The Honeywell SI-800 Airspeed/Mach Indicator has been a standard instrument on the Boeing 737, 747, 757, and 767 for decades. Boeing stopped installing the stand-alone indicator in favor of modern, reliable flat panel displays. Airlines […]
Air masses are always on the move; changing direction and speed as they swirl around the globe. The movement of air across the earth’s surface is what we usually call wind. Wind and temperature data […]
Airline tires take a beating. When a tire reaches its service limit, maintenance technicians remove the entire wheel and replace it; the same for brakes. So, what happens to the old wheels, tires, and brakes? […]
Airliner wheels are subjected to the daily punishment of multiple takeoffs and landings. Tires are exposed to temperatures below -40°C during cruise. At touchdown, rubber temperatures can momentarily exceed 200°C. Wheels must handle the most […]
Flying for a cargo airline can be a rewarding career. The flying, schedules, work hours, and culture are a little different than what many passenger pilots experience. I work for an overnight package express company […]
“O’Hare Tower, We Have Your Numbers” Since the beginning of aviation, the primary means of pilot-controller communication has been voice over the radio. By the late 1950s, air traffic control radio frequencies were becoming congested. […]
Airline pilots spend several days a year in training to brush up on the skills and knowledge needed to fly transport aircraft. Friends are often surprised when I tell them about recurrent training. What kind […]
Readers often ask if it’s possible to fly on a UPS aircraft as a passenger. Ocean freighters sell cabins to adventurous travelers, so it’s a reasonable question. Due to limited space and FAA regulations, the […]
All NEW – Completely revised with even more lights! Airliners have a lot of exterior lights. Bulb locations vary with different models and manufacturers, but most airliners have the same types of lights. Find out why […]
Spend time at a busy airport and you’ll likely see an aircraft go-around. Find out why airplanes go around and how the maneuver enhances safety.