Piper Cheyenne - The Largest Aircraft Built by Piper Aircraft Inc
Piper Aircraft Inc. is one of the well-known aircraft manufacturers to date. The company has been able to produce several models of single as well as twin engine aircraft. To be precise, they manufactured 160 models of aircraft, thereby releasing a total of 144,000 units. Of particular prowess is the Piper Cheyenne, which was first introduced to the market in 1969.
The Piper Cheyenne, or PA-31 aircraft, was noted specifically for its turboprop design and corporate styling. It instantly became a hit in business circles, and served as one of the primary sources of private business travel for executives. The aircraft had the power and class to take passengers around in style and comfort, which definitely contributed to its popularity - even today.
Although the first prototype flew in 1969 as a turboprop version of the pressurized Navajo, the original Cheyenne was produced between 1974 and 1977. In 1978, the Cheyenne I was introduced to the market as a low cost turboprop model that catered to Piper loyalists who wanted to fly one, one way or another. The Cheyenne I was definitely the most affordable model ever produced in this line. The Cheyenne I was actually the first variant of the Piper Cheyenne, but it was much slower than the original Cheyenne, which later became known as the Piper Cheyenne II.
Other variations of the Piper Cheyenne include the Cheyenne III, Cheyenne IIIA and Cheyenne IV. There is also a Cheyenne IIXL, which is a stretched version of the Cheyenne II, and comes with two more feet of fuselage space. Therefore, passengers had a much more comfortable ride thanks to the additional room.
Today, the Cheyenne 400 is the largest aircraft built by Piper, and only 45 units of this model were manufactured. It went back into the factory short after initial release, and was reintroduced to the market in 1974. It continues to sell well however is very hard to come by because such a small number was originally manufactured.
This 6 to 8 passenger turboprop aircraft has a very high resale value. If you happen to be looking for a Piper Cheyenne aircraft for your business and corporate flights, then you can definitely consider the Piper Cheyenne IV as your aircraft of choice. Not only is it powerful and sturdy, but also roomy, allowing you to have comfortable travel for the duration of your flight. It is quite an attractive turboprop aircraft that can easily be considered as part of the jet family introduced by Piper Aircraft Inc.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Parts of an Airplane
Parts of an Airplane
A very important part of the airplane is the wing, for it is by means of the air blowing over it that the lift is produced by which the plane rises or flies. At the outer ends of the wings are the ailerons, by which the pilot keeps the plane level, banks it, or rolls it. Also located on the wings are the flaps. By using them the pilot can make the plane climb or glide more steeply. The wings often contain the gas tanks. Wings are attached at about the middle of the fuselage, except in small planes and flying boats with high wings. There is usually only one wing on each side, attached near the bottom of the fuselage, where it will not interfere with the pilot's view.
Every plane with one wing is called a monoplane, although many people only think of a monoplane as having its wing attached to the top of the fuselage. In the olden days there were many biplanes-planes having two wings, one above the other. By 1953 they were no longer being manufactured, because the two wings created too much added drag, and with high-powered engines were no longer needed to provide lift. THE TAIL Another necessary part of the airplane is the empennage or tail section. This is attached to the back of the fuselage, and is composed of two parts.
The part that stands upright is called the fin. Hinged to the back of the fin is the rudder. It steers the plane to either side. The fixed horizontal part is called the horizontal stabilizer. It helps the wings and ailerons keeps the plane level. Hinged to the back of the horizontal stabilizer is the elevator, which steers the airplane up and down. The engines for multi-engine planes are located on the forward edge of the wings or just beneath them. If a plane has only a single engine it is located at the front end of the fuselage. Those with rear propellers are pushers. Engines may be all jet, all conventional, or propeller engines, or a combination of both. The B-36, for instance, has six conventional engines and four jets. Before 1940 there were some tri-motored planes (three engines ). Two were on the wings, the third in the nose. But with the growth in size of the airplane engine there was no longer room for one in the nose. All multi-engine planes made after 1940 have had an even number of engines. The landing gear finally, there is the landing gear of the airplane.
This has to be one of the strongest and heaviest parts. If you should fall from a window 10 feet high, you would be going 17 miles per hour when you hit the ground-and it would give you quite a jolt. You can imagine how big a jolt it is on the landing gear when an airplane weighing many tons comes down at more than 100 miles per hour. There are two types of landing gear: conventional, with which the plane sits in a three-point attitude on the ground with tail down; and tricycle, with which the airplane rests in a level position. By 1953, all planes being manufactured, except for a few small types, were of the tricycle type. This arrangement enables the pilot to see better while taxiing, since the plane is level. Most landing gears are also retractable. That is, they can be drawn up into the fuselage while the plane is airborne, so as to reduce drag and thus gain higher speeds. (In 1949, the British Navy began experimenting with planes without landing gear, since without the additional weight greater performance could be obtained. They landed them on rubber mats on carriers, and catapulted them for take-off.) The seaplane is similar to the land plane, except in landing gear.
A very important part of the airplane is the wing, for it is by means of the air blowing over it that the lift is produced by which the plane rises or flies. At the outer ends of the wings are the ailerons, by which the pilot keeps the plane level, banks it, or rolls it. Also located on the wings are the flaps. By using them the pilot can make the plane climb or glide more steeply. The wings often contain the gas tanks. Wings are attached at about the middle of the fuselage, except in small planes and flying boats with high wings. There is usually only one wing on each side, attached near the bottom of the fuselage, where it will not interfere with the pilot's view.
Every plane with one wing is called a monoplane, although many people only think of a monoplane as having its wing attached to the top of the fuselage. In the olden days there were many biplanes-planes having two wings, one above the other. By 1953 they were no longer being manufactured, because the two wings created too much added drag, and with high-powered engines were no longer needed to provide lift. THE TAIL Another necessary part of the airplane is the empennage or tail section. This is attached to the back of the fuselage, and is composed of two parts.
The part that stands upright is called the fin. Hinged to the back of the fin is the rudder. It steers the plane to either side. The fixed horizontal part is called the horizontal stabilizer. It helps the wings and ailerons keeps the plane level. Hinged to the back of the horizontal stabilizer is the elevator, which steers the airplane up and down. The engines for multi-engine planes are located on the forward edge of the wings or just beneath them. If a plane has only a single engine it is located at the front end of the fuselage. Those with rear propellers are pushers. Engines may be all jet, all conventional, or propeller engines, or a combination of both. The B-36, for instance, has six conventional engines and four jets. Before 1940 there were some tri-motored planes (three engines ). Two were on the wings, the third in the nose. But with the growth in size of the airplane engine there was no longer room for one in the nose. All multi-engine planes made after 1940 have had an even number of engines. The landing gear finally, there is the landing gear of the airplane.
This has to be one of the strongest and heaviest parts. If you should fall from a window 10 feet high, you would be going 17 miles per hour when you hit the ground-and it would give you quite a jolt. You can imagine how big a jolt it is on the landing gear when an airplane weighing many tons comes down at more than 100 miles per hour. There are two types of landing gear: conventional, with which the plane sits in a three-point attitude on the ground with tail down; and tricycle, with which the airplane rests in a level position. By 1953, all planes being manufactured, except for a few small types, were of the tricycle type. This arrangement enables the pilot to see better while taxiing, since the plane is level. Most landing gears are also retractable. That is, they can be drawn up into the fuselage while the plane is airborne, so as to reduce drag and thus gain higher speeds. (In 1949, the British Navy began experimenting with planes without landing gear, since without the additional weight greater performance could be obtained. They landed them on rubber mats on carriers, and catapulted them for take-off.) The seaplane is similar to the land plane, except in landing gear.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Private Plane Rental Rates - 2 Great Tips to Help You Save Money
Private Plane Rental Rates - 2 Great Tips to Help You Save Money
Private plane rental rates are not that expensive when you consider what you get for your money. This article will explain the advantages to hiring a private plane and why private plane rates are really not that expensive.
Time Savings - If you are like most people your time is worth money. If you have to fly commercial then most likely you will spend a great deal of time looking for parking and then taking the shuttle to the terminal. You will also spend time in the security line waiting up to a couple of hours. Of course there will be delays and even cancellations due to weather. All of these things lead to wasted time and therefore wasted money. When using a private plane you can park close by because private jest normally take off at smaller airports that are less crowded. You don't have to wait in long lines for security checks, and rarely are your flights delayed. The simple fact that you could save a few hours flying a private charter versus a commercial airline is worth noting when figuring the true costs of renting a private plane.
Dead Head Flights - If you are smart you will try to save money on private planes by flying as the dead head. What's dead head flying? Well, when a flight is booked from one city to the next, the charter normally has to fly back to the original airport empty. The owners of the jet would rather put someone on going back at any costs. This is dead heading and can save you hundreds of dollars. When booking a charter flight ask the agent for possible dead head reservations. You might just save a bundle of money.
Private plane rental rates are not that expensive when you consider what you get for your money. This article will explain the advantages to hiring a private plane and why private plane rates are really not that expensive.
Time Savings - If you are like most people your time is worth money. If you have to fly commercial then most likely you will spend a great deal of time looking for parking and then taking the shuttle to the terminal. You will also spend time in the security line waiting up to a couple of hours. Of course there will be delays and even cancellations due to weather. All of these things lead to wasted time and therefore wasted money. When using a private plane you can park close by because private jest normally take off at smaller airports that are less crowded. You don't have to wait in long lines for security checks, and rarely are your flights delayed. The simple fact that you could save a few hours flying a private charter versus a commercial airline is worth noting when figuring the true costs of renting a private plane.
Dead Head Flights - If you are smart you will try to save money on private planes by flying as the dead head. What's dead head flying? Well, when a flight is booked from one city to the next, the charter normally has to fly back to the original airport empty. The owners of the jet would rather put someone on going back at any costs. This is dead heading and can save you hundreds of dollars. When booking a charter flight ask the agent for possible dead head reservations. You might just save a bundle of money.
Private Charter Planes - 3 Tips to Lower Your Costs of Private Plane Rentals
Private Charter Planes - 3 Tips to Lower Your Costs of Private Plane Rentals
Today many people believe that flying in a private charter plane is very expensive and out of reach for most people. The truth is that private plane rentals can be very economical for business or pleasure. This article will explore how to lower the costs of flying in a private charter plane.
Why fly in a private jet? There are many reasons, but here are a few. The biggest savings is time. I don't have to worry about parking at the commercial airport. I don't have to wait in long security lines or baggage check in lines. I can basically drive up to my jet or close to it at a small airport, walk on to the plane and then expect to take off. Other reasons are that you don't have to put up with other passengers and delays. The degree of luxury can be much better than flying first class in a commercial jet, but luxury is not available on all private charter planes.
Now that you are sold on renting a private jet, you need to find out how to cut the costs. If you are flying for pleasure, then consider flying on the dead head flight. If your travel schedule is flexible, then you can save a tremendous amount of money on the dead head link. When a jet goes from point A to point B it must fly back to point A, normally empty. This is the dead head flight. Owners of jets would rather put someone on the flight at a lower price in order to pay for fixed expenses. If you are flexible you can save a ton of money.
Another way to save money is to get more people to fly with you. If you are flying for business then try to get everyone on the same flight instead of some people taking a commercial flight. The more people you get to fly the more you will save on a group rate.
Most people book flights using a private jet broker, but if you call the local airports you might be able to negotiate a lower rate directly with the owner of the jet.
Today many people believe that flying in a private charter plane is very expensive and out of reach for most people. The truth is that private plane rentals can be very economical for business or pleasure. This article will explore how to lower the costs of flying in a private charter plane.
Why fly in a private jet? There are many reasons, but here are a few. The biggest savings is time. I don't have to worry about parking at the commercial airport. I don't have to wait in long security lines or baggage check in lines. I can basically drive up to my jet or close to it at a small airport, walk on to the plane and then expect to take off. Other reasons are that you don't have to put up with other passengers and delays. The degree of luxury can be much better than flying first class in a commercial jet, but luxury is not available on all private charter planes.
Now that you are sold on renting a private jet, you need to find out how to cut the costs. If you are flying for pleasure, then consider flying on the dead head flight. If your travel schedule is flexible, then you can save a tremendous amount of money on the dead head link. When a jet goes from point A to point B it must fly back to point A, normally empty. This is the dead head flight. Owners of jets would rather put someone on the flight at a lower price in order to pay for fixed expenses. If you are flexible you can save a ton of money.
Another way to save money is to get more people to fly with you. If you are flying for business then try to get everyone on the same flight instead of some people taking a commercial flight. The more people you get to fly the more you will save on a group rate.
Most people book flights using a private jet broker, but if you call the local airports you might be able to negotiate a lower rate directly with the owner of the jet.
Pratt and Whitney - A History
Pratt and Whitney - A History
Pratt and Whitney Aircraft manufactures aircraft engines. On their famous logo with the Eagle it says: "Dependable Engines". In later years the company had the following slogan: "The Eagle means Business". They have been manufacturing engines (piston and jet) since 1925. The man who started it was Frederick Brant Rentschler. And you thought the company was started by two people named Pratt and Whitney!
Well the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft story is a fairly long and convoluted one. Rentschler founded Wright Aeronautical. Wright Aeronautical was previously Wright-Martin. Wright-Martin was a merger of the Glenn L. Martin Company and the Wright Company which occurred in 1916. Wright Company was created by Orville and Wilbur Wright. Glenn Martin resigned from Wright-Martin in 1917. The company was renamed Wright Aeronautical in 1919. The Wright "Whirlwind" engine was used on the plane that the famed aviator Charles Lindbergh flew solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean on May 21, 1927. Then in 1924 Rentschler left Wright Aeronautical with some engineers after a dispute regarding funding for an air-cooled engine which the government requested development of. So Rentschler headed to Connecticut to Pratt & Whitney which at the time was called the "Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool Company". It was founded in 1860 by Francis A. Pratt and Amos Whitney (a cousin of Eli Whitney). They were located in Hartford, Connecticut. Pratt & Whitney provided funds, building facilities, and even their name. Pratt & Whitney Aircraft was incorporated in 1925.
The following is but a short list of well-known aircraft that have had Pratt & Whitney engines installed on them:
B-52 Stratofortress (1952) - the J57
Boeing 707 (1958) - the JT3
SR-71 Blackbird (1964) - the J58
Boeing 747 (1966) - the JT9D
F-15 Eagle (1970) - the F100
Boeing 727 (1980) - the JT8D
Boeing 747 (1987) - the PW4000
Boeing 777 (1989) - the PW4084
F/A-22 Raptor (1991) - the F119
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft manufactured 363,610 piston aircraft engines during World War II which was nearly half of all the engines produced.
Charles Lindbergh was once employed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft The desk he used can be seen at the Pratt & Whitney Museum in Hartford, CT. Connecticut's economy relies in large part on the Defense Industry and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft is the states largest private employer.
Over the years Pratt & Whitney Aircraft has made engines that have been installed in a large variety of civil and military aircraft. They have also made engines (both piston and jet) that have been used to generate electrical power on the ground. There power plants have been installed in U.S. Navy ships. They even in had small helicopter turbine engines installed on Indy and Formula One racing cars. Pratt & Whitney Aircraft also has a division in Canada that was founded in 1928. It makes turboprop engines for small aircraft.
In 1929 Rentschler incorporated the company called: "United Aircraft and Transport Company". The creation of United Airlines came about from this company. United Aircraft and Transport Company then became United Aircraft Corporation which was comprised of the following four companies: Pratt & Whitney, Vought Aircraft (from Chance Vought - another aviation legend - but this company left in 1954), Sikorsky Aircraft (from famed helicopter inventor Igor Sikorsky), and Hamilton-Standard which makes propellers. Then in 1975 United Aircraft Corporation became the United Technologies Corporation which we know today. United Technologies Corporation or UTC also has Carrier (air conditioning and refrigeration) and Otis (elevators) as business units.
Pratt and Whitney Aircraft manufactures aircraft engines. On their famous logo with the Eagle it says: "Dependable Engines". In later years the company had the following slogan: "The Eagle means Business". They have been manufacturing engines (piston and jet) since 1925. The man who started it was Frederick Brant Rentschler. And you thought the company was started by two people named Pratt and Whitney!
Well the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft story is a fairly long and convoluted one. Rentschler founded Wright Aeronautical. Wright Aeronautical was previously Wright-Martin. Wright-Martin was a merger of the Glenn L. Martin Company and the Wright Company which occurred in 1916. Wright Company was created by Orville and Wilbur Wright. Glenn Martin resigned from Wright-Martin in 1917. The company was renamed Wright Aeronautical in 1919. The Wright "Whirlwind" engine was used on the plane that the famed aviator Charles Lindbergh flew solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean on May 21, 1927. Then in 1924 Rentschler left Wright Aeronautical with some engineers after a dispute regarding funding for an air-cooled engine which the government requested development of. So Rentschler headed to Connecticut to Pratt & Whitney which at the time was called the "Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool Company". It was founded in 1860 by Francis A. Pratt and Amos Whitney (a cousin of Eli Whitney). They were located in Hartford, Connecticut. Pratt & Whitney provided funds, building facilities, and even their name. Pratt & Whitney Aircraft was incorporated in 1925.
The following is but a short list of well-known aircraft that have had Pratt & Whitney engines installed on them:
B-52 Stratofortress (1952) - the J57
Boeing 707 (1958) - the JT3
SR-71 Blackbird (1964) - the J58
Boeing 747 (1966) - the JT9D
F-15 Eagle (1970) - the F100
Boeing 727 (1980) - the JT8D
Boeing 747 (1987) - the PW4000
Boeing 777 (1989) - the PW4084
F/A-22 Raptor (1991) - the F119
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft manufactured 363,610 piston aircraft engines during World War II which was nearly half of all the engines produced.
Charles Lindbergh was once employed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft The desk he used can be seen at the Pratt & Whitney Museum in Hartford, CT. Connecticut's economy relies in large part on the Defense Industry and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft is the states largest private employer.
Over the years Pratt & Whitney Aircraft has made engines that have been installed in a large variety of civil and military aircraft. They have also made engines (both piston and jet) that have been used to generate electrical power on the ground. There power plants have been installed in U.S. Navy ships. They even in had small helicopter turbine engines installed on Indy and Formula One racing cars. Pratt & Whitney Aircraft also has a division in Canada that was founded in 1928. It makes turboprop engines for small aircraft.
