"Air India's Mumbai-Bhopal-Indore-Delhi flight (IC-133) with 100 passengers and six crew members landed at Delhi airport at 1058 hrs and was taxiing towards the parking bay when engineers at the ground noticed two deflated tyres of the left landing gear and sparks emanating due to friction," an airline official said. They then immediately informed the pilot and asked him to stop the Airbus-320 aircraft.
The crash fire tenders were immediately called in, which sprinkled water and foam to cool the aircraft's undercarriage in order to prevent any fire, he said, adding "all the passengers onboard are safe". According to sources, there was no tyre burst as the pilot did not notice any unusual jerk. "The tyres got deflated after the aircraft had landed and while it was taxiing," they said.
Tuesday's incident at the IGI airport is in the series of close shaves involving passenger aircraft. Earlier this month, an Air India Express Dubai-Pune flight, with 112 passengers on board, rapidly descended several thousand feet over Muscat air space.
A Chennai-bound Spicejet flight with 201 passengers was cleared for take-off shortly after 1.30 a.m. but the flight commander detected some technical problem and informed the air traffic control.
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Iran flight lands with burst tyres
A major Republic Day disaster was averted at Mumbai Airport on Tuesday when an Iran Air Boeing-747 aircraft managed to land safely despite a set of burst tyres.
All 117 passengers and crew on the Tehran-Mumbai IR-810 were reported safe, according to airport sources.
The incident, which occurred around 8 am, was noticed by the pilot of the aircraft after landing as he was moving towards the passenger terminal.
He immediately alerted the concerned authorities and the aircraft was moved to a different location at Parking Bay No. 49 where the passengers disembarked.
The airport officials carried out an inspection of the runway but nothing that could have led to the tyres bursting was found, sources revealed.
There was no impact on normal flight operations due to the incident.
Being a Tuesday, there will be restricted flight operations on account of the regular weekly runway maintenance that will be taken up from noon to 6 pm.
All 117 passengers and crew on the Tehran-Mumbai IR-810 were reported safe, according to airport sources.
The incident, which occurred around 8 am, was noticed by the pilot of the aircraft after landing as he was moving towards the passenger terminal.
He immediately alerted the concerned authorities and the aircraft was moved to a different location at Parking Bay No. 49 where the passengers disembarked.
The airport officials carried out an inspection of the runway but nothing that could have led to the tyres bursting was found, sources revealed.
There was no impact on normal flight operations due to the incident.
Being a Tuesday, there will be restricted flight operations on account of the regular weekly runway maintenance that will be taken up from noon to 6 pm.
Jeddah-Mumbai flight tyres burst on landing, passengers safe
Mumbai, July 4 (IANS) Passengers aboard a Saudia airliner on a Jeddah-Mumbai flight had a scare when its tyres burst during landing at Mumbai airport Saturday evening, an official said.
The Saudia flight, SV-744, was landing around 6.30 p.m. in poor visibility conditions - upto 500 metres only - at the main runway, when the tyres burst.
Following the emergency, airport authorities immediately ordered the runway (0927) to be closed.
They made arrangements to tow away the aircraft but failed on account of the heavy load.
Even as the aircraft was stranded, the authorities ordered the 199 passengers to disembark from the plane on the taxiway No. 8 from where they were taken in buses to the arrival hall at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
After nearly 40 minutes of closure of operations on the main runway, it was finally opened for normal operations.
Several incoming flights, including a Cathay Pacific Hong Kong-Mumbai flight and a Kingfisher Thiruvananthapuram-Mumbai flight went around circling over the city till they got landing permission.
The Saudia aircraft’s return flight to Jeddah with 211 passengers booked on it was cancelled.
The Saudia flight, SV-744, was landing around 6.30 p.m. in poor visibility conditions - upto 500 metres only - at the main runway, when the tyres burst.
Following the emergency, airport authorities immediately ordered the runway (0927) to be closed.
They made arrangements to tow away the aircraft but failed on account of the heavy load.
Even as the aircraft was stranded, the authorities ordered the 199 passengers to disembark from the plane on the taxiway No. 8 from where they were taken in buses to the arrival hall at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
After nearly 40 minutes of closure of operations on the main runway, it was finally opened for normal operations.
Several incoming flights, including a Cathay Pacific Hong Kong-Mumbai flight and a Kingfisher Thiruvananthapuram-Mumbai flight went around circling over the city till they got landing permission.
The Saudia aircraft’s return flight to Jeddah with 211 passengers booked on it was cancelled.
Tyres
Description
Aircraft tyres are designed to withstand extremely heavy loads for short durations, with the number of tyres required increasing with the weight of the plane in order to better distribute the weight.
Aircraft tyre tread patterns are designed to facilitate stability in high crosswind conditions, to channel water away to prevent aquaplaning, and for braking effect. Some types of nose wheel tyres include one (or two) chine moulded into the rubber on the shoulder buttresses that deflects water away during aircraft movement on a wet runway. Aircraft tyres also include heat fuses (sometimes called fusible plugs) which are designed to melt at a certain temperature in order to reduce the risk of an explosive deflation due to overheating.
Effects
There are 2 primary hazards associated with tyres:
Deflation; the tyre deflates in a controlled manner with minimal direct consequence to other systems.
