Before the GPS provided exact coordinates and became fully operational on flights in 1994, pilots had to navigate through the air in a different way. They relied on map reading methods, measuring tools, and even celestial navigation. If there’s one thing we know about pilots in a world without a GPS, it’s that they certainly [...]
When aircraft crash or disappear, investigators highly prioritize retrieving the aircraft's black box. The device records the entire flight, as well as conversations in the cockpit and between the flight crew. However, the term “black box” inaccurately describes the box. It is a bright orange cylinder that must be highly visible in a wreck. The [...]
When remembering all who served on Memorial Day, the Distinguished Flying Cross Society is an organization that helps honor and salute our fallen heroes. The society awards aviators and aircrew for heroism, as well as remarkable courage in flight. It’s the only honorary metal granted to all five military services in all wars from WWI [...]
Fueling your aircraft requires choosing a premier oil that promotes engine health. For those who use AeroShell’s single-grade ashless dispersant engine oils, a common question is: what is the difference between AeroShell Oil W100 and W100 Plus? In short, both single-grade ashless dispersant (AD) engine oils serve piston engines and help minimize sludge formation. W100 [...]
As one of the largest airplanes ever built, the Convair B-36 "Peacemaker" played a key role in preserving peace during the Cold War. Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee Aircraft merged in 1943 to form Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation, universally known as Convair after 1943. The American aircraft manufacturing company produced wartime planes and moved into making [...]
We covered the basics of caring for a piston engine aircraft and how important it is to fly the aircraft regularly here. However, starting a carbureted engine in the cold or when it has not been used for a while is notoriously difficult. The key to successfully starting a carbureted engine in the cold is [...]
Canadian ace Air Marshal William "Billy" Bishop played a key role in WWI and WWII. He also recruited for the Royal Canadian Air Force and advocated on behalf of the British Common Air Training Plan. Born on February 8, 1894, in Ontario, Billy Bishop learned to thrive at a young age in sports focused on individual [...]
Piston engines, or internal combustion engines, became prominent in the Wright brother’s era. All aircraft was powered by a piston engine until the early 20th century when jet engines were introduced. They were even installed in steam engines and function similarly to automobile engines. Today, piston engines are generally for business and private use as [...]
Having a layover at Singapore’s Changi Airport is not just a connection to your final destination—it’s an experience. Designated as the #1 airport for over five consecutive years, the Changi Airport is a world in and of itself. It offers plenty of activities at any hour and advanced check-in methods, providing passengers with entertainment and [...]
Debuted as the largest and notably best private jet you can purchase, the Gulfstream G650 transported passengers around the world more quickly than any commercial plane. The plane made history on the luxury-business jet front and was awarded the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for Significant Technological Achievements in Aircraft Performance, Cabin Comfort, and Safety [...]