In 1929 Rentschler incorporated the company called: "United Aircraft and Transport Company". The creation of United Airlines came about from this company. United Aircraft and Transport Company then became United Aircraft Corporation which was comprised of the following four companies: Pratt & Whitney, Vought Aircraft (from Chance Vought - another aviation legend - but this company left in 1954), Sikorsky Aircraft (from famed helicopter inventor Igor Sikorsky), and Hamilton-Standard which makes propellers. Then in 1975 United Aircraft Corporation became the United Technologies Corporation which we know today. United Technologies Corporation or UTC also has Carrier (air conditioning and refrigeration) and Otis (elevators) as business units.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Purchasing Or Leasing A Private Jet Aircraft
Purchasing Or Leasing A Private Jet Aircraft
The commercial airline industry is well aware of the effects of stricter Homeland Security Regulations on their first class passenger industry. Rather than wait in stocking feet with four to five plastic buckets in hand, many first class passengers are choosing to purchase or lease their own jet aircraft. This is having a huge impact on their bottom line. Private jet sales may seem pricey, but for the companies that send multiple parties on weekly international or cross country flights purchasing a jet in either full or partial ownership can actually save money long-term. Private jets are the alternative to long lines, delayed flights, and rerouting. If you are looking to purchase or lease a private jet then contact a jet broker today.
A jet broker can explain all of your options in full, providing you with costing for new versus used jets, full versus part ownership, and even provide you with access to charter companies. Jet brokers will walk you through your requirements and cross-reference them to available jets that they are licensed and empowered to broker. They will be able to tell you about the maintenance performed on a particular craft, its reliability, and previous ownership. Jet brokers will work with you to negotiate terms with the seller and even help you to procure financing and insurance.
Working with a jet broker like L&L International takes the guesswork out of buying a big ticket item like a jet. You are no longer alone in the decision making process. Jet brokers act as consultants, guiding you every step of the way. In many cases they have extensive knowledge of the seller and can help to resolve any issues that may arise in the purchase process.
Buying a jet is a huge decision, one that is best considered from every rational and knowledgeable perspective. When it is a business investment all aspects of the purchase will be scrutinized and therefore seeking the assistance of a subject matter expert will provide added due diligence to the process. At the end of the day you want to be able to enjoy the purchase, not stress over it. Leaving the purchase in the hands of the jet broker allows you to sit back and enjoy the ride.
The commercial airline industry is well aware of the effects of stricter Homeland Security Regulations on their first class passenger industry. Rather than wait in stocking feet with four to five plastic buckets in hand, many first class passengers are choosing to purchase or lease their own jet aircraft. This is having a huge impact on their bottom line. Private jet sales may seem pricey, but for the companies that send multiple parties on weekly international or cross country flights purchasing a jet in either full or partial ownership can actually save money long-term. Private jets are the alternative to long lines, delayed flights, and rerouting. If you are looking to purchase or lease a private jet then contact a jet broker today.
A jet broker can explain all of your options in full, providing you with costing for new versus used jets, full versus part ownership, and even provide you with access to charter companies. Jet brokers will walk you through your requirements and cross-reference them to available jets that they are licensed and empowered to broker. They will be able to tell you about the maintenance performed on a particular craft, its reliability, and previous ownership. Jet brokers will work with you to negotiate terms with the seller and even help you to procure financing and insurance.
Working with a jet broker like L&L International takes the guesswork out of buying a big ticket item like a jet. You are no longer alone in the decision making process. Jet brokers act as consultants, guiding you every step of the way. In many cases they have extensive knowledge of the seller and can help to resolve any issues that may arise in the purchase process.
Buying a jet is a huge decision, one that is best considered from every rational and knowledgeable perspective. When it is a business investment all aspects of the purchase will be scrutinized and therefore seeking the assistance of a subject matter expert will provide added due diligence to the process. At the end of the day you want to be able to enjoy the purchase, not stress over it. Leaving the purchase in the hands of the jet broker allows you to sit back and enjoy the ride.
RC Airplane Batteries
RC Airplane Batteries
Flying around your RC airplane is such a treat you will want to do it as long as you can. But, to get the most out of your RC plane you are going to need to equip it with a stellar battery. RC batteries are unlike the types you use in your TV remote control. RC airplane enthusiasts know that RC batteries are specialized pieces that can make all the difference to your RC experience.
When deciding which battery to purchase for your RC airplane, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to note is the amount of voltage necessary to power your particular airplane. Voltage is listed as V and most RC airplanes require at least 5 volts of power. Most battery systems are set-up in cells. These cells are small, thin and lightweight that produce small voltage but can be wired together to create an overall powerful charge. Parallel cell set-ups are popular amongst enthusiasts because they increase battery capacity allowing you to fly longer. It should be noted that RC parallel cell set-ups don't increase voltage.
Once you've figured out your RC cell set-up, you will want to find the right chemical set-up.
There are a few different kinds of batteries available for RC units but the most widely available are NiCD, NiMH and LiPo. Commonly, Nickel Cadmium (NiCD) batteries are used in RC models. These are the worst batteries available on the market. Not only do they carry the lowest voltage and capacity of any RC airplane battery out there, but cadmium is harmful to the environment. NiCD batteries also need to be discharged after every use before they can be recharged.
Failure to discharge will result in a battery that can no longer be 100% recharged. RC nickel metal hydride is much better RC battery all around. Not only does it produce more power but it doesn't carry any cadmium. You also won't have to discharge NiMH batteries after every use. This makes battery upkeep easy. Lithium Polymer batteries (LiPo) are the latest and greatest in battery technology. These RC batteries have a high drain capacity and pack high voltage cells. They are also lightweight making them great for any model RC. One of the only downsides of LiPo batteries is that they are fragile. They have to be closely monitored when being charged because they have a chance of going haywire during any kind of power transfer. If you decide to go with LiPos be sure to pick up a top notch charger.
Fly high and often with a new battery for your RC airplane. By swapping out that NiCD battery for a high powered LiPo or NiMH battery can be one of the best decision you can make for your RC model. Get the battery power necessary for long RC airplane sessions.
Flying around your RC airplane is such a treat you will want to do it as long as you can. But, to get the most out of your RC plane you are going to need to equip it with a stellar battery. RC batteries are unlike the types you use in your TV remote control. RC airplane enthusiasts know that RC batteries are specialized pieces that can make all the difference to your RC experience.
When deciding which battery to purchase for your RC airplane, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to note is the amount of voltage necessary to power your particular airplane. Voltage is listed as V and most RC airplanes require at least 5 volts of power. Most battery systems are set-up in cells. These cells are small, thin and lightweight that produce small voltage but can be wired together to create an overall powerful charge. Parallel cell set-ups are popular amongst enthusiasts because they increase battery capacity allowing you to fly longer. It should be noted that RC parallel cell set-ups don't increase voltage.
Once you've figured out your RC cell set-up, you will want to find the right chemical set-up.
There are a few different kinds of batteries available for RC units but the most widely available are NiCD, NiMH and LiPo. Commonly, Nickel Cadmium (NiCD) batteries are used in RC models. These are the worst batteries available on the market. Not only do they carry the lowest voltage and capacity of any RC airplane battery out there, but cadmium is harmful to the environment. NiCD batteries also need to be discharged after every use before they can be recharged.
Failure to discharge will result in a battery that can no longer be 100% recharged. RC nickel metal hydride is much better RC battery all around. Not only does it produce more power but it doesn't carry any cadmium. You also won't have to discharge NiMH batteries after every use. This makes battery upkeep easy. Lithium Polymer batteries (LiPo) are the latest and greatest in battery technology. These RC batteries have a high drain capacity and pack high voltage cells. They are also lightweight making them great for any model RC. One of the only downsides of LiPo batteries is that they are fragile. They have to be closely monitored when being charged because they have a chance of going haywire during any kind of power transfer. If you decide to go with LiPos be sure to pick up a top notch charger.
Fly high and often with a new battery for your RC airplane. By swapping out that NiCD battery for a high powered LiPo or NiMH battery can be one of the best decision you can make for your RC model. Get the battery power necessary for long RC airplane sessions.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Private Jets: Reviewing the Embraer Legacy
Private Jets: Reviewing the Embraer Legacy
Private jet operators have a good selection of aircraft models to choose from when considering their next purchase. In the cabin class size, the Boeing Business Jet, Airbus Corporate Jet, Gulfstream 450 and 550, as well as various Bombardier offerings and the Falcon 2000 all stand out. Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, is a new player and is represented by a pair of models under the Legacy name. The Legacy Shuttle is configured to carry from 16-39 passengers while the Legacy Executive typically carries 13-16 passengers. For private jet comparison we will look at what the Executive has to offer.
Matching up to aircraft in its class, the Legacy is similarly appointed. The Embraer has all the creature comforts usually found in an aircraft of its size; a well appointed cabin and a seating configuration for 13 or more passengers. Delivered aircraft typically feature fine quality hardwoods, fabrics and finishes, in addition to a sideboard, tables and a three-seat sofa. Passengers on the Legacy have access to Airshow systems, DVD, real time communications, telephone, and fax in the cabin. The cabin can be furnished with working tables for staff meetings and individual workstations at the required seats.
The Legacy features a full galley comparable to those found on many Gulfstreams and Falcons. Embraer claims to have the largest cabin volume of any super mid-size jet as well as the largest baggage compartment. In addition, the aircraft features three cabin zones which they claim is unique in this particular aircraft category.
Anyone approaching six feet in height would have to constantly bend their head to navigate the cabin. Like the Challenger 800, headroom is at a premium for taller individuals, thus passengers might be disappointed with the headroom if they are used to flying on a Gulfstream V.
With a range of 3,250 n.m. the Legacy is not the Global Express, but it does compare favorably dimension wise with other aircraft in the super mid-sized category. Prices are strongly competitive as well and it is a certainty that the Legacy will be examined closely by business aviation enthusiasts.
Sources: Legacy by Embraer sales brochure and Aerospace Technology at AerospaceTechnology.com; Based on an earlier review written by Matt Keegan of the Embraer Legacy displayed at the 2003 NBAA Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Private jet operators have a good selection of aircraft models to choose from when considering their next purchase. In the cabin class size, the Boeing Business Jet, Airbus Corporate Jet, Gulfstream 450 and 550, as well as various Bombardier offerings and the Falcon 2000 all stand out. Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, is a new player and is represented by a pair of models under the Legacy name. The Legacy Shuttle is configured to carry from 16-39 passengers while the Legacy Executive typically carries 13-16 passengers. For private jet comparison we will look at what the Executive has to offer.
Matching up to aircraft in its class, the Legacy is similarly appointed. The Embraer has all the creature comforts usually found in an aircraft of its size; a well appointed cabin and a seating configuration for 13 or more passengers. Delivered aircraft typically feature fine quality hardwoods, fabrics and finishes, in addition to a sideboard, tables and a three-seat sofa. Passengers on the Legacy have access to Airshow systems, DVD, real time communications, telephone, and fax in the cabin. The cabin can be furnished with working tables for staff meetings and individual workstations at the required seats.
The Legacy features a full galley comparable to those found on many Gulfstreams and Falcons. Embraer claims to have the largest cabin volume of any super mid-size jet as well as the largest baggage compartment. In addition, the aircraft features three cabin zones which they claim is unique in this particular aircraft category.
Anyone approaching six feet in height would have to constantly bend their head to navigate the cabin. Like the Challenger 800, headroom is at a premium for taller individuals, thus passengers might be disappointed with the headroom if they are used to flying on a Gulfstream V.
With a range of 3,250 n.m. the Legacy is not the Global Express, but it does compare favorably dimension wise with other aircraft in the super mid-sized category. Prices are strongly competitive as well and it is a certainty that the Legacy will be examined closely by business aviation enthusiasts.
Sources: Legacy by Embraer sales brochure and Aerospace Technology at AerospaceTechnology.com; Based on an earlier review written by Matt Keegan of the Embraer Legacy displayed at the 2003 NBAA Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Overview of Groundbreaking Light Aircraft Manufacturer Grob Aerospace
Overview of Groundbreaking Light Aircraft Manufacturer Grob Aerospace
With popular models of aircraft to their credit like the Grob G 103 Twin Astir sailplane and Grob G109B motor glider, Grob Aerospace is a popular German-based aircraft manufacturer with nearly four decades of aviation experience.
Grob doesn't turn out luxury private jets or huge jumbo liners like other companies, but they have been ahead of the game for a while. They first started using the strong and lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer way back in the 1970s, when other companies were still using inferior materials that added weight, drag and price to their aircraft.
The Grob line started back in 1926, when Ernst Grob first started producing internal combustion engines and other parts for the automobile industry. Ernst's son, Dr. Burkhart Grob, wanted to follow in his father's footsteps in terms of manufacturing. However, the world was going in a new direction. Air travel was becoming popular and the rush was on to personalize it.
Burkhart founded Grob Aerospace in 1971 and started to become involved in various forms of motorized gliders. Schempp-Hirth contracted Grob to build the Standard Cirrus, and with Burkhart's expertise as a glider pilot, the company successfully completed the construction and delivery of over 200 gliders from 1971 to 1975.
To that date, Grob had constructed inexpensive gliders for the competitive market. In 1974, they decided that it was far more lucrative to go with building for the club market. Their first big project in this new market was the successful G-102 Astir, soon followed by the G-103 two-seater. By 1978, Grob again wanted to expand its horizons.
In 1981, the first ever all-composite motor glider was certified, the G-109. They continued to produce similar models of aircraft in the years to come, including the G-115 in 1987 and even more risqué high-altitude models like the G-520, which established and broke multiple world records for its class.
By the 1990s, Grob Aerospace had a working formula and a large market to compete in. However, in 1996, Grob decided to get away from the glider world altogether. The company was attempting to set its sights solely on powered aircraft models. These would be more costly to build, but they would also bring in more money.
The design and testing phase for their powered line took nearly a decade. In 2005, the first flight of the Grob G-180 SPn took off, but before it could really be picked up as an effective aircraft, the second prototype crashed in Germany in 2006, killing the plane's pilot.
After the crash, it was increasingly difficult to find investors to back Grob in their production of light-jet aircraft. The company filed for insolvency in 2008, releasing most of its employees and failing to finish the Learjet 85 model they had been contracted to build.
H3 Aerospace purchased Grob Aerospace in 2009 and renamed the company Grob Aircraft. They hit the ground running and their small aircraft production immediately picked back up.
With popular models of aircraft to their credit like the Grob G 103 Twin Astir sailplane and Grob G109B motor glider, Grob Aerospace is a popular German-based aircraft manufacturer with nearly four decades of aviation experience.
Grob doesn't turn out luxury private jets or huge jumbo liners like other companies, but they have been ahead of the game for a while. They first started using the strong and lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer way back in the 1970s, when other companies were still using inferior materials that added weight, drag and price to their aircraft.
The Grob line started back in 1926, when Ernst Grob first started producing internal combustion engines and other parts for the automobile industry. Ernst's son, Dr. Burkhart Grob, wanted to follow in his father's footsteps in terms of manufacturing. However, the world was going in a new direction. Air travel was becoming popular and the rush was on to personalize it.
Burkhart founded Grob Aerospace in 1971 and started to become involved in various forms of motorized gliders. Schempp-Hirth contracted Grob to build the Standard Cirrus, and with Burkhart's expertise as a glider pilot, the company successfully completed the construction and delivery of over 200 gliders from 1971 to 1975.
To that date, Grob had constructed inexpensive gliders for the competitive market. In 1974, they decided that it was far more lucrative to go with building for the club market. Their first big project in this new market was the successful G-102 Astir, soon followed by the G-103 two-seater. By 1978, Grob again wanted to expand its horizons.
In 1981, the first ever all-composite motor glider was certified, the G-109. They continued to produce similar models of aircraft in the years to come, including the G-115 in 1987 and even more risqué high-altitude models like the G-520, which established and broke multiple world records for its class.
By the 1990s, Grob Aerospace had a working formula and a large market to compete in. However, in 1996, Grob decided to get away from the glider world altogether. The company was attempting to set its sights solely on powered aircraft models. These would be more costly to build, but they would also bring in more money.
The design and testing phase for their powered line took nearly a decade. In 2005, the first flight of the Grob G-180 SPn took off, but before it could really be picked up as an effective aircraft, the second prototype crashed in Germany in 2006, killing the plane's pilot.
After the crash, it was increasingly difficult to find investors to back Grob in their production of light-jet aircraft. The company filed for insolvency in 2008, releasing most of its employees and failing to finish the Learjet 85 model they had been contracted to build.
H3 Aerospace purchased Grob Aerospace in 2009 and renamed the company Grob Aircraft. They hit the ground running and their small aircraft production immediately picked back up.
Radio Controlled Aircraft - LiPo Batteries - How to Use and Care For Them
Radio Controlled Aircraft - LiPo Batteries - How to Use and Care For Them
LiPo Do's and Don'ts
There is a lot of confusion about LiPo batteries out there especially after problems where they have caught fire. This is mainly because of people that do not have a clear understand of how to work with LiPo batteries and the do's and don'ts. Hopefully some of these tips will help people in the right direction.
LiPo batteries are big in the world of rc planes, rc jets and radio controlled models in general, where the advantages of both lower weight and greatly increased run times can be sufficient justification for the price for the rc hobby. However, lithium polymer-specific chargers are required to avoid fire and explosion. Fire can also occur if the battery is short-circuited, as tremendous current passes through the cell in an instant. Radio-control enthusiasts must take special precautions to ensure their battery leads are properly connected and insulated. Furthermore fires can occur if the cell or pack is punctured.
Using LiPo's properly and charging them correctly is no trivial task. There are many things to consider before using lithium cells for e-flight. But none is more important than safety!
Safety is IMPORTANT!
Until you are willing to follow all safety precautions, DO NOT use lithium batteries. If prefer just to just plug in a battery and not worry about it, run it flat, charge it hot then LiPo technology is not for you!
Lithium cells must be charged very differently than NiCD or NiMH cells. Firstly they require a special charger specifically designed to charge lithium cells, NEVER use NiCD or NIMH only chargers on LiPo batteries! You must use a Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer charger that is designed to handle the number of cells you are trying to charge. Charging Lithium cells is the most hazardous part of using lithium batteries. EXTREME care must be taken when charging them to avoid damaging the cells or worse causing them to catch fire. It is important to set your charger to the correct voltage or cell count. There have been fires directly caused by lithium batteries so PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE when charging lithium batteries.