Explosive break-up; the tyre (and sometimes the wheel holding the tyre) deflates or breaks-up in an uncontrolled manner with a significant probability of secondary damage to other unrelated systems.
These hazards are associated with 4 distinct periods of aircraft operation:
Ground operations eg taxying
Take-off (up to gear retraction)
Post take-off (gear stowed)
Landing (to the end of the roll-out)
The various combinations of hazard and flight period can have markedly different influences, but all can affect operations to some degree.
Defences
Aircraft Maintenance & Ground Maoeuvre: operating with the correct tyre pressures and maximising turn radii during ground manoeuvres can mitigate against a number of contributing factors associated with overheating and wear issues which can lead to tyre failure.
Procedures: managing taxy patterns, reduced taxy speeds and allowing sufficient cooling time when necessary can also obviate the issues associated with overheating. In-cockpit procedures for landing can also influence the occurrence of damage to the tyres.
Inspections: aircraft tyre inspections can identify a worn or damaged tyre that can subsequently be changed before it may explosively deflate or breaks-up, whilst airfield FOD inspections can reduce the possibility of undetected damage occurring after the inspection.
Typical Scenarios
Taxying: Long taxy patterns at heavy weights with tight turns will generate a lot of heat in the tyres, even if the brakes are used sparingly. This could cause the heat fuses to melt, resulting in a controlled deflation of the tyre. Dependent upon a number of factors, including the remaining number of tyres on the aircraft, there may be restrictions on further aircraft movement prior to the wheel being changed.
Take-off: High speed aborts generate a great deal of heat in both the brakes and the tyres and restrictions may need to be placed on the degree of ground movement that can be undertaken after an abort. The potential consequences of a high speed abort are, therefore, the melting of the heat fuses and the consequential impact as above.
Take-off: Explosive deflation/break-up due to eg FOD can have catastrophic consequences. There is a great deal of potential energy stored in the tyre/wheel assemblies and multiple, unrelated system damage should be anticipated. An immediate landing will be the priority. Post take-off: Rapid retraction of the undercarriage following a long, high speed, heavy weight taxy with immediate take-off, or multiple touch-and-goes during crew training, can lead to the tyres overheating in the wheel well. The heat fuses should prevent an explosive deflation, but it is not guaranteed. The main problem with this event is that the crew are potentially unaware that they have an issue with the undercarriage until secondary effects start to occur during the landing run.
Landing: A number of issues can arise from landing with a deflated tyre:
Handling issues may arise during the landing roll-out phase, and in severe cases may cause the aircraft to depart the prepared surface.
Landing with a deflated tyre will put additional strain on the remaining tyres, with an increased potential for one or more to subsequently suffer an explosive deflation due to overstress. The implication for secondary damage to the aircraft is high and the potential for rapid aircraft arrest and evacuation is enhanced.
Contributory Factors
Foreign Object Damage (FOD) around the operating areas
Minimal time between push-back/start-up and take-off slot time
Lighting conditions for inspections
Solutions
Plan for slower taxy speeds with gentler turning radii. If it is known that the tyres (and brakes) may be hot then the following precautions may be prudent in order to allow the components time to cool:
Leave the gear down for a protracted period after take-off.
If at all possible, avoid committing to a landing very soon after take-off.
Follow the Flight Manual guidelines on cooling periods for example after an emergency stop at whatever speed.
Ground controllers should consider where they would place an aircraft that requires a prolonged cooling period on the ground so as to minimise disruption to other traffic. Ensure adequate FOD control measures are in place and adhered to.
Aircraft tyres are designed to withstand extremely heavy loads for short durations, with the number of tyres required increasing with the weight of the plane in order to better distribute the weight.
Aircraft tyre tread patterns are designed to facilitate stability in high crosswind conditions, to channel water away to prevent aquaplaning, and for braking effect. Some types of nose wheel tyres include one (or two) chine moulded into the rubber on the shoulder buttresses that deflects water away during aircraft movement on a wet runway. Aircraft tyres also include heat fuses (sometimes called fusible plugs) which are designed to melt at a certain temperature in order to reduce the risk of an explosive deflation due to overheating.
Effects
There are 2 primary hazards associated with tyres:
Deflation; the tyre deflates in a controlled manner with minimal direct consequence to other systems.
Explosive break-up; the tyre (and sometimes the wheel holding the tyre) deflates or breaks-up in an uncontrolled manner with a significant probability of secondary damage to other unrelated systems.
These hazards are associated with 4 distinct periods of aircraft operation:
Ground operations eg taxying
Take-off (up to gear retraction)
Post take-off (gear stowed)
Landing (to the end of the roll-out)
The various combinations of hazard and flight period can have markedly different influences, but all can affect operations to some degree.
Defences
Aircraft Maintenance & Ground Maoeuvre: operating with the correct tyre pressures and maximising turn radii during ground manoeuvres can mitigate against a number of contributing factors associated with overheating and wear issues which can lead to tyre failure.
Procedures: managing taxy patterns, reduced taxy speeds and allowing sufficient cooling time when necessary can also obviate the issues associated with overheating. In-cockpit procedures for landing can also influence the occurrence of damage to the tyres.
