Cessna Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Golf Hotel Whiskey

Cessna develops a new high-tech aircraft skin

On an aviation technology note, Scott Spangler, the blogger behind the Jetwhine blog, has just written an interesting post about Cessna’s efforts to develop a new type of advanced aircraft “skin.” Apparently, Cessna had worked as a team with GE and the Georgia Institute of Technology on a NASA study last year and this led them to develop a new composite skin called STAR-C2 which stands for: “Smoothing, Thermal, Absorbing, Reflective, Conductive, Cosmetic.”

However, Wired has called the Cessna skin innovation a “self-healing ‘magic skin’ condom for future aircraft.” Moreover, the skin weighs less than half of what current composite skin or coatings would weigh and it comes with a layer of energy absorbing foam that is more damage tolerant. In addition and above this foam layer, there is a conductive layer that will protect the aircraft from the effects of lightening plus it holds the possibility of alerting pilots or mechanics where there is a problem.

Hence, Cessna as a contract from NASA to further develop it. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of challenges surrounding the skin’s development and it may take some time before its used on an actual aircraft.

Scott ended his post by saying that just a decade ago, STAR-C2 would have been considered science fiction – just like finding a renewable energy source to power flight is still largely in the realm of science fiction. However and perhaps just a decade from now, that will change as well.

The UK authorities ground Mile High Flights

On a humorous note, the Airliner Blog has noted that the UK Civil Aviation Authority has refused to recertify Mile High Flight over fears that distracted pilots could cause a crash! The Gloucestershire (UK) based air charter company was founded in 2008 by Mike Crisp and operates Cessna C208 Caravan airplanes that are outfitted with a queen size bed in the rear of the aircraft for the use of its passengers.

However, the Airline Blog reported that Mike doesn’t plan to give up that easily because he has invested more than US$15,000 in equipping the aircraft with the appropriate fire-retardant sheets, upholstery and bedding. Moreover:

The company offers its passengers the option of two flight packages, “The Big One” at $854 (£640) for a 40 minute flight and the “VIP” for a 60 minute flight. In addition for a third person to travel along there is an additional passenger charge of $166.

In other words, Mike probably makes a fair amount of money from his unique aviation “service” but as the blogger behind the Airliner Blog noted:

I would normally be OK with charter sex flights, but this time I agree with CAA. Cessna is a little too small for the sex act as the cockpit is right next to the make-shift bed. There is no way that a pilot will not get distracted with the sounds, visuals and movement! What do you think?

Hence, we would like to ask you what you think about the decision by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Moreover, do you think a Cessna is a bit small for a “mile high” type of operation and might there be a better aircraft to use?

Is an electric powered Cessna 172 coming to a runway near you?

The AOPA’s Reporting Points blog has recently mentioned a lengthy video interview of George Bye from Bye Aerospace whose goal is to develop and get FAA certification for an electric propulsion system for the Cessna 172 – the most popular general aviation aircraft. In the interview, George noted that the average four seat piston aircraft is 38 years old. His point: The general aviation industry is in need of revitalization and needs to become current when it comes to technology.

However, there would be a catch with the technology George is developing: Its initially intended for training aircraft because the pilot will have to land every two hours for a charge. In other words, some day you may need to add “charge batteries” to your preflight checklist!

What type of plane will I learn to fly with?

If you are thinking about learning how to fly but you are wondering what type of aircraft you will learn how to fly with, then a recent post for AOPA’s Lets Go Flying blog by Chris Findley, a flight instructor and the founder of myFlightCoach.com, is well worth reading. Chris began his post by noting that while the selection at your airport may vary, it will likely be one of a couple of aircraft types.

However, Chris noted that the most common training type of aircraft is the Cessna series of trainers, especially the 172 (a 4-seat aircraft that flies at about 120 miles per hour) and the 152 (a 2-seat version). These single engine and high-wing aircraft date back to the 1940s and are considered to be among the most popular entry-level type of aircraft ever built. In fact, most pilots will learn how to fly in one or both of them.

Besides Cessna aircraft, Chris noted that another popular training aircraft is the Diamond DA-20 (a 4-seat aircraft) and the DA-40 (a 2-seat aircraft). These aircraft were developed in the 1990s and according to Chris, they are fun to fly due to their solid performance and predictable flying characteristics. Moreover, the DA-20C1 was selected as the Air Force’s Introductory Flight Trainer and it earned Flying Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2007.

Finally, Chris noted that various 4-seat aircraft (whose designs date back to the 1960s) made by Piper, including the Warrior, Cherokee and Archer, are other popular aircraft for training due to their docile handling but they can also be somewhat underpowered depending upon the model.

Chris also noted that some students become concerned when they find out that they are learning how to fly on an older aircraft – perhaps one that is more than 30 years old. However, he then pointed out that aircraft tend to last much longer than automobiles due to careful inspections and plenty of maintenance.

Chris ended his post by noting that any one of the aircraft he mentioned is a great starting point to learn how to fly in.

Four tips for better takeoffs

Chris Findley, a flight instructor in the Nashville area and the founder of myFlightCoach.com, has written an interesting post on the Let’s Go Flying blog containing four tips for better takeoffs. Chris began by writing that takeoffs are often neglected as a maneuver and are often treated simply as a mechanical action without much thought (unless of course there is a crosswind). He then added that takeoffs have become very “Cro-Magnon” as in “Come plane. Now we fly, ugh ugh…” rather than the gentle finesse associated with landings.

However, Chris then gave the following four tips (along with plenty of further details for each tip) as to how you can improve your takeoffs:

1.) Mentally begin the takeoff prior to moving onto the runway and be aware of the takeoff environment.
2.) Line up on the centerline, insure the nose wheel is straight and the ailerons properly deflected to account for the wind. Apply full power steadily and smoothly.
3.) Easy on the rudder/nosewheel.
4.) Use control deflection to help the airplane do what it wants to do.

Chris concluded his post by reiterating that takeoffs should not be overlooked and as a maneuver as they require practice in order to be done both smoothly and well. He also included a link to the following video about takeoffs shot in a Cessna 172 that is well worth watching.

List of pilot mnemonics and acronyms

Flying involves plenty of memorization and much of what a pilot needs to remember may only be used occasionally or just in an emergency situation. Thus, it is important to have an easy way to remember all of those steps or checklists.

Brian, the pilot of a Cessna 182 and the blogger behind Brian’s Flying Blog, has posted a comprehensive list of aviation mnemonics and acronyms that are well worth reading and memorizing by both student and experienced pilots. He has also divided his list into VFR and IFR mnemonics and some of his examples include:

TOMATOFLAMES (VFR equipment)
tach, oil press, manifold press, altimeter, temp, oil pressure, fuel gauge, landing gear position, air speed, magnetic compass, elt, seat belts
CIGAR (Run-up before takeoff)
controls, instruments, gas, attitude (trim and flaps), run-up
ALARMS (Emergency Engine Failure)
airspeed, landing site, air restart, radios, mayday, secure plane
TTTTT (IFR Holding Patterns)
turn, time, twist, throttle, talk

Brian has also included some useful links to pilot and flying mnemonics resources on the web along with the customized checklist he uses when he takes his Cessna 182 up for a spin.