Here are some IMPORTANT guidelines when using LiPo batteries:
1. Only use a charger approved for lithium batteries! You should clearly see Li-Po, Li-Ion marked on the charger or specified in the operations manual of the charger. Both batteries are charged in exactly the same manner.
2. Make sure you set the correct cell count on your charger. This is important as it depicts the total voltage for the pack. Ensure that charger displays the correct cell count when you start charging. If you don't know how to do that, consult your chargers manual or get a charger that displays this information. Each cell must never be charged to more than 4.2 volts. Overcharging a cell will cause the chemical composition of the Lithium to become unstable which could lead to flames coming from the cell.
3. Balance charge your LiPos. Having an unbalanced pack can cause damage to the cells if cells are not within 0.1 volts of each other. Most proper LiPo chargers come with a balance option, if yours does not have it we strong suggest you get one. Depending on how much current you drawing from you LiPo each flight you may want to balance your packs every 3-5 flights to ensure each cell is individually charged to 4.2 volts so that they are all equal. If after every flight the cell of the pack is unbalanced you may have faulty cell. Balance the cells more frequently to see if you can correct the problem. If the problem persists consider replacing the pack.
4. NEVER leave your batteries charging unattended. This is the number one reason for house fires. If something goes wrong you want to attend to it quickly!
5. Charge your batteries on a surface that will not be damaged by fire. Should a LiPo catch fire you want to avoid the problem spreading to other surfaces. Vented fire safes, pyrex dishes with sand in the bottom, fireplaces, plant pots, are all good options to consider. The most practical solution today is to purchase LiPo safe bags for charging.
6. NEVER CHARGE AT MORE THAN 1C unless the battery pack vendor has explicitly proven it is safe to do so. Keep it at less than or equal to 1C of the battery's capacity rating if you are unsure. Many LiPo related fires are due to people charging at a greater current than what the LiPo is rated to be able to handle. The concept of fast charge should never be applied to LiPos!
7. Never discharge your LiPo cells to less than 3.3volts per cell, not the total pack voltage. Most ESC's today will do a soft cut-off at 3.3volts per cell and a hard cut-off at 3.0volts per cell. However some will not give you and warning. Best advice is to fly with a timer and monitor the voltage and adjust your flying time if needs be.
8. NEVER puncture the cell, ever! If a cell balloons rapidly place it in a fire safe place immediately. If this happens and smoke and heat is coming from the LiPo get it clear of all other items and be prepared for flame to come out! If after many hours have passed (days) and the pack is still ballooned but have not combusted, discharge the pack slowly and dispose of it in a proper way.
9. If you have a crash with your lithium cells they may be damaged internally! The pack may look fine but may only balloon in time. If you have crashed, carefully remove the battery pack from the model and watch it carefully for at least the next 30 minutes. Ensure the pack is cool to touch before transporting it.
10. Charge your batteries in an open well ventilated area. If a battery does become unstable you want the hazardous fumes and material to be vented from the room.
11. Keep a bucket of sand nearby when you are flying or charging batteries. This is a cost effective way to extinguish fires.
12. Do not think it won't happen to you! Safety is no accident!
Some useful tips for keeping your LiPos healthy:
1. Let your packs cool down before recharging. It is very important to the internal chemical composition of the cells not to run hot or worse be hot when charging as only more energy and heat is being put back into the cells. So wait 30min to 1hour before charging your packs again.
2. Stick to the 80% rule! This basically means never push more than 805 of its discharge rate and drain more than 80% of the capacity of your LiPo battery pack. When one drains more than 80% the capacity it starts to cause allot internal heating in the cell and basically start eating away at itself. So basically if you have a 2200mah pack, you want to only put back 1760mah when charging. Most chargers display the number of mah on a charge so you can adjust your flight time, gearing, etc based on this figure to make your LiPos last longer.
3. Discharge your packs to storage levels if you not going to use them within a week or two of the last charge. This will help make packs last longer especially if you don't fly every week. If you leave LiPos fully charge for long periods it start causing deterioration internally to the cell. Most new chargers have storage discharge options these days for this reason. If yours does not have this option simply discharge to between 3.8 to 3.9volts per cell. Then you can store them in a safe place. Some people also refrigerate their packs when in storage.
4. Break-In (Cycle-In) your LiPo! LiPos don't really need a break in period as such like a Nitro motor but they do require a few cycles to reach their full power potential. After a few charge/discharge cycles you get the chemical reaction established in the pack and they do start performing a little better after this. So ideally a pack should by cycled 3-4 charges before you make use of the battery's full potential. There are several ways to cycle your pack, simply charge/ discharge them on your LiPo charger. If you use them in your helicopter you can do short 2-3min hover flights and recharge.
How puffed is puffed?
When you get you LiPo packs the covering looks like it have been vacuum sealed together. If after a number to cycles they might develop a slight bit of air between cells it probably not a total wreck. I mean we are talking a millimetre or so then you can most likely continue using them. Just monitor that it does not get worse. If the battery is puffed up like a bicycles inner tube then dispose of it.
How to dispose of a LiPo?
There is a couple of suggested ways of disposing of LiPos. The most common one is to take a bucket and fill it with salt water mixture. The put the LiPo in the salt water with the idea that the salt water creates a low conductive current to drain the LiPo battery. Secondly the salt water will seep into the cells and neutralize the chemical reaction.
Fire risk?
The most common reason for LiPo batteries to catch fire is because of improper charging. Whether it is using the incorrect charging, wrong cell count setting on the charger or charging the cells to over 4.2volts each. What happens at this point is the chemicals stay going into a thermal overload failure and start heating up, causing hydrogen gas to be emitted which cause it to puff to the point of fracture where then it vents fire. Best solution here is to buy some LiPo-safe charging bags to do your charging in or store potentially fragile packs.
Secondly you never want to short the cells or puncture the casing as will also cause the chemical reaction explained above and can cause a fire risk. LiPos won't just combust in storage unless there is some damage to the pack externally or internally. Therefore if you take care charging and using your packs you should have no problems.
Hope this helps people understanding how to work with LiPos. If you follow these guides you should have good success with LiPos and enjoy the RC Hobby.
LiPo Do's and Don'ts
There is a lot of confusion about LiPo batteries out there especially after problems where they have caught fire. This is mainly because of people that do not have a clear understand of how to work with LiPo batteries and the do's and don'ts. Hopefully some of these tips will help people in the right direction.
LiPo batteries are big in the world of rc planes, rc jets and radio controlled models in general, where the advantages of both lower weight and greatly increased run times can be sufficient justification for the price for the rc hobby. However, lithium polymer-specific chargers are required to avoid fire and explosion. Fire can also occur if the battery is short-circuited, as tremendous current passes through the cell in an instant. Radio-control enthusiasts must take special precautions to ensure their battery leads are properly connected and insulated. Furthermore fires can occur if the cell or pack is punctured.
Using LiPo's properly and charging them correctly is no trivial task. There are many things to consider before using lithium cells for e-flight. But none is more important than safety!
Safety is IMPORTANT!
Until you are willing to follow all safety precautions, DO NOT use lithium batteries. If prefer just to just plug in a battery and not worry about it, run it flat, charge it hot then LiPo technology is not for you!
Lithium cells must be charged very differently than NiCD or NiMH cells. Firstly they require a special charger specifically designed to charge lithium cells, NEVER use NiCD or NIMH only chargers on LiPo batteries! You must use a Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer charger that is designed to handle the number of cells you are trying to charge. Charging Lithium cells is the most hazardous part of using lithium batteries. EXTREME care must be taken when charging them to avoid damaging the cells or worse causing them to catch fire. It is important to set your charger to the correct voltage or cell count. There have been fires directly caused by lithium batteries so PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE when charging lithium batteries.
Here are some IMPORTANT guidelines when using LiPo batteries:
1. Only use a charger approved for lithium batteries! You should clearly see Li-Po, Li-Ion marked on the charger or specified in the operations manual of the charger. Both batteries are charged in exactly the same manner.
2. Make sure you set the correct cell count on your charger. This is important as it depicts the total voltage for the pack. Ensure that charger displays the correct cell count when you start charging. If you don't know how to do that, consult your chargers manual or get a charger that displays this information. Each cell must never be charged to more than 4.2 volts. Overcharging a cell will cause the chemical composition of the Lithium to become unstable which could lead to flames coming from the cell.
3. Balance charge your LiPos. Having an unbalanced pack can cause damage to the cells if cells are not within 0.1 volts of each other. Most proper LiPo chargers come with a balance option, if yours does not have it we strong suggest you get one. Depending on how much current you drawing from you LiPo each flight you may want to balance your packs every 3-5 flights to ensure each cell is individually charged to 4.2 volts so that they are all equal. If after every flight the cell of the pack is unbalanced you may have faulty cell. Balance the cells more frequently to see if you can correct the problem. If the problem persists consider replacing the pack.
4. NEVER leave your batteries charging unattended. This is the number one reason for house fires. If something goes wrong you want to attend to it quickly!
5. Charge your batteries on a surface that will not be damaged by fire. Should a LiPo catch fire you want to avoid the problem spreading to other surfaces. Vented fire safes, pyrex dishes with sand in the bottom, fireplaces, plant pots, are all good options to consider. The most practical solution today is to purchase LiPo safe bags for charging.
6. NEVER CHARGE AT MORE THAN 1C unless the battery pack vendor has explicitly proven it is safe to do so. Keep it at less than or equal to 1C of the battery's capacity rating if you are unsure. Many LiPo related fires are due to people charging at a greater current than what the LiPo is rated to be able to handle. The concept of fast charge should never be applied to LiPos!
7. Never discharge your LiPo cells to less than 3.3volts per cell, not the total pack voltage. Most ESC's today will do a soft cut-off at 3.3volts per cell and a hard cut-off at 3.0volts per cell. However some will not give you and warning. Best advice is to fly with a timer and monitor the voltage and adjust your flying time if needs be.
8. NEVER puncture the cell, ever! If a cell balloons rapidly place it in a fire safe place immediately. If this happens and smoke and heat is coming from the LiPo get it clear of all other items and be prepared for flame to come out! If after many hours have passed (days) and the pack is still ballooned but have not combusted, discharge the pack slowly and dispose of it in a proper way.
9. If you have a crash with your lithium cells they may be damaged internally! The pack may look fine but may only balloon in time. If you have crashed, carefully remove the battery pack from the model and watch it carefully for at least the next 30 minutes. Ensure the pack is cool to touch before transporting it.
10. Charge your batteries in an open well ventilated area. If a battery does become unstable you want the hazardous fumes and material to be vented from the room.
11. Keep a bucket of sand nearby when you are flying or charging batteries. This is a cost effective way to extinguish fires.
12. Do not think it won't happen to you! Safety is no accident!
Some useful tips for keeping your LiPos healthy:
1. Let your packs cool down before recharging. It is very important to the internal chemical composition of the cells not to run hot or worse be hot when charging as only more energy and heat is being put back into the cells. So wait 30min to 1hour before charging your packs again.
2. Stick to the 80% rule! This basically means never push more than 805 of its discharge rate and drain more than 80% of the capacity of your LiPo battery pack. When one drains more than 80% the capacity it starts to cause allot internal heating in the cell and basically start eating away at itself. So basically if you have a 2200mah pack, you want to only put back 1760mah when charging. Most chargers display the number of mah on a charge so you can adjust your flight time, gearing, etc based on this figure to make your LiPos last longer.
3. Discharge your packs to storage levels if you not going to use them within a week or two of the last charge. This will help make packs last longer especially if you don't fly every week. If you leave LiPos fully charge for long periods it start causing deterioration internally to the cell. Most new chargers have storage discharge options these days for this reason. If yours does not have this option simply discharge to between 3.8 to 3.9volts per cell. Then you can store them in a safe place. Some people also refrigerate their packs when in storage.
4. Break-In (Cycle-In) your LiPo! LiPos don't really need a break in period as such like a Nitro motor but they do require a few cycles to reach their full power potential. After a few charge/discharge cycles you get the chemical reaction established in the pack and they do start performing a little better after this. So ideally a pack should by cycled 3-4 charges before you make use of the battery's full potential. There are several ways to cycle your pack, simply charge/ discharge them on your LiPo charger. If you use them in your helicopter you can do short 2-3min hover flights and recharge.
How puffed is puffed?
When you get you LiPo packs the covering looks like it have been vacuum sealed together. If after a number to cycles they might develop a slight bit of air between cells it probably not a total wreck. I mean we are talking a millimetre or so then you can most likely continue using them. Just monitor that it does not get worse. If the battery is puffed up like a bicycles inner tube then dispose of it.
How to dispose of a LiPo?
There is a couple of suggested ways of disposing of LiPos. The most common one is to take a bucket and fill it with salt water mixture. The put the LiPo in the salt water with the idea that the salt water creates a low conductive current to drain the LiPo battery. Secondly the salt water will seep into the cells and neutralize the chemical reaction.
Fire risk?
The most common reason for LiPo batteries to catch fire is because of improper charging. Whether it is using the incorrect charging, wrong cell count setting on the charger or charging the cells to over 4.2volts each. What happens at this point is the chemicals stay going into a thermal overload failure and start heating up, causing hydrogen gas to be emitted which cause it to puff to the point of fracture where then it vents fire. Best solution here is to buy some LiPo-safe charging bags to do your charging in or store potentially fragile packs.
Secondly you never want to short the cells or puncture the casing as will also cause the chemical reaction explained above and can cause a fire risk. LiPos won't just combust in storage unless there is some damage to the pack externally or internally. Therefore if you take care charging and using your packs you should have no problems.
Hope this helps people understanding how to work with LiPos. If you follow these guides you should have good success with LiPos and enjoy the RC Hobby.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Operating the Flight Simulator Cockpit is Like Real Life
Operating the Flight Simulator Cockpit is Like Real Life
Cockpit is the place from where the pilot controls the aircraft. It has all the necessary accessories that are needed to fly airplane, be it a commercial plane or a war plane. The cockpit might have certain different controls depending on the purposes for which they are used.
The flight simulator cockpit also known as the "simpits" are just the same as the real aircraft cockpits. The functions, controls, instruments and radio system, everything looks just the same depending upon the type of the planes. As the aircraft and its components are very expensive, therefore it is possible that many of the controls and functions in the simpits might not work but are there just to give it a real feel and look especially if the cockpit is made of glass.
The software is so life-like that when anybody sits in the flight simulator cockpit their first impression will be confusion. Are they in a real cockpit or in a simpit? This is the reason why the aviation industry is using the simulator mostly for training its aviation crew also there is no risk to the life of the pilots or the trainees.
As the flight simulator cockpits have almost the same functions as the real ones, they are proving very useful for the training purposes. Most of the simpits have a working radio system as well which helps the pilots to practice flying along with the ability to hear and obey the commands given to them by their instructors.
It should be kept in mind that the simulators are not just mend for the professionals, but anyone who enjoys flying an aircraft but has a fear of flying or cannot fly due to some other reasons can now with the help of the simulators fulfil their dreams.
Cockpit is the place from where the pilot controls the aircraft. It has all the necessary accessories that are needed to fly airplane, be it a commercial plane or a war plane. The cockpit might have certain different controls depending on the purposes for which they are used.
The flight simulator cockpit also known as the "simpits" are just the same as the real aircraft cockpits. The functions, controls, instruments and radio system, everything looks just the same depending upon the type of the planes. As the aircraft and its components are very expensive, therefore it is possible that many of the controls and functions in the simpits might not work but are there just to give it a real feel and look especially if the cockpit is made of glass.
The software is so life-like that when anybody sits in the flight simulator cockpit their first impression will be confusion. Are they in a real cockpit or in a simpit? This is the reason why the aviation industry is using the simulator mostly for training its aviation crew also there is no risk to the life of the pilots or the trainees.
As the flight simulator cockpits have almost the same functions as the real ones, they are proving very useful for the training purposes. Most of the simpits have a working radio system as well which helps the pilots to practice flying along with the ability to hear and obey the commands given to them by their instructors.
It should be kept in mind that the simulators are not just mend for the professionals, but anyone who enjoys flying an aircraft but has a fear of flying or cannot fly due to some other reasons can now with the help of the simulators fulfil their dreams.
Piper Seneca - Introducing Club Seating
Piper Seneca - Introducing Club Seating
Piper Aircraft Inc. has been known to produce light single-engine aircraft as part of its impressive 144,000 count of aircraft released. However, the company also produces twin engine aircraft to suit a different niche. One of the more popular ones they manufacture is the Piper Seneca, which over the years has come in several variations. Business travelers absolutely love this model because of its impressive capabilities.
From as early as 1971, the Piper Seneca, or PA-34 Seneca as it was called, was in production. It was introduced in the 70s as a lightweight aircraft built with twin engines for business and personal flying. Mainly well to do customers purchased the Seneca as a mid-luxury aircraft at the time. It was actually developed as a twin-engine version of the popular Piper Cherokee Six.
In 1975, Piper Aircraft introduced the Piper Seneca II, or PA-34-200T to respond to complaints customers had about poor handling qualities of the previous model. To offer improved performance, Piper Aircraft also included a turbocharged six cylinder Continental engine in the Piper Seneca II, thereby answering the needs and complaints of customers.
The Piper Seneca II introduced a new concept to general aviation flying, and that is club seating. This type of seating allows for the center row seats to face rear and the back seats to face forward. This provided more leg room for passengers as well as provided the ability for them to interact more easily with each other. This 5 to 6 passenger aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 198 knots and a maximum ceiling of 25,000 feet.
Between 1981 and 1994, the Seneca III and Seneca IV models were created, thereby leaving room for the Piper Seneca V to touch the market in 1998. This model included two 220 hp engines, thereby giving the plane maximum power at the maximum ceiling of 25,000 feet. This model was particularly good at flying over mountainous areas as well as wide expanses of water. Crew members and passengers had the peace of mind of knowing that this aircraft was more than capable of taking them on their business or vacation trips.
The Piper Seneca models available to the market are very suitable for people interested in long-range trips at great cruising altitudes. You should probably consider this model of aircraft if you are interested in a tool that can get you to your destination safely and quickly. The Seneca continues to serve business executives specifically, as they can move from city to city in relative ease and get their business dealt with in the process.
Piper Aircraft Inc. has been known to produce light single-engine aircraft as part of its impressive 144,000 count of aircraft released. However, the company also produces twin engine aircraft to suit a different niche. One of the more popular ones they manufacture is the Piper Seneca, which over the years has come in several variations. Business travelers absolutely love this model because of its impressive capabilities.
