When it comes to radial engine aircraft this has got to be one of the nicest. Due to it’s American origins, it is hardly surprising that almost everything on this aircraft are of a grand scale. There is nothing more impressive than a huge, un-cowled radial engine…
Some members of the young crew still think it is ‘cool’ to smoke. Stress is a ridiculous excuse, as what could be more stressful than fighting in a war where every day you stood a 50/50 chance of returning to base? Already, there is a pilot shortage predicted in the near future, yet many of these new recruits do not seem to have the foresight to see how smoking now could end their careers prematurely.
An airliner is communicating with a station using HF radio. Gradually, communication quality declines until it has all but faded out. Why does this happen, and what actions are taken to restore communications?
I have affectionately taken to calling it the ‘Bitchcraft’ Travel Air, because, as I am learning to fly her, it all seems rather challenging! Admittedly, I think this is a “mans” plane, simply because, if you are a lightweight like me, single-engine simulations require ALOT of single leg input on the rudder – be warned!
It has an odd name, which makes it sound a bit ‘cutesy’, but it is anything but! I thought they were quite scarce in South Africa, so I was rather excited to see this one, in especially good condition.
Here is a little something I learnt in my years as an elite level athlete – how much you sleep will determine how well you perform, and this definitely also applies to flying.
