Private jets, the transportation of the super-rich, can be luxurious or a total scam. But which private jets are the best to travel in, based on cost, comfort, and range? Please note, that this list excludes all private jets which are also commercial jets, such as the BBJ or ACJ range. Gulfstream G-650 The GulfstreamContinue reading “Which private jet is the best to travel in?”
Category Archives: Aviation for Aviators
A look inside the UK’s royal plane
All eyes are on the Queen at the moment due to her 70th anniversary of being the UK’s monarch, but how have she and the royal family traveled over the years? What is the royal plane? The UK has many aircraft, but the one which is most commonly known is the reconditioned Airbus A330, usedContinue reading “A look inside the UK’s royal plane”
An interview with the aviation YouTuber: Dan from Dj’s Aviation
Dj’s aviation is a youtube channel known for its excellent coverage of aviation events and the everyday goings of the aviation world. Dan has almost 325,000 subscribers on Youtube and has reported on topics such as the up-and-coming Boeing 797. Join me as I put some questions to the man himself. At what point didContinue reading “An interview with the aviation YouTuber: Dan from Dj’s Aviation”
A brief history of the Star Alliance
The Star Alliance celebrated its 25th Birthday on May 14th, But why was it started and which airlines formed it? Join me as I take a brief look into the history of the alliance. When was it formed? Star Alliance is the world’s largest alliance, being formed by 5 airlines in 1997. The 5 foundingContinue reading “A brief history of the Star Alliance”
The Ultimate Aviation Quiz
Want a quiz that can challenge all your fellow aviation enthusiasts? If you’re stuck, some of these answers appear in AFA’s other articles so look there for help! Take a look at these 20 questions and show your friends just how much you know about aviation… Questions What is deployed from the engine when aContinue reading “The Ultimate Aviation Quiz”
Will Electric planes ever work?
In recent articles, I have talked about how the real plane of the future will be the Boeing 797, a mid to long-range, narrow-body plane that is capable of flying transatlantic, but could electric planes overtake the 797 in the running for the best plane that is to come? Join me as I take aContinue reading “Will Electric planes ever work?”
How is the War in Ukraine affecting commercial aviation?
The war in Ukraine has been going on for nearly 2 months now, but how is it affecting the commercial aviation industry and what does the future look like for the skies above Ukraine? How it started There are many reasons why the war in Ukraine started, one of the most prominent reasons being Russia’sContinue reading “How is the War in Ukraine affecting commercial aviation?”
Why is flying so expensive?
In my previous articles, I have talked about how Low-cost airlines make their money off of cheap, quick, non-stop flights. That all leads to the question, why do traditional airlines like British Airways and KLM need to make flying so expensive? If you were to fly from LAX to JFK in New York, the moneyContinue reading “Why is flying so expensive?”
Ukraine confirms destruction of the World’s biggest aircraft
After the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, The Ukrainian minister for foreign affairs confirmed the destruction of the Antanov AN-225 Mriya, otherwise known as the world’s biggest aircraft. Days of fighting in Ukraine have led to untouched airspace of the country and evacuation from airlines as the Russians move in towards the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.Continue reading “Ukraine confirms destruction of the World’s biggest aircraft”
The Job of the Aviation Manager
“Aviation Manager”? What’s that? You might not have heard about the job of an “Aviation Manager”. So what is that job and what does he/she does? Basically an Aviation Manager is an airport employee who supervises the compliance of the rules and regulations provided by the local, state, and federal organizations. The airport manager setsContinue reading “The Job of the Aviation Manager”
B747 vs a380-How Much Are They Worth in 2022?
Brief history (B747) After the introduction of the 707 in 1958, Pan Am wanted a jet two and half times its size, to reduce its seat cost by 30% to democratize air travel. Hence in 1965, Joe Sutter left the 737 development program to design the 747-the first twin-aisle airliner. The 747 is a quad jet, initially powered by JT9D turbofan engines, then GE CF6 and RR RB211 engines for theContinue reading “B747 vs a380-How Much Are They Worth in 2022?”
