Pilot Terminal Blog

Space enthusiasts around the world waited to see todays unveiling of space bound White Knight Two.  Deep in the Mohave desert, hanger doors peeled back to reveal the worlds largest all carbon-composite aircraft, named White Night Two.  Richard Branson and Burt Rutan were stationed inside the craft waving to the crowd through the ships windows.  Although the space aircraft, Space Ship Two is only 70 percent complete, the program is completely funded by a private company, Virgin Galactic.  For $200,000 you can also be a participant in a space flight, where you will ride White Night Two to an altitude of 50,000′.  At that point Space Ship Two would fire its hybrid rocket and take you to an altitude of 62 miles above the earth (327,000′).  Over 250 people have put deposits down to take this ride into space.

Virgin Galactic Rollout

Animation of Space Flight

 White Knight Two Assembly

Virgin Galactic Promotional Trailer 

FINALLY some good news for the aviation industry.  The FAA has recently announced new terms to the FAA Medicals.   Pilots who have not yet turned 40 years of age now have 5 years between medicals if they are operating under 3rd class priviledges.  As of July 24th, a third class medical lasts five years.  First class priviledges are extended from 6 months till 12 calendar months. AOPA stated that it reactivates medicals that expired on the day the new regs came into effect.  Even before the new regulations came into existence you can renew your medical the day before you turn 40 and the pre-40 rules apply.  Example:  If you renew your medical the last day of your 39th year, you can operate for 5 years under 3rd class priviledges.  Outgoing AOPA President Phil Boyer stated that, “This is welcome news for the GA industry.”  “AOPA supported the FAA’s move that makes it easier and more affordable for younger pilots to fly.”

AOPA Article

The FAA has approved Micro AeroDynamics vortex generators for the tapered wing series of the Piper Dakota’s.  The new STC covers PA-28-151, PA-28-161, PA-28-181, PA-28-201T, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, and the PA-28-236.

Flight test have shown that the Vortex Generators provided a nine percent decrease in stall speed, a faster roll rate and increased stability in slow configurations.  The vortex generators allow the boundary layer of air to adhere to the aircraft longer in high angle of attack and slow speed configurations.

The VG’s are made of aircraft grade aluminum and can be painted to match the color scheme of your aircraft.  They can be applied in one day and cost around $1,450.  The VG’s are glued on with Loctite Depend and are 1″ by 1/4″ high.

Micro AeroDynamics claims that there is no top end speed loss, but generally there is a 1-3% loss of top end cruise speed with VG kits.

What checklist to follow when a F16 intercepts your aircraft.

Chaff - Check,  Anti-Missile Lock - Verified,  Spare UnderWear - Check, Ammo - Locked and Loaded, After Burner - Standby, NASA forms - check.

An F16 intercepts a Pilatus PC-12 and a Beech Premier while flying legally in a MOA in Arizona.

This will definitely make for some interesting hanger talk.

ACTUAL INTERCEPT PROCEDURES