tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post3054486458716084436..comments2023-10-12T06:48:28.266-07:00Comments on Aviation Critic & Enthusiast: Phil Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845059507310419482noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-19664124665102319042009-11-23T11:36:12.232-08:002009-11-23T11:36:12.232-08:00Shadow...wow! Amazing that Cirrus would ask around...Shadow...wow! Amazing that Cirrus would ask around $500 mil for the jet program! No wonder A.K. didn't bite! You are right; he could buy one of the smaller programs for a lot less, or do it himself. However, if he tried it himself, bet he'd get all kinds of grief from Cirrus re IP issues. <br /><br />I wanted to correct some info; I had the dates wrong. Sport-Jet is in LA for a show the first part of Jan, not Dec. It was trucked to LA and seems to be at a custom interior shop. Word has it that a high-end interior is being put in before the show.the Teamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13879728098326709633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-28601765364121497722009-11-23T00:51:51.051-08:002009-11-23T00:51:51.051-08:00New Headline Post is up!New Headline Post is up!Phil Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02845059507310419482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-29890888352981098142009-11-23T00:37:22.966-08:002009-11-23T00:37:22.966-08:00Hello Andy Groth,
Thank you for your kind comments...Hello Andy Groth,<br />Thank you for your kind comments- I'm delighted you can "drop in" and visit! <br /><br />(Hope you'll continue to stop by as time permits- I've really enjoyed your comments!)Phil Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02845059507310419482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-13767999719307953072009-11-22T23:20:02.399-08:002009-11-22T23:20:02.399-08:00Automation will not reduce the need for pilot trai...Automation will not reduce the need for pilot training and competency.<br /><br />It will just change the important skills.<br /><br />Every neuron that a pilot does not need to assign to learning to shoot NDB approaches with a crosswind or about carburetor ice is another neuron that can be dedicated to route/autopilot programing and situation awareness.<br /><br />As I said, we are decades away from substantial changes in automation and regulations to benefit from them.<br /><br />But change will happen by discontinuity in technology. Just like the advent of electronic stability control cut the SUV rollover incidence by 90%, SVS+redundant PFD/MFDs will likely reduce incidence of IFR/night-VFR terrain collisions. Adoption of lower cost turbine power with reliable fuel gauges and trend monitoring programs should reduce the incidence of engine stoppages. Elimination of VOR and NDB from navigation, should enable pilots to train to real scenarios where double/triple redundant power, GPS, ADS-B, Cockpit weather is available all the time.<br /><br />The first indication we'll have on those will be in the next 5-10 years. The key thing to watch is the insurance premiums for integrated cockpits such as Prodigy and Perspective.Baron95https://www.blogger.com/profile/01421355643916832199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-13490418525640158222009-11-22T19:19:16.570-08:002009-11-22T19:19:16.570-08:00Flying an a/c with a "perfect AP" is jus...<i>Flying an a/c with a "perfect AP" is just like at home at the computer...(flight plan changes, holdings,... included)!</i><br /><br />I think it is a bit simplistic look at the situation. Take GFC700 AP in G1000. A pilot needs to understand its modes very thoroughly, its failure modes too. It is easy to screw up if one gets the notion it is just like clicking on your PC. Yes, it can fly holding patterns, procedure turns but it does require constant attention, staying on top of things. It is a beautiful tool but it needs a competent pilot too.michalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09174532767805868599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-87828022712681811252009-11-21T15:53:02.614-08:002009-11-21T15:53:02.614-08:00"It's up to the pilot to find the balance..."It's up to the pilot to find the balance between flying with and without these little or big helpers."<br /><br />Nothing wrong with autopilots. I wouldnt fly single pilot IFR without one. But, when the autopilot or other automation crashes, one needs to be proficient without it.WhyTechhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08316462511388173480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-7630322889637173832009-11-21T14:37:44.199-08:002009-11-21T14:37:44.199-08:00WhyTech,