Inspections: aircraft tyre inspections can identify a worn or damaged tyre that can subsequently be changed before it may explosively deflate or breaks-up, whilst airfield FOD inspections can reduce the possibility of undetected damage occurring after the inspection.
Typical Scenarios
Taxying: Long taxy patterns at heavy weights with tight turns will generate a lot of heat in the tyres, even if the brakes are used sparingly. This could cause the heat fuses to melt, resulting in a controlled deflation of the tyre. Dependent upon a number of factors, including the remaining number of tyres on the aircraft, there may be restrictions on further aircraft movement prior to the wheel being changed.
Take-off: High speed aborts generate a great deal of heat in both the brakes and the tyres and restrictions may need to be placed on the degree of ground movement that can be undertaken after an abort. The potential consequences of a high speed abort are, therefore, the melting of the heat fuses and the consequential impact as above.
Take-off: Explosive deflation/break-up due to eg FOD can have catastrophic consequences. There is a great deal of potential energy stored in the tyre/wheel assemblies and multiple, unrelated system damage should be anticipated. An immediate landing will be the priority. Post take-off: Rapid retraction of the undercarriage following a long, high speed, heavy weight taxy with immediate take-off, or multiple touch-and-goes during crew training, can lead to the tyres overheating in the wheel well. The heat fuses should prevent an explosive deflation, but it is not guaranteed. The main problem with this event is that the crew are potentially unaware that they have an issue with the undercarriage until secondary effects start to occur during the landing run.
Landing: A number of issues can arise from landing with a deflated tyre:
Handling issues may arise during the landing roll-out phase, and in severe cases may cause the aircraft to depart the prepared surface.
Landing with a deflated tyre will put additional strain on the remaining tyres, with an increased potential for one or more to subsequently suffer an explosive deflation due to overstress. The implication for secondary damage to the aircraft is high and the potential for rapid aircraft arrest and evacuation is enhanced.
Contributory Factors
Foreign Object Damage (FOD) around the operating areas
Minimal time between push-back/start-up and take-off slot time
Lighting conditions for inspections
Solutions
Plan for slower taxy speeds with gentler turning radii. If it is known that the tyres (and brakes) may be hot then the following precautions may be prudent in order to allow the components time to cool:
Leave the gear down for a protracted period after take-off.
If at all possible, avoid committing to a landing very soon after take-off.
Follow the Flight Manual guidelines on cooling periods for example after an emergency stop at whatever speed.
Ground controllers should consider where they would place an aircraft that requires a prolonged cooling period on the ground so as to minimise disruption to other traffic. Ensure adequate FOD control measures are in place and adhered to.
Sparks fly as A-I flight tyres deflate, passengers safe
More than 100 people on board an Air India (A-I) plane had a close shave when two tyres of the left landing gear of aircraft IC-133 deflated soon after it landed at the IGI airport here today.
“Air India's Mumbai-Bhopal-Indore-Delhi flight with 100 passengers and six crew members landed at Delhi airport around 10.58 a.m. and was taxiing towards the parking bay when ground engineers noticed two deflated tyres of the left landing gear and sparks emanating due to friction,” an airline official said. The pilot was immediately alerted and asked to stop the Airbus-320 aircraft.
Crash fire tenders were called in, which sprinkled water and foam to cool the aircraft's undercarriage in order to prevent any fire, he said, adding “all the passengers on board are safe”.
According to sources, there was no tyre burst as the pilot did not notice any unusual jerk. “The tyres got deflated after the aircraft had landed and when it was taxiing,” one said.
“Air India's Mumbai-Bhopal-Indore-Delhi flight with 100 passengers and six crew members landed at Delhi airport around 10.58 a.m. and was taxiing towards the parking bay when ground engineers noticed two deflated tyres of the left landing gear and sparks emanating due to friction,” an airline official said. The pilot was immediately alerted and asked to stop the Airbus-320 aircraft.
Crash fire tenders were called in, which sprinkled water and foam to cool the aircraft's undercarriage in order to prevent any fire, he said, adding “all the passengers on board are safe”.
According to sources, there was no tyre burst as the pilot did not notice any unusual jerk. “The tyres got deflated after the aircraft had landed and when it was taxiing,” one said.
Nat Geo & Apollo Tyres flag off ‘Apollo Flight of the Hawkz' Are you ready?
Hawkz is the SUV range of tyres from Apollo. Chosen by some of the most demanding off road and highway vehicles, it provides an uncompromising combination of driving performance and aesthetics and reliability to a wide variety of vehicles including MUVs (multi-utility vehicles) and SUVs (sport-utility vehicles). The Hawkz connotes the ‘Free Spirited’ and is synonymous with the outdoors, adventures and the challenges of driving. The Hawkz range includes specialty tyres made specifically for varying driving surfaces like the Hawkz AT for All-Terrain, RT for Rough Terrain, HT for Highways and HL for Highway Luxury.
Apollo Flight of the Hawkz finds its genesis in the Apollo Hawkz brand. It captures and brings to life the eccentric nature of the adventurer who is ever eager and free spirited. Apollo Flight of the Hawkz is a platform that brings the two together, allowing Indians from across the country to finally live the off road dream.
