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Archive for the ‘Aircraft’ Category

Recently I read that the premier ship of the French Navy had left the French port at Toulouse on its way to the coast off Libya. This ship the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle named after the great French soldier statesman is supposed to be a state of art warship with 29 aircraft and latest ECM and other paraphernalia. This action was in compliance witha United nation resolution to enforce a no fly zone over Libya. The aircraft carrier itself displaces 35,000 tons and after 5 years of trials was put into active service in 1999. It is the biggest ship of the European fleets  and the largest warship commissioned by the French after the second world war. The French have moved the aircraft carrier around the world to trumpet French global reach.

 I put on my thinking cap and racked my brain about the French Navy. Sadly through out History the French Navy has always remained second to the British and other Navys. During the second world war there contribution against the Axis powers was a big zero and earlier also the French Navy from the destruction of the Armada by Francis Drake and the Battle at Trafalgar(1805) against Nelson and teh British Fleet always came a cropper. Not forgetting the battle of Quiberon Bay(1759)where again the French fleet was annihilated by the English fleet.

 So all the Hulla bulla about the French carrier moving against Libya may be taken with a pinch of salt. The only saving grace is that there is no worthwhile opposition to test the French aircraft carrier and as such the complement of 1800 personnel can reap a rich harvest of medals. Frankly the Libyans and Gaddafi have no Navy worth the name and their Air Force is also sub standard.

The French pride themselves as a great nation.I suppose they are but in Europe they have been repeatedly bested by the Germans and on the seas the Royal Navy has bettered the French. Thus I do not read much in the movement of the aircraft carrier to the Libyan coast. However the purpose of the movement to control and overthrow Gaddafi has all my support. But by God, if Gaddafi had a strong fleet the French Aircraft carrier could have been tested.

The fleets of aircraft used in the United States are aging, and this is creating a challenge for both the NTSB and the airlines themselves. On average, most aircraft in service today are about fifteen years old and fly on average six flights a day. Even though they are inspected and serviced between flights, there are other factors that affect the aircraft that are not always obvious to the individuals who inspect and service the aircraft. The airplanes bodies are designed with flexibility, because of the changes in pressure in the altitudes they fly in. These changes in pressure are so substantial that the body of the aircraft actually inflates and deflates. Now when this factor is considered with the age and frequent flights occurred, the stress of the joints of the panels of the aircraft body is great.

In recent years, we have seen more than a few airplanes lose panels while in flight. These gaping holes range in size from a few inches to a few feet. When a hole forms in an aircraft while at high altitudes, the pressure inside the cabin is affected along with the oxygen levels for passengers and crew members. This is exactly why before a flight; the safety presentation includes the usage of oxygen masks for passengers. These safety presentations specifically state that an individual must first secure his or her mask first, before attending to anyone else. This includes when helping children. The reason for this is that within 30 seconds of lack of oxygen, a person can go into unconsciousness.

Due to these challenges, airlines throughout the United States and the world for that matter are now requiring a pulse oximeter to be stored in their safety medical bag. A pulse oximeter, also known as a pulse ox by some medical professionals, is a medical device used to measure the blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate of an individual. The new pulse oximeter that is found on airlines is a fingertip version, which simply clips onto one’s finger and provides readings within seconds. A finger pulse oximeter runs on standard batteries and is able to withstand the variations in both temperature and pressure, which makes it a durable medical device for flight. Many airlines have put in orders for the devices already, and have already implemented procedures for their use as well.

The safety of both passengers and crew is very important to airlines, and therefore they strive to find new and better products to serve their needs.

The need for a safe airline step stool has never been greater. Right now, we have more senior citizens and physically disabled people traveling on planes than ever before. And the smaller regional airlines are flying as many passengers per year as the major airlines. Some of these aircraft are too small for the jet bridge to accommodate, so the passengers board and disembark the airplane via a stairway that folds out when the main aircraft door is opened. On some of these airplanes the first step up from the ground to that stair is 12 inches or more. Seniors and physically handicapped need a safe, sturdy step on the ground to help them up to that first stairway step on the planes door.