From as early as 1971, the Piper Seneca, or PA-34 Seneca as it was called, was in production. It was introduced in the 70s as a lightweight aircraft built with twin engines for business and personal flying. Mainly well to do customers purchased the Seneca as a mid-luxury aircraft at the time. It was actually developed as a twin-engine version of the popular Piper Cherokee Six.
In 1975, Piper Aircraft introduced the Piper Seneca II, or PA-34-200T to respond to complaints customers had about poor handling qualities of the previous model. To offer improved performance, Piper Aircraft also included a turbocharged six cylinder Continental engine in the Piper Seneca II, thereby answering the needs and complaints of customers.
The Piper Seneca II introduced a new concept to general aviation flying, and that is club seating. This type of seating allows for the center row seats to face rear and the back seats to face forward. This provided more leg room for passengers as well as provided the ability for them to interact more easily with each other. This 5 to 6 passenger aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 198 knots and a maximum ceiling of 25,000 feet.
Between 1981 and 1994, the Seneca III and Seneca IV models were created, thereby leaving room for the Piper Seneca V to touch the market in 1998. This model included two 220 hp engines, thereby giving the plane maximum power at the maximum ceiling of 25,000 feet. This model was particularly good at flying over mountainous areas as well as wide expanses of water. Crew members and passengers had the peace of mind of knowing that this aircraft was more than capable of taking them on their business or vacation trips.
The Piper Seneca models available to the market are very suitable for people interested in long-range trips at great cruising altitudes. You should probably consider this model of aircraft if you are interested in a tool that can get you to your destination safely and quickly. The Seneca continues to serve business executives specifically, as they can move from city to city in relative ease and get their business dealt with in the process.
Radio Controlled Glider
Radio Controlled Glider
The most basic radio controlled model airplanes are gliders which are a great way of gaining radio model airplane flying experience before moving on to powered craft. A radio controlled glider uses the natural air currents and basic aerodynamics to fly. The flyer controls adjust the various control surfaces on the glider.
Getting into the air.
By hand, which must be the simplest way to get a model glider into the air. Throw it horizontally, giving it sufficient speed to get it to fly. A slope or hillside comes very useful too.
Towline launch. A person runs along the ground with the glider,pulling a long piece of string with the glider attached to the other end, while the pilot steers it.
Bungee launch. This launch use an elastic band attached to the ground.
The spectacular 'Piggyback' launch.
This method uses a 'tug', which takes the glider into the air. A 'tug' is powerful radio controlled airplane which either tows or carries the glider into the air. This just like the real thing but it requires a very experienced pilot to steer the 'tug' or towing airplane.
For more advanced flyers, there is what is known as the Discus launch.
This uses a special type of glider - a DLG (Discus Launch Glider (DLG), Radio Controlled). Here the pilot holds the model by the tip of a wing, spins 360°, rotating the model around and then releases hold of the model allowing it to launch at high speed. DLGs are a fairly new type of gliders. They are gaining popularity due to their ease of launching and efficient flight characteristics.
OK, so we are now in the air with our glider. Things you can do now that you are in the air. The most basic of course is to learn how to fly your glider. Try and find the warm rising air currents or thermals, to gain hight. For the more aggressive and quite entertaining, there is combat. Combat, is quite simply trying to knock the other guy out of the sky.
Another activity is Ridge racing or pylon racing when using marker. Use the slope lift to race along the "lift zone", which where you can gain hight. Here 2 to 4 planes compete against each other on the same course. The first pilot to complete the course receives one point, second two and so on, with lowest score winning.
For the dedicated radio controlled glider racer using the is F3F. This is one of many competition categories for model and full scale aircraft that are defined by the FAI. Here the pilot is against the clock, timed on the course for 10 legs of 100 meters for a total distance of 1 kilometer.
If you thought fly a radio controlled glider was dull, try it it may surprise you.
Have fun.
The most basic radio controlled model airplanes are gliders which are a great way of gaining radio model airplane flying experience before moving on to powered craft. A radio controlled glider uses the natural air currents and basic aerodynamics to fly. The flyer controls adjust the various control surfaces on the glider.
Getting into the air.
By hand, which must be the simplest way to get a model glider into the air. Throw it horizontally, giving it sufficient speed to get it to fly. A slope or hillside comes very useful too.
Towline launch. A person runs along the ground with the glider,pulling a long piece of string with the glider attached to the other end, while the pilot steers it.
Bungee launch. This launch use an elastic band attached to the ground.
The spectacular 'Piggyback' launch.
This method uses a 'tug', which takes the glider into the air. A 'tug' is powerful radio controlled airplane which either tows or carries the glider into the air. This just like the real thing but it requires a very experienced pilot to steer the 'tug' or towing airplane.
For more advanced flyers, there is what is known as the Discus launch.
This uses a special type of glider - a DLG (Discus Launch Glider (DLG), Radio Controlled). Here the pilot holds the model by the tip of a wing, spins 360°, rotating the model around and then releases hold of the model allowing it to launch at high speed. DLGs are a fairly new type of gliders. They are gaining popularity due to their ease of launching and efficient flight characteristics.
OK, so we are now in the air with our glider. Things you can do now that you are in the air. The most basic of course is to learn how to fly your glider. Try and find the warm rising air currents or thermals, to gain hight. For the more aggressive and quite entertaining, there is combat. Combat, is quite simply trying to knock the other guy out of the sky.
Another activity is Ridge racing or pylon racing when using marker. Use the slope lift to race along the "lift zone", which where you can gain hight. Here 2 to 4 planes compete against each other on the same course. The first pilot to complete the course receives one point, second two and so on, with lowest score winning.
For the dedicated radio controlled glider racer using the is F3F. This is one of many competition categories for model and full scale aircraft that are defined by the FAI. Here the pilot is against the clock, timed on the course for 10 legs of 100 meters for a total distance of 1 kilometer.
If you thought fly a radio controlled glider was dull, try it it may surprise you.
Have fun.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Quality Aviation Tools at Your Disposal
Quality Aviation Tools at Your Disposal
Whether you are new to aviation or not, you will find that there is a whole world of aviation tools at your disposal. Whether you shop online or at a local retailer you will find that there are a lot of tools that will not only make your job or your hobby of flying more exciting, but it will also allow you to be more accurate and comfortable while you are in the air as well. Many of the tools that are at your disposal are not necessary, but some of them really are, and when it comes to the tools that are necessary you need to be sure that you choose the tools that are right for you, and this is where a lot of personal preference comes in.
One of the tools that you will really need to look into and invest in is a headset. Each pilot has their own preference, so you will need to shop around a bit to see which headsets appeal to you the most. Newer technology really has made the more modern headsets very comfortable, lightweight, and delivering a very crisp and clear sound. Because of this, if you have not purchased a headset within the last ten years you may want to check out what there is out there for you to choose from today.
One of the more popular headsets today is the Telex headset. The reason why this brand of headset is so popular is because there are so many different high quality offerings by this manufacturer. In fact, one of the most widely used and popular headsets in the world is the Airman 750, which is offered by Telex. Telex offers many different options ranging from commercial options to general use options from those that are very sophisticated and offer a lot of protection to those that are more basic. Whatever it is that you are looking for in an aviation headset, you will likely fight it in one of many Telex headsets.
If you want to check out a headset that is getting a lot of attention these days, you might want to look into the Lightspeed Zulu. This is a headset that is less expensive than a lot of other headsets on the market today but it offers the same protection from noise in the cockpit, clear and crisp sound at normal volumes, and dependability that every pilot needs. This is a great headset that can deliver superior results for less than a lot of the other top quality headsets on the market today, so if you want something that is lightweight, modern, and works well, you would be well advised to check out the Lightspeed Zulu.
Whether you are new to aviation or not, you will find that there is a whole world of aviation tools at your disposal. Whether you shop online or at a local retailer you will find that there are a lot of tools that will not only make your job or your hobby of flying more exciting, but it will also allow you to be more accurate and comfortable while you are in the air as well. Many of the tools that are at your disposal are not necessary, but some of them really are, and when it comes to the tools that are necessary you need to be sure that you choose the tools that are right for you, and this is where a lot of personal preference comes in.
One of the tools that you will really need to look into and invest in is a headset. Each pilot has their own preference, so you will need to shop around a bit to see which headsets appeal to you the most. Newer technology really has made the more modern headsets very comfortable, lightweight, and delivering a very crisp and clear sound. Because of this, if you have not purchased a headset within the last ten years you may want to check out what there is out there for you to choose from today.
One of the more popular headsets today is the Telex headset. The reason why this brand of headset is so popular is because there are so many different high quality offerings by this manufacturer. In fact, one of the most widely used and popular headsets in the world is the Airman 750, which is offered by Telex. Telex offers many different options ranging from commercial options to general use options from those that are very sophisticated and offer a lot of protection to those that are more basic. Whatever it is that you are looking for in an aviation headset, you will likely fight it in one of many Telex headsets.
If you want to check out a headset that is getting a lot of attention these days, you might want to look into the Lightspeed Zulu. This is a headset that is less expensive than a lot of other headsets on the market today but it offers the same protection from noise in the cockpit, clear and crisp sound at normal volumes, and dependability that every pilot needs. This is a great headset that can deliver superior results for less than a lot of the other top quality headsets on the market today, so if you want something that is lightweight, modern, and works well, you would be well advised to check out the Lightspeed Zulu.
On This Day - November 2nd - Howard Hughes Flies the Largest Aircraft Ever Built
On This Day - November 2nd - Howard Hughes Flies the Largest Aircraft Ever Built
On this day in 1947, Howard Hughes manages to fly the biggest airplane ever built in the history of aviation. Howard Hughes manufactured a large airplane out of wood. This is how the airplane got the nickname "Spruce Goose" which Howard Hughes hated. The large aircraft was built because he was commissioned by the U.S. government to build a large boat like aircraft that could carry U boats during World War II. Howard Hughes was forced to build the large airplane out of wood because of a shortage of steel. The airplane cost about $23 million and the construction of the plane hadn't even finished by the time the war came to an end.
The United States Congress was angered at Hughes for spending so much money on this large aircraft and wanted Howard Hughes to prove that it could actually fly and during a series of press conferences held against Hughes by a congressmen, Howard Hughes threatened to leave the country and never return if the plane did not fly. On November 2nd, 1947, Howard Hughes brought the plane to Long Beach Harbor in California. There he managed to fly the airplane for several minutes before landing it. During his lifetime, Hughes made many great achievements in the field of aviation. Flying the Spruce goose was one of his greatest accomplishments. As he aged, the eccentric billionaire went into recluse because of obsessive compulsive disorder. Today the Spruce goose sits in a museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
Click here to see a picture of the Spruce Goose.
On this day in 1947, Howard Hughes manages to fly the biggest airplane ever built in the history of aviation. Howard Hughes manufactured a large airplane out of wood. This is how the airplane got the nickname "Spruce Goose" which Howard Hughes hated. The large aircraft was built because he was commissioned by the U.S. government to build a large boat like aircraft that could carry U boats during World War II. Howard Hughes was forced to build the large airplane out of wood because of a shortage of steel. The airplane cost about $23 million and the construction of the plane hadn't even finished by the time the war came to an end.
The United States Congress was angered at Hughes for spending so much money on this large aircraft and wanted Howard Hughes to prove that it could actually fly and during a series of press conferences held against Hughes by a congressmen, Howard Hughes threatened to leave the country and never return if the plane did not fly. On November 2nd, 1947, Howard Hughes brought the plane to Long Beach Harbor in California. There he managed to fly the airplane for several minutes before landing it. During his lifetime, Hughes made many great achievements in the field of aviation. Flying the Spruce goose was one of his greatest accomplishments. As he aged, the eccentric billionaire went into recluse because of obsessive compulsive disorder. Today the Spruce goose sits in a museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
Click here to see a picture of the Spruce Goose.
Radio Controlled Scale Model Aircraft
Radio Controlled Scale Model Aircraft
This is usually a scale model aircraft (the exceptions are reconnaissance aircraft purpose made); controlled remotely using a hand held transmitter, which in turn sends a signal to a corresponding receiver which controls the servos on the aircraft to adjust the necessary rudders and wing flaps.
Radio controlled scale model aircraft come in various sizes, some are very basic with the purpose purely on flight and manoeuvrability. Whilst for obvious reasons all do need these anyway, some are built to be highly detailed replicas of the original plane. This may be for the love of the aircraft and attention to detail, or to be used in photo or film shoots, which can be used very effectively in historical films or documentaries. (Although there's no denying CGI technology is probably now more widely used.)
There are various clubs and organisations around the world dedicated to this hobby, and as all enthusiasts generally very helpful (and passionate). At a glance one may easily incorrectly assume that this is a simple toy, but if you stop and think about the aerodynamics and precision that needs to go into these machines; it may not always be for the faint-hearted. For example if you were to build a scale model aircraft from scratch, (or even kit form), after many hours and money spent you take it for its maiden flight. If that flight should go wrong and end in a crash, this would equate to a long and frustrating task of putting it all together, not to mention examining what went wrong.
Lets take for example someone who decides to build a scale model aircraft from scratch, an exact replica of his favourite plane. This would involve researching the plans of the original aircraft, deciding on a suitable material with which to build it, which would have to be light and strong, as well as able to be shaped easily. (As with real aircraft manufacture the person has a limited budget, so he has to consider the cost.) After much research you then need to construct the plane, critical issues like the angle of the wings and body need to be accurate as these variations will affect the aerodynamics and thus the in flight performance.
After all of this, you still need to decide on how to power the aircraft; electric, jet, internal combustion? Again weight and size to fit into your model will be crucial as will cost. (Weight to size ratio will also affect aerodynamics). As you don't have a miniature pilot you now have to find space to accommodate your radio receiver and servo. All through this journey you will encounter problems which you need to overcome, and ingenuity and home engineering are pretty much your only options.
When you see some of the finished products you can only admire the beauty and attention to detail, but spare a thought for the engineering that would have gone into cleaver piece of kit.
Another stage is of course actually flying them; I often used to think that they generally didn't perform as well as they could. I have since realised, that beside the difficulty of flying remotely, external factors like wind are a far greater than that of a full sized aircraft.
If you do get the chance, go and see radio controlled scale model aircraft in action, it is a fascinating experience.
This is usually a scale model aircraft (the exceptions are reconnaissance aircraft purpose made); controlled remotely using a hand held transmitter, which in turn sends a signal to a corresponding receiver which controls the servos on the aircraft to adjust the necessary rudders and wing flaps.
Radio controlled scale model aircraft come in various sizes, some are very basic with the purpose purely on flight and manoeuvrability. Whilst for obvious reasons all do need these anyway, some are built to be highly detailed replicas of the original plane. This may be for the love of the aircraft and attention to detail, or to be used in photo or film shoots, which can be used very effectively in historical films or documentaries. (Although there's no denying CGI technology is probably now more widely used.)
There are various clubs and organisations around the world dedicated to this hobby, and as all enthusiasts generally very helpful (and passionate). At a glance one may easily incorrectly assume that this is a simple toy, but if you stop and think about the aerodynamics and precision that needs to go into these machines; it may not always be for the faint-hearted. For example if you were to build a scale model aircraft from scratch, (or even kit form), after many hours and money spent you take it for its maiden flight. If that flight should go wrong and end in a crash, this would equate to a long and frustrating task of putting it all together, not to mention examining what went wrong.
Lets take for example someone who decides to build a scale model aircraft from scratch, an exact replica of his favourite plane. This would involve researching the plans of the original aircraft, deciding on a suitable material with which to build it, which would have to be light and strong, as well as able to be shaped easily. (As with real aircraft manufacture the person has a limited budget, so he has to consider the cost.) After much research you then need to construct the plane, critical issues like the angle of the wings and body need to be accurate as these variations will affect the aerodynamics and thus the in flight performance.
After all of this, you still need to decide on how to power the aircraft; electric, jet, internal combustion? Again weight and size to fit into your model will be crucial as will cost. (Weight to size ratio will also affect aerodynamics). As you don't have a miniature pilot you now have to find space to accommodate your radio receiver and servo. All through this journey you will encounter problems which you need to overcome, and ingenuity and home engineering are pretty much your only options.
When you see some of the finished products you can only admire the beauty and attention to detail, but spare a thought for the engineering that would have gone into cleaver piece of kit.
Another stage is of course actually flying them; I often used to think that they generally didn't perform as well as they could. I have since realised, that beside the difficulty of flying remotely, external factors like wind are a far greater than that of a full sized aircraft.
If you do get the chance, go and see radio controlled scale model aircraft in action, it is a fascinating experience.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Private Pilots Can Make Interesting Videos
Private Pilots Can Make Interesting Videos
There are those of us who love to fly... and there are those of us who simply refuse to fly. The gap between these two frames of mind is huge. The fear of flying, in particular, is fueled by the media. An airplane crash is instant national news. The media loves to exploit the aviation industry whether it be for financial gain, viewer ratings, or a combination of the two. One could only wonder what the evening news would be like if they showed successful takeoffs and landings every night. General aviation is treated much the same as the commercial airlines in regards to media coverage. General aviation includes all flying other than scheduled commercial flights and the flying of military aircraft. General aviation includes the local pilots flying out of that non-towered airport at the edge of town; the part-time aviators who fly for a hobby, as well as commercially rated professional pilots and instructors who love to share the flying phenomenon with others. Those who love to fly low and slow and enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the feeling of flight can share this wonderful experience with those on the ground thanks to modern technology specifically the the hand-held video camera.
Flying is an incredible experience that many people may never have the privilege of experiencing for themselves.Those who choose not the fly in propeller driven airplanes might never see the amazing view available through the windshield. Websites featuring videos uploaded by their individual users such as Youtube and Eye of the Pilot are changing that. Videos shot from the cockpit of a small airplane are enlightening to say the very least. If you are a private pilot with access to a small plane and a hand-held video cam, you may want to take some time and record a flight or two. The process is simple and the rewards are plenty. Sharing cockpit videos among family and friends can spark interest in general aviation and maybe even lessen the fears of those who refuse or resist flying.