"IMO, many of these new "sophi...WhyTech,<br /><br /><i>"IMO, many of these new "sophisticated" types dont want to commit the time/effort/dollars to be safe, competent pilots.<br /></i><br /><br />What is the reality? The pilots should use the AP to reduce workload:<br />How many hours does an (IFR) pilot (GA or airliners) fly the plane?<br />They taxis to the runway, rotate - when are they activating the autopilot? When will they deactivate the AP - at about 200ft above the runway?<br /><br />Flying an a/c with a "perfect AP" is just like at home at the computer...(flight plan changes, holdings,... included)!<br /><br />IMHO I think most GA pilots want to fly the planes.<br /><br />But once these features are available (and naturally used) they must be maintained - accordingly.<br /><br />It's up to the pilot to find the balance between flying with and without these little or big helpers. <br /><br />Juliusjuliushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13294426608276923429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-33425773771888717322009-11-21T13:17:29.083-08:002009-11-21T13:17:29.083-08:00"The heroic age of Jepersen mapping out appro..."The heroic age of Jepersen mapping out approaches on paper charts with needle and ball and 4-color course guidance, should lie in the romantic past."<br /><br />Well, I dont disagree with the sentiment, however its not the current reality and wont be for quite awhile. The technology to do this is pretty much here now, but the regulatory and ecomonic requirements are far in the future.<br /><br />"$3M machines should come with crash-proof logic."<br /><br />I dont have a big problem with this as long as it is not a crutch for the "sophisticated, new blood in GA" to avoid developing appropriate ADM and instrument skills. IMO, many of these new "sophisticated" types dont want to commit the time/effort/dollars to be safe, competent pilots.WhyTechhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08316462511388173480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-38329859230094156532009-11-21T13:04:17.541-08:002009-11-21T13:04:17.541-08:00I'm sorry Whytech - I disagree with that appro...I'm sorry Whytech - I disagree with that approach.<br /><br />There is absolutely no reason why 30 years from now, that IFR flying with sysnthetics/infrared/radar augmented view and ADS-B-in/out++ can not be just like VFR flying.<br /><br />Liberating IFR pilots from NDBs/VORs into vision enhanced, self-separation...<br /><br />Couple that with FBW with protected logic to prevent airplanes to depart controlled flight, even prevent CFIT, even take automatic evasive action on imminent collisions.<br /><br />Yes, it will take time - decades - but there is not reason not to make IFR flight safer, more idiot proof, year after year.<br /><br />The heroic age of Jepersen mapping out approaches on paper charts with needle and ball and 4-color course guidance, should lie in the romantic past.<br /><br />$3M machines should come with crash-proof logic.Baron95https://www.blogger.com/profile/01421355643916832199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-65802313121561107232009-11-21T12:44:39.360-08:002009-11-21T12:44:39.360-08:00"There are many such incidents in IFR flying ..."There are many such incidents in IFR flying by non-professional pilots."<br /><br />Change "non-professional" to "incompetent". Aviation is not for the clueless - never has been, never will be. The "make it easy for me by giving me a get out of jail free" button is absurd - just encourages greater incompetence. IMHO.WhyTechhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08316462511388173480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-21769178194311683912009-11-21T03:03:22.853-08:002009-11-21T03:03:22.853-08:00Shane,
there is not enough yellow cake!
Then one ...Shane,<br /><br />there is not enough yellow cake!<br />Then one has to use the breed reactors - not stable, finished technics.<br />Even fusion technology isn't where it should be: 1980 the first fusion reactors should be available and deliver clean power! I do not know the current "vision" when (if) the first commercial fusion reactor will be working! <br />Even the wedge managed to present something after some $B...<br /> <br /><br />Then there is the waste problem. In Sweden one says the there will be a secure and accepted (by the neighbours) storage.<br />I do not know if there is an accepted secure final storage for any radioactive material in France or UK. <br />In Germany the certificate of a secure final storage was/is the basis for all running nuclear power plants...The lack of this storage and the way this was handled by politicians and industries cause the ongoing problems and discussions about nuclear power!<br /><br />Even solar panels may cause problems if they cover a "huge area" and reflect to much heat... <br /><br />Perhaps geothermal power is the solution for heating...and cooling!<br /><br />Anyhow there is no simple solution!<br /><br /><br />Julius <br /><br />P.S.: You remember the Brundland report?<br />Good place to store any stuff: Somalia....(with some not so legal governmental support no problem!).juliushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13294426608276923429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-61372647517175144052009-11-20T16:29:53.117-08:002009-11-20T16:29:53.117-08:00RonRoe