Pilots and pilots-in-training only have a very small rung to step on when getting into and out of their small single engine aircraft. Using a 2 step stool with secure non-slip surfaces makes it so much safer and easier for them to do that. The step should be light enough to move easily and have a large surface area to stand on. It should also be a bright color so it is seen easily.

Also make sure that your aircraft step has at least a 500 pound load rating permanently attached to the step so there will never be any doubt if it is strong enough to hold even the largest person wanting to fly. If your aircraft step stool has legs, it probably isn’t load rated high enough because legs tend to get bent, then it will become unstable or wobbly. If you are flying in the winter where ice tends to cover the Tarmac, be sure that you keep your aircraft step secure on the ground by installing ice cleats on the bottom of the step for the winter months.

David C. DuPont had invented the safest step stool not for his own gratification but specifically to help people prevent unwanted accident like he had before while using unsafe crate to stand on. That incident pushed David to create a more stable, sturdy and safest step stool anyone could use. Together with this excellent invention, David offers a unique and great guarantee that no one could just ignore. Shurestep step stool has been trusted and respected by different award giving bodies and institution. It has been invented to help solve problems with safety as its main concern. You can check for yourself all the products on his site www.Shure-step.com. Enjoy your visit!

And that is blended wing body aircraft are as much as 30% more efficient due to lower co-efficients of drag. Some may think that the flying wing concept is something totally new and innovative yet in review we find drawings and prototypes that go back decades.

And well some really old stuff, dating way back to WWII and Jack Northrop. And if you really want to be tricky and call question to the efficiency of the flying wing and the earliest designs here is one, which will throw you for a loop; the Egyptians had pictures of what looked like flying winged aircraft on their walls.

So perhaps this idea is not so NEW really. Blended Wings have many concerns to. If you look at a boomerang, or watch a flat object fall it spins on the way down. And let us not forget buffeting issues with flying wings which can occur as well, especially flying in an atmosphere with micro bursts, thunder storms and near airports with lots of wake turbulence too.

Luckily we have learned so much from the flying wing days of the 50′s and 60′s and the present B-2 Bombers as well that we maybe able to really take that knowledge and do better now. For instance airliners, which are flying wings such as this mock up digitally enhanced picture of a flying wing airliner;

http://www.strangedangers.com/content/item/107063.html

A flying wing has many other neat aspects to it. That much wing sure plays well for eddy vortex lift and use. One would think that many who design these things are missing out on other cool possible aspects as well. For instance take thrust vectoring jets at just below the c.g. on top of the wings and put the aircraft into a high angle of attack 35-40 degrees and thus you have put the energy against the c.g. pushing it against the top of the wing rather than the thrust pushing it from the bottom of the wing as most designs show. You could have extremely short take off rolls and very efficient climb outs. The rates of climb would also significantly keep noise away from sensitive neighborhoods around airports.

Another issue is that people like to look out of the aircraft, so it might be wise for passenger aircraft where the passenger rode in the belly of the wing with now windows to play a Virtual or Augmented Reality on the cabin walls of the outside in giant screens, so the passengers would feel like you are sitting on the cloud and thus pleasing to the humans, as all humans seem to have a Closter phobic effect and combining that with air sickness would not be so good. Think on this.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Emergency lights are integral part which spread out clear messages. Airplanes fly at great heights and chances of accidents due to collision is biggest factor. Emergency lights are fixed on the buildings for better visibility for the planes about the hurdle.

Warning saves from any kind of mishap. Precautions are mandatory and should be followed. But in case if we miss to do so then alarms can spare from the accidents. Threatening saves us and prevents from the misfortune. Buildings are incorporated with fire alarm systems so that blazing can be overcome before it can act as demon. Alarms are integral parts of every aspect.

Vehicles make use of emergency lights. Mistreatment of breaks, indicators, sirens or warning lights is impossible. Aviation industry pays high attention to the emergency lights. These lights are to cocoon the passengers for accidents. Tall buildings and other flying planes can take off the pilot’s concentration. And this feasibility of the distraction reaches to quite great extent. Preventive measures should be adopted to manage things well.

