Aviation MegaThread!!!!

[Robert Ford]

I miss flying...

I started learning while in high school and took lessons sporadically and didn't get my private until I turned 37 and got my instrument rating shortly after. We used to rent a Piper Archer and fly from Dayton to Boston visiting family.

It all ended when I had a spontaneous pneumothorax in 2005 and was told I couldn't get another medical. These days the bug has started to bite again and I'm thinking of going with some sort of ultralight or LSA. My understanding is that you can self certify medically as long as your last medical wasn't rejected.

[PvtIdaho]

Originally Posted by Mudflaps

Here's some neat F-35 footage:


http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v...feature=colike

Good stuff.

Looks like there might be some clearance issues with the nozzle and horizontal stabs based on the first deck launch in that vid.

I didn't realize that the canopy was hinged in the front. Interesting that the canopy is a single piece but there is still a canopy bow.

[dfwscotty]

Someone in here actually inquired as to what it cost per hour to own a GS.

Multiple times when I was more heavily involved in flying including owning an airplane I would come across posts like that or people would wonder how much it would cost. I would tell them, just do it. You really don't want to know because it will only depress you. Sometimes they would press and I would give them a rundown.

Most guys would be happy with the basic rundown, you know, like the Cessna 150 tied down outside. Then others would say, "I think I want a single-engine retractable" and I would give them a rundown on it.

I would get the response, "oh, wow.....really?" "I never thought about that."

[Lornce]

Originally Posted by Mudflaps

Here's some neat F-35 footage:


http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v...feature=colike

Wow. Beautifully filmed. Remarkable airplane.

[Gernick]

This might need to be moved to CSM. But I'm putting it here for the aerogeeks.

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...n=aviationfees

[LowandSlo]

Always pushing the limits of what's possible in base jumping and wingsuits, Jeb Corliss got a little too close to the rocks today but survived. He has done some amazing stuff. I hope he heals up quickly.

http://www.businessinsider.com/legen...urvives-2012-1

[anonny]

[RxZ]

Originally Posted by pilot815

I would be interested to know what it is exactly. From what I remember, 10-15mpg was the magical number for most single engine piston planes regardless of engine size and retractable/fixed gear. It all seemed to work out the same. This doesn't however apply to homebuilt/kit airplanes. Bigger engine meant faster speed, but higher consumption. Smaller engine meant slower speed and lower consumption. Consider that 100LL (avgas or airplane gas) is a little over $6.00 a gallon the car gas cost vs airplane gas cost is clearly sided to the car. Of course when it comes to time saved, and enjoyment the airplane wins.

I know it is a Piper, but sorry I don't know the exact model. I do know that he bugged the family that owned it for about 4 years before they finally sold it It was the plane he wanted.

Originally Posted by I_FLY_LOW

I think for some, it the matter of being able to cover longer distances quicker.

For the doctor I mention, this is definitely the case. That and he can go where he wants when he wants when it comes time to see his kids, or just go on vacation. He says it gets the same mileage as his truck, but he never said it was cheaper than his truck

[Lornce]

How about 45mpg at 207mph?

[I_FLY_LOW]

That kicks ass!

[XR650L_Dave]

Originally Posted by anonny

Video is private, can't watch it.

[I_FLY_LOW]

Originally Posted by XR650L_Dave

Video is private, can't watch it.

Don't know how long it'll be up..
Everyone I keep coming across is becoming private...

[Deans BMW]

When I used to fly for Aerostar, we could set up cruise at 30,000 ft at 300 MPH TAS at 30 gal/hour total. That was an amazing aircraft.

[Flying-D]

Jeb Corliss will eventually die doing that shit.

[XR650L_Dave]

Originally Posted by Flying-D

Jeb Corliss will eventually die doing that shit.

Sure looks that way. Sheeeeit.