The story of America’s only ever unsolved hijacking
On the afternoon of November 24th, 1971, a man under the name of Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Airlines Boeing 727 flying between Portland and Seattle. The Hijacking today remains the only unsolved hijacking in American history, hundreds if not thousands of people came forward claiming to know the real Dan Cooper, but was oneContinue reading “The story of America’s only ever unsolved hijacking”
The Top 5 Traditional Airlines
We all know of a traditional airline, no matter where you are, the country you live in will most likely have a traditional airline as it’s flag carrier, but why have they taken off as well as Low-cost airlines, and why do people still fly with them? *DIsclaimer before we start, All these airlines areContinue reading “The Top 5 Traditional Airlines”
First Signs of Recovery for the Aviation Industry
With the current headlines in the news where COVID19 cases are still high and new variants keep expanding, you might think this headline is unbelievable. However, society has a growing travel demand, the aviation sector itself of course wants this too. What signs do we see at the moment? Demand for air travel, especially forContinue reading “First Signs of Recovery for the Aviation Industry”
Surge in Passenger Travel Yet Slashes in Flights and Hike in airfares. Why?
A shortage of pilots and a faster-than-expected takeoff in passenger demand are forcing some airlines to cut back flights and retool schedules. Passengers who have already booked their summer travel should look out for the possibility of rebookings — and those who have yet to buy their tickets should watch out for rising airfares. week,Continue reading “Surge in Passenger Travel Yet Slashes in Flights and Hike in airfares. Why?”
Airbus and Cathay Pacific Partner To Cut Pilot Staffing On Long Haul Flights
Long haul flights currently have up to four pilots Currently, all commercial flights have from two to four pilots in the cockpit. Two pilots is the absolute minimum for any length of flight Then for long haul flights there are often one or two relief pilots, who take turns at the controls while the primaryContinue reading “Airbus and Cathay Pacific Partner To Cut Pilot Staffing On Long Haul Flights”
A 17 Year Old Dispute Comes to an End against a Common Rival
The feud over Airbus and Boeing is one of the longest-running battles in WTO(World Trade Organisation) history. It took a common threat for the US and Europe to finally put an end to their dispute this past week, as the two sides signed a five-year truce suspending tit-for-tat tariffs. While the United States and EuropeContinue reading “A 17 Year Old Dispute Comes to an End against a Common Rival”
The only person able to fly
23 May 1848, Anklam Prussia, born and raised with his siblings, worked together on technical, social, and cultural projects. Then they started to study the flight of birds, dreaming with the idea or the fiction of human flight. After years of other studies in other fields and life situations, he got the idea for hisContinue reading “The only person able to fly”
Top 5 Advanced Fighter Aircrafts
Fighter aircrafts are fixed-wing military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat. In a military conflict, the role of fighter aircraft is to establish air superiority of the battlespace. Domination of the airspace above a battlefield permits bombers and attack aircraft to engage in enemy targets’ tactical and strategic bombing. How do you gauge the performance of a fighter craft? The key performance features of a fighter include notContinue reading “Top 5 Advanced Fighter Aircrafts”
Xwing Completes Demonstration Of A Fully Autonomous Gate-Gate Cargo Flight
A novel strategy to create planes that can fly themselves – The Wall Street Journal As the old adage goes “change is the only constant” – it only seems befitting, more so in the aviation industry now. Automation is, and has always been, inevitable with the industry trying to enhance security and reduce manual workforce whichContinue reading “Xwing Completes Demonstration Of A Fully Autonomous Gate-Gate Cargo Flight”
What Does Airworthiness Mean?
A word that gathers a lot of conditions that an aircraft must meet. An official definition does not exist. However, the aviation and aeronautical regulations states the minimum requirements for which the aircraft is deemed to be airworthy and this is also showed under a Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA). You may think of the minimumContinue reading “What Does Airworthiness Mean?”