Producing a flying video is actually quite simple. The camera however, will need an external microphone jack if you wish to record your voice and radio chatter. A handy cam without the microphone jack will do nothing more than record video plus your motor noise which is not typically desirable. With some basic software and a bit of computer savvy, music or narration can be dubbed over your video in this case. Cameras with an external microphone jack can be interfaced with the intercom of the airplane through the use of a patch cord. It simply plugs into your headset in series with your connection to the jack on the airplane's instrument panel. These patch cords are available at your friendly neighborhood pilot supply shop. There are also schematics available on some aviation websites for those interested in making their own patch cord.
Digital video cameras work best if you're planning to share the video online. Older analog cameras using the 8mm tapes or even the VHS style cameras are fine if you are planning on viewing these flying adventures from home on a television set. These tapes can be converted to a digital file through the use of some commercially available computer hardware and software, although this method can be cumbersome and time consuming and is not generally recommended for those interested in posting the videos online. Flying an airplane is a privilege. Becoming a private pilot takes education, dedication, training, and plenty of practice. To many pilots, flying is literally sacred. That's why sharing this experience with those not fortunate enough to find themselves in a cockpit can be done best through the magic of video.
There are those of us who love to fly... and there are those of us who simply refuse to fly. The gap between these two frames of mind is huge. The fear of flying, in particular, is fueled by the media. An airplane crash is instant national news. The media loves to exploit the aviation industry whether it be for financial gain, viewer ratings, or a combination of the two. One could only wonder what the evening news would be like if they showed successful takeoffs and landings every night. General aviation is treated much the same as the commercial airlines in regards to media coverage. General aviation includes all flying other than scheduled commercial flights and the flying of military aircraft. General aviation includes the local pilots flying out of that non-towered airport at the edge of town; the part-time aviators who fly for a hobby, as well as commercially rated professional pilots and instructors who love to share the flying phenomenon with others. Those who love to fly low and slow and enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the feeling of flight can share this wonderful experience with those on the ground thanks to modern technology specifically the the hand-held video camera.
Flying is an incredible experience that many people may never have the privilege of experiencing for themselves.Those who choose not the fly in propeller driven airplanes might never see the amazing view available through the windshield. Websites featuring videos uploaded by their individual users such as Youtube and Eye of the Pilot are changing that. Videos shot from the cockpit of a small airplane are enlightening to say the very least. If you are a private pilot with access to a small plane and a hand-held video cam, you may want to take some time and record a flight or two. The process is simple and the rewards are plenty. Sharing cockpit videos among family and friends can spark interest in general aviation and maybe even lessen the fears of those who refuse or resist flying.
Producing a flying video is actually quite simple. The camera however, will need an external microphone jack if you wish to record your voice and radio chatter. A handy cam without the microphone jack will do nothing more than record video plus your motor noise which is not typically desirable. With some basic software and a bit of computer savvy, music or narration can be dubbed over your video in this case. Cameras with an external microphone jack can be interfaced with the intercom of the airplane through the use of a patch cord. It simply plugs into your headset in series with your connection to the jack on the airplane's instrument panel. These patch cords are available at your friendly neighborhood pilot supply shop. There are also schematics available on some aviation websites for those interested in making their own patch cord.
Digital video cameras work best if you're planning to share the video online. Older analog cameras using the 8mm tapes or even the VHS style cameras are fine if you are planning on viewing these flying adventures from home on a television set. These tapes can be converted to a digital file through the use of some commercially available computer hardware and software, although this method can be cumbersome and time consuming and is not generally recommended for those interested in posting the videos online. Flying an airplane is a privilege. Becoming a private pilot takes education, dedication, training, and plenty of practice. To many pilots, flying is literally sacred. That's why sharing this experience with those not fortunate enough to find themselves in a cockpit can be done best through the magic of video.
Purchasing Aircraft Title Insurance
Purchasing Aircraft Title Insurance
Why do aircraft need title insurance?
Like land titles, aircraft titles are subject to record errors, unresolved liens and even fraud. There are a large number of reasons an aircraft's title may be rendered unenforceable, placing the owner at risk of property loss or being sued for previously existing liens or unpaid taxes. As the first step in acquiring title insurance, insurance companies will draft an aircraft "title opinion", or "abstract" based off a thorough investigation of the aircraft's chain of ownership.
The purpose of the initial title search is to unearth any problems with the aircraft's ownership rights and, if necessary, resolve them before the sale closes.
Problems commonly associated with titles include:
Unreliable FAA title records. Although the Federal Aviation Administration requires that all aircraft be registered and recorded through the FAA, FAA records do not have final legal authority in determining rightful ownership. Similarly, Certificates of Registration and FAA Registration do not have ultimate authority in determining ownership. If there are any reasonable disputes made regarding rightful ownership, only state courts have the final word.
Fraud. Aircrafts which originated from another country are difficult to trace, and even though a title appears to be legitimate, the aircraft seller may have forged the deregistration notice. Buyers of stolen aircraft are still entitled to liens attached to the aircraft's title, even if those liens are international. Records can also be defrauded by being re-sold to another owner before the first buyer has the chance to file a security agreement with the FAA.
Recording mistakes. Clerks and even title lawyers make mistakes from time to time. FAA records can be misinterpreted by the insurance underwriter; document creation, registration and filing mistakes can be made by title agents, aircraft brokers, escrow agents and title attorneys. Inaccurate or improperly filed documentation can lead to inaccurate abstracts.
Unpaid taxes or liens. A new aircraft owner is held responsible for any and all unpaid taxes, mortgages or other liens held on an aircraft's title, even if they were incurred before the purchase was made.
Although title opinions or abstracts are typically presented to an aircraft broker or buyer before ownership is transferred, not all problems with the aircraft title may surface in the initial abstract.
How does aviation title insurance protect me?
Although title searches and abstracts are designed to preemptively protect aircraft owners from asset loss or legal attacks on the aircraft's title, human error and hidden fraud still present a risk to the owner. Purchasing insurance is the only way for airplane owners to know that they are fully protected against legal problems or asset loss.
Purchasing title insurance protects airplane owners by providing the cost of legal defense in the event of a lawsuit. Insurance also insures the title owner compensation of any financial or property loss due to title disputes, up to a specified amount. At the cost of less than 1% of the purchase amount, aircraft title insurance is a necessary commodity for aircraft owners.
Why do aircraft need title insurance?
Like land titles, aircraft titles are subject to record errors, unresolved liens and even fraud. There are a large number of reasons an aircraft's title may be rendered unenforceable, placing the owner at risk of property loss or being sued for previously existing liens or unpaid taxes. As the first step in acquiring title insurance, insurance companies will draft an aircraft "title opinion", or "abstract" based off a thorough investigation of the aircraft's chain of ownership.
The purpose of the initial title search is to unearth any problems with the aircraft's ownership rights and, if necessary, resolve them before the sale closes.
Problems commonly associated with titles include:
Unreliable FAA title records. Although the Federal Aviation Administration requires that all aircraft be registered and recorded through the FAA, FAA records do not have final legal authority in determining rightful ownership. Similarly, Certificates of Registration and FAA Registration do not have ultimate authority in determining ownership. If there are any reasonable disputes made regarding rightful ownership, only state courts have the final word.
Fraud. Aircrafts which originated from another country are difficult to trace, and even though a title appears to be legitimate, the aircraft seller may have forged the deregistration notice. Buyers of stolen aircraft are still entitled to liens attached to the aircraft's title, even if those liens are international. Records can also be defrauded by being re-sold to another owner before the first buyer has the chance to file a security agreement with the FAA.
Recording mistakes. Clerks and even title lawyers make mistakes from time to time. FAA records can be misinterpreted by the insurance underwriter; document creation, registration and filing mistakes can be made by title agents, aircraft brokers, escrow agents and title attorneys. Inaccurate or improperly filed documentation can lead to inaccurate abstracts.
Unpaid taxes or liens. A new aircraft owner is held responsible for any and all unpaid taxes, mortgages or other liens held on an aircraft's title, even if they were incurred before the purchase was made.
Although title opinions or abstracts are typically presented to an aircraft broker or buyer before ownership is transferred, not all problems with the aircraft title may surface in the initial abstract.
How does aviation title insurance protect me?
Although title searches and abstracts are designed to preemptively protect aircraft owners from asset loss or legal attacks on the aircraft's title, human error and hidden fraud still present a risk to the owner. Purchasing insurance is the only way for airplane owners to know that they are fully protected against legal problems or asset loss.
Purchasing title insurance protects airplane owners by providing the cost of legal defense in the event of a lawsuit. Insurance also insures the title owner compensation of any financial or property loss due to title disputes, up to a specified amount. At the cost of less than 1% of the purchase amount, aircraft title insurance is a necessary commodity for aircraft owners.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Private Jets No Luxury For NASCAR Teams
Private Jets No Luxury For NASCAR Teams
Business travel can be a grind, But for NASCAR drivers and race teams who are on the road for 36 races per year travel is unavoidable.
If these teams had to rely on commercial airline schedules travel would be a nightmare, if not a logistical impossibility. That's why most of the top tier drivers own private jets, and race teams operate fleets of small aircraft to transport pit crew members and team executives to the racetrack each week.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. owns a LearJet 60, which is the top of the LearJet line, and their largest jet. It's a business jet that can seat up to 10 passengers.
Thanks to the jet Earnhardt can leave his home in North Carolina and be at the racetrack in Daytona or Texas a couple of hours later -- about the time it would take to drive to a major airport and clear security.
NASCAR rookie and former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya also owns a LearJet 60. 2006 champion Jimmie Johnson owns a Learjet 31A, and Jeff Gordon owns a British Aerospace Hawker 800.
Most of the drivers leave the flying to professional pilots, but Mark Martin is a licensed pilot who often pilots his own Cessna Citation. Martin lives in a unique community near Daytona Beach called Spruce Creek. It's a fly in community with it's own airport. Residents have aircraft hangars in the yard where most of us have garages. Martin can literally park his jet in the garage.
The race teams operate larger planes to ferry the pit crews and team executives to the track. Roush Racing operates a fleet of planes, including a Boeing 737 and several smaller business jets. Dale Earnhardt,, Inc. flies it's pit crew on an Embraer 120, a mid-size turbo-prop that seats 30 passengers.
While cars have vanity license plates, NASCAR teams have vanity aircraft registration numbers. Dale Jr's Learjet is N8JR, and Jeff Gordon's Hawker is N24JG. The corporate Embraer at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. is N500DE.
NASCAR has come to rely on private jet travel so much that many tracks are located right next to airports. Daytona International Speedway is located right next to Daytona Beach International Airport where private jets and commercial flights arrive daily.
While most tracks are not located so close to a major international airport, some tracks have built their own airports. Right next to Atlanta Motor Speedway sits Tara Field, a small general aviation airstrip that sees little traffic until race week, when more than 600 planes descend on this tiny airfield.
However, some tracks are not as convenient, but when that happens expect the NASCAR drivers to come up with a solution. When NASCAR descends on a track like Dover Delaware some drivers like Dale Earnhardt bypass race traffic by flying from the airport to the racetrack in a chartered helicopter, landing directly in he infield.
Some people consider private air travel a luxury, but with the hectic schedule of today's drivers it is a necessity. Following a Sunday afternoon race a driver can hop on his jet and be home by Sunday night. This means they can meet with the crew chiefs and team owners Monday morning to review the previous race, and develop a strategy for the following race. During the week drivers are often on the jet again, meeting with sponsors, shooting TV commercials, making public appearances, and testing. Without a jet this schedule would be impossible. Most drivers agree that having a private jet gives them one to two days per week of productive time, or just allows an occasional day off.
You can see pictures of these jets at JetJit.com and get more detailed information on each airplane.
Business travel can be a grind, But for NASCAR drivers and race teams who are on the road for 36 races per year travel is unavoidable.
If these teams had to rely on commercial airline schedules travel would be a nightmare, if not a logistical impossibility. That's why most of the top tier drivers own private jets, and race teams operate fleets of small aircraft to transport pit crew members and team executives to the racetrack each week.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. owns a LearJet 60, which is the top of the LearJet line, and their largest jet. It's a business jet that can seat up to 10 passengers.
Thanks to the jet Earnhardt can leave his home in North Carolina and be at the racetrack in Daytona or Texas a couple of hours later -- about the time it would take to drive to a major airport and clear security.
NASCAR rookie and former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya also owns a LearJet 60. 2006 champion Jimmie Johnson owns a Learjet 31A, and Jeff Gordon owns a British Aerospace Hawker 800.
Most of the drivers leave the flying to professional pilots, but Mark Martin is a licensed pilot who often pilots his own Cessna Citation. Martin lives in a unique community near Daytona Beach called Spruce Creek. It's a fly in community with it's own airport. Residents have aircraft hangars in the yard where most of us have garages. Martin can literally park his jet in the garage.
The race teams operate larger planes to ferry the pit crews and team executives to the track. Roush Racing operates a fleet of planes, including a Boeing 737 and several smaller business jets. Dale Earnhardt,, Inc. flies it's pit crew on an Embraer 120, a mid-size turbo-prop that seats 30 passengers.
While cars have vanity license plates, NASCAR teams have vanity aircraft registration numbers. Dale Jr's Learjet is N8JR, and Jeff Gordon's Hawker is N24JG. The corporate Embraer at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. is N500DE.
NASCAR has come to rely on private jet travel so much that many tracks are located right next to airports. Daytona International Speedway is located right next to Daytona Beach International Airport where private jets and commercial flights arrive daily.
While most tracks are not located so close to a major international airport, some tracks have built their own airports. Right next to Atlanta Motor Speedway sits Tara Field, a small general aviation airstrip that sees little traffic until race week, when more than 600 planes descend on this tiny airfield.
However, some tracks are not as convenient, but when that happens expect the NASCAR drivers to come up with a solution. When NASCAR descends on a track like Dover Delaware some drivers like Dale Earnhardt bypass race traffic by flying from the airport to the racetrack in a chartered helicopter, landing directly in he infield.
Some people consider private air travel a luxury, but with the hectic schedule of today's drivers it is a necessity. Following a Sunday afternoon race a driver can hop on his jet and be home by Sunday night. This means they can meet with the crew chiefs and team owners Monday morning to review the previous race, and develop a strategy for the following race. During the week drivers are often on the jet again, meeting with sponsors, shooting TV commercials, making public appearances, and testing. Without a jet this schedule would be impossible. Most drivers agree that having a private jet gives them one to two days per week of productive time, or just allows an occasional day off.
You can see pictures of these jets at JetJit.com and get more detailed information on each airplane.
Overview of the Best War Planes Of World War II and Why
Overview of the Best War Planes Of World War II and Why
Even by today's standards, the planes that dominated the skies during World War 2 were awesome.
Fast, agile, and deadly, they were fearsome as they were beautiful. They were the key weapons during the clash of ideologies and soaring personal ambitions at a pivotal period in the 20th century.
The antagonists in that great conflict brought contrasting styles which were put to the test during aerial combat.
The Japanese Zero adhered to the doctrine of the ultimate attack aircraft and did away with defensive armor and heavy machine guns to stay light. The "Wonder Weapon of the Pacific War" was incredibly agile and elusive at low altitude dogfights, but it was not as responsive above 20,000 feet. Because of its light frame, the Zero also had difficulty diving at high speed and easily exploded when hit.
The American Wildcat was big and hefty, but it was the extra load of armor plating and superior firepower that made it a formidable fighter. The Wildcat was tough, even while on the receiving end of enemy fire. It proved the perfect match against the Zero, which couldn't absorb much damage and was often unable to deliver the coup de grace because of its light armament.
At the forefront of the German onslaught was the Messerschmitt Bf109. The all-metal monoplane was initially met with lukewarm interest by the Nazis who first commissioned it. In combat, however, the Bf109 impressed skeptics with its speed and agility. It went on to become the most varied and respected Luftwaffe fighter of World War 2.
On the British side, legendary exploits have been attributed to the Spitfire fighter-interceptor, said to be the most popular plane of the war. Powerful yet easy to handle, the Spitfire earned the admiration of German aces, one of whom was said to have demanded to fly it at the height of the Battle of Britain where scores of Bf 109's were downed by the British defenders.
Regardless of their affiliations, the planes of World War 2 fulfilled their strategic roles-to harass and intimidate opposing infantry, transport troops and provisions, and deliver deadly cargo to cripple and demoralize the enemy. Their sleek and graceful lines belied their ferocity. They pushed the limits of performance and daring in the hands of the heroic pilots that guided them.
Modern aviation may have progressed astronomically since the last Great War, but the planes that fought it will never be forgotten.
Even by today's standards, the planes that dominated the skies during World War 2 were awesome.
Fast, agile, and deadly, they were fearsome as they were beautiful. They were the key weapons during the clash of ideologies and soaring personal ambitions at a pivotal period in the 20th century.
The antagonists in that great conflict brought contrasting styles which were put to the test during aerial combat.
The Japanese Zero adhered to the doctrine of the ultimate attack aircraft and did away with defensive armor and heavy machine guns to stay light. The "Wonder Weapon of the Pacific War" was incredibly agile and elusive at low altitude dogfights, but it was not as responsive above 20,000 feet. Because of its light frame, the Zero also had difficulty diving at high speed and easily exploded when hit.
The American Wildcat was big and hefty, but it was the extra load of armor plating and superior firepower that made it a formidable fighter. The Wildcat was tough, even while on the receiving end of enemy fire. It proved the perfect match against the Zero, which couldn't absorb much damage and was often unable to deliver the coup de grace because of its light armament.
At the forefront of the German onslaught was the Messerschmitt Bf109. The all-metal monoplane was initially met with lukewarm interest by the Nazis who first commissioned it. In combat, however, the Bf109 impressed skeptics with its speed and agility. It went on to become the most varied and respected Luftwaffe fighter of World War 2.
On the British side, legendary exploits have been attributed to the Spitfire fighter-interceptor, said to be the most popular plane of the war. Powerful yet easy to handle, the Spitfire earned the admiration of German aces, one of whom was said to have demanded to fly it at the height of the Battle of Britain where scores of Bf 109's were downed by the British defenders.
Regardless of their affiliations, the planes of World War 2 fulfilled their strategic roles-to harass and intimidate opposing infantry, transport troops and provisions, and deliver deadly cargo to cripple and demoralize the enemy. Their sleek and graceful lines belied their ferocity. They pushed the limits of performance and daring in the hands of the heroic pilots that guided them.
Modern aviation may have progressed astronomically since the last Great War, but the planes that fought it will never be forgotten.