Yah! And being a Scot, meself, I looked u...RonRoe<br /><br />Yah! And being a Scot, meself, I looked up the invention of copper wire . . . something about an argument over a penney between a Scot and a Swede.<br /><br />gadfly<br /><br />(All seriousness aside . . . when that little blond “RN” touched me with those cold hands, I decided right then and there, she would be my wife . . . that was January 10, 1962 . . . and on December 22, 1962, we were “Husband and Wife”. ‘No regrets in almost 47 years, four children, and nineteen grand-children . . . but what an education! Come to think of it, we saved a lot of money using all those Christmas decorations in the church . . . brides maids dressed in red . . . those Swedes sure know how to save a “Kroner”, now and then. And who’s going to eat too much “lutefisk” at the reception? . . . not even a Swede!!! We’ve said, marriage is for better or worse . . . divorce? . . . never . . . murder? . . . maybe!)<br /><br />(A minister/Bible teacher, whom I respect, said that a preacher cannot pronounce a couple “man and wife”. If he isn’t a man by the time he’s married, a preacher can’t make him one. . . . Dr. Walter L. Wilson, M.D., . . . I still have the recording/tape I made, back fifty years ago, over the radio, from Church of the Open Door, Los Angeles. The old “gadfly” is a true geek . . . having gotten into this “technical stuff” a long, long time ago . . . taking it most seriously.)<br /><br />Swedish Tomato Soup . . . K-Not funny . . . har! har!<br /><br />Now can I close up the shop and go home?gadflyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13191372920897029941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-44806389577775746302009-11-20T16:12:31.111-08:002009-11-20T16:12:31.111-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.KnotMPHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00371111306184066489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-91558059466478167662009-11-20T15:21:05.644-08:002009-11-20T15:21:05.644-08:00gadfly,
Did you hear about the Swede who loved hi...gadfly,<br /><br />Did you hear about the Swede who loved his wife so much he almost told her?RonRoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18030875902137047306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-75401490336578213182009-11-20T15:20:36.202-08:002009-11-20T15:20:36.202-08:00The same Swede was lying on his deathbed. In a we...The same Swede was lying on his deathbed. In a weak voice, he asked for his wife: "Lena, are you here?"<br /><br />"Yes, Ole, I'm here." came the reply.<br /><br />"How about our children, are they here?" he asked next.<br /><br />"Yes, Ole, dey're all here." she said.<br /><br />"And the neighbors?" queried Ole. Once again, Lena answered, "All here, Ole."<br /><br />Ole then sat up in bed and said, "Well, if you're here, and the children are here, and the neighbors are here, why is the light still on in the kitchen?"RonRoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18030875902137047306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-38644621062089141342009-11-20T13:26:27.409-08:002009-11-20T13:26:27.409-08:00Here ‘tis . . . late Friday! You all need somethi...Here ‘tis . . . late Friday! You all need something a little light for the weekend to take with . . . ! So here’s one more story . . . but this one “tongue in cheek”:<br /><br />The old Swede was lying in bed . . . he knew his remaining time on earth was down to hours at best. He could smell the hot coffee and “Skorpa” from the kitchen. With great effort, he slid out of bed, and crawled the few feet down the hallway of their little second floor flat there in North Chicago near Wrigley Field. He reached the little table . . . and put his hand up to grab a piece of that hot bread, only to have his wife slap him on the hand. “No, Oly, . . . dats for the funeral!”<br /><br />(Dontcha know?)<br /><br />gadfly<br /><br />(‘Been married to a Swede for almost half a century . . . and still want to ask the question: “Go with!!! . . . Go with!!! . . . Go with what?” . . . Dat’s not funny!)gadflyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13191372920897029941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-14525310963795780552009-11-20T10:21:38.307-08:002009-11-20T10:21:38.307-08:00BassMaster . . . “not sure why you're so conce...BassMaster . . . “not sure why you're so concerned with the chem milling as there are other issues” . . .<br /><br />OK . . . here’s two brief stories that will illustrate my true purpose:<br /><br />Circa 1936, in the town of Rice, California, my Dad ran a“two pump” Shell filling station. Groceries and supplies were by a six or eight hour round trip into San Bernardino, by Duesenberg at 90mph. My Mother, attempting to keep busy in a town of maybe fifteen people, decided to paint a wooden chair. She did an outstanding job . . . the once rough and contoured seat was now smooth white enamel . . . and in a day or so with night-time temperatures often above 100 degrees, the paint quickly dried.<br /><br />A friend, Bill (or Ed) Horton, came out from Riverside, the following Sunday, still dressed in his suit from church. They visited there in the little house . . . the "bigger" of the two houses, that is. When it came time for him to leave, he rose from the chair, taking with him a new coat of white paint on the seat of his good suit. (Although I was present, I hadn’t yet been born.)