Frankfurt, Germany yesterday. Catering truck pierces fuselage of Airbus A321 on aft fuselage when it was hit whilst parked at its parking stand V178. AIRBUS A321 – MSN 4672 D-AIDGSerial number 4672Type 321-231First flight date 05/04/2011Test registration D-AZAFPlane age 12.8 yearsSeat configuration Y200 SeatHex code 3C6487Engines 2 x IAE V2533-A5 Source – Airline Secret Exposed […]
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B737 return to base after single passenger service unit deployed
A Copa Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration HP-1534CMP performing flight CM-136 from Panama City (Panama) to Mexico City (Mexico), was climbing through FL250 out of Panama when the crew stopped the climb after a single passenger service unit (PSU) opened in flight releasing the passenger oxygen masks for seat row 26DEF. The crew decided to return […]
Why are 737 engines flat on the bottom?
The engines aren’t flat, their housing ( cowling ) is. But why are those flat? When the 737 first got designed in the sixties, it was envisioned to be a plane for small airports without much infrastructure. This meant it needed to be low on the ground so it could be accessed with only a […]
Understand the purpose of the Collector Grid
Have you ever noticed a distinct decrease in the noise level caused by airflow in the cockpit of an aircraft when the cabin pressure is approximately 2.1 pounds per square inch (psi) during ascent? Surprisingly, the airflow noise level remains the same and unchanged until the aircraft starts its descent and the cabin pressure decreases […]
A passenger boarded a B777, then opened a door and fell out of the plane
An Air Canada Passenger on flight from Toronto to Dubai opens cabin door before departure, fell about 20 feet to the ground, at Toronto Pearson International Airport sustaining injuries ! The passenger “boarded the aircraft normally” but then opened a cabin door instead of going to their seat, they said. The person sustained injuries from the […]
The door responsible for temporary grounding of Boeing B737MAX9 fleet, has been recovered by NTSB
The door responsible for temporary grounding of Boeing B737MAX9 fleet, has been recovered by NTSB. Investigators are currently examining the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (N704AL) door plug and will send it to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington,DC for further examination. FAA has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive on B737MAX 9 variant for inspection on […]
Missing door plug of Alaska Airlines plane found in Oregon teacher’s backyard
The door plug from the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 that experienced a decompression after taking off from Portland International Airport (PDX) has been discovered in an Oregon backyard, according to National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) officials in the US. After the end of a news conference in which National Transportation Safety Board Chair […]
Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet have started the inspection of emergency exit doors
Airlines affected by grounding of their Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet have started the inspection of emergency exit doors, including those deactivated. On the 6th, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered an emergency inspection and temporary suspension of operations of Boeing ‘s 737 MAX 9 aircraft. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines in particular have purchased it […]
Are small planes unable to fly as high as large planes?
Small jets can fly as high as big jets. They’re ‘pressurized’ inside so pilots and passengers have plenty of oxygen without wearing masks. Jet engines can perform will at higher altitudes and regularly fly at and way above 18,000 feet, where the ‘Jet Routes’ are. A Cirrus Vision is the smallest of them, has a […]
Alaska Boeing 737 MAX9 suffers rapid depressurization and loss of emergency door and fuselage components
Alaska Boeing 737 MAX9 suffers rapid depressurization and loss of window and fuselage components. The flight was from Portland Oregon to Ontario International Airport in San Bernardino County, California. It departed Portland at 4:40 p.m. and was back on the ground in Portland around 5:30 p.m. UPDATE ALASKA GROUNDS 737 MAX9 11:40 p.m. Pacific time, […]
A Cross Section of the A350 Wing
A close-up of the cross section of the A350’s wing showing the 35 layers of Carbon Fibre which go into the making of the wing. 📸 Bruce Adams The A350’s wing is made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, a lightweight carbon composite. This is created by arranging microscopically thin carbon fibres into a matrix with a […]
How long can a Boeing 777 fly without refueling?
A Boeing 777 has a maximum range of approximately 9,395 nautical miles (17,395 kilometers) when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. However, factors such as wind conditions, flight altitude, and payload can affect the actual distance it can fly without refueling. The aircraft is also equipped with a fuel-saving feature called “Eco Throttle,” which can […]
Will there be recommendations on flame proof protective coatings on fuselage, or at least vulnerable areas of wings and center fuselage ?