Private Planes: Soar in Style and Excitement
Private Planes: Soar in Style and Excitement
The concept of traveling in private planes is often associated with wealthy and influential people. These planes provide a lot of convenience to their passengers. You will reach your destination early. You need not bother about flight and airport formalities. The best part is you don't have to wonder where your seats will be and how comfortable they will be. If crowds bother you and if you find long queues a pain, chartering a jet is the best possible option to travel. Such planes offer you premium services and unmatchable comfort. No matter where you want to reach and from which destination, you can always rent a private plane.
There are many companies that rent private planes. If you wish to travel in one, all you need to do is just give them a few hours notice before you need to fly. Some of the companies have different types of aircraft such as heavy jets, Boeing business jets, helicopters, and turbo props. Private jet charters are more versatile because they can fly you to a lot more places than commercial airlines do. These days almost every private plane is endowed with the latest entertainment facilities and the most scrumptious cuisine. Professionals from huge corporations who cannot afford getting late anywhere, anytime always prefer such planes to reach their destination.
Among many ways to travel by private planes, the best way is by buying flight card programs. These allow you to buy flight miles or hours that you intend to fly. You can select an appointed number of hours you want and specify the aircraft you need. If style and comfort is all you are looking for while travelling, you must choose a private plane. It also depends on whether you are a frequent flier. If your entire family opts for travelling by a private plane, they would be less tired and more eager to enjoy their vacation from the moment they reach there. It is better to check the online flight itineraries, which every website displays. Useful information about destinations, type of aircraft and available dates are mentioned on the web portals.
Premium services always come with a price. But once and a while it feels royal to travel by private planes. Just the feeling that celebrities, sport stars, rock stars and famous musicians travel by these planes gives you a supreme high. Your wife and kids will love you for that. If you are travelling for the first time it helps when you select an authentic service provider. There are many online companies wherein you can browse through their varied types of aircraft. Depending on the type of aircraft and your destination, you can even ask for a quote. Check for basic safety measures such as the qualification and total work experience of the pilot and other important staff. Normally, all senior staff of major private jet charters already have experience working with major airlines.
The concept of traveling in private planes is often associated with wealthy and influential people. These planes provide a lot of convenience to their passengers. You will reach your destination early. You need not bother about flight and airport formalities. The best part is you don't have to wonder where your seats will be and how comfortable they will be. If crowds bother you and if you find long queues a pain, chartering a jet is the best possible option to travel. Such planes offer you premium services and unmatchable comfort. No matter where you want to reach and from which destination, you can always rent a private plane.
There are many companies that rent private planes. If you wish to travel in one, all you need to do is just give them a few hours notice before you need to fly. Some of the companies have different types of aircraft such as heavy jets, Boeing business jets, helicopters, and turbo props. Private jet charters are more versatile because they can fly you to a lot more places than commercial airlines do. These days almost every private plane is endowed with the latest entertainment facilities and the most scrumptious cuisine. Professionals from huge corporations who cannot afford getting late anywhere, anytime always prefer such planes to reach their destination.
Among many ways to travel by private planes, the best way is by buying flight card programs. These allow you to buy flight miles or hours that you intend to fly. You can select an appointed number of hours you want and specify the aircraft you need. If style and comfort is all you are looking for while travelling, you must choose a private plane. It also depends on whether you are a frequent flier. If your entire family opts for travelling by a private plane, they would be less tired and more eager to enjoy their vacation from the moment they reach there. It is better to check the online flight itineraries, which every website displays. Useful information about destinations, type of aircraft and available dates are mentioned on the web portals.
Premium services always come with a price. But once and a while it feels royal to travel by private planes. Just the feeling that celebrities, sport stars, rock stars and famous musicians travel by these planes gives you a supreme high. Your wife and kids will love you for that. If you are travelling for the first time it helps when you select an authentic service provider. There are many online companies wherein you can browse through their varied types of aircraft. Depending on the type of aircraft and your destination, you can even ask for a quote. Check for basic safety measures such as the qualification and total work experience of the pilot and other important staff. Normally, all senior staff of major private jet charters already have experience working with major airlines.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Private Plane Rental Costs - What You Should Expect When Hiring a Private Plane
Private Plane Rental Costs - What You Should Expect When Hiring a Private Plane
Private plane rental costs are getting more and more affordable to the average person everyday. There are several factors that determine the costs of renting a private plane and this article will explain those factors and how to lower them.
The costs of a private jet rental depend on the type of jet you are interested in. The more luxurious the plane the more it will cost to fly. So if you don't really need a lot of luxury, then find planes that aren't as jazzy inside.
Another factor that will lower the price is how many people you book on the flight. The more people you can find to fly with you the better the individual rate will be. If you fly alone then expect to pay a large sum for your ticket. Private planes can actually save your company money if you have enough people to fill the jet. Next time compare a commercial flight with a private flight and see the difference.
One of the biggest factors of course is the distance you are flying. You can lower this cost by finding dead head flights. Most private planes are not booked going back to the original point of departure. Normally a jet will need to fly from point A to point B with passengers, but will rarely have passengers going back to point A. This is the dead head link. Ask a travel agent or booking agent for dead head flights. If you are flexible with your travel times you can drastically reduce the costs of your private charter.
Private plane rental costs are getting more and more affordable to the average person everyday. There are several factors that determine the costs of renting a private plane and this article will explain those factors and how to lower them.
The costs of a private jet rental depend on the type of jet you are interested in. The more luxurious the plane the more it will cost to fly. So if you don't really need a lot of luxury, then find planes that aren't as jazzy inside.
Another factor that will lower the price is how many people you book on the flight. The more people you can find to fly with you the better the individual rate will be. If you fly alone then expect to pay a large sum for your ticket. Private planes can actually save your company money if you have enough people to fill the jet. Next time compare a commercial flight with a private flight and see the difference.
One of the biggest factors of course is the distance you are flying. You can lower this cost by finding dead head flights. Most private planes are not booked going back to the original point of departure. Normally a jet will need to fly from point A to point B with passengers, but will rarely have passengers going back to point A. This is the dead head link. Ask a travel agent or booking agent for dead head flights. If you are flexible with your travel times you can drastically reduce the costs of your private charter.
Parkzone Ember 2 RTF RC Airplane Review
Parkzone Ember 2 RTF RC Airplane Review
When you are in the market for a new model radio control airplane you need to know about the Parkzone Ember 2 RTF RC Airplane. It is a great starter plane, an easy plane to fly, and is a ton of all around fun. Here are some of the reasons why this could be the perfect fit for you and your new plane purchase.
One reason to purchase this model is that the technology on the remote control is very advanced. You do not have to worry about interference from other planes. That can allow multiple planes to be flying at the exact same time so you could easily set up a race between you and your friends.
Another reason to purchase this model is that it is ready to fly as soon as you get it out of the box. This is going to be a great feature because you will no longer have to sit and read the assembly instructions when you get the plane. Instead, you will be able to take the plane out right away and enjoy the flying of the plane. There is nothing like quick, out of the box, ready to fly action!
The battery life for the Parkzone Ember 2 RTF is great and will last for a long period of time. That feature alone can save you a ton of money. Because nothing is worse than having your plane flying around above you only to see it come floating back down to you hopefully, or crashing down because the battery died!
Being able to get your new hobby off to a good start can be a wonderful thing to do. The Parkzone Ember 2 RTF RC Airplane is a terrific plane to acquire.
When you are in the market for a new model radio control airplane you need to know about the Parkzone Ember 2 RTF RC Airplane. It is a great starter plane, an easy plane to fly, and is a ton of all around fun. Here are some of the reasons why this could be the perfect fit for you and your new plane purchase.
One reason to purchase this model is that the technology on the remote control is very advanced. You do not have to worry about interference from other planes. That can allow multiple planes to be flying at the exact same time so you could easily set up a race between you and your friends.
Another reason to purchase this model is that it is ready to fly as soon as you get it out of the box. This is going to be a great feature because you will no longer have to sit and read the assembly instructions when you get the plane. Instead, you will be able to take the plane out right away and enjoy the flying of the plane. There is nothing like quick, out of the box, ready to fly action!
The battery life for the Parkzone Ember 2 RTF is great and will last for a long period of time. That feature alone can save you a ton of money. Because nothing is worse than having your plane flying around above you only to see it come floating back down to you hopefully, or crashing down because the battery died!
Being able to get your new hobby off to a good start can be a wonderful thing to do. The Parkzone Ember 2 RTF RC Airplane is a terrific plane to acquire.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Radio Control Aircraft For Beginners
Radio Control Aircraft For Beginners
Maybe you've seen those RC hobbyists flying their aircraft, performing incredible aerobatics and thought you might like to get involved but be aware you are unlikely to succeed by just splashing out and spending your hard earned cash on the most impressive and advanced model in the shop.
Performing those stunts and even just flying your aircraft comfortably and confidently takes practice, sometimes lots of it. You might be better advised in a less complicated trainer airplane to start with while you get to understand just how much concentration is really required to control a model airplane, then you can consider moving up to the bigger league.
Buying and flying your first radio control airplane should be a good experience that encourages you into the hobby. It is often recommended that beginners learn to fly with a high-wing trainer. What is it? A high-wing airplane is one with the wing on top of the fuselage, a build which allows for slower and gentler flights and fairly forgiving of control errors so making them ideal for new RC pilots.
High-wing trainers are a great way to learn the basic skills before trying faster low-wing airplanes which require considerable skill to fly safely. You can buy trainer airplanes in an almost ready to fly kit, requiring just some assembly to get going, or as fully assembled airplanes that just need their batteries charged.
Try to look for trainer airplanes that are specially built for durability and which can be easily fixed because like all beginner RC pilots you will have a small number of 'imperfect landings'. Easily repairable construction means you can be back in the air quickly having hopefully learnt from your experience. Airplanes with tricycle style landing gear are easier to control on the ground than those with low tails (sometimes known as tail-draggers) so take that into consideration when making your purchase too.
Don't worry too much about the power and electronics of RC for now. There are any number of combinations of power units and radio controllers possible but your first airplane will have that side of things all matched up for you. The guys at the hobby store will explain all you want if you have any questions.
There is no substitute for expert advice. Try to visit a radio control flying area and observe the airplanes, maybe wait until aircraft have landed before asking questions, though you'll notice the RC hobbyists, like most other hobbyists, are happy to chat. Then you're probably ready to go to a good hobby store and talk with the guys there. They will be happy to help you make the right choice, it's in their interest to encourage you and they really want to encourage newcomers into their world, the world of radio control airplanes.
Maybe you've seen those RC hobbyists flying their aircraft, performing incredible aerobatics and thought you might like to get involved but be aware you are unlikely to succeed by just splashing out and spending your hard earned cash on the most impressive and advanced model in the shop.
Performing those stunts and even just flying your aircraft comfortably and confidently takes practice, sometimes lots of it. You might be better advised in a less complicated trainer airplane to start with while you get to understand just how much concentration is really required to control a model airplane, then you can consider moving up to the bigger league.
Buying and flying your first radio control airplane should be a good experience that encourages you into the hobby. It is often recommended that beginners learn to fly with a high-wing trainer. What is it? A high-wing airplane is one with the wing on top of the fuselage, a build which allows for slower and gentler flights and fairly forgiving of control errors so making them ideal for new RC pilots.
High-wing trainers are a great way to learn the basic skills before trying faster low-wing airplanes which require considerable skill to fly safely. You can buy trainer airplanes in an almost ready to fly kit, requiring just some assembly to get going, or as fully assembled airplanes that just need their batteries charged.
Try to look for trainer airplanes that are specially built for durability and which can be easily fixed because like all beginner RC pilots you will have a small number of 'imperfect landings'. Easily repairable construction means you can be back in the air quickly having hopefully learnt from your experience. Airplanes with tricycle style landing gear are easier to control on the ground than those with low tails (sometimes known as tail-draggers) so take that into consideration when making your purchase too.
Don't worry too much about the power and electronics of RC for now. There are any number of combinations of power units and radio controllers possible but your first airplane will have that side of things all matched up for you. The guys at the hobby store will explain all you want if you have any questions.
There is no substitute for expert advice. Try to visit a radio control flying area and observe the airplanes, maybe wait until aircraft have landed before asking questions, though you'll notice the RC hobbyists, like most other hobbyists, are happy to chat. Then you're probably ready to go to a good hobby store and talk with the guys there. They will be happy to help you make the right choice, it's in their interest to encourage you and they really want to encourage newcomers into their world, the world of radio control airplanes.
Personal Helicopters
Personal Helicopters
Helicopter design pioneers like Arthur Young and Stanley Hiller envisioned long ago that helicopters would be used as commonly as automobiles for personal transportation in the future. However, small and simple private aircraft gained more importance then helicopters, as they were not only cost-effective but also required low expenses for its maintenance. A propeller-driven small plane is much more popular than a small helicopter with complicated control mechanisms. Helicopters not only have high maintenance costs, but higher insurance costs as well.
Stanley Hiller, the biggest advocate of personal helicopters, built a prototype private helicopter using coaxial rotors, and also developed more conventional helicopters to reduce the cost of choppers for private citizens. Another aviation pioneer, Frank Robinson, engineered the most popular personal helicopter, the Robinson R22. The R22 has a simple design with a pod-like cabin and a boom tail mounting a conventional anti-torque propeller, and runs on a 124-horsepower Lycoming O-320 engine that drives the two bladed rotors. Although the R22 has a higher-than-average accident rate, it was still cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration as being safe. It is generally used for light utility work such as cattle herding, traffic monitoring, agricultural spraying and police observation. However, the R44, the upgraded version of the R22, has a larger engine and is much more reliable than the base model.
Just like private aircraft, some helicopters can also be built from kits, wherein a person can buy the kits and then assemble the parts himself, which reduces the cost of the helicopters considerably. The most popular amateur-built helicopter in the US sold to date is the Bensen B-8 Gyrocopter. Some of the other trendy helicopters commonly built from a kit are American Sportscopter's first ultralight helicopter Ultrasport 254, The RotorWay Scorpion133 and the Dragon Fly 333.
Although there are many small helicopters built by various manufacturers in the US, helicopters have not been able to compete with the cheaper light fixed-wing aircraft which are not only easier to fly but cheaper to maintain.
Helicopter design pioneers like Arthur Young and Stanley Hiller envisioned long ago that helicopters would be used as commonly as automobiles for personal transportation in the future. However, small and simple private aircraft gained more importance then helicopters, as they were not only cost-effective but also required low expenses for its maintenance. A propeller-driven small plane is much more popular than a small helicopter with complicated control mechanisms. Helicopters not only have high maintenance costs, but higher insurance costs as well.
Stanley Hiller, the biggest advocate of personal helicopters, built a prototype private helicopter using coaxial rotors, and also developed more conventional helicopters to reduce the cost of choppers for private citizens. Another aviation pioneer, Frank Robinson, engineered the most popular personal helicopter, the Robinson R22. The R22 has a simple design with a pod-like cabin and a boom tail mounting a conventional anti-torque propeller, and runs on a 124-horsepower Lycoming O-320 engine that drives the two bladed rotors. Although the R22 has a higher-than-average accident rate, it was still cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration as being safe. It is generally used for light utility work such as cattle herding, traffic monitoring, agricultural spraying and police observation. However, the R44, the upgraded version of the R22, has a larger engine and is much more reliable than the base model.
Just like private aircraft, some helicopters can also be built from kits, wherein a person can buy the kits and then assemble the parts himself, which reduces the cost of the helicopters considerably. The most popular amateur-built helicopter in the US sold to date is the Bensen B-8 Gyrocopter. Some of the other trendy helicopters commonly built from a kit are American Sportscopter's first ultralight helicopter Ultrasport 254, The RotorWay Scorpion133 and the Dragon Fly 333.
Although there are many small helicopters built by various manufacturers in the US, helicopters have not been able to compete with the cheaper light fixed-wing aircraft which are not only easier to fly but cheaper to maintain.
Plastic Model Aircraft - Choosing a Suitable One
Plastic Model Aircraft - Choosing a Suitable One
Model aircraft are used for many purposes. They are used as a marketing tool for airlines. You can notice huge models of world's popular airlines at many travel agencies. Aircraft models are also used for aerodynamic research and modeling. Collecting and building models is also a popular hobby among the people of all age groups. Aircraft models can be made from different materials like metal, wood, paper and plastic. Plastic model aircraft are generally more popular because they are affordable and are available in both static and flying models.
There are a number of plastic kits that are offered in the market. It is important that you choose a kit that is suitable for your purpose. You should also consider the level of your model building expertise before choosing a particular kit.
Static Plastic Model Aircraft:
Static models are also known as scale models. As its name suggests, static model aircraft are not capable of flying. You can either purchase an already built one or choose to build one by yourself. It is far more satisfying to build your own then purchasing one. You can find many Snap Fit Kits that are comparatively inexpensive and are very easy to use. These kits enable a person to assemble and build it in a very short period of time.
Other advanced kits come with hundreds of parts that require detailed assembly, construction, coloring and gluing. These kinds of kits are more popular among individuals who are expert at building and constructing customized model aircraft.
Static aircraft model kits come in various sizes or scales for an aircraft. Some of the most notable scales for an airplane include 1:72 and 1:48. You can also find more detailed models that are available in higher scales of 1:32 and 1:24. The scale refers to the relationship between the size of the scaled down version and the size of the actual aircraft. For example, the scale of 1:72 implies that 1 inch of the model aircraft represents 48 inches of the actual aircraft.
Flying Plastic Model Aircraft:
Flying aircraft can be divided in three groups, namely, free flight, control line and radio controlled. All of the three types of flying aircraft models are available in varying sizes and scales and are generally made of plastic material. They have battery or gas powered engine. You can find many handy kits to build these kinds of models.
Free flight Plastic model aircraft are easy to build and are considered as a good option for beginners. This kind of model is not capable of flying at a very good speed but is designed to be stable in a flight. They are not controlled by any external device either. They are durable and can last for a long time.
Control Line aircraft are also known as U-control model aircraft. This kind of model flies by means of thin wires that are connected to a control handle. The wires are 20 to 30 feet long. The control line aircraft flies like a kite but in a circular path. Control line models generally have high power to weight ratios as compared to the RC models.
The Radio control model is a very popular type of flying aircraft. The movement of these model planes is controlled with the help of joysticks on the transmitter. They are not only popular among enthusiast hobbyists but are also used by military and scientific organizations for experiments, modeling and testing.