The seven-part series will cover unknown routes in between Lavasa in Maharashtra and Goa, with twelve participants comprising teams of two selected from across the country, competing to reach the final destination. The show will see a combination of quick thinking adventure and driving enthusiasts who own a SUV vehicle.
As part of the challenge, the participants will cover around 120 kms per day on tricky terrains, crack intelligent mind games, take up thrilling and never-seen-before adventure tasks like stand up paddling, tight rope walking, monkey crawling and also maneuver their SUVs through incomparable obstacles and of course the climax of it in every episode: the final dares which will see the participants zipline between dangerous valleys and bungee jump off a crane! At the end of this seven-day long Lavasa to Goa driving adventure, the winning team will get to go on a fully-paid adventure trip for two to Masai Mara, South Africa.
“I am really looking forward to this thrilling roller-coaster ride called, Apollo Flight of the Hawkz on Nat Geo. Apart from being the presenter of the show, I am extremely excited about off-roading and getting away from the usual, boring city life to an extreme adventure zone,” said Nethra Raghuraman, the presenter.
Interested participants can register online for Apollo Flight of the Hawkz on-ground selections by simply logging on to www.msnindia.com/natgeohawkz. Indian nationals above the age of 18 who are physically fit, have a valid driving license can apply to be a part of the challenge. People can also register on the spot at the selection venue. On-ground selections will be organised in Delhi on January 10, Kolkata on January 17, Bengaluru on January 24 and Mumbai on January 31, 2010. All participants will undergo a series of physical and mental challenges, and a medical test to make it to the final twelve.
In keeping with the channel’s commitment to conservation, Nat Geo will also be working on a carbon off-setting programme for the series. Supported by Coca Cola as the associate sponsor, the series will be extensively promoted through an innovative 360-degree campaign including on-air, on-line, print, radio and SMS. Nat Geo has tied up with MSN to create and promote a special micro site on www.msnindia.com/natgeohawkz which includes a host of features like information for the participants, videos and an interesting photo gallery. The microsite on MSN will be the only registration mode for participating.
Apollo Flight of the Hawkz finds its genesis in the Apollo Hawkz brand. It captures and brings to life the eccentric nature of the adventurer who is ever eager and free spirited. Apollo Flight of the Hawkz is a platform that brings the two together, allowing Indians from across the country to finally live the off road dream.
The seven-part series will cover unknown routes in between Lavasa in Maharashtra and Goa, with twelve participants comprising teams of two selected from across the country, competing to reach the final destination. The show will see a combination of quick thinking adventure and driving enthusiasts who own a SUV vehicle.
As part of the challenge, the participants will cover around 120 kms per day on tricky terrains, crack intelligent mind games, take up thrilling and never-seen-before adventure tasks like stand up paddling, tight rope walking, monkey crawling and also maneuver their SUVs through incomparable obstacles and of course the climax of it in every episode: the final dares which will see the participants zipline between dangerous valleys and bungee jump off a crane! At the end of this seven-day long Lavasa to Goa driving adventure, the winning team will get to go on a fully-paid adventure trip for two to Masai Mara, South Africa.
“I am really looking forward to this thrilling roller-coaster ride called, Apollo Flight of the Hawkz on Nat Geo. Apart from being the presenter of the show, I am extremely excited about off-roading and getting away from the usual, boring city life to an extreme adventure zone,” said Nethra Raghuraman, the presenter.
Interested participants can register online for Apollo Flight of the Hawkz on-ground selections by simply logging on to www.msnindia.com/natgeohawkz. Indian nationals above the age of 18 who are physically fit, have a valid driving license can apply to be a part of the challenge. People can also register on the spot at the selection venue. On-ground selections will be organised in Delhi on January 10, Kolkata on January 17, Bengaluru on January 24 and Mumbai on January 31, 2010. All participants will undergo a series of physical and mental challenges, and a medical test to make it to the final twelve.
In keeping with the channel’s commitment to conservation, Nat Geo will also be working on a carbon off-setting programme for the series. Supported by Coca Cola as the associate sponsor, the series will be extensively promoted through an innovative 360-degree campaign including on-air, on-line, print, radio and SMS. Nat Geo has tied up with MSN to create and promote a special micro site on www.msnindia.com/natgeohawkz which includes a host of features like information for the participants, videos and an interesting photo gallery. The microsite on MSN will be the only registration mode for participating.
Mountain Flights
Mountain Flight in Nepal:
Mountain flight is the quickest means of reaching different mountains of Nepal in a short period time. It gives you mind stunning new experience of viewing the most tallest mountains of the world in Nepal. Mountain Flight tour is being operated everyday in the morning by different Airlines and the cost of it is 146 $ plus Tax. We offer you a panoramic encounter with the highest majestic Mountains on earth. The 14 sitters� comfortable plane departs from Kathmandu and flies along side the Himalaya to give you eye level views of the snow peaks and then brings you in one hour. Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mind -blowing sight. Program like Mountain flight is well-known and well established in Nepal which is very richly famous all over the world. The moment when the plane takes off and heads towards the east you will see Gosaikund also called Shisha Pangma, situated at the majestic height of 8013m. With in a minute to the right of Gosiankund, there appears Dorge Lakpa 6966m.To the right of Dorge Lakpa is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu Valley. Heights with the above 8000 meters including Mt .Everest, Next is Kayrolung, an intensely white mountain that at 6511m. gleams with the rising sun. Cho-Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8201m. It appears stunningly beautiful from the Aircraft. Next in the menu is Gyachungkang, at the majestic height of 7952m. Considered an extremely difficult climb. To the Right of Gyachungkang is Pomori 7161m. As you get closer to Everest there is Nuptse 7855m. This means west peak, signifying its direction From Everest. Finally we will view on Mt Everest, the tallest land f the world and more.Day by day Itinerary.Day 01 - All most all mountain to view within an hour of time.