<br /><br />Here’s the second story . . . from two years ago, this month: A close friend and engineer noticed some returning spots on his face, and went to the doctor. On closer examination, while removing them, it was discovered that Ray had just two weeks to live . . . the cancer was throughout his body. Actually he lasted three weeks, giving us a few more times to visit . . . and then attend his funeral.<br /><br />Examining the skin, inside and out, “under the paint” on the little bird will bring the eyes of the “inspector” in close contact with the little bird . . . and the likelihood that he’ll see other things of extreme interest. I cannot comment on other things of which I have recently been told, but I would think that a close examination is going to reveal other more serious things that might/should be addressed. Maybe some attention has already been paid to the little bird that ran off the runway at Brandywine . . . and discover what happens when landing gear goes poking through the upper skin of the wet wings.<br /><br />White paint can cover hidden problems . . . and a close examination of the skin may reveal deeper dangers.<br /><br />gadfly<br /><br />(Rice, California . . . one of three contenders for the first nuclear test. It lost . . . but a look in “Google Earth” reveals that a nuclear test would not have done a more thorough job of making the town almost disappear. I have a collection of old photos . . . memories of the stories told by my parents . . . and the copper emblem from the car: An eagle, with spread wings, “Duesenberg, Straight 8”, sitting with other keepsakes . . . I looked at it this morning.)gadflyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13191372920897029941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-38994129895685859712009-11-20T10:16:33.210-08:002009-11-20T10:16:33.210-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.KnotMPHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00371111306184066489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-4544195581531405432009-11-20T09:41:29.523-08:002009-11-20T09:41:29.523-08:00The recovery to level, push before you pull type b...The recovery to level, push before you pull type button is the sort of innovation that makes GA more acceptable to sophisticated, new blood in GA.<br /><br />In the Cirrus, that button came about as a result of an accident (in FL I believe) where, in IMC, a pilot became confused due to failing PFD (Avidyne). There are many such incidents in IFR flying by non-professional pilots.<br /><br />With that button, Cirrus can have a military style simple memory due list ingrained in their pilots.<br /><br />Messed/up, unsure of attitude....Push BLue Button....didn't work....Pull handle.<br /><br />In flying or AOPA magazine this month there is an article by an F15 pilot that became completely disoriented in IMC due to failing avionics....he was frozen...when he got a glimpse of the ground lights and recovered will full burners and high-G to avoid pancaking into the ground, with feet to spare.<br /><br />These things happen all the time. A push/pull out is a worthy addition to the options list.Baron95https://www.blogger.com/profile/01421355643916832199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-30079193608103780922009-11-20T09:34:49.498-08:002009-11-20T09:34:49.498-08:00Hi Shane - totally agree with you on nuclear power...Hi Shane - totally agree with you on nuclear power. But, again, it was not the media's fault. Their job is to hype things up to sell papers, TV ads, etc. They did that very well.<br /><br />The politicians role is to buck the hype and do the sensible thing. Set the tone, use their public mandate stage and lead the nation in the right direction.<br /><br />I ABSOLUTELY INCLUDED the cost of energy when I said that free American workers are the most productive in the world.<br /><br />In case you haven't noticed, we in the US, have the lowest cost of energy of any advanced (and almost all) economies.<br /><br />Fuel and electricity rates used by trucks, construction equipment, assembly lines, etc, are lower here than virtually anywhere.<br /><br />Have you checked electricity and fuel costs in places thought to be manufacturing powerhouses (like Japan, Germany, Brazil) and compared them to the US?<br /><br />Anyway - if you think the AMerican worker is not competitive, on an all costs and all-output level, how do you explain more and more and more assembly plants moving from Europe, Japan, Korea, etc to the free US South?<br /><br />(P.S. note that we have a 2.5% import duty on cars - so tariffs is not the answer. And shipping a car from Asia to the US adds only about an extra $200/car (IIRC), so that is not the answer either.Baron95https://www.blogger.com/profile/01421355643916832199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-788390401512440422009-11-20T08:26:45.631-08:002009-11-20T08:26:45.631-08:00E.D.T.