Model aircraft are used for many purposes. They are used as a marketing tool for airlines. You can notice huge models of world's popular airlines at many travel agencies. Aircraft models are also used for aerodynamic research and modeling. Collecting and building models is also a popular hobby among the people of all age groups. Aircraft models can be made from different materials like metal, wood, paper and plastic. Plastic model aircraft are generally more popular because they are affordable and are available in both static and flying models.
There are a number of plastic kits that are offered in the market. It is important that you choose a kit that is suitable for your purpose. You should also consider the level of your model building expertise before choosing a particular kit.
Static Plastic Model Aircraft:
Static models are also known as scale models. As its name suggests, static model aircraft are not capable of flying. You can either purchase an already built one or choose to build one by yourself. It is far more satisfying to build your own then purchasing one. You can find many Snap Fit Kits that are comparatively inexpensive and are very easy to use. These kits enable a person to assemble and build it in a very short period of time.
Other advanced kits come with hundreds of parts that require detailed assembly, construction, coloring and gluing. These kinds of kits are more popular among individuals who are expert at building and constructing customized model aircraft.
Static aircraft model kits come in various sizes or scales for an aircraft. Some of the most notable scales for an airplane include 1:72 and 1:48. You can also find more detailed models that are available in higher scales of 1:32 and 1:24. The scale refers to the relationship between the size of the scaled down version and the size of the actual aircraft. For example, the scale of 1:72 implies that 1 inch of the model aircraft represents 48 inches of the actual aircraft.
Flying Plastic Model Aircraft:
Flying aircraft can be divided in three groups, namely, free flight, control line and radio controlled. All of the three types of flying aircraft models are available in varying sizes and scales and are generally made of plastic material. They have battery or gas powered engine. You can find many handy kits to build these kinds of models.
Free flight Plastic model aircraft are easy to build and are considered as a good option for beginners. This kind of model is not capable of flying at a very good speed but is designed to be stable in a flight. They are not controlled by any external device either. They are durable and can last for a long time.
Control Line aircraft are also known as U-control model aircraft. This kind of model flies by means of thin wires that are connected to a control handle. The wires are 20 to 30 feet long. The control line aircraft flies like a kite but in a circular path. Control line models generally have high power to weight ratios as compared to the RC models.
The Radio control model is a very popular type of flying aircraft. The movement of these model planes is controlled with the help of joysticks on the transmitter. They are not only popular among enthusiast hobbyists but are also used by military and scientific organizations for experiments, modeling and testing.
Friday, April 20, 2012
RC Aircraft - Electric or Gas?
RC Aircraft - Electric or Gas?
If you're are stuck as to whether to purchase an electric RC aircraft or a gas one, here's a few basic things to consider as you make your decision. The Radio Controlled sport has definitely been infused by the infusion of electric RC models, and there are some major differences to consider.
If you're just starting out in RC aircraft, there are several things you'll want to decide. Both types of palnes or helicopters, electric or gas can deliver up loads of fun, That said, some of the things that are different need to be mentioned. You'll definitely spend less money getting started with electric RC aircraft, and they are more readily available, now found at almost any toy store. Gas RC aircraft are most often found only at hobby shops. The ongoing maintenance costs are higher with gas models, and while gas models have generally enjoyed longer flight times than their electric RC counterparts, that gap is shortening as batteries are improving.
Electric RC aircraft are generally easier to learn, while the gas models tend to have a higher durability factor due to more sturdy airframes. If you crash one of these, it may not be fatal. There are considerably more accessories needed for flight operations for gas models of RC aircraft, and you almost certainly need to become a member of a model flying club to even fly your radio controlled planes and helicopters, due to the noisy and oily aspect of the beasts. Electric RC aircraft, on the other hand, are usually very quiet and don't have the environmental impact that gas birds do. Electric models can usually be flown in public places, (watch for posted signs disallowing this!) and are generally easier to get up and in the air than gas models.
With all the new models of RC aircraft hitting the market now, the basic choices boil down to how much time, money and dedication do you want to expend on this. Either way you choose to go, Radio controlled aircraft will deliver up to you hours of rewarding and fun memories. get out there and fly one today!
If you're are stuck as to whether to purchase an electric RC aircraft or a gas one, here's a few basic things to consider as you make your decision. The Radio Controlled sport has definitely been infused by the infusion of electric RC models, and there are some major differences to consider.
If you're just starting out in RC aircraft, there are several things you'll want to decide. Both types of palnes or helicopters, electric or gas can deliver up loads of fun, That said, some of the things that are different need to be mentioned. You'll definitely spend less money getting started with electric RC aircraft, and they are more readily available, now found at almost any toy store. Gas RC aircraft are most often found only at hobby shops. The ongoing maintenance costs are higher with gas models, and while gas models have generally enjoyed longer flight times than their electric RC counterparts, that gap is shortening as batteries are improving.
Electric RC aircraft are generally easier to learn, while the gas models tend to have a higher durability factor due to more sturdy airframes. If you crash one of these, it may not be fatal. There are considerably more accessories needed for flight operations for gas models of RC aircraft, and you almost certainly need to become a member of a model flying club to even fly your radio controlled planes and helicopters, due to the noisy and oily aspect of the beasts. Electric RC aircraft, on the other hand, are usually very quiet and don't have the environmental impact that gas birds do. Electric models can usually be flown in public places, (watch for posted signs disallowing this!) and are generally easier to get up and in the air than gas models.
With all the new models of RC aircraft hitting the market now, the basic choices boil down to how much time, money and dedication do you want to expend on this. Either way you choose to go, Radio controlled aircraft will deliver up to you hours of rewarding and fun memories. get out there and fly one today!
Private Jets - Information on Private Jet Cost, Aircraft Fractional Ownership & Charter Jet Service
Private Jets - Information on Private Jet Cost, Aircraft Fractional Ownership & Charter Jet Service
Private jets are truly wonderful to experience, believe me... but the expense involved in acquiring one can be quite expensive. As for private jet cost, depending upon the make, model and size, to buy one outright, you might be looking at spending between 5 and 65 million dollars. Not too terrible, if you can afford it. Now, while owning a private jet can seem to be the most convenient form of private jet access, it can also be the most expensive. And by expensive, I'm not merely talking about money here. Allow me to explain...
With sole ownership, you are of course fully responsible for the initial purchase price, licensing, regular registration fees, hangar fees, airport fees, pilot for hire, regulations, flight logging data, fuel costs, fuel expenditure logging, maintenance and the list goes on (and on) - and remember, most of these things can represent a constant cost of quite a pretty penny indeed, even if the plane never leaves the hangar. Owning a private jet might be a dream of yours, but if you're a mite jittery about taking on the huge private jet cost in exchange for a bit of luxury, it can be pretty darned difficult to write out that very first check. Even if you've found private jets for sale at an auction, and picked one up for only a small few million, the ongoing private jet cost is the very same, and certainly without discount.
But with private jets, sale prices can vary greatly. Among the things to consider when you purchase a private jet is the factor of flying range and jet size, which can vary private jet cost considerably. For example, if you chose to purchase a light jet, perhaps a Learjet for example, which can average at about $5 million or so to buy, the plane would hold between six to eight passengers, with about a 1,500 mile flight range without refueling. You'll need to precisely understand what specific realm your needs reside in, in order to decide on the right make and model that's best for you. Charter a few short flights to get the feel for each major type. You may find medium jets are more to your liking than light jets, such as a Hawker 800, for example.
Aircraft fractional ownership of a private jet, sharing it with a single co-investor, can provide greater travel flexibility at half the cost of sole ownership, however many aviation experts warn that most aviation partnerships eventually sour. This problem can be further compounded with more owners holding shares of the plane. Aircraft fractional ownership can start at 1/16 of a share (that's 16 owners of just one plane), which may be as low as roughly about $400,000, for say, a Hawker for instance. That generally allows for about 50 hours of flying time. This would equate to be about $8,000.00 per hour of flight - on a cost per hour of flight basis, that is not much cheaper than a charter jet service at all. But aircraft fractional ownership has never been easy - why? Have you ever experienced the headaches of time-sharing a condo? Yeah, that's why.
Also, you might be a 1/16 shareholder, but those with 1/8 or ¼ shares are those whose needs are met first, and only if they aren't using it, then you can. There's a bit of a "pecking order" to deal with. Where on the totem pole will you be? All that having been said, fractional ownership can be economical, and is best for those companies or individuals who fly about 100-150 occupied hours a year or more. Needless to say, chartering a few flights to feel out which model suits you the best, does have the obvious benefits before considering buying one, whether it's an entire or fractional purchase you're leading to.
Perhaps the biggest problem is that while you might think that aircraft sole ownership or even aircraft fractional ownership may seem to be less pricey (at least as far as the initial purchasing cost) than a charter jet service, the fact is that even if you own one, solely or in part, you will still end up using a charter jet service a number times on top of it all anyway. Why is this so? Quite often, your jet just might not be available. It may be undergoing maintenance, it may be being used by another (perhaps "higher") shareholder, it may be due to any number of a large list of things, and further (and perhaps most cripplingly), it might just not suit your specific needs at that time. What do I mean?
Alright, let's say you own a light jet, but you need to transport 12 passengers - are you going to make two trips? That would be a bit odd, to say the very least. For many reasons, even if you shell out a few million for a private jet, or a few hundred-thousand for 1/16 of (and only 50 hours of) a private jet, you simply will still invariably shell out more to a charter jet service, and on more than one occasion. Why compound your flight expense?
Instead of all the hassle, all the upkeep, the down time, the countless regulations and expenses, and the more-than-occasional unavailability of aircraft ownership or aircraft fractional ownership, with chartering on top of it all, it seems to make much more sense simply to just rely on jet charter services alone. This holds true if you're an individual who would fly less than 150 hours per year, and even businesses which would use even more flight time. Heck, truth be told, it all ends up written off as a business expense when all is said and done.
Basically, chartering represents less work, less hassle and much less restrictions - this last factor being the most important here. No restrictions are what we're looking for in the whole private jet experience in the first place, right? When you charter a private jet, you can choose from a fleet of models, sizes and types, and you can book a flight anytime you desire, even within a small few hours, and reach over 5,000 airports instead of the under 500 airports of commercial airlines.
Private jet charter still allows you to fly in privacy and security, avoid delays at airports having to remove shoes, unpack laptop computers and other personal items. If you use jet charter services, you're able to fly the exact aircraft you desire. Let's say you only wish to fly alone or with 5-7 passengers, on a 2 hour flight... chartering a turboprop or a very light jet would cost a lot less for that single flight than a Hawker 800 of your very own in that same instance, or even a 1/16 of one.
Do you see what I mean? It just makes more sense, and makes for much less hassle. Most importantly, you only pay for one plane - the one you need at the moment, and whatever type or model you desire. After all, you have access to an entire fleet (a very prestigious concept, by the way), always at your disposal, and you don't share them with anyone except those you wish to bring with you on your travels.
Myself, I'm greedy - I don't want to have to deal with, or wait for, any other shareholders' permission(s) to fly my damned jet. I want the whole thing, and I want it now. I want a Learjet today and a Hawker tomorrow. I want my free catering and my in-flight spa. I want 100% accessibility, right when I want it, and that's always now. Think about it... isn't that what flying by private jet is really all about? Otherwise, what the hell are we really spending our money for?
Private jets are truly wonderful to experience, believe me... but the expense involved in acquiring one can be quite expensive. As for private jet cost, depending upon the make, model and size, to buy one outright, you might be looking at spending between 5 and 65 million dollars. Not too terrible, if you can afford it. Now, while owning a private jet can seem to be the most convenient form of private jet access, it can also be the most expensive. And by expensive, I'm not merely talking about money here. Allow me to explain...
With sole ownership, you are of course fully responsible for the initial purchase price, licensing, regular registration fees, hangar fees, airport fees, pilot for hire, regulations, flight logging data, fuel costs, fuel expenditure logging, maintenance and the list goes on (and on) - and remember, most of these things can represent a constant cost of quite a pretty penny indeed, even if the plane never leaves the hangar. Owning a private jet might be a dream of yours, but if you're a mite jittery about taking on the huge private jet cost in exchange for a bit of luxury, it can be pretty darned difficult to write out that very first check. Even if you've found private jets for sale at an auction, and picked one up for only a small few million, the ongoing private jet cost is the very same, and certainly without discount.
But with private jets, sale prices can vary greatly. Among the things to consider when you purchase a private jet is the factor of flying range and jet size, which can vary private jet cost considerably. For example, if you chose to purchase a light jet, perhaps a Learjet for example, which can average at about $5 million or so to buy, the plane would hold between six to eight passengers, with about a 1,500 mile flight range without refueling. You'll need to precisely understand what specific realm your needs reside in, in order to decide on the right make and model that's best for you. Charter a few short flights to get the feel for each major type. You may find medium jets are more to your liking than light jets, such as a Hawker 800, for example.
Aircraft fractional ownership of a private jet, sharing it with a single co-investor, can provide greater travel flexibility at half the cost of sole ownership, however many aviation experts warn that most aviation partnerships eventually sour. This problem can be further compounded with more owners holding shares of the plane. Aircraft fractional ownership can start at 1/16 of a share (that's 16 owners of just one plane), which may be as low as roughly about $400,000, for say, a Hawker for instance. That generally allows for about 50 hours of flying time. This would equate to be about $8,000.00 per hour of flight - on a cost per hour of flight basis, that is not much cheaper than a charter jet service at all. But aircraft fractional ownership has never been easy - why? Have you ever experienced the headaches of time-sharing a condo? Yeah, that's why.
Also, you might be a 1/16 shareholder, but those with 1/8 or ¼ shares are those whose needs are met first, and only if they aren't using it, then you can. There's a bit of a "pecking order" to deal with. Where on the totem pole will you be? All that having been said, fractional ownership can be economical, and is best for those companies or individuals who fly about 100-150 occupied hours a year or more. Needless to say, chartering a few flights to feel out which model suits you the best, does have the obvious benefits before considering buying one, whether it's an entire or fractional purchase you're leading to.
Perhaps the biggest problem is that while you might think that aircraft sole ownership or even aircraft fractional ownership may seem to be less pricey (at least as far as the initial purchasing cost) than a charter jet service, the fact is that even if you own one, solely or in part, you will still end up using a charter jet service a number times on top of it all anyway. Why is this so? Quite often, your jet just might not be available. It may be undergoing maintenance, it may be being used by another (perhaps "higher") shareholder, it may be due to any number of a large list of things, and further (and perhaps most cripplingly), it might just not suit your specific needs at that time. What do I mean?
Alright, let's say you own a light jet, but you need to transport 12 passengers - are you going to make two trips? That would be a bit odd, to say the very least. For many reasons, even if you shell out a few million for a private jet, or a few hundred-thousand for 1/16 of (and only 50 hours of) a private jet, you simply will still invariably shell out more to a charter jet service, and on more than one occasion. Why compound your flight expense?
Instead of all the hassle, all the upkeep, the down time, the countless regulations and expenses, and the more-than-occasional unavailability of aircraft ownership or aircraft fractional ownership, with chartering on top of it all, it seems to make much more sense simply to just rely on jet charter services alone. This holds true if you're an individual who would fly less than 150 hours per year, and even businesses which would use even more flight time. Heck, truth be told, it all ends up written off as a business expense when all is said and done.
Basically, chartering represents less work, less hassle and much less restrictions - this last factor being the most important here. No restrictions are what we're looking for in the whole private jet experience in the first place, right? When you charter a private jet, you can choose from a fleet of models, sizes and types, and you can book a flight anytime you desire, even within a small few hours, and reach over 5,000 airports instead of the under 500 airports of commercial airlines.
Private jet charter still allows you to fly in privacy and security, avoid delays at airports having to remove shoes, unpack laptop computers and other personal items. If you use jet charter services, you're able to fly the exact aircraft you desire. Let's say you only wish to fly alone or with 5-7 passengers, on a 2 hour flight... chartering a turboprop or a very light jet would cost a lot less for that single flight than a Hawker 800 of your very own in that same instance, or even a 1/16 of one.
Do you see what I mean? It just makes more sense, and makes for much less hassle. Most importantly, you only pay for one plane - the one you need at the moment, and whatever type or model you desire. After all, you have access to an entire fleet (a very prestigious concept, by the way), always at your disposal, and you don't share them with anyone except those you wish to bring with you on your travels.
Myself, I'm greedy - I don't want to have to deal with, or wait for, any other shareholders' permission(s) to fly my damned jet. I want the whole thing, and I want it now. I want a Learjet today and a Hawker tomorrow. I want my free catering and my in-flight spa. I want 100% accessibility, right when I want it, and that's always now. Think about it... isn't that what flying by private jet is really all about? Otherwise, what the hell are we really spending our money for?
Phoenix - Acrostic Short Story
Phoenix - Acrostic Short Story
Prem was a brilliant student with the spirit of adventure. After finishing his degree in commerce, he began taking lessons for becoming a commercial pilot. He was always fascinated with flying and was hell bent on pursuing a career as a Pilot.
Hot on his heels was his friend Amar, who, apart from being his college mate, was also an admirer of Prem. Seeing Prem's exploits with flying Amar could not help joining Prem in taking flying as a career. The whole neighbourhood used to look at them with awe when they set out for their flying lessons everyday.
On completion of the required number of flying hours successfully both Prem and Amar qualified for the Commercial Pilot's License and were eagerly awaiting their Job offer from leading commercial airlines. Having shown exemplary competence while undergoing training they were looking forward to an exciting career.
Eventually the much awaited offer came from an airlines company offering Prem and Amar jobs as co-pilots in their short haul budget sector routes. Both were so happy that they celebrated with their friends. As years rolled by they were getting more experienced and were adjudged the best by their airlines who honored them with several awards and promoted to command the aircraft.
Nearing their tenth anniversary of Job as pilots they decided to go on a Holiday with their friends. They boarded their flights to Kashmir and were looking forward to meeting their friends. Their thoughts were abruptly snapped by a sudden drop of the Airplane and the uncontrolled turbulence which began to shake the plane violently.
It did not take more time for Prem and Amar to know that something was seriously wrong with the aircraft and the movements indicated malfunction of the equipment on board. The pilots in command were also quite experienced but could not bring the aircraft in their control as the malfunction was very serious. Immediately Prem and Amar offered to talk to the pilots and began checking the equipment. After a long examination they discovered that the only way out was to make an emergency landing though the under carriage may not open landing gear.