Traveling via plane is considered as safest and fastest mode of commutation from one place to another. But accidents do take place due to many reasons. Aviation lights are basically warning lights with high illumination that make plane’s pilot understand the correct path, both on runway and air. You must have noticed these lights on the tall structures (200 ft or above). They are fixed to avert the accidents or collision with other airplanes or aircrafts. Aircraft controllers from ground can recognize the position of the flying plane.

High intensity lightning device enhances the visibility of the structure enabling the aircraft to pass. Basically aircrafts lights are high LED lights giving clear indication from distance.

There are different types available for aviation lights. Xenon discharge flasher is a white strobe light which has become out of trend with wide application of red lamps. Red lamps are being used in many countries as they are illuminated with powerful LED lights. These lights have low maintenance and are highly reliable. Besides, durability factor is another major factor as compared to that of Xenon discharge flashers.

Smaller cities highly make use of low intensity LED aircraft lights due to their low maintenance. These lights are being lighted during day time. There are also energy efficient lights which consumes 10% less power. Solar based LED lights are of superior quality and are also eco-friendly also rule the competitive factor.

Other multifaceted light is medium intensity aircraft light which are also equipped at tall buildings. Electricity is the source for these lights and has huge life span. Inbuilt alarm system is the prominent feature of these lights. It allows staff to eye over the operation of light.

The most advanced of all warning lights available are twin aviation lights. Energy efficient, safe, durable, reliable and eco-friendly are the few characteristics making them amazing amongst other types of light. These aviation lights can be witnessed over TV towers, windmills, transmission line towers and skyscrapers. Maintenance is least factor which is to be considered for these lights as they are made integrating solar technology.

In the business environment, there are several costs that a firm should address while trying to save money, when even maximizing company efficiency. For a huge corporation, it’s common to have multiple sites all across a wide variety of different locations, which your upper management is constantly needed to visit. When looking to help reduce the costs associated with transportation, one of the greatest opportunities that a business could take a good advantage of is found with the investments made into a corporate helicopter or even aircraft, through the low cost utilization of helicopter or aircraft financing.

Usage of air transportation offers an incredible number of benefits to any business which is seeking to expedite management travel and even limit the expense that are associated with time and even money. When one of your corporate managers is required to travel to another city or even across country to visit a different location, a corporation is required to pay for travel, lodging, dining, gas, and also many more expenses which quickly pile up. By taking advantage of helicopter or aircraft travel, you can have an individual visit several other locations, in a very short period of time as well as bring them back to their home office on that same day.

All of the best possibilities to take advantage of this unique traveling possibility are found with investing into helicopter finance. The purchase of a corporate helicopter could be an incredible expense for a firm to manage, when they are seeking to cut down on entire expenses in transportation. By using this finance opportunity, you will be capable of limiting the immediate demands placed on your company as well as manage the monthly expenses, so that your firm saves money in the long term of transportation objectives. Combine this with the utilization of a professional helicopter pilot, and this opportunity of helicopter finance could significantly impact a big firm, in relation to saving money on travel and related expenses.

While the resources of a helicopter might just be highly convenient while you are traveling to so many different locations that are in relatively close proximity to your home office, helicopter flight is not always possible for long distances. No matter whether you are traveling from one coast of Australia to the other coast or from Australia to Europe, the usage of helicopters are unfeasible. Taking a good benefit of aircraft financing could prove highly valuable with organizations seeking to minimize their expenses and not having to rely on the unpredictability that exists with public air transportation.

Having the opportunity to take your corporate professionals or business associates anywhere your firm is demanded, will help in accelerating sales potential and improving your business opportunities. Utilizing opportunities which are created through helicopter and aircraft financing, will help in reducing your immediate expenses and save money for your businesses travel expenses.

It could happen someday. Your company could reach the point in it’s marketing, sales and service where you need to quickly and efficiently travel where commercial jets rarely go. And when that happens, you need to know how private jet charter rates stack up and how you should compare different private jet charter options. Is the operator safe? How much experience does the pilot have? How many hours will you spend in the airplane you are going to be using? These are some of the many questions that arise when trying to determine whether or not to fly on a private charter jet and should be considered when comparing different companies’ rates.

