Music video: 'Ooo I wanna get you out of Teterboro...'

by B. N. Sullivan

A pilot in my family turned me on to this terrific music video -- written, performed and produced by his friend,  Mike Wagner.  The catchy lyrics are set to an old Beach Boys song, and the video is very entertaining.

Out in New Jersey(s)
There’s a place called Teterboro
That’s where everybody goes
To be a part of it all

Lots of jets on the ramp
Loaded up waiting to start engines
They’ll be there for an hour
Before they even have the chance
Down in Teterboro

You can find the rest of the Teterboro lyrics on Mike's blog, and you can find a link to download an audio-only version there, too.



If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

Kudos to Mike Wagner for doing such a great job with the video, and thanks to Pat Sullivan for sending it to me.

Cebu Pacific: How to get passengers to pay attention to the safety briefing

by B. N. Sullivan

Cebu Pacific Air flight attendants demonstrate a novel way to get passengers to pay attention to the safety briefing:



If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

RELATED: Southwest Airlines' rapping flight attendant

Unique Jeppesen Approach Plate: The Hudson Miracle Approach

by B. N. Sullivan

Several days ago, a pilot friend sent me an email with a most interesting attachment. It seems that Jeppesen, the universally well-known publisher of aeronautical charts, had produced a special edition approach chart, detailing the Hudson Miracle Approach, as performed by the crew of Cactus 1549, the US Airways A320 that famously and successfully ditched in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009.  I'm told that the approach plate was handed out  at  the EAA AirVenture 2010 at Oshkosh, during the auction.

Truly a collector's item, the approach plate honors the five crew members of US Airways Flight 1549 by naming intersections after them, and noting their full names and experience in the box at the lower right.

If you'd like to save or print this keeper, click on the image below for a larger version, or visit:  http://www.jeppesen.com/images/misc/hudson-miracle-approach-chart.jpg

Great big thank you to Jeppesen for creating this wonderful keepsake, and to my friend Tam for passing it along to me.

Supersonic Shockwave Phenomena, Breaking the Sound Barrier, Sonic Boom, High-Subsonic Flight

Thanks to AVweb.com for posting this video on YouTube and providing this explanation:

Sound travels at about 760 miles per hour, or 340 meters per second and about 661 knots on an average day at sea level. And sometimes, you can almost see it. Going close to that speed through air can cause some unusual visual effects. This compiled footage includes F-14s, standard and Blue Angels F-18s, plus the SR-71 and an Atlas Rocket launch. AVweb contacted sources at NASA to research the phenomena.

Enjoy!

If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

Connecting flight: Red Bull Skydiver moves from one glider to another in mid-air

by B. N. Sullivan

This video brings a whole new meaning to the term "connecting flight," and includes some spectacular air-to-air videography of an amazing stunt involving two gliders and a skydiver.

The skydiver, Paul Steiner of the Red Bull Skydive Team, moves from one Blanik glider to the other during flight, and then reaches up from one glider to touch the rudder of another during mirrorflight. All this takes place about 2,100 meters (about 6,890 ft) above the ground.

Bravo to the skydiver, kudos to the videographer -- and let's have a big round of applause for those Blanix Team glider pilots, too!

If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

Photo: Boeing 787 in flight over Seattle

by B. N. Sullivan

This may be one of the best photos yet of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner: here she is in flight over Seattle. It was posted earlier this week on Randy Tinseth's blog, Randy's Journal. (Randy, in case you don't know, is vice president, marketing, for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.)

Randy said:

"I can’t think of a better way to kick off the year than with some spectacular air-to-air photos of the continuing flight testing of the 787 Dreamliner."

I have to agree.

This photo shows "ZA001 bathed in sunset light over downtown Seattle."

Visit Randy's Journal for more photos, including downloadable enlargements.