Xenophobia began to grip the foreign passengers on hearing the news about a possible emergency belly landing and there was near pandemonium in the aircraft. Prem, assisted by Amar requested for permission to handle the aircraft and took control. Slowly they surveyed the landscape for a possible level ground far from the city limits preferably a paddy field with wet ground to douse the flames, if any, that might erupt on landing. They noticed a small speck of land amidst the green fields, although very small and began gliding the aircraft towards it. With a lot of shakes and twists that made the aircrft wobble like a rudderless ship they managed to land the aircraft on the field and it came to a screeching halt spilling dust and slurry. After all the passengers were evacuated through the rubber chutes along with the original Pilots and crew, Prem and Amar slid down the Chute and walked away from the aircraft to a roaring sound of applause from the relieved passengers. Yes they looked indeed like a PHOENIX emerging from fire to them.
Prem was a brilliant student with the spirit of adventure. After finishing his degree in commerce, he began taking lessons for becoming a commercial pilot. He was always fascinated with flying and was hell bent on pursuing a career as a Pilot.
Hot on his heels was his friend Amar, who, apart from being his college mate, was also an admirer of Prem. Seeing Prem's exploits with flying Amar could not help joining Prem in taking flying as a career. The whole neighbourhood used to look at them with awe when they set out for their flying lessons everyday.
On completion of the required number of flying hours successfully both Prem and Amar qualified for the Commercial Pilot's License and were eagerly awaiting their Job offer from leading commercial airlines. Having shown exemplary competence while undergoing training they were looking forward to an exciting career.
Eventually the much awaited offer came from an airlines company offering Prem and Amar jobs as co-pilots in their short haul budget sector routes. Both were so happy that they celebrated with their friends. As years rolled by they were getting more experienced and were adjudged the best by their airlines who honored them with several awards and promoted to command the aircraft.
Nearing their tenth anniversary of Job as pilots they decided to go on a Holiday with their friends. They boarded their flights to Kashmir and were looking forward to meeting their friends. Their thoughts were abruptly snapped by a sudden drop of the Airplane and the uncontrolled turbulence which began to shake the plane violently.
It did not take more time for Prem and Amar to know that something was seriously wrong with the aircraft and the movements indicated malfunction of the equipment on board. The pilots in command were also quite experienced but could not bring the aircraft in their control as the malfunction was very serious. Immediately Prem and Amar offered to talk to the pilots and began checking the equipment. After a long examination they discovered that the only way out was to make an emergency landing though the under carriage may not open landing gear.
Xenophobia began to grip the foreign passengers on hearing the news about a possible emergency belly landing and there was near pandemonium in the aircraft. Prem, assisted by Amar requested for permission to handle the aircraft and took control. Slowly they surveyed the landscape for a possible level ground far from the city limits preferably a paddy field with wet ground to douse the flames, if any, that might erupt on landing. They noticed a small speck of land amidst the green fields, although very small and began gliding the aircraft towards it. With a lot of shakes and twists that made the aircrft wobble like a rudderless ship they managed to land the aircraft on the field and it came to a screeching halt spilling dust and slurry. After all the passengers were evacuated through the rubber chutes along with the original Pilots and crew, Prem and Amar slid down the Chute and walked away from the aircraft to a roaring sound of applause from the relieved passengers. Yes they looked indeed like a PHOENIX emerging from fire to them.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Private Aviation - A Must in the Modern Business World
Private Aviation - A Must in the Modern Business World
If your business often takes you out of the office and onto an aeroplane, you'll know the downside of traveling by air. It seems as if you're constantly waiting and at the mercy of the airlines you depend on to get you to your business meetings on time.
Fortunately there is an alternative, and although it may not be one you have previously considered you'll soon see the benefits that come with private jet charter.
Perhaps the most immediate benefit is the faster service that private plane hire offers you. Not only can you dispense with having to check in an hour or two before you fly, you'll also benefit from the quicker and easier service - no long queues to negotiate and no long delays caused by the previous flight running late. You'll also be able to schedule your flight exactly when you require it, instead of having to book a seat on the closest commercial flight you can get.
This type of VIP travel is for the busy business person who places a high value on their time. Private aviation is more flexible than any commercial airline, which means no time will be wasted arriving early for your appointment and having to wait to see your client. You can plan your itinerary right down to the last minute, and ensure you arrive for your meeting right on time. Furthermore, when you arrive you can disembark and be on your way far quicker than you would if you relied on any traditional flight.
Things can also change quickly in the business world - meetings can be postponed or run late, which could be disastrous if you are already on board your commercial flight when the news comes through. With private jet charter this isn't a problem - the fully flexible itinerary means you can rearrange your flight to suit your own needs.
The savings in time that this offers you and your business are considerable. If you rely on a regular plane charter to fulfill your corporate travel needs you will soon see the benefits in increased productivity. You will find that the cost associated with this kind of luxury travel is actually far less than you might think when offset against the greater productivity you will achieve as a result.
You may prefer helicopter hire to flying by plane, but as with a private jet you will be able to benefit from using landing sites that are inaccessible to commercial jets, all of which speeds your journey as there is no need to fit in with the scheduling of other airlines.
When you arrange your private hire, you will be able to select the closest available landing spot to your meeting destination, leaving even less time in the car at the other end than you would experience leaving a major airport - and without the hassle of lots of traffic either.
In short, private jet hire has a lot to offer your business. Not only does it project a professional image, it also makes traveling to those business meetings far more enjoyable.
If your business often takes you out of the office and onto an aeroplane, you'll know the downside of traveling by air. It seems as if you're constantly waiting and at the mercy of the airlines you depend on to get you to your business meetings on time.
Fortunately there is an alternative, and although it may not be one you have previously considered you'll soon see the benefits that come with private jet charter.
Perhaps the most immediate benefit is the faster service that private plane hire offers you. Not only can you dispense with having to check in an hour or two before you fly, you'll also benefit from the quicker and easier service - no long queues to negotiate and no long delays caused by the previous flight running late. You'll also be able to schedule your flight exactly when you require it, instead of having to book a seat on the closest commercial flight you can get.
This type of VIP travel is for the busy business person who places a high value on their time. Private aviation is more flexible than any commercial airline, which means no time will be wasted arriving early for your appointment and having to wait to see your client. You can plan your itinerary right down to the last minute, and ensure you arrive for your meeting right on time. Furthermore, when you arrive you can disembark and be on your way far quicker than you would if you relied on any traditional flight.
Things can also change quickly in the business world - meetings can be postponed or run late, which could be disastrous if you are already on board your commercial flight when the news comes through. With private jet charter this isn't a problem - the fully flexible itinerary means you can rearrange your flight to suit your own needs.
The savings in time that this offers you and your business are considerable. If you rely on a regular plane charter to fulfill your corporate travel needs you will soon see the benefits in increased productivity. You will find that the cost associated with this kind of luxury travel is actually far less than you might think when offset against the greater productivity you will achieve as a result.
You may prefer helicopter hire to flying by plane, but as with a private jet you will be able to benefit from using landing sites that are inaccessible to commercial jets, all of which speeds your journey as there is no need to fit in with the scheduling of other airlines.
When you arrange your private hire, you will be able to select the closest available landing spot to your meeting destination, leaving even less time in the car at the other end than you would experience leaving a major airport - and without the hassle of lots of traffic either.
In short, private jet hire has a lot to offer your business. Not only does it project a professional image, it also makes traveling to those business meetings far more enjoyable.
Prepare for Your FAA Aircraft Mechanic Test With "Ground School" Software
Prepare for Your FAA Aircraft Mechanic Test With "Ground School" Software
As the final step in formal Aircraft Mechanic training, an excellent way to prepare for any of the FAA certification tests, such as the Airframe license, Powerplant license, or Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License, is to utilize your desktop PC or laptop, Apple Mac, iPhone or Android smartphone, with an application from Dauntless called "Ground School FAA Knowledge Test Prep."
You can install a free trial version and if you like it, you can purchase an individual learning module for $39.99 or a 'Pick-3' bundle for $89.99. The nice feature of the "Ground School" test preparation software is the feeling you obtain for the kinds of questions you will see on the FAA test. It immediately gives you feedback on the areas you are weak in, and it allows you to proceed at your own speed.
This is a good value, in terms of getting you ready for any of the FAA tests. After working through a section of related questions, Ground School summarizes your answers, and rolls up the results into a meaningful summary. A section summary is available for your review. Lastly, Ground School will suggest where you need to focus your FAA test preparation in order to pass the particular FAA test you are interested in. All in all, this is a valuable bit of software for helping you pass the FAA tests for Aircraft Mechanic. It is a way of solidifying and bringing to closure your training at an aircraft mechanic school.
With a typical FAA test fee of $72 each for the General test, Airframe test, and Powerplant test, or around $215 for all three tests, it pays to be prepared for each of these tests. A 'Pick-3' bundled fee of $89.99 may be a good investment to solidify your knowledge base before taking any of these FAA tests. Although the FAA lists the examination requirements for its battery of three tests in its document "FAA-G-8082-3A" (Aviation Maintenance Technician - General, Airframe, and Powerplant Knowledge Test Guide", this quide is only 15 pages long and merely states the steps necessary to take any of the FAA tests, the requirement of a passing score of 70 or above, and the need to retake the test only after the passage of 30 days.
The FAA provides additional test study guides at http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_questions/. If a review of these documents leaves you a bit uncertain, then perhaps it may be time to spring for one of these test prep software modules from "Ground School." You can view the Ground School FAA Knowledge Test Prep software package at http://dauntless-soft.com/PRODUCTS/GroundSchool/mechanic.asp.
by Steve Adams
As the final step in formal Aircraft Mechanic training, an excellent way to prepare for any of the FAA certification tests, such as the Airframe license, Powerplant license, or Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License, is to utilize your desktop PC or laptop, Apple Mac, iPhone or Android smartphone, with an application from Dauntless called "Ground School FAA Knowledge Test Prep."
You can install a free trial version and if you like it, you can purchase an individual learning module for $39.99 or a 'Pick-3' bundle for $89.99. The nice feature of the "Ground School" test preparation software is the feeling you obtain for the kinds of questions you will see on the FAA test. It immediately gives you feedback on the areas you are weak in, and it allows you to proceed at your own speed.
This is a good value, in terms of getting you ready for any of the FAA tests. After working through a section of related questions, Ground School summarizes your answers, and rolls up the results into a meaningful summary. A section summary is available for your review. Lastly, Ground School will suggest where you need to focus your FAA test preparation in order to pass the particular FAA test you are interested in. All in all, this is a valuable bit of software for helping you pass the FAA tests for Aircraft Mechanic. It is a way of solidifying and bringing to closure your training at an aircraft mechanic school.
With a typical FAA test fee of $72 each for the General test, Airframe test, and Powerplant test, or around $215 for all three tests, it pays to be prepared for each of these tests. A 'Pick-3' bundled fee of $89.99 may be a good investment to solidify your knowledge base before taking any of these FAA tests. Although the FAA lists the examination requirements for its battery of three tests in its document "FAA-G-8082-3A" (Aviation Maintenance Technician - General, Airframe, and Powerplant Knowledge Test Guide", this quide is only 15 pages long and merely states the steps necessary to take any of the FAA tests, the requirement of a passing score of 70 or above, and the need to retake the test only after the passage of 30 days.
The FAA provides additional test study guides at http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_questions/. If a review of these documents leaves you a bit uncertain, then perhaps it may be time to spring for one of these test prep software modules from "Ground School." You can view the Ground School FAA Knowledge Test Prep software package at http://dauntless-soft.com/PRODUCTS/GroundSchool/mechanic.asp.
by Steve Adams
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Private Jet Airlines
Private Jet Airlines
Flying on a private jet is luxurious. Famous people are the ones we see taking a flight like this. Being escorted to and from the plane, it seems that they own those jets when in fact, they really don't. Private charter flights or services can be availed of by any individual or group of people or company as long as they can afford. If you can book a commercial airline flight, you can also do so with private jet airlines. Surfing the Internet can help you find airline companies that offer private jet flights for you offering luxury services to customers. Best travel can be experienced through this way. It has been the trend nowadays for many people. They switch to this wonderful and full service.
Private jet airlines and commercial airlines differ so much from each other. Unlike the latter, private airlines services are not limited to flight and other services in the air. Even outside the trip, you can enjoy all the additional services they can render you which makes the entire travel experience a truly perfect and enjoyable one. They do not care about your limited travel needs. All your requests can be granted and they will let you experience a one- of- a- kind flight and make your dream air travel a reality. You will feel the convenience of this flight because you will not have to go through a congested jet travel. Getting to and from your destinations can be made easier and more easy. Your private jet will take off just as soon as you have boarded it. You do not need to think about your baggage because the services will take good care of them and ensure zero loss cases of your packs. All you need to do is relax and feel the utmost comfort they can give you.
Private jet airlines see to it that every single small detail of travel plans is of high quality. They make sure that you will get your top most ideal vacation or business trip. With all those aforementioned benefits and more, you will now stop wondering why many people are now opting for these airlines' services instead of commercial airlines of which the offered and rendered services are limited. If you decide to settle for less, you can never have a trip that is beyond you can ever imagine. Air charter or private flight is a new face of enjoyable and comfortable travel.
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, there are other advantages associated with flying on a private plane. The company can also offer you a choice of cabin crew, pilot, food, etc. The time schedule of your flight depends on what you prefer for yourself. Their jet services can be availed of 24/7. Hence, in the event that you need to travel, you must book a flight for the same week or in advance. You will be charged for any untimely or uninformed cancellation of flight. Therefore, it is well for you to plan carefully and confirm you trip accordingly to avoid having a sudden cancellation.
One disadvantage of the services of private plane airlines is the cost. Their services can be so costly and not everybody can afford. Nevertheless, the comfort and luxury are worth all the expenses.
Flying on a private jet is luxurious. Famous people are the ones we see taking a flight like this. Being escorted to and from the plane, it seems that they own those jets when in fact, they really don't. Private charter flights or services can be availed of by any individual or group of people or company as long as they can afford. If you can book a commercial airline flight, you can also do so with private jet airlines. Surfing the Internet can help you find airline companies that offer private jet flights for you offering luxury services to customers. Best travel can be experienced through this way. It has been the trend nowadays for many people. They switch to this wonderful and full service.
Private jet airlines and commercial airlines differ so much from each other. Unlike the latter, private airlines services are not limited to flight and other services in the air. Even outside the trip, you can enjoy all the additional services they can render you which makes the entire travel experience a truly perfect and enjoyable one. They do not care about your limited travel needs. All your requests can be granted and they will let you experience a one- of- a- kind flight and make your dream air travel a reality. You will feel the convenience of this flight because you will not have to go through a congested jet travel. Getting to and from your destinations can be made easier and more easy. Your private jet will take off just as soon as you have boarded it. You do not need to think about your baggage because the services will take good care of them and ensure zero loss cases of your packs. All you need to do is relax and feel the utmost comfort they can give you.
Private jet airlines see to it that every single small detail of travel plans is of high quality. They make sure that you will get your top most ideal vacation or business trip. With all those aforementioned benefits and more, you will now stop wondering why many people are now opting for these airlines' services instead of commercial airlines of which the offered and rendered services are limited. If you decide to settle for less, you can never have a trip that is beyond you can ever imagine. Air charter or private flight is a new face of enjoyable and comfortable travel.
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, there are other advantages associated with flying on a private plane. The company can also offer you a choice of cabin crew, pilot, food, etc. The time schedule of your flight depends on what you prefer for yourself. Their jet services can be availed of 24/7. Hence, in the event that you need to travel, you must book a flight for the same week or in advance. You will be charged for any untimely or uninformed cancellation of flight. Therefore, it is well for you to plan carefully and confirm you trip accordingly to avoid having a sudden cancellation.
One disadvantage of the services of private plane airlines is the cost. Their services can be so costly and not everybody can afford. Nevertheless, the comfort and luxury are worth all the expenses.
Private Jet Planes - The Average Cost of Private Jets
Private Jet Planes - The Average Cost of Private Jets
Everyone yearns to fly in the sky but not all can afford the luxury as the Jet Planes are really costly and will make a big hole in your pocket. You will find plenty of new and used Aircrafts for sale in the market and amongst that; I will recommend you to go for the used ones since the price is a bit low. Of course, if money is not a question for you, then you can certainly buy a new plane. It all comes down to how much you can afford to spend on the featured aircraft's. There is a super cool Supersonic jet which will be coming in 2014 and will cost around $80 million. The price tag suggests that this plane is made only for those Russian billionaires. You will drool at the speeds that these airplanes have to offer. The Supersonic jet will take you from New York to Paris in just four hours. Get this aircraft if you want to reach your destination quickly and don't want to face a lot of hassles in your journey.
There are plenty of planes available in the market right now and they contain both used and unused ones. If you are looking to buy airplanes, you will be surprised to see the host of options that are waiting there for you. Used crafts can cost you as low as $1,500,000. The cost depends on what you want and what you are buying the aircraft for. The price depends on the age, features (that the plane might have or if you want separate ones), and the size of the plane. Remember that a cheaper airplane does come with a catch: you might have to spend additional money on repairs and maintenance. The gas mileage is also a bit low as compared to new aircraft.
Everyone yearns to fly in the sky but not all can afford the luxury as the Jet Planes are really costly and will make a big hole in your pocket. You will find plenty of new and used Aircrafts for sale in the market and amongst that; I will recommend you to go for the used ones since the price is a bit low. Of course, if money is not a question for you, then you can certainly buy a new plane. It all comes down to how much you can afford to spend on the featured aircraft's. There is a super cool Supersonic jet which will be coming in 2014 and will cost around $80 million. The price tag suggests that this plane is made only for those Russian billionaires. You will drool at the speeds that these airplanes have to offer. The Supersonic jet will take you from New York to Paris in just four hours. Get this aircraft if you want to reach your destination quickly and don't want to face a lot of hassles in your journey.
There are plenty of planes available in the market right now and they contain both used and unused ones. If you are looking to buy airplanes, you will be surprised to see the host of options that are waiting there for you. Used crafts can cost you as low as $1,500,000. The cost depends on what you want and what you are buying the aircraft for. The price depends on the age, features (that the plane might have or if you want separate ones), and the size of the plane. Remember that a cheaper airplane does come with a catch: you might have to spend additional money on repairs and maintenance. The gas mileage is also a bit low as compared to new aircraft.
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