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Results from our listener survey, the B787 battery issue, Air Traffic Control Center vulnerability, historic aircraft, flying a float plane, and air-to-air photography.
News
Boeing, FAA Don’t Understand 787 Battery Shortcomings, Japanese Say
After the Boeing 787 experienced Lithium Ion battery problems, Boeing made some changes designed to reduce the chances of thermal runaway, and to better manage the situation should it occur. But the root cause for the problem was never determined. By Christine Negroni in her Flying Lessons blog.
Illinois man accused of torching air traffic center was being transferred to Hawaii
A disgruntled FAA contractor posted a suicide note on Facebook, brought a can of gasoline into the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center, and set the place on fire, affecting more than 2,000 flights. The man was found by paramedics as he attempted to end his life with a knife.
Allen vs Jackson to restore or recreate the battle for collections
Paul Allen (co-Founder of Microsoft) and Peter Jackson of (Lord Of The Rings Fame) are both amassing huge warbird collections. They are being painstakingly restored by Allen and completely recreated from scratch by Jackson using original plans. The article questions if flying these on of a kind aircraft is worth the risk. Also does creating a “Clone” of an original demean the original and cloud the historical significance.
Flying a Seaplane
Rob’s been learning to fly a float plane.
David’s Report
The Geico Skytypers were invited by the Blue Angels to do a formation flight, and they wanted to David to take some air-to-air photographs. David relates that adventure.
At the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show, David spoke with Kenneth Hess, the Public Affairs Officer for the Chief of Naval Operations, Energy and Environmental Readiness Division. They discussed biofuels and goals of the Navy to reduce energy consumption. Ken mentions the free Energy Warrior app, which lets you discover what the Navy is doing to lead change and increase combat capability. You also learn facts about U.S. oil dependence, and what America’s Navy is doing about it.
Also at Oceana, David spoke with air show and event announcer Ric Peterson about what it takes to be an announcer.
The Australia News Desk
In one of the shortest AusDesks of all time, Grant chats briefly with Errol Cavit and Zac Yates after the recent Wings Over New Zealand Forum meet-up at Ardmore Airport near Auckland.
In addition to Grant scoring a flight in a de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth, there were plenty of amazing aircraft (including a 2-seat Spitfire) and excellent presentations during the day (plus some beer at the end).
Across the Pond
Ascender © Bristol Spaceplanes
Pieter looks at the UK Government Review of commercial spaceplane certification and operations: Technical Report [PDF], as well as the recent news on MOM, MAVEN and Rosetta.
Mentioned
Airbus helps develop first supersonic biz jet
Rand Peck Aviation Photography
Plane Spotting: U.N. Brings Rare Jets to NYC
Melanoma Incidence Is Much Higher for Flight Crews
Credit
Opening and closing music courtesy Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at brotherloverocks.com.
Hi geeks just listening to the debate about whether or not old and rare aircraft should fly .As some people say it is a risk but worth it I think. I was at Dave Allen’s collection near Seattle and I was amazed how many aircraft he has and they are all airworthy. The IL2 was the star of the show the only one flying in the world also the long nose FW190 was pretty special but I didn’t fly at the air show. I do hope see you all at Osh15 not just Rob