Mountain flight is the quickest means of reaching different mountains of Nepal in a short period time. It gives you mind stunning new experience of viewing the most tallest mountains of the world in Nepal. Mountain Flight tour is being operated everyday in the morning by different Airlines and the cost of it is 146 $ plus Tax. We offer you a panoramic encounter with the highest majestic Mountains on earth. The 14 sitters� comfortable plane departs from Kathmandu and flies along side the Himalaya to give you eye level views of the snow peaks and then brings you in one hour. Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mind -blowing sight. Program like Mountain flight is well-known and well established in Nepal which is very richly famous all over the world. The moment when the plane takes off and heads towards the east you will see Gosaikund also called Shisha Pangma, situated at the majestic height of 8013m. With in a minute to the right of Gosiankund, there appears Dorge Lakpa 6966m.To the right of Dorge Lakpa is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu Valley. Heights with the above 8000 meters including Mt .Everest, Next is Kayrolung, an intensely white mountain that at 6511m. gleams with the rising sun. Cho-Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8201m. It appears stunningly beautiful from the Aircraft. Next in the menu is Gyachungkang, at the majestic height of 7952m. Considered an extremely difficult climb. To the Right of Gyachungkang is Pomori 7161m. As you get closer to Everest there is Nuptse 7855m. This means west peak, signifying its direction From Everest. Finally we will view on Mt Everest, the tallest land f the world and more.Day by day Itinerary.Day 01 - All most all mountain to view within an hour of time.
Flight's tyres burst on landing in Patna, no casualties
All 63 passengers onboard an Indian Airlines Boeing from New Delhi [ Images ] to Patna had a providential escape on Wednesday after both the tyres of the right rear wheels of the plane burst, following a 'heavy landing'.
s the wheels thumped on the runway at the Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport at 1530 hrs, the tyres tore and the wheels bent, Darshan Singh, Area Manager, Indian Airlines told PTI.
Fifty-six passengers and seven crew members onboard Flight IC-809 were evacuated as emergency services stood by, he said.
Atul Dixit, director of the airport, said the tyres of the plane burst due to a 'heavy landing'. None of the passengers or crew suffered any injury, the IA manager said. He added that luggage of the passengers were also undamaged.
The return flight from Patna to New Delhi stood cancelled due to the damage caused to the wheels and tyres. Dixit said the Director General of Civil Aviation is the competent authority to order an inquiry.
s the wheels thumped on the runway at the Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport at 1530 hrs, the tyres tore and the wheels bent, Darshan Singh, Area Manager, Indian Airlines told PTI.
Fifty-six passengers and seven crew members onboard Flight IC-809 were evacuated as emergency services stood by, he said.
Atul Dixit, director of the airport, said the tyres of the plane burst due to a 'heavy landing'. None of the passengers or crew suffered any injury, the IA manager said. He added that luggage of the passengers were also undamaged.
The return flight from Patna to New Delhi stood cancelled due to the damage caused to the wheels and tyres. Dixit said the Director General of Civil Aviation is the competent authority to order an inquiry.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Airlines not taking any swine flu risks - bumping sick passengers
It was only a matter of time, but H1N1 fear has finally spread to the airlines.
Yesterday, United Airlines passenger Mitra Mostoufi was kicked off her plane when the flight crew suspected she may have swine flu.
The 50 year old from Hawaii was questioned in front of her fellow passengers, and pulled from the plane.
United Airlines said that they do allow their staff to determine whether someone is too ill to fly, and this is obviously done to protect the other passengers and crew on the plane. Especially on a plane, the air circulation system can spread germs to everyone on board in a matter of minutes.
According to Mostoufi, she had thrown up in the airplane bathroom due to a reaction to a restless leg syndrome medication. When she asked for an air sickness bag, a United Airlines staffer ordered her to gather her belongings and leave the plane.
Even though the airline bumped her, they refused to rebook her on a different flight that day, so she had to spend the night with relatives.
I'm torn on this issue - obviously, airline staff are not trained physicians, so they have no way of making a 100% accurate judgment on our health. However, if they notice someone with flu-like symptoms, I'd be quite happy if they asked that passenger some more questions. Throwing someone off a flight just because they are puking does not seem very fair though.
Yesterday, United Airlines passenger Mitra Mostoufi was kicked off her plane when the flight crew suspected she may have swine flu.
The 50 year old from Hawaii was questioned in front of her fellow passengers, and pulled from the plane.
