Besides a few fuel and electrical connections (non-structural) there are only 3 bolts holding each engine to the airframe. Due to budget cutbacks, those bolts are supplied by the lowest bidder.

(Written on 01/06/2017)(Permalink)

It's a shame how we always blame the Object for "hitting" the airplane. The one thing that we really know is that the Colombian A320 was doing 480 kts. We do not know the identity, speed or direction of the other possibly decimated object. So the A320 was flying way faster than his vision and ability to avoid a possibly innocent object just floating aloft minding it's own business. Now, if the dent was in the trailing edge of a wing, for example, you might have a case for something actually hitting the airplane at cruising altitude. But only after interrogating all of the ground personnel. Otherwise - The A320 "hit something".

(Written on 02/03/2016)(Permalink)

Wait, what about the promise of an airplane in every driveway and jetpacks and stuff?

(Written on 09/10/2015)(Permalink)

Not only is he a skilled pilot but he is a Master Machinist to be able to dynamically balance the props "On the Fly" like that. That takes a fine touch on the stick.

(Written on 04/24/2015)(Permalink)

What? You don't know how to Google? Here, I'll get you started: https://www.google.com/search?q=student+loan+forgiveness&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8 http://plans.studentloanproject.us/programs/2015.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw0q2pBRC3jrb24JjE8VgSJAAyIzAdYhFpvw0kBYdoC20qiBFJBjPr4X8PhECztFVU3kRTFhoCxc3w_wcB# http://www.studentloanforgivenessplans.org/?gclid=CjwKEAjw0q2pBRC3jrb24JjE8VgSJAAyIzAd13Iu-PyWPze70Up_UqwW3_LWQf3NyKQm50_ey-87wRoCqxvw_wcB The point is you shouldn't have to die paying back your education costs which are so exorbitant because the schools CHARGE so much because the Government provides EASY access to money to young people that should not be BORROWING that kind of money anyway. The schools and "Proffs" are lining their pockets with government money while strapping young people with incomprehensible DEBT. The result is the students (and their parents) don't work to pay for their education up front. They work so that they can spend their Spring Break in the Bahamas out of their mind

(Written on 04/13/2015)(Permalink)

It's not a C-10 (or a KC-10). It's only been 44 years since I rode in one but that sure looks like a C-130. Ya might have had be believing it was a C-17 if the picture was a little more blurred but I'm sticking with C-130. Final Answer.

(Written on 04/03/2015)(Permalink)

4.2 Oz = 119.067997125 grams

(Written on 04/03/2015)(Permalink)

I received my PPL while on leave in the USAF two days before departing for DaNang, Vietnam March 12, 1970. After I dropped the FAA Examiner off at ONT I met my Dad at Bracket Fld (KPOC) to take him "around the patch" as my first passenger. I know how Jen felt with the pride beaming from my dad's heart. I was 19. That was the last afternoon I spent with my dad as he died in a plane crash 6 months later while I was in Vietnam. I was so glad to have been able to take him for a ride.

(Written on 03/28/2015)(Permalink)

The Ivy League schools have been doing this for years with the "Easy Money" that Govt Student Loans provide. Then the Govt "forgives" the loans and the taxpayers end up with a mush-brained feel-good basket weaver that not only skipped out on serving his country but is now unemployed or carrying a picket sign. The schools are gigantic and the "Professors" are getting rich with pensions that exceed a 4-Star General's highest active duty pay. There is nothing to see here until Student Loans are clamped down and Liberal Arts Professors are paid equivalent to that of a Veteran who actually offered his life to his country.

(Written on 03/20/2015)(Permalink)

I could agree with the low mechanical load part but if this is a "test" model, why the "High cyclic fatigue"? What (well used) helicopter did they borrow that part from to build this one?

(Written on 01/11/2015)(Permalink)