[Photo Source]

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RELATED:

• Big day for Boeing: The B787 Dreamliner flies! - AircrewBuzz.com, Dec. 15, 2009
• The test pilots who flew Boeing's 787 Dreamliner on her maiden flight - AircrewBuzz.com, Dec. 17, 2009

Big day for Boeing: The B787 Dreamliner flies!

by B. N. Sullivan

Today, December 15, 2009, was historic. I don't know about you, but I spent hours watching TV and live webcasts earlier today as the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off for the very first time. While the world watched, the Dreamliner began its takeoff roll at Paine Field in Everett, WA. I have to admit that I got a bit choked up as Boeing's newest commercial aircraft rotated and lifted off the runway for the first time. The time was 10:27 AM local time.

The weather was not the best -- drizzly and overcast -- but the graceful looking aircraft climbed out as if it were a sunny day, carried out its long-anticipated maiden flight, and returned to earth for a picture perfect landing at Seattle's Boeing Field at 13:33 local time.

From the Boeing press release about the event:

787 Chief Pilot Mike Carriker and Capt. Randy Neville tested some of the airplane's systems and structures, as on-board equipment recorded and transmitted real-time data to a flight-test team at Boeing Field.

After takeoff from Everett, the airplane followed a route over the east end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Capts. Carriker and Neville took the airplane to an altitude of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) and an air speed of 180 knots, or about 207 miles (333 kilometers) per hour, customary on a first flight.

According to Boeing, the first Boeing 787, which is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, will be joined in the flight test program in the coming weeks and months by five other 787s, including two that will be powered by General Electric GEnx engines.

Congratulations to Boeing and all those involved with the 787 Dreamliner program on the successful first flight of this beautiful new airplane.

In case you missed the live event, here is a video of the Boeing 787's first takeoff from Paine Field (video provided by AirlineReporter):

If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

RELATED:

• The test pilots who flew Boeing's 787 Dreamliner on her maiden flight - AircrewBuzz.com, Dec. 17, 2009
• Photo: Boeing 787-8 in flight over Seattle - AircrewBuzz.com, Jan. 6, 2010

Gulfstream's new G650 business jet completes maiden flight

by B.N. Sullivan

It was an exciting day in Savannah: The new Gulfstream G650 completed its first flight. The the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650, the newest and fastest business jet produced by Gulfstream Aerospace, took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 1:41 p.m. local time today, and landed 12 minutes later.

At the controls of the aircraft (N650GA) were Gulfstream experimental test pilot Jake Howard and senior experimental test pilot Tom Horne. Also on board was flight engineer Bill Osborne.

“We are pleased to announce that the G650 successfully completed its first flight today,” Pres Henne said in a statement to the press. Mr. Henne is senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, at Gulfstream.

“Systems were fully operational. The aircraft achieved an altitude of 6,600 feet and a speed of 170 knots. Flight controls and characteristics performed as expected. We consider this flight a success and look forward to pursuing our full flight-test plan,” Henne said.

The crew reported "a slight vibration in a landing-gear door," so they cut the flight short from the original plan as a precautionary measure.

The Gulfstream G650 was formally rolled out of the hangar under its own power for the first time on September 29, 2009. (Here is a link to the video of the G650 rollout.)

According to information provided by Gulfstream:

The G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by best-in-class Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach.

Its 7,000-nautical-mile range means the G650 can fly nonstop from Dubai to Chicago.

With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet at 0.85 Mach, the G650 can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet and avoid traffic and inclement weather.

With its all-new aerodynamically optimized wing, the G650 can meet the latest takeoff certification requirements. At maximum takeoff weight, the aircraft can depart from a 6,000-foot runway.

Additionally, notes Gulfstream, the G650 features the PlaneView™ II cockpit, the most advanced flight deck in business aviation, and an Advanced Health and Trend Monitoring System (AHTMS) to support aircraft maintenance planning and enhance availability.

Sounds like quite a cool airplane!

Here is a link to Gulfstream's G650 Web page where you can find several photos of the aircraft, and a video of its first flight.

[Photo Source]

Video: US Airways Flight 1549 flight attendants recall Hudson River ditching

by B .N. Sullivan

Donna Dent and Sheila Dail -- two of the three flight attendants who evacuated US Airways Flight 1549 after it was ditched in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009 -- were interviewed recently by David Learmount, operations and safety editor of Flight International. The occasion was the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators annual awards banquet on October 29, 2009, which took place in England at the Guildhall in the City of London. (The third flight attendant from Flight 1549, Doreen Welsh, was unable to attend the banquet.)

