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Aerobatic Aviation Aerobatics are for everyone. Even people who know nothing about airplanes are in awe when they see a highly trained aerobatic pilot doing stunts that seem to defy the laws of physics. Here is information about aerobatics, including the most famous of the aerobatic groups, the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels. Web:
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Aeronautics We are surrounded by things that fly: animals such as birds and insects; and machines such as airplanes, gliders, balloons and rockets. Aeronautics is the science of how things fly and how to build things that fly. The resources I have chosen will help you learn about basic aeronautics, and if you are so inclined, to pursue the more advanced topics. Although aeronautics is a highly technical branch of science and engineering, the fundamental concepts are within the grasp of anyone with some knowledge of science. After all, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand the birds and the bees. Web:
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Air Disasters I am no stranger to aviation disasters. One time I took a dinner flight, and they forgot to put my special vegetarian meal on the plane. Another time, I asked for a glass of apple juice with no ice, but they gave me ice anyway. But the worst disaster -- so bad that I actually wondered if I was going to make it -- was the time I forgot to bring a book to read and had no choice but to watch an entire Meryl Streep movie. If you are an air disaster buff, here are some Internet resources that are right up your aerodynamic alley. Here is where you can look for timely information after an accident or other disaster, or -- between accidents -- discuss methods and investigations. Web:
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Air Shows The aviation scene is full of air shows, exhibitions and competitions, and if you enjoy such events, you will find these resources to be valuable. The next time you have an open weekend to fill or you are planning a trip to a faraway place, why not catch some aviation action? Spend a few minutes on the Net and find out what's happening, where and when. Web:
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Airplane Mailing Lists Are you interested in flying? Here are some mailing lists you will enjoy. The airline list is concerned with airlines and civil aircraft and airplane-clubs is for people discussing the airplane clubs. (Hint: If you would like to have your own plane but you find the cost and maintenance prohibitive, consider joining a club in which you will share the costs with other pilots.)
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Airships An airship is a lighter-than-air, self-propelled aircraft containing a large balloon-like container filled with gas. (The well-known Goodyear blimp, for example, weighs only 150 pounds [68 kilograms] when fully inflated.) Unlike hot-air balloons, airships have propellers to act as a propulsion system, as well as a mechanism for steering and accommodations for passengers, crew and cargo. Through the years, various types of airships have been developed, such as zeppelins, dirigibles and blimps. The gas within an airship is usually helium or heated air, both of which are non-volatile. In the olden days, when helium was not yet available, airships were filled with hydrogen, which, being flammable, sometimes led to disasters, the most famous of which was the explosion that destroyed the Hindenburg (a German zeppelin) on May 6, 1937. Today's airships are safe, sophisticated aircraft. Web:
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Aviation Charities What happens when a sick or injured person needs medical help, but there is no easy way for them to get to a doctor? What happens when someone is lost in a remote area, and it is impossible to drive or walk to the rescue? What happens when a hospital needs emergency medical supplies or an organ is ready for transplanting, and there is no one to make the delivery? The pilots who work for aviation charities donate their time, their planes, fuel and use their expertise to help such people who, literally, have no one else to turn to. Do you need help? Or perhaps would you like to volunteer your services or donate money? Why not just take a few moments and learn about these angels of the air. Web: Aviation History The history of aviation is the story of humanity's quest to overcome its limitations and learn how to fly. In some sense, the history of the airplane reaches back as far as there have been people who would look at birds in the sky and dream of flying. However, most of aviation history took place in the twentieth century, and even a casual browsing of these Web sites will leave you in awe of human ingenuity and achievement. If you are doing research, especially in the area of military aviation, you will find these resources valuable. Web:
Aviation Magazines Even the most dedicated pilots can't be in the air all the time. So in those few moments when you come down to Earth to refill the gas tank and chow down on a couple of fast cheese sandwiches, scoot over to your browser and check out the latest issues of these online magazines. Web:
Aviation Poetry There's more to flying than just knowing which instruments to read and how many flight attendants it takes to screw in a light bulb. Flying can be truly poetic, inspiration for songs of the soul. Read these poems about flight and flying, so on some dark, romantic night you can whisper into your beloved's ear a little poem that begins, "There once was a girl from Nantucket..." Web:
Aviation Q & A Are you thinking of becoming a pilot? Are you a pilot already with an ever-growing list of questions? Well, there is enough useful aviation information on the Internet to fill your needs from now to Orville Wright's birthday. rec.aviation.answers is the Usenet group whose sole purpose is to carry all the aviation-related FAQs (frequently asked question lists). This is the place to check for the best of aviation wisdom on the Net. Web:
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Aviation Resources These are no fly-by-night Web sites. These are the best general aviation resources I could find, where you'll find most everything you'll need -- especially if you are a pilot. (However, you'll have to supply your own no-frills snacks and outrageously expensive shopping catalogs for your passengers.) Web:
Aviation Safety We all know that flying is the safest way to fly. Why? Because pilots are trained to be dependable and cautious. However, airplanes are complex machines, and there are a lot of variables that affect your flight experience. Use these Net resources to keep yourself up to date on the newest safety-related information and news. Remember, the only good pilot is a living pilot. Web:
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Aviation Talk and General Discussion You'll go into a flat spin when you see how much information you can find in these aviation discussion groups. If you don't know how to choose a specific group, start with the Web. Alternatively, the .misc group often has cross-postings from other groups so, if you start there, you'll find a wide variety of topics. Web:
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Ballooning In 1783, two French brothers figured out how to cause a 30-meter linen bag to rise in the air. Within a few months, two daredevils used a similar balloon to make the first manned flight. It took two hundred years for balloon technology to improve to the point where men were able to float across the Atlantic Ocean (1978). Today, modern technology allows many people to enjoy ballooning, and you can too. Start with the Net, and it won't be long before you are having a good time, getting high the old-fashioned way. Web:
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Careers in Aviation There are a lot of different jobs in aviation and aeronautics: not only pilots and flight attendants, but engineers, technicians, mechanics, managers, and more. If you are thinking of entering one of these fields, it behooves you to start by doing some research. Read about job duties, salaries, requirements, working conditions, and job availability. Web:
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DUATS If you are a pilot, the Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS) is the place to get your weather briefings, plan your flight, and even file your flight plan. DUATS also offers other valuable services. Check it out the next time you plan a cross-country flight. (Please note that the site says, "DUATS is available to U.S. pilots who hold current medical certificates, flight instructors without current medicals, aviation ground instructors, glider/balloon pilots and other approved users in the U.S. aviation community.") Web: Flight Planning and Navigation How would you feel if you planned to fly to Washington to help the President of the United States clean out his garage, and you got your directions mixed up and ended up in the middle of Disneyland? Imagine your embarrassment at spending an entire day with the wrong Mickey Mouse. Don't take chances: download a copy of free flight planning software and data today. Web:
Gliding and Soaring Gliding, or soaring, is motorless flight. Since gliders (also known as sailplanes) do not have motors, they are more streamlined and beautiful than regular planes. I once had a glider ride, and I still remember the experience as being peaceful and surreal. Here is some important glider trivia I want you to know. On December 18, 1931, the world endurance soaring record was set in Hawaii by William A. Cocke, Jr., who remained aloft for 21 hours 34 minutes. Cocke is related to one of my researchers, Kelly; she is Cocke's first cousin twice removed. I have been to Nuuanu Pail Lookout in Honolulu, where there is a plaque commemorating Cocke's record-setting flight. Web:
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Helicopters Helicopters are highly maneuverable and, as such, have an appeal unlike that of fixed-wing aircraft. (I have a friend who keeps his own helicopter in his garage. When he wants to go for a ride, he wheels the helicopter out and takes off.) The first flight of a helicopter-like airplane occurred on November 13, 1907, flown by the Frenchman Paul Cornu. If you are a helicopter enthusiast, these resources will help you find what you need on the Net. If you want to talk to other helicopter buffs, check out the Usenet discussion group. Web:
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Learning to Fly What a wonderful new experience, learning to fly. It's nice to know you have a place to ask questions or share your experiences with people who enjoy the same hobby or way of life. Find out all the questions new students are asking, and learn about instructors, lessons, equipment, PPL qualifications, and airspace. Web:
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Military Aircraft From the Sopwith Camel to the F-117A Stealth Fighter and beyond, experience the thrill of military aircraft. See the past, present, and even the future, as aviation devotees share their ideas on what are the best planes, who are the most notorious pilots in history, and how military aircraft of various countries compare to one another. Web:
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Military Aviation So you like to fly? How would you like to fly spiffy airplanes and helicopters in the service of your country? Military aviation is a specialized field with its own challenges and rewards. If you live in the United States, here is information about aviation careers and opportunities available in the various branches of the United States military. Web:
Owning Airplanes Don't you wish owning an airplane were as simple as installing a bigger garage door? Learn the joys and travails of being the owner of a powerful flying machine. If you are interested in building or restoring aircraft, check out .homebuilt to indulge in your aviation obsession. A word of warning: one of the questions in the homebuilt FAQ list is, "Will my marriage survive?" Web:
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Piloting You can't be flying all the time -- you do need to spend some of your time on the surface of the planet (if only to refuel). But that doesn't mean you need to be bored. Connect to the Net, and see what other pilots are talking about when they're not up in the air. Usenet:
Stories About Flying How does it feel to be so high above the Earth? What was it like the first time you went solo? What excites you about flying? Read anecdotes of flight experiences and share yours. Even if you don't fly, you can experience the thrill of the moment in the stories of others. Usenet:
Ultralight Flying Don't let the testosterone take over and convince you that you have to fly a jumbo jet. Experience the joy of ultralight aircraft and enjoy flying as often as possible using as little as possible. Web:
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Women in Aviation The first woman airline pilot was Helen Richey of the U.S., who was hired by Central Airlines in 1934. Unfortunately, the all-male pilots' union refused to accept Richey, and she resigned after only ten months. Although employment conditions have changed a lot since then, even today, only 4.6 percent of U.S. commercial pilots and 12.2 percent of U.S. air traffic controllers are women. Still, if you are a woman interested in aviation, there are many people who share your interest, and a lot of information for you on the Net. Web:
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© All contents Copyright 2005, Harley Hahn
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