MassPerception.com » Aviation

And We Have Liftoff . .

Robert — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 19:50:37 +0000

Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off on mission STS-121 this morning.� The launch was broadcast live in High Definition on HDNet, and the video was awesome!

I’ve got to get out to Florida to see one of these in person before they stop flying them!

discovery, hdnet, nasa, space shuttle, sts-121

Wow, has it really been almost 2 months?

Robert — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 05:13:11 +0000

So, it’s been a while since I’ve written anything, this is partly due to my work schedule, and partly because playing with Aiden is so much more fun! But anywho, here’s an update . . .
This morning I flew into San Antonio for some business meetings. As our jet pulled up to the ramp, I looked out the window and was greeted to the sight of this massive grey aircraft (military grey). For some reason they had parked an Airforce C-17 Globemaster on the ramp at the corporate terminal next to where the ground crew had directed us to park. There were quite a few other jets also taking up space, so parking was tight with this huge grey goose sitting on the tarmac.

I guess I was lucky that they had parked my rental car close enough that it was practically under its wing . . . close enough that I actually got a good look at it.

As ugly as this thing seemed at first, it was damn impressive from the ground looking up at it.

Here’s a picture of one in the event you’ve not seen one:

Even as a pilot, knowing the concepts behind aerodynamic force and the whole lift thing, I am still amazed at the fact that these things actually take to the air and fly!

As a quick comment to those of you who design our military aircraft, you make some damn beautiful machines! Keep up the great work!
This is actually one of my favorite airports to fly into as you get to see some really interesting aircraft parked out on the tarmac. On my last trip out, I got to see a blackhawk land while we were walking out to the jet; what a blast to watch such a machine land about 50-75 feet from where you are standing . . . that and the rotor wash!

Well, enough fun for one night . . .

The Sky Above You

Robert — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:21:48 +0000

Ever wonder just how many aircraft are in the air at any given time . . . yeah, me too.

I saw this video today over at FlightAware showing the movement of all flights tracked by FlightAware over a 24 hour period in September of 2005. Amazing just how busy it is!

You might have even been on one of those dots!

air space, aircraft, air traffic

Could you imagine???

Robert — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 23:33:31 +0000

A little pilot humor for those of you that fly . . .

A 9 year old Jedi Knight on a ILS run . . .

And still damned funny for those of you who don’t. I could just imagine this happening too!

pilot, star wars, aircraft

The “Salmon-Forty-Salmon”

Robert — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 20:34:09 +0000

Originally From Moxiegrrrl.com, the “Dumbest Grant Ever”.

Photo Credit to CLAY LACY and CHAD SLATTERY – Alaska Airlines

The ultimate in government waste; a non-profit groups called the Alaska Fisheries Marketing Board awarded Alaska Airlines a half-million dollar grant to paint the aircraft. The Alaska Fisheries Marketing Board was funded by a 29 million dollar federal allocation backed by United States Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska. Yes, you read the correctly, 29 million dollars to “promote and enhance the value of Alaska seafood”, funded by all US tax payers – Anchorage Daily News Article. Wouldn’t it have been cheaper and more effective to mail a free Alaskan salmon to each household who wanted one. How about a free salmon with each Alaska Airline flight you book online . . . who needs double miles?

Personally, I would be checking myself for carbon monoxide poisoning if I ran across this monstrosity while doing a cross country flight!

What do you get when fish fly? Government Pork!

aircraft, alaska airlines, politics, pork, government waste

This Is Insane!

Robert — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 20:42:55 +0000

This is not security . . . it’s not even an illusion of security:

From SFGate.com: Babies Caught Up in ‘No-Fly’ Confusion

Children are being pulled off flights because their names somewhat match known terrorists . . . no wait, not known terrorists, but suspected terrorist . . . no wait, wrong again . . . why are these names on a list again? Oh yeah, because someone in a federal agency thought they were interesting. Does anyone really know the criteria to make this list?

Here’s the TSA procedures you’ll need to clear your name if you find that you’ve been blacklisted.

Do you feel safer now?

no fly, security, watch list, tsa

I Made It!

Robert — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 23:17:39 +0000

Little less than 2 hours to make the trip from Concord to Castle/Atwater/Merced Airport and back. The flight was uneventful and quiet. I guess everyone is home watching the Superbowl as there was very little air traffic.

Though a little hazy up in the air, it was beautiful flying weather with no turbulence to speak of. I can’t wait to do it again!

The clouds have parted, the sun is shining and I’m joining the birds this afternoon . . .

Robert — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 18:32:44 +0000

Well, it actually looks like it’s going to happen. I’ve got great weather to do my first solo cross-country!!!! Yes, that’s right . . . after 7 weeks of being grounded by the fog, I’m leaving Concord airport, in an airplane . . . by myself!!!

Heading to the old Castle Air Force Base near Merced. 2 miles of super wide runway calling my name!!!

So if you’re between Concord and Merced and see a little Cessna airplane, wave hello

Solo Baby!!

Robert — Wed, 28 Jul 2004 00:10:02 +0000

Well it finally happened, I did my first solo today. That’s right, I’m officially allowed to fly an airplane by myself (with restrictions of course). Well enough excitement for one day . . . I’m now sitting in the airport waiting for my flight to Las Vegas. Heading out to the BlackHat Briefings and DefCon11 conventions. More latter . . .