In the interview, the flight attendants recount their impressions of the water landing and the subsequent evacuation of the aircraft. Here is a video clip of that interview, first posted on Mr. Learmount's blog, Operationally Speaking.

RELATED: Click here to view all posts about US Airways Flt 1549 on Aircrew Buzz.

Video: Gulfstream G650 Roll-out at Savannah

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation's new Gulfstream G650 ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet rolled out of the hangar under its own power on September 29, 2009 at Gulfstream's Savannah, Ga., headquarters.

If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

Hat tip to YouTube user AvionicsVideos for posting the G650 video.

Hello G650, Gulfstream's new flagship business jet

by B.N. Sullivan

On September 29, 2009, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation ceremoniously rolled out its new flagship aircraft, the G650. Nearly 7,000 invited guests were present at the Gulfstream Aerospace plant in Savannah as the new ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet was officially introduced. Scheduled for delivery to customers in 2012, the twin-engine G650 will be Gulfstream's largest and fastest (and most expensive) aircraft.

“We’ve all been looking forward to this day since we officially announced the G650 program last year,” said Joe Lombardo, executive vice president, General Dynamics Aerospace group. “Simply put, the Gulfstream G650 is in a class by itself. I want to thank everyone who made this aircraft possible. I share the tremendous amount of pride you have for this significant piece of aviation history. Like you, I am eagerly awaiting the first flight later this year.”

According to information provided by Gulfstream, the G650 will offer the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin and the most advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet. The G650 is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.925. That near-supersonic speed will make it the fastest civil aircraft flying.

The G650 can climb to an altitude of 51,000 feet, allowing it to avoid traffic and inclement weather. One can only imagine the view from the 'office window' at that altitude!

"The G650 offers unprecedented speed and range, superb takeoff performance, an all-new Gulfstream wing, best-in-class Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, and top-of-the-line aesthetics. It provides the most technologically advanced flight deck in business aviation with the PlaneViewTM II cockpit and an advanced aircraft health and trend monitoring system to support aircraft maintenance planning and improve availability," said Pres Henne, Gulfstream senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test.

Then there is the wider, taller cabin, featuring an all-new fuselage cross section. The G650 cabin measures 102 inches wide and 77 inches high, and is said to be the largest purpose-built cabin in business aviation. The extra space allows for larger galleys and lavatories -- and speaking of lavatories, the G650 has a vacuum toilet system. The larger fuselage also offers increased storage space and in-flight access to 195 cubic feet of usable volume in the baggage compartment.

The aircraft, which seats 11-18 passengers, has 16 panoramic windows that measure 28 by 20.5 inches, the largest in the industry. By the way, I noticed two over-wing emergency exits in a photo of the port side of the aircraft (not shown here).

"Along with traditional measures of aircraft performance, significant effort has been spent in ensuring the cabin will be in a class by itself. The Gulfstream Cabin EssentialTM systems include redundant fiber optic and wireless technologies, along with the latest innovations in lighting, seating, acoustics and cabin systems to provide the most productive cabin environment in business aviation," said Henne.

The first flight of the new G650 is scheduled for later this year and Gulfstream expects the G650 to be certified in 2011. Entry-into-service is planned for 2012.

[Photo Source]

High Flight (...really high flight!)

Ride along on a Lockheed U-2 spyplane and check out the amazing view cruising at 70,000ft as the sky above turns black.

Thanks to Jill Rutan Hoffman for the tip about this video. Follow Jill on Twitter: @LookingSkyward.



If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

Video: How to remodel the passenger cabin of a Boeing 747

This video was produced earlier this year by United Airlines. In a time lapse sequence, it shows the remodeling of "the first and business class cabins on its Boeing 747, adding new lie-flat beds and 15-inch personal TV screens that have more than 150 hours of entertainment."

(I don't know why I love stuff like this, but I do...)