Secrets You Never Knew While Flying
You could be an experienced flyer, or you could just be a newbie making his/her maiden flight. Often times we think we know it all about travel and flying and most of the times we’re right! Wait a minute-hold that thought.. Bottomline: There’s more to it than meets the eye and you’d be dumbstruck toContinue reading “Secrets You Never Knew While Flying”
Float like an astronaut,fly like a superhero! – The ZERO-G experience
That’s one small step for man,one giant leap for mankind NEIL ARMSTRONG Who hasn’t dreamt of draping a superhero cape and flying through the sky like a superman as a child?! We all have and some of us still do. Well, it’s never too late to dream because, as surprising as it may sound, thereContinue reading “Float like an astronaut,fly like a superhero! – The ZERO-G experience”
World’s Largest and Smartest Indoor Aerospace Facility
Strive for perfection in everything you do -Henry Royce ROLLS ROYCE has officially opened ”TESTBED 80” with the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for the Department of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy, in Derby, UK. TESTBED 80 is touted to be the world’s largest and the smartest indoor aerospace testing facility. The projectContinue reading “World’s Largest and Smartest Indoor Aerospace Facility”
The Future of Sustainable Air Travel May Be Closer Than We Think
To invent an airplane is nothing. To build one is something. But to fly is everything OTTO LILIENTHAL The future depends on the sustainable work we do today. Growing awareness of the global climatic crisis means people around the world are looking for more cleaner,cheaper and energy-efficient ways of moving from point A to point B.Though aviationContinue reading “The Future of Sustainable Air Travel May Be Closer Than We Think”
Aerospace Medicine
Have you ever wondered about the possibility of suffering trauma or a pathology while flying? Almost everyone has experienced emotional sensations and behavior not very normal when flying by plane at some point whether on take-off or landing. You probably have felt or faced this. Imagine the sensations while flying in helicopters, racing aircraft orContinue reading “Aerospace Medicine”
Boeing B797 in the Making?
In 2015, Boeing determined the market was large enough to launch a new design. In 2017, multiple airlines expressed interest in a composite, seven-abreast twin-aisle with an elliptical cross-section. The new aircraft, which would likely have been named the Boeing 797, would be available in two versions: a 225-seater with a 5,000 mi (9,300 km) range and a 275-seater with aContinue reading “Boeing B797 in the Making?”
Why Airlines are Converting Passenger Jets to Freighters?
The growth of air cargo, especially for e-commerce, implies a need for more than 1,500 aircrafts to be converted from Passenger to Freighter(P2F).
The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft
It is “personal” because it has a crew capacity of one, only one person who is the pilot of the aircraft. Electric, low noise, capable of reaching a speed of 150 miles per hour, and how it works, it seems to be a fancy vehicle. The inventor, the aerospace engineer Mark Moore idealized the conceptContinue reading “The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft”
AIRBUS A321XLR – Gamechanger in the World of Narrow Bodies
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit a severe blow to the economy worldwide and none has been hit as bad as the aviation industry. Not one to be put down, aircraft manufacturers have been looking for ways to beat around it and one such aerospace giant,Airbus, is already looking towards a new plane to help drive itsContinue reading “AIRBUS A321XLR – Gamechanger in the World of Narrow Bodies”
The 6 Most Dangerous Airports in the World
A regular flight is scary enough for some people. While planes are still one of the safest means of travel, some airports are just more challenging than others. Here are five of the most dangerous airports in the world: 1. Lukla Airport, Nepal It is said that passengers applaud upon landing at Lukla Airport. TheContinue reading “The 6 Most Dangerous Airports in the World”
Winglets-Just a Design Feature? What’s More?
Ever look out the window and wonder why some airplanes have pointy/upward-pointing bits at the end of wings? What you see are essentially known as “winglets” and they are standard applications on most aircraft today, if not all. So why are they there and what do they do? In simple terms, winglets help reduce theContinue reading “Winglets-Just a Design Feature? What’s More?”