United Airlines said that they do allow their staff to determine whether someone is too ill to fly, and this is obviously done to protect the other passengers and crew on the plane. Especially on a plane, the air circulation system can spread germs to everyone on board in a matter of minutes.
According to Mostoufi, she had thrown up in the airplane bathroom due to a reaction to a restless leg syndrome medication. When she asked for an air sickness bag, a United Airlines staffer ordered her to gather her belongings and leave the plane.
Even though the airline bumped her, they refused to rebook her on a different flight that day, so she had to spend the night with relatives.
I'm torn on this issue - obviously, airline staff are not trained physicians, so they have no way of making a 100% accurate judgment on our health. However, if they notice someone with flu-like symptoms, I'd be quite happy if they asked that passenger some more questions. Throwing someone off a flight just because they are puking does not seem very fair though.
Crash underlines new risks for China's thriving aviation industry
The plane crash in China that killed 42 people late Tuesday night was a rare blot on the country's aviation safety copybook, say experts here. But it highlights the risks of flying in and out of some small regional airports at night, something more airlines are forced to do to meet the demands of China's booming travel industry.
A domestic Henan Airways passenger jet crashed and burst into flames at a fog-shrouded provincial airport near Yichun in northeastern China, killing 42 and injuring 54, according to official reports.
It is still not known what caused the accident “but from news reports I deduce that the reason is human error,” says Wang Yanan, deputy editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine. “I think it came down too fast or too steeply.”
It emerged Wednesday that another airline, China Southern, decided last August to avoid night flights into Yichun. A technical note on the airline’s website said that “in principle there should be no night flights at Yichun airport,” citing worries about landing-strip lighting, weather conditions, and the surrounding hilly terrain.
The newly built airport, one of a number of such regional facilities springing up all over the country to serve China’s booming travel industry, sits in a forested valley. China will have 244 airports by 2020, up from about 175 today, according to figures from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC.)
“Over the last few years, because of the high demand and big market, regional aviation has developed very fast,” says Mr. Wang. “The quality of personnel and facilities may not be keeping up.”
Tuesday’s crash, however, was the first major commercial airline accident in China for nearly six years, Wang points out. “I think it is an isolated case,” he adds. “In general aviation safety in China is normal.”
The government credits this to a nationwide crackdown on safety that it ordered in 2004, upgrading aircraft and airports, after 10 serious airplane crashes in four years had given China a notoriously dangerous reputation.
But at new airports a disproportionate number of flights take off and land at night, because airlines serving them can no longer get daytime slots at the busy hubs they fly to and from.
“At night in northern China it is often cold and wet, so it may be foggy,” Wang points out, suggesting that Yichun airport’s landing lights may have been too weak to see properly in Tuesday night’s fog. “Small airports should install the right sort of equipment to cope with different conditions,” he adds.
Inventions
Inventions start with ideas. Everyone has ideas. Everyone can be an inventor. Inventions can be as huge as towering skyscrapers or as small as tiny micro machines. They can become essential parts of our lives like chairs and computers or they can be more frivolous like musical toothbrushes and orange flavored lipstick.
Encouraging young people to become inventors can be both educational and entertaining. The first step is to "find a need and fill it." Look around. One nine-year-old student was concerned because his cat liked to sleep on top of the gerbil's cage in his home. The cat inevitably fell through the screen and joined the gerbil, much to the dismay of both. This fourth grader invented a pointed Plexiglas roof for the gerbil cage. He solved his problem and he became a national winner in an Invent America contest.
When thinking about inventions it is helpful to keep the guidelines for acquiring patents in mind. (1) The invention must be new. It cannot be in existence anywhere else in the world and it cannot be similar to something previously described in printed publications. (2) The invention must be useful. It must serve some real function. (3) The invention must be nonobvious. It must be truly different from similar objects. Changing the color, material, or size does not qualify the piece as an original invention.
Making a working model or creating a distinct prototype is essential. Then students need to write a complete description of the construction of the invention and its uses. Once all these steps have been completed, an Invention Convention is great fun. This can be done first in each classroom. These winners can advance to grade level competitions and then to school wide exhibits. District wide meets are also a possibility. Challenging students to create original inventions is definitely worth the time and effort involved. Most importantly, kids and adults alike should enjoy the experience!
Encouraging young people to become inventors can be both educational and entertaining. The first step is to "find a need and fill it." Look around. One nine-year-old student was concerned because his cat liked to sleep on top of the gerbil's cage in his home. The cat inevitably fell through the screen and joined the gerbil, much to the dismay of both. This fourth grader invented a pointed Plexiglas roof for the gerbil cage. He solved his problem and he became a national winner in an Invent America contest.
When thinking about inventions it is helpful to keep the guidelines for acquiring patents in mind. (1) The invention must be new. It cannot be in existence anywhere else in the world and it cannot be similar to something previously described in printed publications. (2) The invention must be useful. It must serve some real function. (3) The invention must be nonobvious. It must be truly different from similar objects. Changing the color, material, or size does not qualify the piece as an original invention.