First of all, is the private jet charter operator keeping his planes well-maintained and inspected? All U.S. aircraft should be subject to inspection based on aircraft manufacturer’s specifications–specifications that must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These inspections, depending on the plane type and size, will occur at set intervals of years and flight-time. The FAA rules that apply specifically to charter jet services are found in the FAA part 135 regulations. Many private jet charter companies use third party companies to conduct audits to confirm their compliance with the FAA regulations.

Pilots for private jet charter companies also comply with the Part 135 regulations. This includes being certified to fly certain types of aircraft, meeting the training requirements set forth by the FAA, and going through simulator training at set intervals. In addition to these requirements, the FAA requires scheduled drug tests, physicals, and flight checks. These regulations help to ensure that the pilots are fully qualified and that safety maintains a number one priority.

Another question you might ask is whether or not the chosen air charter company is outsourcing your flight to someone else. The airplanes that are used by private jet charter companies are typically owned by either wealthy individuals or corporations. Since the planes obviously are not in use constantly, many of these corporations and individuals will contract with air carriers registered with the FAA. This means that these air carriers are the ones who actually operate and service the aircraft and who train the pilots and technicians for the aircraft.

When deciding on how to best spend your money, and how the rates are going to compare, you might be concerned on how the weather will affect where you go and how much you pay. Some air charter companies will automatically check on the weather conditions that will influence your travel itinerary. This is to ensure safety, and it also helps the customer make an informed decision. Some companies might offer alternative destinations and even be able to take care of ground transportation costs to get you from the nearest alternative to where you need to be. Obviously you want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth, but many companies are dedicated to helping you get where you need to go safely.

Those involved in extensive travel may want to use private jet charters quite often. Another alternative to the one-time charter is the fractional ownership option. This is where a group of businesses or very wealthy individuals join together to pay for a private aircraft, and then share it amongst themselves. While this might seem to offer a greater amount of availability for the aircraft, it also might lead to some problems in availability when it is needed. The plane might be in a different region entirely being used by one of the other fractional owners. There are also concerns over whether there is an exit fee out of the option and any extra maintenance fees for the aircraft which might not have been stated up-front.

Many companies operate a flight-card option, though these will be more expensive up-front by requiring a membership fee. When purchasing a flight card it is also important to remember to check for other fees that might not be listed with the hourly rate for the plane, such as fuel costs, meal service costs, and charges for the crew, which may be billed separately. Many of these flight cards do offer discounts in certain areas and rewards programs, so it is certainly an option for you if you plan on traveling around a lot.

Private jet charter is not just for the rich and famous. In certain situations, you may find it to be the most efficient and most cost-effective solution for your business. Just be diligent to research all of the options and make sure your comparing the right numbers when you make your decision.

The matter of cleaning a private aircraft interior is one of extreme importance, and which should be completely understood before attempted. Some of the areas on a private aircraft interior are of incredible delicacy, and therefore you do not want to be cleaning it improperly, possibly causing damage that will be permanent.

How to Clean a Private Aircraft Interior

A private aircraft interior has hundreds of thousands of dollars invested into it, and therefore it is incredibly important that if you have a private aircraft, or aircraft of any sort that you make sure to have it cleaned properly. If you cannot do it yourself for whatever reason, this means that you must get it done professionally, which is in fact the far preferred way in this case.

There are certain parts of a private aircraft interior that should be cleaned daily. This includes the carpeting, as you should check the carpet and upholstery for any types of substances that may be harder to get off if left on longer; ashtrays, as you should remove the ashtray liners and then empty the contents into the trash container; as for any drop-down tables, in this case you should clean all of the tables using an approved private aircraft interior cleaner and then rinse off before setting back in position.

As for seat belts, you should wipe all seat belts with a cloth that is dampened with an approved cleaner and then place the belts with buckle and tab crossed on the passenger seat. As well, all windows and armrests and other areas should be wiped clean.

