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Recent Comments:
Plane Answers: So you want to be a pilot? Here's how. {Gadling}
Jan 25th 2010 12:49PM I'm guessing the video you provided was done at a smaller 'Class C' airport, particularly because she couldn't see the United traffic, and there was no reference to a 'ground radar' that larger airports have. Being a pilot and having a few friends who are ATC'ers, I've been lucky enough to visit the SLC TRACON/Tower. I've seen firsthand how useful this 'ground radar' is, but have heard a few stories from controllers who've transferred from other airports and the 'close calls' they've had. And you're right, ground collisions are the most common airplane accidents. Those that think crowded skies are a problem, they should see the traffic jams that come at airports.
Thanks for the education. I'll have to ask a good friend of mine who works at SLC ARTCC on your idea of adding a 'Second Lane' on J-Routes. Personally, that's an awesome idea, and sounds like something very easy to update in FMS's.
Hope you're well Ken!
Plane Answers: Three inexpensive ways to make flying safer {Gadling}
Dec 2nd 2009 3:00PM I'm guessing the video you provided was done at a smaller 'Class C' airport, particularly because she couldn't see the United traffic, and there was no reference to a 'ground radar' that larger airports have. Being a pilot and having a few friends who are ATC'ers, I've been lucky enough to visit the SLC TRACON/Tower. I've seen firsthand how useful this 'ground radar' is, but have heard a few stories from controllers who've transferred from other airports and the 'close calls' they've had. And you're right, ground collisions are the most common airplane accidents. Those that think crowded skies are a problem, they should see the traffic jams that come at airports.
Thanks for the education. I'll have to ask a good friend of mine who works at SLC ARTCC on your idea of adding a 'Second Lane' on J-Routes. Personally, that's an awesome idea, and sounds like something very easy to update in FMS's.
Hope you're well Kent!
Plane Answers: 5 things to look for on your next flight {Gadling}
Nov 23rd 2009 4:57PM Since no one else took a gander at looking up a 727, thought I'd take the first step. Overall, the 727 went into a spin in the dead of night. The plane was cruising at FL390 and dropped out of control to 5,000 feet in 63 seconds!! WOW
NTSB stated there was an config error with the #7 slat being partially or fully extended. It wasn't determined in what position it was in due to being ripped off during the dive.
But another insteresting thing, here is a shot of this exact 727 during it's TWA days. And if I'm correct, the leading slats go 1,2,3,4 on the left, and 5,6,7,8 on the right (unless they count the kruger slats as well - Ken?).. So, the #7 slat is visible here (2nd to last from the wingtip).
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Trans-World-Airlines/Boeing-727-31/0594847/L/&sid=6ebdcabd483439dbe5246550cb24b0e4
Thanks again for sharing some tips. Having my PPL/IFR I am like everyone else that has mentioned it, I love gazing out the window, day or night (weather permitting). But I too take a quick glance at the cockpit as I enter, look at the Registration plate in the cabin door seal to get more info of the plane, and sometimes ask the pilots about the flight when leaving.
Plane Answers: 5 things to look for on your next flight {Gadling}
Nov 20th 2009 12:50PM Since no one else took a gander at looking up a 727, thought I'd take the first step. Overall, the 727 went into a spin in the dead of night. The plane was cruising at FL390 and dropped out of control to 5,000 feet in 63 seconds!! WOW
NTSB stated there was an config error with the #7 slat being partially or fully extended. It wasn't determined in what position it was in due to being ripped off during the dive.
But another insteresting thing, here is a shot of this exact 727 during it's TWA days. And if I'm correct, the leading slats go 1,2,3,4 on the left, and 5,6,7,8 on the right (unless they count the kruger slats as well - Ken?).. So, the #7 slat is visible here (2nd to last from the wingtip).
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Trans-World-Airlines/Boeing-727-31/0594847/L/&sid=6ebdcabd483439dbe5246550cb24b0e4
Thanks again for sharing some tips. Having my PPL/IFR I am like everyone else that has mentioned it, I love gazing out the window, day or night (weather permitting). But I too take a quick glance at the cockpit as I enter, look at the Registration plate in the cabin door seal to get more info of the plane, and sometimes ask the pilots about the flight when leaving.
Plane Answers: A closer look at technology in the Northwest overflight {Gadling}
Nov 3rd 2009 3:48PM Definitely a good explanation on what could have been going on in the cockpit. Yet, even though you mention that Boeing used only a select few sounds to notify and alert the pilots of different event/messages going on, to me, I would think even the FMS message of MCP Alt Change, or End of Route would have caught their attention. All I can think of is they were really into figuring out the new crew schedule program.
Thanks again for some insight.
Best,
Matt J.
Plane Answers: Do jets have keys, my first airline flight and overwing exits {Gadling}
Nov 2nd 2009 1:06PM I do like the question on if Airliners have keys. I used to be a ramp worker for American West (HP) in SLC a few years ago. I got to know many of the people there well and started a 'Rookie move' after a while. Although many of us worked there for the fun of being around airplanes (and aspiring to become pilots one day), there are some that come in who just need a job and have no clue about airplanes.
One particular Rookie got the adventure of 'finding a spare' key for an 737. We talked to the pilots and asked to say they lost the keys and needed a spare. Luckily, I was the ramp lead and sent our rookie up to talk to the pilot. He informed of the problem and down he came to the ramp. I stated to check with United as they fly some 737's in. On the other end, my op's guy was calling UA's op's telling him the joke. He played along, told him they didn't have any, but to check SouthWest. Although I'm unsure if my UA guy called SWA, they also told him no, and sent to Delta.
In the end, he came back 20 min's after the flight left, very upset after a mech at Delta told him 'Planes don't have keys to start. Someone's playing a trick on you'.. Needless to say, he learned something new about planes. Planes don't use keys! Also, planes don't require a sound check by 'Yelling' into the engine. Another story for another time - Thanks for sharing Kent. Love reading your chronicles.