Making a working model or creating a distinct prototype is essential. Then students need to write a complete description of the construction of the invention and its uses. Once all these steps have been completed, an Invention Convention is great fun. This can be done first in each classroom. These winners can advance to grade level competitions and then to school wide exhibits. District wide meets are also a possibility. Challenging students to create original inventions is definitely worth the time and effort involved. Most importantly, kids and adults alike should enjoy the experience!
Invention of the Airplane
First Airplane to Fly
The Wright Brothers, Wilbur and Orville began working on the idea of building airplanes in 1899. They finally succeeded in flying the first airplane on 17th December, 1903. It was a historic day, since many efforts to manufacture an airplane had failed earlier.
Aerodynamics
The period between 1799 and 1809 was important from the point of view of airplane development. The fundamental concepts of aerodynamics were laid in this period by Sir George Cayley, an English baronet. He put forth the idea of inclined planes. The concept of inclined planes was relatively new at that time. The idea was to provide a flat surface in order to provide the necessary lift for flying.
The plane developed by Wright Brothers had a three-axis control. It rotated along three different axes and in three motions,
Pitch: This motion of the airplane helps in raising and lowering the nose.
Roll: Rotation takes place along the longest axis of the plane in this motion.
Yaw: The horizontal axis is rotated, in this motion of the airplane.
The rudder attached at the tail end of the plane served the purpose of navigation. Today's modern aircrafts too, follow these fundamentals set by the Wright Brothers.
The Wright Brothers, Wilbur and Orville began working on the idea of building airplanes in 1899. They finally succeeded in flying the first airplane on 17th December, 1903. It was a historic day, since many efforts to manufacture an airplane had failed earlier.
Aerodynamics
The period between 1799 and 1809 was important from the point of view of airplane development. The fundamental concepts of aerodynamics were laid in this period by Sir George Cayley, an English baronet. He put forth the idea of inclined planes. The concept of inclined planes was relatively new at that time. The idea was to provide a flat surface in order to provide the necessary lift for flying.
The plane developed by Wright Brothers had a three-axis control. It rotated along three different axes and in three motions,
Pitch: This motion of the airplane helps in raising and lowering the nose.
Roll: Rotation takes place along the longest axis of the plane in this motion.
Yaw: The horizontal axis is rotated, in this motion of the airplane.
The rudder attached at the tail end of the plane served the purpose of navigation. Today's modern aircrafts too, follow these fundamentals set by the Wright Brothers.
First in Flight
Their 12-second flight on Dec. 17, 1903 from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, forever changed the world. Climb aboard a re-creation of history's first flight and relive the Wrights Brothers' daring quest to fly. Their inventions and ability to lift a machine into the sky dramatically altered the world we live in, and here you're in the driver's seat to see how they did it.
Become a "virtual Wright Brother" with our interactive and experience what it was really like on their first four flights. Explore five fun fantasy flights to get a sense of how far Orville actually flew in the world's first flight. Come on, take to the skies!
Become a "virtual Wright Brother" with our interactive and experience what it was really like on their first four flights. Explore five fun fantasy flights to get a sense of how far Orville actually flew in the world's first flight. Come on, take to the skies!
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS LEARN TO FLY
On the morning of December 17, 1903, on the windy dunes at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina, Orville Wright made the first manned and powered flight.
Orville and his brother Wilbur operated a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. They had been dreaming about flying since the 1890's. they were not trained scientists or engineers, but they made a scientific study of the problems of flight. They built and tested gliders to understand the principles of flying. They created a wind tunnel in the bicycle shop to test wing designs, and they studied propeller designs and control mechanisms. Their machinist built a 12-horsepower gasoline engine for them.By 1903, the brothers had built a twin-winged airplane, the Flyer, and they felt confident it would fly.
At kitty Hawk, they constructed a wooden track down a hill to provide a smooth surface for takeoff. With Orville at the controls, Wilbur guided the plane down the track, and it bounded into the air. After covering 40 yards in 12 seconds, it landed gently in the sand. Before the day was out, the brothers had made three more flights, one of which lasted almost a minute. Man, at last, had learned to fly.
Orville and his brother Wilbur operated a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. They had been dreaming about flying since the 1890's. they were not trained scientists or engineers, but they made a scientific study of the problems of flight. They built and tested gliders to understand the principles of flying. They created a wind tunnel in the bicycle shop to test wing designs, and they studied propeller designs and control mechanisms. Their machinist built a 12-horsepower gasoline engine for them.By 1903, the brothers had built a twin-winged airplane, the Flyer, and they felt confident it would fly.
At kitty Hawk, they constructed a wooden track down a hill to provide a smooth surface for takeoff. With Orville at the controls, Wilbur guided the plane down the track, and it bounded into the air. After covering 40 yards in 12 seconds, it landed gently in the sand. Before the day was out, the brothers had made three more flights, one of which lasted almost a minute. Man, at last, had learned to fly.
Invention: Month-long aircraft flights
The aircraft is essentially a liquid-hydrogen fuel tank with a payload bay and very long wings (see image, right).
This design differs from most other uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), which use their wings as fuel stores, thus restricting their aerodynamic design.
Because the wings don't have to serve double duty, they can be made longer, thinner and more efficient. The craft's fuel tank would store liquid hydrogen in vacuum flasks, thawing it out as needed to fuel propeller engines.