I'm glad you 'outed' me so qui...E.D.T.<br /><br />I'm glad you 'outed' me so quickly!<br /><br />My key point is the energy deficit in America which distorts many markets, sometimes in subtle ways.<br /><br />I was just fed up with Baron hammering away at 'bad' unions and 'failed' politicians, as if disposing of both was the cure for all ills. Yes, there are good reasons to be very suspicious of Baron's pet hates. I know, I've met several, of both kinds, over the years. Generally I enjoyed the contact but found myself feeling I'd 'supped with the devil' when thinking about them afterwards. But they are not the principle problem facing US based manufacturing companies today....<br /><br />And yes, the French will need help a) vitrifying all their nuclear waste and b) finding somewhere to store if afterwards. Knowing them, they'll find a purchaser <i>and</i> make a profit out of the deal.<br /><br />My original point is well made. The French are not hostages to Middle Eastern despots for their domestic electricity.<br /><br />Unlike the US of A....<br /><br />ShaneShane Pricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06571348452899329376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-68510583691472500182009-11-20T07:42:35.445-08:002009-11-20T07:42:35.445-08:00Phil,
Alan didn't buy the Vision jet program ...Phil,<br /><br />Alan didn't buy the Vision jet program because Cirrus priced it too high. The figure I've been told is that Cirrus wanted $500 million for the program. Given his past experience, Alan could start a new company and SE jet program for a lot less money.<br /><br />Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Bob Bornhofen has spent more than $10 million on his SE jet program, and he already had one prototype flying before it crashed (presumably due to wake turbulence).<br /><br />Heck, I'll bet Alan could get a group of investors together to buy Epic on the cheap and certify their SE jet and perhaps some of their other various jet and turboprop aircraft for less than $500 million.Shadowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12180707357967808938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-19247724937276130072009-11-20T07:05:00.053-08:002009-11-20T07:05:00.053-08:00Shane said,
Historically, the American body polit...Shane said, <br /><i>Historically, the American body politic has made some catastrophically poor choices, the most injurious being the hysterical reaction to civilian nuclear power after Three Mile Island. That was a failure, not of 'unions' or 'politicians' but of your silly and misguided media.</i><br /><br />LOL. That's kinda funny Shane. Well, lemme answer this with an equally funny one-dimensional answer: rent the movie Chain Reaction. You do have American DVDs in your land, eh? <br /><br />Cheap and clean energy may not really be a 'right' of the masses. But I do have a strange feeling there are Morgan Freeman-type people (referring to his character's role in the movie as a CIA spook) in our Govt that are forced to protect the Energy Industry status quo for one reason or another. Hmmm, it might cause people to go to war as they fight over the limited resources...<br /><br />On the other side, I know the Energy Industry has a vast agenda but that does not mean they are the Evil zealots you see in movies like The China Syndrome or Silkwood. Sure, making a profit is part of their agenda. But affecting <i>positive</i> public perception is yet another. I'm certain the last thing they need is another negative movie, this time by Michael Moore or Morgan Spurlock. So, IMHO, many American energy companies are (smartly) biding their time for when Fusion reactors are a commercial reality. When that happens, they *may* have a competitive advantage via a 'green' energy solution that no one else has. I think they are hoping for that opportunity to help rehab their image ...with the help of our "misguided media." If we can sell 10+ million Chevy Volts per year (on the Today show this am), that will also change what the market wants, in terms of clean energy from A to Z. Critics of the Volt rightly point out that it only makes for a "longer tailpipe" since our power plants are so dirty. But to my surprise, there are quite a few new reactors planned here in the US:<br />http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/col/new-reactor-map.html<br /><br />WHEN we start the transition to a fusion-based economy, what happens to all traditional fission reactors all over the world, and in naval ships / submarines? Maybe American companies will satisfy that unmet need via upgrade components as part of their business plan. Won't it be funny if the French come to <i>us</i> for help in mothballing their old, obsolete technology?<br /><br />Yes, in the short-run, it has been bad for the US ...especially in consideration of all the time and money wasted on WIPP and Yucca Mountain; I know the French are better too with recycling or reprocessing their nuclear waste. LOL, but on the plus side, it looks like some $$$ was diverted to Sandia labs... <br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WIPP<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca_Mountain_nuclear_waste_repository<br /> <br />e.d.t.eclipse_deep_throathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15890350992420639885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-69595376123953721732009-11-20T02:40:16.428-08:002009-11-20T02:40:16.428-08:00Andy,