In regards to the galley areas, the trash should be removed, countertops should all be wiped with a cloth and with a disinfectant, all microwaves and coffee makers should be rinsed and disinfected and left open to allow to dry, all floors should be properly mopped, all trash containers should be wiped out and disinfected, as well all carpets should be vacuumed and steam cleaned if necessary.

As for items that can be cleaned periodically as opposed to daily, this includes such things as: blankets, storage bins, window blinds, ceilings, and windows.

However, if you are not interested in doing any of this yourself, there is always the option of hiring a professional to come in and do it for you, although you obviously will be paying more in regards for their labor.

Chartering an Aircraft is all about time saving. There are several reasons for chartering an aircraft. A Chartered aircraft provides a comfortable and relaxing environment, helps in keeping in touch with the world through on board communication facilities and allows to enjoy absolute privacy and complete security. Though they are a bit costly than the commercial flights but are preferred as they provide every convenience without any frustration. Operated on special VIP terminal they save our valuable time wasted in customs, security procedures etc.

The exact kind of aircraft that would be appropriate for our trip is chosen keeping in mind certain factors like the number of passengers traveling, amount and nature of cargo, the destination and the budget. A good chartered aircraft service provider must meet the deadlines and help us in reaching our destination within the stipulated time even at a short notice. The ability of an aircraft to sort out problems like delays caused by weather, baggage and various maintenance issues gives an idea of its efficiency.

A good air charter India company should be able to provide aircrafts ranging from helicopters to business jets to commercial sized airliners for corporates, group travelers and individuals to any destination in the world. They provide several facilities including movie, music, satellite phone, on board. Except these the travelers have the freedom to order their favorite cuisine as well. Any reliable charter company understands the value of time for their clients with heavy schedules thereby providing simple solutions to all their requirements along with full range of convenience and privacy.

In country like India though rails have reached most of the places still, transportation by air is equally preferred. Rails usually take more time and becomes expensive at times when we fail to reach our destined place in time resulting in a loss. If we have a chartered plane we are not required to stand in a long queue nor are we required to schedule our trip as per flight’s time. We enjoy complete freedom and can fly in any plane wherever we want. We are free to choose the time as per our convenience along with all the extra amenities required. Owing to all these advantages charter aircraft services have started booming in India.

As your passengers board the aircraft, the first thing that their eyes meet is the carpets on the floor of the aircraft. A bad, torn, tardy or poorly matched carpet could spoil their impression about your aircraft and service. To perk up the entire look of your flying device in just one go, just replace your carpets with the right type of carpet for the right type of airplanes.

Today we have a wide choice of carpets for airliners. However, not every one is going to be the right one for you. The material of your choice should match with the kind of plane you are flying. For example, today we have the special micro-weight carpets that help you save tons of money for the airliners. The aircraft needs more fuel with each addition in weight of the device and these micro-weight carpets help to save on this precious fuel consumption by cutting down its load. These are considered to be eco-friendly as well since the lesser usage of fuel adds up to a fall in carbon emission rates.

The commercial airliners, for example, are subject to heavy duty and require durable, flameproof and stain-resistant carpets. You can choose to go with nylon or wool or even a combination of both for such aircrafts. The nylon carpets are usually less cheap than the wool ones. Also with nylon carpets, there is no fear of fiber shedding with passage of time. Make sure that the carpets you choose compliments the interiors of the cabin.

The general aviation clients can choose from a larger variety of carpets. Most of the carpets meet the flame-resistant criteria. Also they are available in a rather wide variety of colors that helps you match them with almost any kind of inside décor of the aircraft.

If you want to take a step further, you can buy the custom-designed hand-clustered carpets made from wool or silk yarns, for that extra touch of modishness and class! With different color combination to choose from and a large variety of material for your pick, this could be the biggest fun you could have while designing the interiors of your flying beauty. Cutting down on costs and wastages, the new generation aircraft carpets bring in all the flavors of the season to your dish.

There is no end to your imagination threads and you can weave in the best type of carpets for your own aircrafts to create a masterpiece like none other!