Boeing claims such a design could fly for 10 days or more at 60,000 feet (18,288 metres) and for as long as 30 days at lower altitudes, all while carrying payloads of up to 450 kilograms.
Those capabilities should appeal to more than just the military. Such craft could make it easier to grab high-resolution aerial photos for online mapping services or wildlife monitoring, and could even provide wireless connectivity in remote areas.
Aeroplane
For centuries man had dreamed of flight. Yet, a heavier than air machine, had seemed nothing more than a dream. Finally, in 1901 the Wright brothers succeeded in achieving the first powered air flight. Though their short journey was quite modest within two decades, advances in air flight had led to a significant expansion in air flights. Air travel has done more than anything to make international travel easier, effectively reducing the time between destinations. It has facilitated the process of globalisation and international travel. Aircraft have also transformed war, with the advent of aircraft the bombing of civilian areas has been used to devastating effect.
Reasons to fly to Japan
Japan’s four main islands are at about the same latitudes as Boston and Atlanta. Northern Japan has four distinct seasons and southern Japan is subtropical—Okinawa’s average year-round temperature is about 21 degrees Celsius.March and April are the plum and cherry blossom seasons. The rainy season runs from about mid-June to mid-July. After a rainfall it’s hot and humid, with the exceptions of Hokkaido and the mountains. The end of August through September is typhoon season, although Japan generally gets only thunderstorms. Winter lasts from December to March; most of Japan sees snow, and mountain skiing is excellent.Japan experiences frequent earthquakes and has many volcanoes.
When to Fly to Japan
The peak seasons are when the Japanese are on holiday, especially during the New Year’s celebrations (December 27 to January 4); Golden Week, April 29 to May 5; and the Obon Festival in mid-August. However, these are the best times to book Japan flights to major cities as the locals have left on holiday.
Other peak seasons are school vacation, mid-July through August, national holidays, and festivals.
Off Season:
Spring and fall are great times to visit and when most of the crowds have gone home. In spring, the plum and cherry blossoms are in bloom, and fall boasts a foliage display. Book Japan flights ahead if you’ll be visiting during a festival.
Japan’s four main islands are at about the same latitudes as Boston and Atlanta. Northern Japan has four distinct seasons and southern Japan is subtropical—Okinawa’s average year-round temperature is about 21 degrees Celsius.March and April are the plum and cherry blossom seasons. The rainy season runs from about mid-June to mid-July. After a rainfall it’s hot and humid, with the exceptions of Hokkaido and the mountains. The end of August through September is typhoon season, although Japan generally gets only thunderstorms. Winter lasts from December to March; most of Japan sees snow, and mountain skiing is excellent.Japan experiences frequent earthquakes and has many volcanoes.
When to Fly to Japan
The peak seasons are when the Japanese are on holiday, especially during the New Year’s celebrations (December 27 to January 4); Golden Week, April 29 to May 5; and the Obon Festival in mid-August. However, these are the best times to book Japan flights to major cities as the locals have left on holiday.
Other peak seasons are school vacation, mid-July through August, national holidays, and festivals.
Off Season:
Spring and fall are great times to visit and when most of the crowds have gone home. In spring, the plum and cherry blossoms are in bloom, and fall boasts a foliage display. Book Japan flights ahead if you’ll be visiting during a festival.
Japan Flights and Travel Guide
Reasons to fly to Japan
If you’re a gadget guru or just have a sweet spot for new technology, Japan is the place for you. Grab your latest invention and book a flight to Japan for a tour of high-tech heaven. After all, Japan is the country that invented economy cars, computers, gadgets, and gaming consoles. But while you’re playing with your new portable gaming station on your Japan flight take a moment to consider all the non-tech contributions that Japan has made. This is the country that brought us the bonsai, cherry blossoms, samurais and lavish garden designs. Aside from the wild inventions and cultural contributions that come from Japan, the Japanese are an enchanting people with a love for culture. If you’re planning a vacation to Japan, keep in mind that approximately 300,000 "matsuri" (festivals) are held every year.
Japan is a mountainous archipelago made up of four major islands and more than 4,000 smaller ones, though most of the population lives in cities. Despite its densely populated cities, Japan is easy to navigate and tourists will have no problem finding their way around. Public transportation is a breeze and the people are friendly and helpful.
If you’re a gadget guru or just have a sweet spot for new technology, Japan is the place for you. Grab your latest invention and book a flight to Japan for a tour of high-tech heaven. After all, Japan is the country that invented economy cars, computers, gadgets, and gaming consoles. But while you’re playing with your new portable gaming station on your Japan flight take a moment to consider all the non-tech contributions that Japan has made. This is the country that brought us the bonsai, cherry blossoms, samurais and lavish garden designs. Aside from the wild inventions and cultural contributions that come from Japan, the Japanese are an enchanting people with a love for culture. If you’re planning a vacation to Japan, keep in mind that approximately 300,000 "matsuri" (festivals) are held every year.
Japan is a mountainous archipelago made up of four major islands and more than 4,000 smaller ones, though most of the population lives in cities. Despite its densely populated cities, Japan is easy to navigate and tourists will have no problem finding their way around. Public transportation is a breeze and the people are friendly and helpful.
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