Aviation is the science, art, and technology of heavier-than-air flight. The development of aviation was spurred by the desire to fly like a bird, to explore, to test the limits of human capability, and to learn more about the mystery of flight.
Powered flight began with experiments in kites and gliders in the late 1800s. The Wright brothers made the first controlled, sustained flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft in 1903, and within a few years airplanes were being used for military purposes and commercial transport.
Within just a few decades aicraft were reaching for the skies in every increasing speeds. The inter war years saw the rapid development of aero engines and systems. The gentle flying of the Tiger Moth was soon to evolve into the turbo charged Spitfire. Within four decades the aviation age saw the aerial battles of World War II.
Aviation has had a profound impact on society, and played a key role in the development of air travel, trade, commerce, and tourism. Today, aviation is an essential part of modern life, with passenger jets crisscrossing the globe carrying people and cargo.
Aircraft come in many different shapes and sizes, from small single-engine planes to massive multi engine jets, and their designs continue to evolve as engineers strive to make them faster, more efficient, and more comfortable.
Whether you’re a passenger on a commercial flight or a pilot at the controls of your own aircraft, flying is an amazing experience that everyone can enjoy, as long as we maintain the dwindling number of grass airfields and regional airports that are necessary for its survival.
Aircraft use transponder codes to identify themselves to air traffic controllers and, when the need arises, to indicate emergencies, such as squawk 7500. What are aircraft transponders? An aircraft transponder is a device installed on the flight deck that responds to interrogation by ground radar stations by transmitting an identification code and altitude or other…
Aviation induced divorce syndrome (AIDS) is a term that has been coined to describe the impact of long-term air travel on marriages The stress of long-term air travel can take its toll on even the strongest relationships, and many couples find that their marriages cannot withstand the strain There are, however, a few things you…
Civil Air Support is a UK-registered charity comprising pilots, observers and supporters who are organised to provide complementary air support to agencies or individuals who would otherwise not have access to such support or whose own regular air support is not available. All aircraft are privately owned and flights are privately operated on behalf of…
This post describes 7 reasons why your flight school marketing strategy is failing and what you can do about it to turn things around. Some time ago I contacted hundreds of flying schools, clubs, and commercial flight training companies in the UK, Europe, and North America. Far too many that were in business a few years…
The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) is a licence that allows you to fly certain light aircraft. It is different from the more common Private Pilot Licence (PPL), as we shall see. The LAPL syllabus is shorter than the PPL, and it is, therefore, ideal for those who are just starting in aviation. In this…
During the 1980s I worked for Elan International, “The Overnight Delivery System“. I began several years of employment there as a courier driver, deliverying and collecting parcels to and from businesses all over Hampshire. I was based at their Winchester depot on the Winnall Trading Estate. In total there were 18 depots in the UK…
If you’ve ever wondered how to become a pilot then these 9 steps sum up the process of obtaining a private pilot certificate. This is a guide to become a private pilot. The steps to becoming a professional pilot, either as a commercial pilot or as an airline pilot, are a little more complex, but…
The answer to the question “How much does it cost to become a pilot?” varies greatly depending on license and aircraft type, location of training, and the duration of the training. In addition, there are other factors to take into account, including the quality of the flight training and the flight school and the continuity…
RAF Cranwell is a Royal Air Force station in Lincolnshire, England. The base was originally opened on 1 April 1916 as an RNAS training establishment (Royal Naval Air Service). RAF College Cranwell is now the RAF’s only officer training establishment in the UK, and also provides basic flying training for aircrews. RAF History at Cranwell…
Aerobatics training is a great way to improve confidence in your control of an aircraft and flying abilities while having a lot of fun. Aerobatic training is widely available and it provides fresh challenges for those in possession of private pilot license. It’s a form of flying that comes with a high score in the…
Atomatoflames is an aviation acronym that is far easier to remember than many of the rules and regulations that govern general aviation. In short, tomatoflames is an acronym that lists all the equipment requirements required for flight operations conducted in the USA under FAR 91.205(b) in powered civil aircraft. According to the Code of Federal…
Construction photography using drones is a way of capturing images and videos of construction projects that can be used for a variety of purposes, including the creation of 2D mapping and 3D models, marketing, and documentation of the project from beginning to completion. Construction Photograpy for Record Keeping Construction photography is important for documenting the…
While there are many different brands and styles to choose from, some of the best pilot watches available today come from renowned watchmakers like Breitling, Omega, and TAG Heuer. These timepieces combine classic design with modern sensibilities, resulting in a truly stunning watch that can be worn on any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a…
In this post I summarise the similarities and differences between the LAPL vs PPL, that is, the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence and the Private Pilot Licence. The right licence for you will depend on your aviation aspirations. If you want to fly single engine aircraft for recreational purposes under VFR during daylight hours in UK…
Chief Aircraft Inc. has be a General Aviation supplier of aircraft parts, pilot supplies, and radio-controlled models worldwide for over 30 years. Chief Avionics was formed in 1994 to install a wide variety of the latest avionics for its customers and is today an FAA-approved Part 145 repair station located at Grants Pass Airport. At…
In this post I explain why you should go for a flight in a gyrocopter, where you’ll find some gyrocopter training in the UK, and what it costs to complete a course that leads to a licence. My Gyrocopter flying Experience So far I’ve only had two flights in a gyrocopter. The first was with…
The best airline to work for depends on what it’s measured against. All kinds of criteria could be used; pay and conditions, training, prospects, routes, aircraft, perks, etc. It depends on where it is in the world and how all of this relates to you, the employee. Location and size also play their part in…
Plans are afoot to build a vertiport in some of the world’s largest cities. The proliferation of vertiports is only a matter of time, now that the demand and design have been established and the funding is in place. Industry stakeholders have reason for optimism as concrete plans are being initiated. These new technologies are…
There are many things that set Svetlana Kapanina apart from other aerobatic pilots. For one, she is a world-renowned champion, having won first place at the World Aerobatic Championship in 2010. She is also an accomplished instructor pilot, having taught aerobatics to pilots from around the world. What’s more, she started flying when she was…
Choosing the best aircraft paint remover takes a little thought and buying the right one for your airplane will save time and effort. Nothing spoils the look of an aircraft more than the sight of chipped, peeling, or faded paint. It’s like a tear in a fine suit of clothes; from a distance things don’t…
Pilot kneeboards are the small clipboards or folders worn on the knee during flight. They are an essential item of flight gear as they provide a convenient place to keep track of important information such as flight data, frequencies, and other information transmitted during radio calls. For the more qualified aviators and commercial pilots they…