What is the difference between Vmc and Vmca?
Nope, this is not VMC – Visual Meteorological Conditions that we are talking about, but rather flying speeds relating to twin engine aircraft. The key to understanding twin engine performance, is how they fly with two engines operating, and how the bitch switch gets turned on when only one engine is operating.
GEE BEE Model Z Super Sportstar
Although this is a reproduction this amazingly fast, but very dangerous aircraft fascinates me. This one is housed in the Seattle Museum of flight (definitely a bucket list item!). The original Model Z was built in 1931 to win the 1931Thompson Trophy Race at the...
Seaplane flying – Why you should try it!
There are a few things that have fascinated me about seaplane flying. Firstly, there is no runway, and they usually take off from areas where there is a lot of other activity on the water i.e. boats, kayaks, tourists pottering around in electric boats…
Alternator Failures – How they happen and what to do?
The key to the delivery of electrical power is the alternator (or generator) in most cases, so knowing what it does, and what to do if you suspect a problem, can be valuable when trouble shooting flashing lights and popping circuit breakers.
Can a forward CG or aft CG be a benefit?
Having your CG either closer to the forward limit or closer to the rear limit, can have it’s benefits, depending on the stage of flight, let’s have a look…
How does Aircraft Mass Affect the Glide?
How does a heavier aircraft perform in the glide? Well, if you were to find yourself on top of a rooftop, and dropped two items, let’s say a brick and a paper plate, from exactly the same height, in the same direction (down) and at the same time, then what would happen?
Schnapp, Krackle und Pop – What is going on with your engine?
Rough running engines are never a good sign, but ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Instead, having some idea of what might be causing those snap, crackle and pop noises, could help you solve a problem which might not require the services of an inflight aircraft mechanic.
Why you should check tyre pressure every flight
While it might just be a little laziness, or a seemingly less important part of your pre-flight, when fuel and oil take precedence, it seems that checking tyre pressure is often accomplished with an eyeball and quick kick. So how should you check the tyre pressure, and what happens if your tyre pressure is too low or too high?
The World’s Ugliest Airworthy Aircraft – Transavia PL12 Airtruk
If it has been a while since you last saw an aircraft that made your eyes hurt, then this would be it. This awful atrocity of an aircraft is real, and it has a name: The Transavia PL12 Airtruk.
Learning to fly a Green Aeroplane – or a J3 Cub if you prefer…
Many years ago Geoff Towill blundered into my little flying school in George. He was in his mid 30s and had tatty clothes and locks of unkempt hair hanging over his face. He had that slightly wild look of a dotty professor. “Can you teach me to fly a green aeroplane?” He asked.
“I expect so. What sort of aircraft is it?”
“It’s a green one.” Geoff explained