COFFIN CORNER- When the aircraft’s stall speed meets the critical Mach number
In aviation, coffin corner (or Q corner) refers to the point at which the Flight Boundary is defined by when a high incidence stall intersects with that defined by the critical Mach number. Before we dig further, what is stall and what exactly causes it? STALL Stall is defined as a sudden reduction in the lift generatedContinue reading “COFFIN CORNER- When the aircraft’s stall speed meets the critical Mach number”
Convertiplane
As the name stands for a plane that converts, but exactly in what? First of all, the plane needs to take off vertically and landing as well, so it is VTOL (Vertical take-off and landing), specifically using a rotor, and in a normal regime fly like a fixed-wing aircraft. This is a definition from theContinue reading “Convertiplane”
Hydrogen Fuel Vs SAF(Sustainable Aviation Fuel)
What is hydrogen aircraft? A hydrogen aircraft is an airplane that uses hydrogen as a power source. Hydrogen can either be burned in a jet engine, or any other kind of internal combustion engine. It can also be used to power a fuel cell to generate electricity to power a propellor. Unlike most aircrafts that use wings for storing fuel,Continue reading “Hydrogen Fuel Vs SAF(Sustainable Aviation Fuel)”
How Do Planes Stop on Landing?
” 50..40..30….10…RETAAAAAARD” !!! Sounds familiar? Not unless you’re a pilot/ have been in the cockpit right before the tires hit the runway and BOOM!. A few seconds later, the aircraft comes to a screeching halt, and off comes the seatbelts! Ever wondered how or what it takes to bring a gigantic machine to 0 KMPHContinue reading “How Do Planes Stop on Landing?”
Birds Fly in Formation. Soon Would Airliners! Read on to Know Why
WHY DO BIRDS FLY IN FORMATION? First, it conserves their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. In this way, the birds can fly for a long time beforeContinue reading “Birds Fly in Formation. Soon Would Airliners! Read on to Know Why”
Critical Mach Number
When talking about Mach, it is pretty common to relate it with supersonic aircraft, but not always. This number of airflow velocity helps to determine the limits of the aircraft performance in terms of maximum airspeed. The critical Mach number (Mcr) is the lowest Mach number of the plane in which the speed of soundContinue reading “Critical Mach Number”
VTOL – The Concept Behind It and Why It Is the FutureVtol – The Concept Behind It and Why It Is the Future
A Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft is one that can hover, take-off and land vertically. This classification includes a variety of aircrafts including fixed-wing aircrafts as well as choppers and other aircrafts with powered rotors. Some VTOL aircraft can operate in other modes as well, such as CTOL (Conventional Take-Off and Landing), STOL (short take-off and landing), or STOVL (Short take-off and Vertical Landing). Others,Continue reading “VTOL – The Concept Behind It and Why It Is the FutureVtol – The Concept Behind It and Why It Is the Future”
What are ETOPS and why do they matter?
Flying over the atlantic and suddenly you go, ”What would happen if one of the engines fails?”. Just me?! Perhaps. Maybe not! Well, the civil aviation authorities have long thought about this too.And that’s exactly why we have the ETOPS rules. Initially developed as a standard in the 1980s, they have come a long wayContinue reading “What are ETOPS and why do they matter?”
AIRCRAFT LOAD AND TRIM-WHY IS IT CRUCIAL TO A SAFE FLIGHT?
Why is it important? It is a legal requirement and crucial to the safety and structural integrity of an aircraft that it is loaded in such a way that the specified maximum allowable weights are not exceeded and that the center of gravity as loaded will be within the permitted flight envelope and remain so for the rest ofContinue reading “AIRCRAFT LOAD AND TRIM-WHY IS IT CRUCIAL TO A SAFE FLIGHT?”
About the Largest Aircraft Carrier; the “Stratolaunch”
It is undoubtedly the largest aircraft in the world, working as a multi-tasking platform for research and commercial activities in aerospace. This plane allows the customers to launch their aerial projects in the hypersonic field. The design of the stratolaunch comprises a dual-fuselage and high-wing configuration in such a way releasing the payload from theContinue reading “About the Largest Aircraft Carrier; the “Stratolaunch””
Communication over oceanic routes – how are they accomplished?
Ever wondered how pilots communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground when flying over the oceans? Air traffic controllers typically pick up aircraft using radar technology which is only effective about 200 miles off the coast. BUT, what after that? After flying further than 200 miles over the ocean, aircraft typically go off theContinue reading “Communication over oceanic routes – how are they accomplished?”
