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February 09, 2006

ANN's Daily Aero-Tips (02.09.06): Wind Direction Indicators

Aero-Tips!

Aircraft performance is greatly enhanced when taking off and landing as directly into the wind as possible. Crosswinds, also, are a factor in a large number of lightplane accidents. Typically you’ll find one or more of three methods to visually determine surface wind direction.

Aero-Linx!

Now for something really different. When you were a kid, did you ever dream that the balloon you were holding on to would lift you up into the sky and carry you away?

Area 51 Also known as Groom Lake, is a secret military facility about 90 miles north of Las Vegas. The number refers to a 6-by-10-mile block of land, at the center of which is a large air base the government will not discuss.

"The C-17, as amazing as it is, is nothing more than an opportunity for America to continue to show who America is. We’ve had the opportunity... in times of need to show those in this region in particular that America can reach out the velvet hand of humanitarianism and that we can in fact embrace those who need help."

Source: General Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, on the importance of C-17 Globemaster IIIs to humanitarian efforts around the globe. Hawaii's Hickam AFB will soon become the first base outside the continental US to permanently host the strategic airlifters. By the end of the year the base will be home to eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs.