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October 17, 2011

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 10.17.11

The first US-bound Dreamliner has rolled off the line.
Airbus oppens a big new plant in Wales.
And the US DOT gives a mixed report card to US airlines.

NTSB Prelim: Skybolt Wing Came Apart Before Pilot Hit the Silk

Structural Failure In-Flight: About As Serious As It Gets...

No one has to tell you that there are a few instances in aviation when the pucker factor is at an all-time high... and a structural failure is pretty close to the top of the list. There is a reason why most aerobats wear a chute (and should)... and that is the result of the more extensive stresses and forces involved in aerobatic flight... and the possibility that a small problem or failure can progress to a much larger one. In this case, the pilot made the solid decision that trying further flight in a compromised airplane was not smart and elected to air out his chute. Smart.

Lesson: If Not Familiar With New Type of Aircraft, PLEASE Get Additional Guidance/Instruction

There are a great variety of exciting and innovative experimental aircraft on the used market... but many of them have unique handling, performance or operational issues that DO require more insight than the average spam can. If in doubt, get solid guidance and/or instruction from persons with actual experience with the aircraft in question...