Aerodynamic Inflatable Wing Gates for STOL
Aerodynamic Inflatable Wing Gates for STOL
Low speed flight characteristic are crucial to safety. Those aircraft that have good flight characteristics at low speeds are favored by pilots and the companies, military, NGO or private individuals who operate them. One way to increase positive slow speed flight characteristics is to install vertical gates on top of the wings of the aircraft to keep the air flowing over the wing at slow speeds. The only problem is that at high speeds these gates may also cause increased parasite drag which effects performance.I propose inflatable wing gates to pop up on modern day aircraft to allow for slower stall speeds on landing. This will increase tire and decrease landing speeds for increased safety. Additionally it will assist the aircraft by decreasing take roll. The gates on the end of the wing will also change the stall and spin characteristics for better handling in critical flight situations while preventing unpredictable departures from flight. These gates will be filled with ram air prior to landing or approaching high angles of attack or stall speeds. Before takeoff these inflatable gates will blown up into place with small canisters. The gates will use the same air in the lines which are cross fed so that one gate cannot come up or stay up without the other. The gates will fold straight up and recessed into the wing with a panel, which pops outward. The hinges will be on the side closest to the end of the wing not the fuselage as to not upset the already turbulent airflows at high angles of attack or near stall speeds. Think on this concept."Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
Jet Lag – You Can Suffer From It…Or You Can Do What This International Airline Captain Does
Jet Lag - You Can Suffer From It...Or You Can Do What This International Airline Captain Does
Whatever the reason for your travel, you have made a considerable investment. It costs you time and money. If you're stuck in a hotel room suffering from jet lag symptoms, you're missing out.Obviously, you'd like to make the most of your trip. You will get the greatest return on your investment if you're out of your hotel room enjoying your destination. I can help you achieve this."What Is Jet Lag?"In simple terms, jet lag is the disruption of your body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This clock sets your sleeping and waking times. It is complex and sensitive. Flying east or west messes it up. That's because you cross time zones much faster than your body can adjust.What are common jet lag symptoms? They include:* Headache* Disorientation* Anxiety* Exhaustion* Indigestion* Dehydration* Impaired CoordinationObviously, these things could ruin your trip. Following these guidelines will reduce your jet lag symptoms and let you enjoy your trip even more.I'll break this discussion into three sections:* Before Your Trip* During Your Flight* At Your DestinationA. Help Prevent Jet Lag Before You Leave Home1. Get Plenty Of Sleep. NASA found that getting as much sleep as possible beginning two days before your trip is significant in minimizing jet lag symptoms.2. Reduce Your Stress. All that running around can make you more stressed.3. Exercise. If you exercise regularly, make it a priority to keep that routine just before you travel. Also, continue it at your destination.B. Things You Can Do During Your Flight To Reduce Jet Lag1. Arrive Early At The Airport. Not rushing to make your flight will help reduce stress and make you more relaxed. That way you'll rest better on the plane.2. Begin Adjusting To The New Time Zone And Schedule. When you get on the plane, set your watch to your destination's time. Then think about when you'll eat and sleep there. Try to begin eating and sleeping at those times.3. Sleep As Much As You Can On the Plane. This is a key factor in reducing jet lag.4. Wear Comfortable clothing. Comfortable clothes, warm socks and a sweater will enable you to sleep better.5. Drink Plenty of Water. Not soda, not alcohol, not caffeine, but water.6. Get Up and Stretch Frequently.7. Use a Footrest. If you're tall, it takes strain off of your lower back. If you're not so tall (or a child), and if your feet don't touch the floor, this helps prevent cramps behind your thighs.8. Loosen Your Shoes to get some extra circulation to your feet.9. Avoid Pills and Supplements. There was a study reported in England's Lancet Medical Journal. It blamed 18% of deaths during long-haul flights from blood clots in the lungs. Sleeping pills cause you to sleep without any body movement. This reduces your circulation and increases the chance of blood clotting.C. Adjusting At Your Destination1. Try To Eat On The New Schedule. This helps your body clock adjust to minimize your jet lag symptoms.2. Try To Sleep On The New Schedule.3.Exercise. This is also among the important jet lag remedies. If you have a regular exercise routine, you'll want to continue it now.4. Get out in the Sunlight. This is simple to accomplish as long as you have a sunny day.Studies have shown that exposure to bright light helps shift the circadian rhythms (body clock), and therefore reduce the jet lag symptoms.That's just a brief overview. I highly recommend that you read my complete jet lag article before you go on your next long trip. You can find it on my web site.Copyright 2005 by Ph.Developments USA, Inc. All rights reserved.Pilot Paul M. is a captain at a major U.S. airline. He also hosts http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com where an airline captain helps you with your travel needs.If you would like to learn more travel tips, see travel accessory reviews and recommendations, learn insider's secrets, find travel discounts, or receive our FREE newsletter click on the link below:Click here for Pilot Paul's Travel AccessoriesThanks and have a great trip!Pilot Paul M.
Concorde Crash Conspiracy – It Could Have Been Prevented
Concorde Crash Conspiracy - It Could Have Been Prevented
In studying the Concorde crash the investigators determined it was caused by debris on the runway, which had fallen off a Continental Airlines Aircraft, which went down the same runway prior to the Concorde. Some thought the crash was an International Terrorist Attack. Had the debris, which had fallen off been known it could have been picked up prior to the Concorde's take off roll.In fact debris on run ways is common, I have seen stuff on runways myself during takeoff rolls, usually it is something minor and in a light aircraft you are not going very fast so a slight bit of steering for someone on the ball and the problem is solved. The Concorde however takes off at 180 knots or at least that day it tried. It hit the debris and it popped a tire and that tire shredded and sent pieces into the bottom of the wing and fuel tank along with a little of the debris. The aircraft on fire took off and then immediately crashed.A young man, only twelve years old has come up with a little gadget, which will prevent this from ever happening again. It is a small real-time video camera, which runs along the runway on a track and videos the aircraft as it lands or takes off. It can also be sent solo to inspect the runway from afar, such as a room in the control tower or ground control workstation. The British Airport Authority (BAA) is interested in possibly developing this concept. Interesting as a 12-year old came up with it. Incidentally today NASA announced a spherical device to fly around the ISS-International Space Station to check for damage from space debris. Had this been available it could have inspected the Space Shuttle prior to its return and prevented the accident by way of video preflight.The young man's device is said to be able to spot even a single nut on the runway, which could be picked up by a tire or sucked into a jet engine. This is an awesome idea and I would hope the US Military would put them on the catapults so when it returns it video tapes the deck. The young man developed the concept in the "Young Engineers for Britain" contest. This shows why it is important to get ideas from everywhere and how contests spur on innovation. In the United States we have constant robotic contests and we all know about Robot Wars. The young man wants is counting on becoming a mechanical engineer if he ever grows up and I think he will make a damn good one."Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs