Aviation MegaThread!!!!

[chazbird]

I thought the UK was chucking a lot of their carriers anyway, maybe making them into bed & breakfasts.

[PvtIdaho]

Originally Posted by chazbird

Several of the actions require 3-5 inputs through menus or modes or imbedded screens. That's not so good. Notice no one was going after them, attacking and defending oneself would really ramp up the workload (which seems high to me already) on those display systems. Moving some of those sub screens seems sub optimal, too. There was the FMS CDU like display too. You get everything in multi screen, often buried, displays.

"So I went left to left with this Mig-29 and couldn't remember if I was supposed to hit CNTL-OPT-6 or SHFT-F6..."



I will admit I am jealous of "all those wonderful toys" that the guys (and gals) that fly the F-35 will get to play with. On the other hand, it does kind of take away all the old standard excuses for why you screwed up.

[Heyload]

Originally Posted by chazbird

Several of the actions require 3-5 inputs through menus or modes or imbedded screens. That's not so good. Notice no one was going after them, attacking and defending oneself would really ramp up the workload (which seems high to me already) on those display systems. Moving some of those sub screens seems sub optimal, too. There was the FMS CDU like display too. You get everything in multi screen, often buried, displays.

Absolutely not a fan of the MFD/CDU set up. It's okay when it's simple stuff, and it gives alot of info, but damn, a pilot sure can spend alot of time with his head down.

In my plane, turning on the radio used to be a 30 second task. Radio power on, select frequency, select antenna, key mike and speak.

Now there is a 16 step checklist which requires you to turn on the entire damned FMS, to include MFD/CDU displays. It's ridiculous.

Thank goodness for the UHF 3 radio. All you need is battery power. Turn it on, tune it in and speak.

Guess which radio get's used the most on the ground?

[fosters2]

Had the opportunity to fly one of these, a Boeing YUH-61, years after the fly-off competition was decided and the UH-60 Blackhawk was the winner.

[chazbird]

I wonder if I should have gotten into helos instead of fixed wing in my so called career.. Seems like the work would be more varied and interesting, and one among other annoyances to deal with, no TSA.

[Hay Ewe]

If i knew now what i knew then i would have taken rotor wing lessons.
As it was i ended up in narrow body boeing maintenace as tech support and now i work for a large 40+ aircraft operator with 30+ rotors.
Sorry if thats a dissapointment but where we fly, what we fly and the stories make it much more exciting than i imagine driving a 737 around europe would be.

[Hardware02]

Originally Posted by Barike

We can tell!





And to keep the thread kind of on track... If this were a real airplane, how well do you all think it would fly? I got the picture from www.dannychoo.com and I believe it's of an aircraft from an anime movie.

Reminds me of...



Looks like it would inherently be more stable than an F-117 or B-2 and with modern fly-by-wire technology, could easily fly.

[chazbird]

Flat leading edges are a new one on me. And it might require landing gear. The significant anhedral wings would indicate ludicrously long legs...where to store those? Apparently no need to fare the engines. Vertical stability seems to be a completely forgotten. Do I have trouble suspending my disbelief? Is it a space plane? Other than than those minor points I hope congress funds it.

[dorkpunch]

I hope your being sarcastic...

[chazbird]

Of course I'm being sarcastic...because with those problems that's to keep them from funding it.

[Heyload]

Originally Posted by fosters2

Had the opportunity to fly one of these, a Boeing YUH-61, years after the fly-off competition was decided and the UH-60 Blackhawk was the winner.

That is pretty cool, never seen it before!

[dorkpunch]

Originally Posted by chazbird

Of course I'm being sarcastic...because with those problems that's to keep them from funding it.

It doesnt need long legs cause the wings fold... It has feet, can take of vertically, and needs a 'droid to assist with flight control...

[Shadow10]

Originally Posted by Hay Ewe

If i knew now what i knew then i would have taken rotor wing lessons.
As it was i ended up in narrow body boeing maintenace as tech support and now i work for a large 40+ aircraft operator with 30+ rotors.
Sorry if thats a dissapointment but where we fly, what we fly and the stories make it much more exciting than i imagine driving a 737 around europe would be.

Wow, interesting point of view. I'm currently saving to do a bunch of flying lessons at the end of the year when work gets quiet.

I always intended to go rotary wing, but a recent acquaintance (Captain with a major airline) suggested I give fixed wing a try, pointing out that its cheaper and theres more scope of aircraft. I could even end up flying small, personal jets as they become more available.

I figure theres nothing to lose by at least doing some introductory training in fixed wing. I should also point out that I'm under no illusion about this becoming an exciting new career. At best it will be an expensive hobby and I'm fine with that. Its only money and fuel. Helo's have always grabbed my imagination, so it seemed the natural way to go for me.

Advice and comments from those that have gone before, much appreciated!

[chazbird]

Advice on comments on that undertaking is a whole new thread. In short (for training and a career): Super fun. Super frustrating. Super expensive (training). In summary: Caveat emptor!

[vspeed]

Originally Posted by Shadow10

Advice and comments from those that have gone before, much appreciated!

"Crab" into the wind.