operate some of its longest routes, connecting Taiwan to major destinations across North America and Europe. The aircraft’s advanced avionics, fuel efficiency, and passenger amenities make it a popular choice for both the airline and its customers. With its distinctive green and orange livery, Eva Air’s 777-300s are a common sight at international airports, serving as ambassadors for the carrier’s commitment to quality service and operational excellence in the competitive long-haul market.
Truck Drives Into UPS 757 On Tarmac
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There are no words for the stupidity displayed in this video. The incident occurred at Miami International Airport a few years back. We heard the driver was fired. No word on how significant the damage was to the aircraft.
This is What It’s Like to Launch a Missile From a Fighter
A preview video of VFA-27’s cruise. Amazing GoPro footage of the Royal Maces flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet. This video is just their preview video. A full 27 minute video of their voyage will be released on May 3rd.
Inside the Cockpit View of a Lufthansa A380 landing at SFO
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What’s it like to fly the largest commercial flying aircraft in the world to one of the busiest airports in the United States? There’s a documentary video for that! Take a ride in the cockpit of Lufthansa flight LH454 as they fly non-stop from Germany to SFO. In the video, you’ll see the massive coordination it takes to start up, taxi and fly the behemoth jetliner. The A-380 is a feat of engineering and a cruise liner in the sky. You’ll also see that the entire aircraft is controlled with just a small joystick, a keyboard and a mouse! Enjoy!