Airbus Beluga vs Boeing Dreamlifter
Airbus Beluga The Airbus A300-600ST (Super Transporter), or Beluga, is a modified version of the standard A300-600 widebody airliner to carry aircraft parts and outsize cargo. It received the name ”Super Transporter” early on, however, Beluga – a whale it resembles gained popularity, and has been adopted ever since. The Airbus A300-600ST shares many designContinue reading “Airbus Beluga vs Boeing Dreamlifter”
Are Airbus and Boeing the Only Household Names in the Aviation Industry?
Airbus and Boeing prevail possessing a vast noteworthiness under competitive airline manufacturing industry around the globe. The duopoly owns the sky by composing 99% of global massive plane orders and those vast plane orders make up more than 90% of the total plane demand according to the Teal Group, an aerospace market analysis company. regionalContinue reading “Are Airbus and Boeing the Only Household Names in the Aviation Industry?”
The Different Rotors (Helicopter)
The helicopter as an aircraft is not as simple as it seems, the unique flight features make the helicopter a feat of flight science. It is not just making it fly, it is making it controllable and safe. Well, this machine has a rotor system that was practically an engineering miracle. When rotating the blades,Continue reading “The Different Rotors (Helicopter)”
What Is a “Squawk” Code and Why Do We Need Them?
The use of the word “SQUAWK” comes from the system’s origin in WORLD WAR II- IDENTIFICATION FRIEND OR FOE (IFF) system, which was named with the code “PARROT”. The PARROT check is generally done after the aircraft is airborne or while on the runway. The primary goal of a squawk is to provide effective communicationContinue reading “What Is a “Squawk” Code and Why Do We Need Them?”
Oxygen Supplies Aboard Modern Aircraft
If a sudden decompression were to happen inflight, each passenger and crew member would have their own oxygen supply. We will take a look at the systems installed for both the passengers and flight crew! Passenger’s Oxygen Supply & Canister The passenger’s oxygen supply is delivered via the overhead compartment where the oxygen-producing canisters areContinue reading “Oxygen Supplies Aboard Modern Aircraft”
Wing Strakes
It is considered as another way to produce lift, and if this is attached to the wing then it is called a leading-edge extension. But, why put an extension on the wing? What kind of benefits does it bring to the plane? The leading edge extension creates vortices in a controlled way. It improves theContinue reading “Wing Strakes”
The Emirates First Class Experience — A Whole New Level of Luxury
Emirates claims the title of the World’s Best Airline. Fittingly, the First Class cabin on Emirates Airlines is nonetheless a prestigious and luxurious flying experience – even being called the “hotel in the sky”. Emirates continues to surprise us in every way possible. From complete entertainment systems and gourmet meals to spas at 30,000 ft.,Continue reading “The Emirates First Class Experience — A Whole New Level of Luxury”
IATA Travel Pass – a way out of the pandemic?
While the COVID19 pandemic is still slowing down aviation and the globe in general, it is obvious (hopefully) that the travel movements will increase again. Besides the direct health status, the documentation will play a crucial role in the recovery process. Why? To ensure people will travel again, the airlines have to offer the flightsContinue reading “IATA Travel Pass – a way out of the pandemic?”
Baggage Tag and Its Purpose
Whenever you check in a bag, you get a baggage tag. The baggage tag (also known as luggage tag or bag tag) with some barcodes and some more, some less encrypted information. Why do you need them? What information do you find on them? Have they always existed? This article will expand your knowledge aboutContinue reading “Baggage Tag and Its Purpose”
Emergency calls
“Mayday mayday mayday Thomson 253H, engine failure, continuing northwesterly, inbound towards Wallasey” Flight crew of Thomson 253H This radio message was sent from Thomson253H on 29.04.2007. The aircraft had 233 persons on board. You might imagine the situation this aircraft was in and the level of distress they were facing. Luckily, not all radio messagesContinue reading “Emergency calls”
Gliding flight in a helicopter?
Many of us know about the gliding capacity of airplanes, the fixed-wing aircraft can glide without the engine power until landing safely with appropriate conditions and well aerodynamic airplane performance. However, how do the helicopters overcome the lack of engine power in mid-flight? That is somewhat disturbing to know that there is an engine failure.Continue reading “Gliding flight in a helicopter?”
