Perhaps ATC responsibilities in Pakistan are different, but I wouldn't think that it would be the anybody but the pilots' responsibility to extend the landing gear.

(Written on 06/23/2020)(Permalink)

For what I think is a very well-balanced presentation on this, check out the Youtube Video "Are Electric Cars Worse For The Environment? Myth Busted" by Engineering Explained. Basically, when taking production into account, in the United States, electric-powered vehicles are almost always better for the environment in terms of carbon emissions than a traditional ICE, although in a state like WV that is coal dominated, the advantage is still there but less significant. The CO2 released in production is not all that significant compared to long-term usage of the automobile, especially in regards to ICE engines. While the video doesn't address aircraft, I would imagine that the benefits of electric power would be amplified somewhat because aircraft ICE's often use older technology that is safer but less efficient than that of a modern car (as I understand it, magnetoes are such an example).

(Written on 06/13/2020)(Permalink)

I have never had the privilege of flying in a Pipistrel, but the company has caught my eye over the past several years. It looks like they make some really solid, economical aircraft for a variety of roles.

(Written on 06/13/2020)(Permalink)

Seriously? Pipistrel didn't start off with a higher-performing electric airplane for some of the same reasons that the Kitty Hawk flyer was not designed to do 200 knots carrying four people for 1000nm and that Henry Ford didn't start off with a Fusion Hybrid. And honestly, Pipistrel is advertising it as a primary trainer, not as luxury 1000mi transport for the whole family. It makes a lot of sense in this role, especially given that so much of primary flight training takes place near the home airport.

(Written on 06/13/2020)(Permalink)

Saying "Continue to hold short runway 25" across a radio to a noisy aircraft without carefully enunciating is a recipe for a miscommunication.

(Written on 04/30/2020)(Permalink)

As someone who was sure this had to be Ford's mistake, I would suggest listening to the audio before passing too much judgment. ATC: Husky 9HU, hold short Runway 25 at HOTEL Ford: Hold short of 25 at HOTEL for 89HU Ford: Tower, 89HU holding short at HOTEL ATC (with not the clearest enunciation): Husky 9HU continue holding short runway 25, traffic on the runway. Ford: Crossing 25, 89HU. I have no idea how that sounded across Ford's radio, but if I personally was holding short and heard "continue", I might do just that. I don't think "continue" and "hold short" should be used together, especially given that radio transmissions are not always crystal clear.

(Written on 04/30/2020)(Permalink)

There is a difference between not being able to land at your intended destination or your preferred alternative because there are two small storm cells that happen to be affecting both at the same time and not being able to land safely at all because you've chosen to fly into a region that is being universally affected by a storm system. The first is not necessarily predictable, but you can find somewhere else to go if you can't wait it out. The second is much more predictable, and should be avoided.

(Written on 02/18/2020)(Permalink)

I'm not passing judgment on this particular situation as to whether the pilots exercised good judgment, and I have no idea if alternates were actually seriously considered or not. In general, however, getting yourself into a situation where you cannot land a perfectly-functioning airplane safely means that you screwed up. It's not good enough to think you can make it - you have to KNOW that barring unforeseeable events, you DEFINITELY can make it. If the forecast is so sketchy (that kind of a storm doesn't just happen) to the point where it may exclude all viable alternatives, then honestly a good aviator won't leave the ground. It's a bit like running out of gas - responsible pilots simply don't do that.

(Written on 02/18/2020)(Permalink)

What's the point of an alternate if you can't land there?

(Written on 02/18/2020)(Permalink)

I'm sure you plan on avoiding the jetstream when flying west across the Atlantic.

(Written on 02/10/2020)(Permalink)