If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

Emily Howell Warner -- Legend of Aviation

Emily Howell Warner, the first woman to become an airline pilot in the United States, tells her story:



If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

Video: Space Shuttle Atlantis Re-entry and Landing at Edwards

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to land a Space Shuttle? Here's your chance to find out, via this video.

The 'cockpit view' visuals are provided by an on-board camera as the Space Shuttle Atlantis re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 12 days in space, and lands at East Edwards Airport on February 20, 2001. Call-outs begin at Mach 2.

Space Shuttle STS-98 Landing from Cockpit View
Uploaded by shuttlesource

Crew for mission STS-98:

• Kenneth D. Cockrell, Commander
• Mark L. Polansky, Pilot
• Robert L. Curbeam, Mission Specialist
• Marsha S. Ivins, Mission Specialist
• Thomas D. Jones, Mission Specialist

US Airways Flight 1549 flight attendants given heroism award

The three flight attendants who successfully evacuated over 150 passengers from US Airways Flight 1549 after the A320 aircraft made a water landing in the Hudson River in January were honored by their union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA). Flight attendants Sheila Dail, Donna Dent, and Doreen Welsh were presented with the C.B. Lansing Award for Heroism in a ceremony held at the annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meeting earlier this week.

"It is an honor to present our most prestigious award for heroism to three AFA-CWA flight attendants who utilized their experience, knowledge and training to ensure the survival of all souls aboard, including passengers with mobility challengers, children and other special needs passengers," said Veda Shook, AFA-CWA International Vice President. "Passengers and their colleagues have praised the professionalism of Sheila, Donna and Doreen and America has adopted them as their heroes. Today we honor them on behalf of over 50,000 flight attendants at major, national, charter and regional carriers across the country."

"Sheila, Donna and Doreen have long known the importance of the flight attendant profession. As their colleagues, we also know how vital our role is as safety professionals, but because of events on January 15, now the world knows that flight attendants as safety professionals go hand in hand," said Mike Flores, AFA-CWA US Airways President.

The C. B. Lansing Memorial Award was established following the tragic and heroic events aboard Aloha Airlines Flight 243 on April 28, 1988. Aloha flight attendants faced a sudden and serious aircraft incident. C.B. Lansing did not survive the incident; however her fellow flight attendants persevered, rendering life-saving first aid in-flight as they planned for an emergency landing.

The award is not an annual presentation and is presented to a crew or crewmember who displays heroism beyond the call of duty. There have been four prior recipients in the history of AFA-CWA who have received this honor. Sheila, Donna and Doreen are Charlotte, North Carolina based AFA-CWA members.

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Below is a video of the testimony given by the three flight attendants at a Congressional hearing about the US Airways Flight 1549 accident. The hearing was held on February 24, 2009, before the HouseTransportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation.



If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.


RELATED: Click here to view all posts about US Airways Flt 1549 on Aircrew Buzz.

Video: Southwest Airlines' rapping flight attendant

Just in case there's still someone out there who has not heard about Southwest Airlines flight attendant David Holmes, who became famous recently for 'rapping' a safety briefing, here is the video - "uncut and unedited," says LiveLeak.com:



If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on LiveLeak.com.

US Airways Captain Sullenberger Honored by the Seaplane Pilots Association

The Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) is honoring US Airways Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the pilot in command of the A320 that was successfully ditched in New York's Hudson River last week, by awarding him a lifetime membership in the Association. The SPA lifetime membership was awarded to Sully "in recognition for his extraordinary airmanship, seamanship, and decision-making, saving hundreds of lives in his emergency landing."

In addition to his ATPL, Capt. Sullenberger is an experienced glider pilot, and also flew fighters in the U.S. Air Force during his early career. Now he will have an opportunity to qualify as seaplane pilot as well. Jack Brown's Seaplane Base, in Winter Haven, FL, has offered Capt. Sullenberger a complimentary seaplane rating course. Jon Brown promised Capt. Sullenberger that he would enjoy his future water landings much more than his first!

How to Paint a Boeing 747-400 in Three Minutes

Last month we all got an initial glimpse the first Boeing 747-400 in Delta Air Lines livery. The aircraft had been a part of the Northwest Airlines fleet, prior to that airline's merger with Delta.