The Functioning of PAPI Lights
At night, you might notice many lights on the tarmac of an airport. All of them have a specific function to help guide traffic on ground and/or in the air. The PAPI lights are one of these lights. What are PAPI lights? No, PAPI is not only a term in parenting; it is also aContinue reading “The Functioning of PAPI Lights”
Wings: Until They Break
The wings are the most relevant parts of an airplane. They maintain the flight by the reaction forces against the air. Now, talking about the wing as a structural part of a plane, this is taken to the limit. Civil structures are tested, the aerospace structures are subject to dynamic and static forces, sometimes, untilContinue reading “Wings: Until They Break”
How Covid-19 Let The Flights Drop
Covid-19 has completely changed the world. While some industries are profiting or at least not being affected as much, aviation and tourism is suffering like nobody else. While the number of passenger flights was close to 45 million in 2019 (44’988’996), the number went down by some 34.61% to some 29.4 million in 2020 (29’419’374).Continue reading “How Covid-19 Let The Flights Drop”
What’s Behind A320-xxx Model Designation?
The Airbus A320 family has undoubtedly a wide range of members, visible at any airport. Some of us can see an Airbus and easily identify it whether it’s an A320, A321 or A318. They have their differences, in the structure, size, and of course, the performance. But what if you see an A320, the variantContinue reading “What’s Behind A320-xxx Model Designation?”
The Experimental Aircraft Association
Founded by a dozen of aircraft homebuilders in 1953, the Experimental Aircraft Association became one of the most important forces in general aviation. It’s based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States. Since it’s foundation, EAA has become increasingly internationally known with over 200,000 members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide, and it’s been established that the EAA hostsContinue reading “The Experimental Aircraft Association”
Understanding Aviation SSR and Why Are They Important
When reading the title of this article, you might wonder what this article is about. SSR stands for Special Service Request and covers a wide variety of different services for any passenger. These services are any information that helps a passenger to receive a special service or highlights a special fact on this passenger. BelowContinue reading “Understanding Aviation SSR and Why Are They Important”
The Revival of Ultralongrange Flights!
Introduction & History Since the starting days of aviation, the technology has improved and new records were often achieved; aircraft could reach higher altitudes, became faster, and could fly longer distances. When it comes to longer distances, there is no single definition. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a flight of more than 16Continue reading “The Revival of Ultralongrange Flights!”
What Are the Best Trainer Aircraft in the World?
Flight schools around the world use various types of trainer aircraft. In this article I will mention few of the best aircraft for training. Flight schools choose their aircraft according to what suits their training and vision. Nonetheless, all trainer airplanes are designed specifically to assist with the flight training of pilots and aircrew. PrivateContinue reading “What Are the Best Trainer Aircraft in the World?”
What is a NOTOC?
When flying, you might have observed how cargo was loaded into the belly of your aircraft. You might have seen all different types of cargo, some with special labels indicating some danger or maybe even a live animal such as a dog or a cat. Have you ever been concerned about the in-flight safety ofContinue reading “What is a NOTOC?”
Timatic – a ground handler’s little big helper
P-750 XSTOL
An aircraft model that with its capabilities and performance, could surprise us, The P-750 XSTOL. A not so widely known aircraft, such as cessna´s or piper´s. However, this plane has many things to offer because of its multi-disciplinary roles, applications and variants whether it is freighter, passengers, Spraying, Fire Fighting, and skydive operations.
Weightless route flight
The earth is always pulling us to its centre with its gravity, a force to which all bodies on the planet are subjected to. In the beginning of the space program of United States, reduced gravity was an important matter on the general body behavior, making this study as a key on space exploration andContinue reading “Weightless route flight”
The first high speed frontier.
260 years of unsolved and unknown regime of high speed dynamics of gases were broken with the significant flight of the Bell X-1 research vehicle installed under the B-29 bomber of World War II vintage, on October 14, 1947 in the Mojave Desert in California.
Aviation for Aviators 