Welcome Home, Discovery

Space Shuttle Discovery landed today at Dulles safely.  You can track images and twitter feeds by looking for #spottheshuttle and #OV103.

An Astronaut's Opinion of Commercial Space

Firstly, let me apologize for not updating this blog sporatically.  Mike and I both work full time jobs, and those tend to get in the way of the rest of our lives.  

Aviation Week is today publishing an editorial by Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria praising the approach that NASA is taking in the development of the new Commercial Crew Vehicle.  It's worth the read, and certainly worth your time.  Mr. Lopez-Alegria makes many interesting and valid points.

Commentary:
I am all for Commercial Crew Development as I do not like monopolies, or betting on a single horse.  For 50 years, NASA has been the only source of space access for human beings in the United States.  Although NASA operated the only spaceline for 30 of those years, the cost of renting space on the Shuttle was too staggering for most companies to seriously contemplate.  Spurring the development of a commercial, human option is essential for our own Economic and Technical Development.

Burt Rutan made a great speech at  TED a few years ago where he talked about the difference between government and industry fueled innovation:


The gist of the talk is that government requirements can develop amazing flying machines (SR-71 and LEM).  However, real innovation requires the market.  In this way, CCD is essentially providing seed capital to companies interested in flying people into orbit.  This seed capital can be turned over to flying people to commercial space stations, or beyond low earth orbit based on contracts from other companies.  As space markets open up, innovation will be spurred creating, better, faster, safer, cheaper access to space. 

Additionally, CCD gives a test case for certification of manned spacecraft.  Just as most aircraft need to be given a type-certification before they can be sold to customers, a commercial spacecraft will need to undergo a certain amount of certification before it can be type rated and available for people to fly.  Currently, there are no set standards by the FAA.   NASA has the ability to self-certify their aircraft and spacecraft, and are so far the only group that can certify a spacecraft.  These standards provide a good starting point, but eventually, the FAA will need to take a leading role in this, as the customer base will expand to include private companies and require a type certificate to fly.

In short - commercial space is good for this country as it will spur economic development in the United States, keeping us on the edge of aerospace achievement.  


Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in the commentary are those of the author alone and do not represent the opinions of any other organization herein. 

747-8F's Million Pound Takeoff

Bravo Zulu Boeing!

Bertrand Piccard's Solar Powered Adventure

Here's a video from TED by Bertrand Piccard talking about his attempt to circumnavigate the globe, and also his new project in the form of Solar Impulse:




Mr Piccard's talk is interesting in the sense that he is talking about next-generation aviation.  Solar technologies, or electrical powered airplanes are a major area of interest for not only General Aviation, but also by the Military and government.  With rising fuel prices, the idea of a solar powered, or electrical aircraft is becoming more and more popular.  And, with green technologies the buzz work of the decade, they are also becoming more and more desired.  For both reasons, These aircraft technologies are of interest to the future of aviation. 

Although I don't believe the technology to carry people across the ocean in a solar powered aircraft exists today, it is certainly going to one day.  Mr. Piccard brilliantly illustrates this towards the end of his talk:  Charles Lindberg barely made his trans-atlantic flight; yet today it is done thousands of times a day, with thousands of people, on jets a thousand times bigger.  Technologies will get us there...its only a matter of time.  

April 2012 a big month for Aerospace

April 2012 is promising to be a big month in the future of aviation.  Like by blogger-in-arms Mike reported last week, the Space Shuttle Discovery is being transferred to the Smithsonian this month.  It will replace Enterprise at Dulles Airport Annex.  As one generation is being retired amist much-deserved celebration, the next generation is also taking flight for the second time.  SpaceX is expected to make a second launch of their Dragon Capsule, to complete a NASA requirement of docking and re-supply of the International Space Station.  This will be the first commercial re-supply mission to the orbiting outpost and is expected to pave the way for Orbital's Cygnus spacecraft later this year.  Also, this is the first step towards man-rating these commercial rockets so they may one day fly astronauts to and from the Space Station, or to other commercial locations. 

Black Diamond Performance Team (L-39 and MIG-17)

Down in Sun n' Fun, there is a performance team that showed off their skills in their vintage aircraft, L-39 and the MIG-17. Their team consists of Air Force, Navy, and two civilian pilots! Check out the link below!!!
Black Diamond Link!! (Has video too!)

Space Shuttle Discovery Landing at Dulles

This was brought to my attention by a follower, Sean Caldwell. It appears as though that Space Shuttle Discovery will be making an appearance at the Dulles International Airport in April. I hope every takes the time to drive out there and check it out. If there are people interested, let me know maybe we can all meet somewhere and go check it out together. Click the link below and check it out!!!

Information about the Arrival!!!

ATREX Finally Launches

I just wanted to point you in the direction of this link announcing that ATREX finally launched last night.  The site has a video of the launch and some images. 

Certainly worth your time, especially when you can see images like this: 

Will they finally find Earhart?

A fun one, via my blogger-in-arms Mike Vanhoy, the search continues for Amelia Earhart's plane.  The search is being launched based on the review of a photograph by a 1937 British soldier which may show the landing gear of a Lockheed Electra sticking out of the water.  

Good luck!  I know they won't find it.  We all know she was abducted by aliens...

(yes, I'm joking) 

Planning your Fuel, Don't Become a Statistic!

How many of you think you have common sense? I have common sense. As a VFR pilot would you flying in to IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions)? I didn't think you would. I know I wouldn't. Apparently, there are a lot people lacking common sense....I guess it isn't so common is it?