The recent 'Attitude Recovery Button...Andy,<br /><br />The recent 'Attitude Recovery Button' discussion prompts me to consider something.<br /><br />Would such an ARB have helped Vern during any part of his time at EAC?<br /><br />I, for one, think not. He was too arrogant and blinkered to learn from his multiple mistakes or take advice from anyone.<br /><br />What worries me is that EAI appear to have similar attitudes....<br /><br />Baron,<br /><br />You have an interesting approach to what you perceive as the root cause of American manufacturing problems vis (too) powerful unions and (dodgy) politicians. You go further and claim that American workers, unfettered by these 'twin evils' are the most productive in the world.<br /><br />Balderdash.<br /><br />You choose to ignore the crippling cost of mostly imported energy, which sees America on the <i>bottom</i> of any international productivity ranking.<br /><br />Historically, the American body politic has made some catastrophically poor choices, the most injurious being the hysterical reaction to civilian nuclear power after Three Mile Island. That was a failure, not of 'unions' or 'politicians' but of your silly and misguided media.<br /><br />Follow the French lead. Ignore the mob, and build new PWR's, then stand back and enjoy 80% of your electricity from a source for which you actually have the raw materials, and a historical lead in technology. Remember, you guys invented it...<br /><br />Instead, you bury your head in the sand and ignore the fact that the US consumes more than 20% of world oil production for less than 3% of the population.<br /><br />It's not just the unions and politicians you should be worried about!<br /><br />Sorry about that, but I felt you needed (urgently) a 'reality check'.<br /><br />Shane<br />PS I live and work less than 120 miles from one of the '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sellafield" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow"> dirtiest </a>' nuclear facilities in Europe.Shane Pricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06571348452899329376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564155214348055642.post-60715711993654113982009-11-19T23:19:56.622-08:002009-11-19T23:19:56.622-08:00From BEG:
I think the attitude recovery button on...From BEG:<br /><br /><i>I think the attitude recovery button on the Cirrus is a pretty cool idea.<br /><br />But, like their "ballistic recovery parachute", I somehow wonder if it's not there to compensate for unproven (or worse) spin characteristics...<br /><br />(Still, a nifty idea regardless).</i><br /><br />BEG,<br /><br />I won't reopen the parachute/stall debate, except to say that Alan was talking about a parachute system before the SR20 was even designed.<br /><br />I'm not going on things I've read. I spent a lot of time at airshows as a kid in the 1980s talking with the entire Cirrus team (which was really small then--like single digits) along with a bunch of other aircraft companies. That was my favorite part of airshows.<br /><br />Yes, Cirrus chose an alternate method of compliance, and I certainly wish they would have done the whole battery of tests and made any adjustments for standard compliance.<br /><br />My understanding is that SR22s can be successfully spun (I'm referring to sanctioned testing), but don't necessarily comply through the full envelope, hence the use of the parachute as an alternate compliance method. The idea for the parachute, though, came long before the intention to use it for alternate compliance on spins.<br /><br />The attitude recovery button is simply one more tool to help disoriented pilots reorient themselves (like in the clouds or at night after getting into an unusual attitude). Yes, you can do this with a regular autopilot, but we all know how people freeze up and it's a lot easier to be able to just hit one well-lit different-colored button.<br /><br />I would guess something similar will be standard on most light aircraft in the next five years. Heck, I included this feature on a hypothetical future aircraft back when I was a "tween" 20 years ago. The idea has been floating around a long time.<br /><br />(Andy Groth--aka agroth :-))<br /><br />P.S. Thanks, Phil, for your work on the blog!Andy Grothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18146335801865461458noreply@blogger.com