Now Delta Air Lines has released a terrific time-lapse video showing the process of converting the aircraft's Northwest livery to Delta colors -- going from primer to pre-departure in just three minutes. Here it is:



If the video does not display or play properly above, click here to view it on YouTube. The video also is posted on the Delta Air Lines blog, which was where I first saw it.

Air Canada flight attendant praised after taking over for incapacitated co-pilot

The bad news: Last January an Air Canada pilot, working as First Officer on a trans-Atlantic flight, had some sort of 'emotional breakdown' while on the flight deck. He was physically removed from the flight deck by other crew members and had to be restrained in the passenger cabin until the aircraft landed and he was taken to a hospital.

The good news: A Flight Attendant, who happened to be a licensed pilot, took over the First Officer's seat and assisted the Captain during descent, approach, and landing. The unnamed Flight Attendant was praised in the report of the official investigation of the incident.

The details: On January 28, 2008, an Air Canada Boeing 767-333 aircraft (registration C-FMXC), operating as Air Canada Flight AC848, was 36,000 ft above the Atlantic Ocean en route from Toronto to London when the First Officer began to behave in a peculiar manner. According to a report issued today by Ireland's Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU), the First Officer "became belligerent and uncooperative which convinced the Commander he was now dealing with a crewmember who was effectively incapacitated." After trying unsuccessfully to reason with the man, the Captain called the Incharge Flight Attendant to the flight deck, first as a witness to the First Officer's behavior, and ultimately asking the Incharge Flight Attendant to "secure the First Officer away from the flight controls, then with the help of other crew members, remove him from the cockpit."

The Flight Attendants managed to get the First Officer into a seat in the passenger cabin, where he was restrained for the rest of the flight. They recruited two passengers who were medical doctors to help look after the disoriented pilot.

Meanwhile, back on the flight deck, the Captain consulted with Air Canada dispatchers, and decided to divert to Shannon. Quoting from the AAIU report (re-paragraphed for easier reading):

After making a PAN (distress) call, Shannon ATC were informed that the medical emergency was due to a pilot incapacitation (the First Officer) and the flight was now a single pilot (Captain only) flight for descent, approach and landing.

Prior to descent, the Commander asked the Incharge Flight Attendant to go [through] the Passenger Information List (PIL) to see if there were any flight crew on board who might be available to assist on the Flight deck for the remainder of the flight.

In the event no line pilots were on board, but one of the Cabin attendants held a Commercial Pilot’s Licence, with a Multi-engine Rating, and a non-current Instrument Rating. The Commander requested that the Flight Attendant occupy the right-hand (First Officers) seat for the remainder of the flight to assist as necessary.

The Flight Attendant provided useful assistance to the Commander, who remarked in a statement to the Investigation that she was ‘not out of place’ while occupying the right-hand seat.

As the descent was commenced the Passengers were informed that an early descent was to be made and diversion to Shannon due to a medical emergency. The descent, approach and landing were uneventful. The aircraft landed at 07.19 hrs and parked on Stand 39 at Shannon at 07.23 hrs.

The AAIU report concluded that the Captain and the entire crew handled the incident very well. The Analysis section of the AAIU report ends with this paragraph:

Incapacitation of a member of flight crew is a serious incident. The onset of subtle incapacitation is sometimes difficult to detect, and then in all probability more difficult to deal with. The Commander realising he was faced with a difficult and serious situation used tact and understanding and kept control of the situation at all times. The situation was dealt with in a professional manner, employing the principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM). As such the Commander and Flight Attendants should be commended for their professionalism in the handling of this event.

Congratulations to the crew for their expert handling of what must have been a very stressful situation. Special applause to the Flight Attendant who temporarily took over the First Officer's position and apparently did a fine job.

I wonder if she got to officially add a little B767 time to her pilot logbook. I hope so.

Here is the link to the entire report: Serious Incident: Boeing 767-333, C-FMXC, Oceanic Reporting Point MALOT, 28 January 2008: Report No 2008-027 - AAIU (Ireland), Nov. 19, 2008 (5-page 'pdf' file)

[Photo Source]