 The number of accidents that happen from lack of planning from capable pilots is ridiculous. The rate of pilots running in to a problem of fuel starvation has decreased over the years but really there should be no excuses for running out of fuel. However, pilots are trying to extend their airplanes distances by reducing power and reducing the fuel to air mixture (leaning) because of the rise in fuel prices. If your aircraft has a distance of 4 hours, don't try to extend it past that point. There are many variables that could make that situation a very bad one. For example, weather that comes across your path, icing, congestion of traffic, military operations, whatever it may be, your plane has a range, respect it.

 The statistics on fuel related accidents has decreased over the years but still there should not be any at all. Planning should be taken seriously and must be completely understood before that plane is started. Recently, I had to plan a day VFR flight to St. Augustine, Florida from Hammonton, New Jersey. I was in a Piper Aerostar. Yes those aircraft are very fast, but not that day. The winds were insane after a front just passed through. I determined a time based on forecasted winds aloft and en-route weather. I also had a flight plan... a straight line. If I had to deviate for any reason I knew I could not make it in one shot. The flight was a success, I landed with about 50 minutes of fuel left. Yes that is plenty of fuel per the regulations... but I would not have done this had I known I wasn't going to make it.

 If the aircraft isn't going to make it don't go and say I think we can stretch it. If the tanks in the aircraft are limited to 4 hours of flight, do not go even if it is going to take you 4 hours and 15 minutes. Remember you are most likely going to burn more fuel then what you expect. Just go on that assumption. Be safe, understand your limits and your aircraft's limits so you do not become a statistic. Safe travels.

February Icing Terms Rescinded by FAA

The FAA has rescinded updates to the AIM on icing conditions, as reported by FlightGlobal.

Per the article, the definitions are following a 1994 crash in which icing conditions lead to the accumulation of ice aft of the de-icing boots - a location that does not normally see icing and in which the pilots had no recourse to correct the issue.

My understanding is that the FAA added a new category, "Heavy" to their icing definitions terms, while also adding identifyable, quantifiable, critera to their existing icing definitions. 

The new definition was shelved after a meeting with many of the major players in aviation policy making - citing coordination issues with various publications, advisory circulars, and automated systems.  I expect we'll see these definitions come back after a coordinated effort is undertaken...so standby.   

NASA to Light Up the Skies of the Northeast

For the last few days, NASA's Wallops Flight Facility has been attempting to launch 5 rockets into the high atmosphere to study high altitude jet streams.  This mission, called ATREX has been delayed due to weather.  Tonight seems like it might happen.  If you're in the DC/Baltimore/Cape May area you should have a good show.

Updates can be seen on NASA.gov or by following NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Twitter or Facebook.

UPDATE: You know, its really cool how these guys launch a rocket - it's pretty much the same way that they fly an airplane, only their pre-flight checklist takes hours.  But the logic is still the same.  There's still the walk around, still the before engine start checks.  Still the run-up checklists (though that takes place before they light the rocket) and they're still "flying" the rocket by making sure its doing what they intend to do.  I had the opportunity to observe a rehearsal of this launch and it was incredible how similar it all was in spirit. 

FAA Cracking Down on Pilots (Link with Article)

http://www.flyingmag.com/pilots-places/pilots-adventures-more/faa-%E2%80%98safety-culture%E2%80%99-or-snitching-program?cmpid=032012&spPodID=030&spMailingID=5262205&spUserID=NzgxMDM0MTIxOAS2&spJobID=196366895&spReportId=MTk2MzY2ODk1S0

Everyone take a look at this. I find it a little funny that NOW the FAA wants to crack down on pilots who mess up no matter how minor. It is unfortunate, as stated in the article, for students because flying is about making mistakes and learning from them. Now by mistakes, I mean basic errors nothing severe or errors that can cost anyone their certificate. Post your thoughts below. Also, if you haven't done so subscribe to the magazine and check out all the articles they have to offer; it is very educational.

About Me: Colin Fischer

Lets get this AA meeting started.  My name is Colin Fischer and I'm and Aviaholic*.
If you're coming over from "What's a Flight Officer?", then you should already know who I am.  I'm THAT guy.  I am a licensed commercial pilot, currently working as a NASA contracter doing Engineering work.  I'm working on getting a job flying airplanes full time, but in this economy I am thankful to have a job.  I still fly fairly often - certainly enough to be dangerous - and so I'll be more than happy to show you what I've learned.

I'm also here to bring a non-pilot element to this blog.  Aviation is the best industry in the world; but its more than just pilots.  It's maintainers, engineers, and flight crewman and other ground crew that make the industry what it is.  Pilots, despite being as awesome as we are, are just the tip of the ice berg.

So...I'm ready for this journey.  Lets see whats out there...

*Aviaholic is (c) 2012 to Colin J. Fischer

About me: Michael Vanhoy

Hello all! My name is Michael Vanhoy, creator of this blog. I am a young professional pilot currently flying for a part 135 operation. I also like to enjoy my own personal flying all up and down the east coast. I have been flying since before I could drive. I learn every flight I do and I learn from as many people as I can. I am looking to share my experiences with everyone and hope everyone shares theirs as well. Remember this job or hobby is too awesome to screw up!!

#pilotlogic

Aren't there enough aviation blogs?  Yes there are...  There are more than enough.  So why start?  That's simple.  We have something to offer.  Our discoveries as we learn the art of the airplane, and navigate in our aviation careers from one level to another.  We will be posting our successes, but we will also be posting our failures.  "#pilotlogic" is about the next generation of aviation professionals, by that generation, designed to spread knowledge and information about the best profession in the world.