Apart from the sad loss of life of Coast Guard DHC-8 Dash 8 aircraft (JA772A) crews, what we saw yesterday at Japan-Haneda Airport’s Runway 34R, was not less an effort comparable to Sully Sullenberger’s heroics on US Airways Flight 1549 in 2009. The safe evacuation of 379 passengers and crew members within 90 seconds shows […]
Japan Airlines plane bursts into flames with 379 people on board, all escaped.
Visit Aeropeep Blog A Japan Airlines plane was engulfed in flames after landing at Haneda Airport on Tuesday. JAL516 flight Airbus A350 plane collided with the coast guard plane Bombardier DHC-8-315 at Tokyo Haneda airport. Incredibly 367 passengers and 12 crew all escaped safely but unknown about crew of the coast guard plane. Live video […]
What are the chances of accidentally deploying the reverse thrust while the aircraft is still on air, just about to land?
The chances of accidentally deploying reverse thrust while an aircraft is still in the air, just about to land, are extremely low. Modern aircraft are equipped with safety features and mechanisms to prevent such accidental deployment. Pilots are trained to follow strict procedures and to use multiple safeguards to ensure the safe operation of the […]
RUNWAY OVERRUN PREVENTION SYSTEM – ROPS
ROPS consists in 2 sub-functions ROW and ROP, one for the in-air phase andone for the on-ground phase : Runway Overrun Warning (ROW) provides in-air alerts in case of detection of a risk of runway overrun. ROW is active until a “transition point” from the in-air phase to the on-ground phase (the “start of braking”). […]
Boeing to ask airlines to inspect all 737 Max jets for possible loose bolt
The airplane maker called for the inspections after an international operator discovered a bolt with a missing nut, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. Boeing has asked airlines to inspect all of their 737 Max jets for a potential loose bolt in the rudder system after an airline discovered a potential problem with a key […]
What is an aircraft wing box? How is a wing box made?
Large aircraft wings are essentially 2 pieces, left and right wings. The fuselage has to attach to these wings to transfer all the loads between them, and to do that in the simplest way is to have an adapter structure that mates the 2 wings to the fuselage, permanently. This is the “wing box” or […]
2010 delivered Aer Lingus UK Airbus A330-302 aircraft (G-EILA) received damages
2010 delivered Aer Lingus UK Airbus A330-302 aircraft (G-EILA) received damages (deflated tires) to the Main Landing Gear (MLG) wheels on the apron of Manchester Airport (MAN), while pushing back for the departure of flight EI35 to Orlando (MCO) earlier Today. Aircraft has undergone maintenance, and is back in the sky. 📸 Ben Source – FL360Aero
Why aren’t jet engines made out of carbon fiber parts?
There are a couple of reasons it’s not feasible to replace a large percentage of a turbine engine’s weight by using carbon fiber parts. First, let’s talk about the heaviest and thickest parts in most turbine engines; prime targets for replacement if the goal is weight reduction. Here’s a pretty good diagram: The thickest and […]
2016 delivered Volaris Airbus A321-231 Aircraft Tail Strike
2016 delivered Volaris Airbus A321-231 aircraft (XA-VLT) suffered tail strike while landing on Runway 10 of the Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)on 22nd December 2023. Aircraft , that operated flight Y4607 from Cancun (CUN) , is on ground pending further maintenance on it. 📸 Ximena Garmendia Source – FL360Aero
Landing gear strut of a B-36 Peacemaker
A mechanic hangs off the main landing gear strut of a B-36 Peacemaker. The payload for this aircraft was 86,000 lb (39,000 kg), which is more than the empty weight of the B-29 – meaning that, if it could fit, it could carry an entire B-29, or more than two B-17s in its bomb bay. […]
Takeoff or Landing: Which Is the Greater Challenge?
Both takeoff and landing present unique challenges for an aircraft pilot. During takeoff, the pilot must ensure that the aircraft gains enough speed for lift-off while also maintaining control and monitoring various systems. Landing requires careful coordination of altitude, speed, and angle of approach to ensure a smooth touchdown. Both phases of flight demand skill, […]
A320neo Derated Takeoff
The aircraft actual takeoff weight is often lower than the maximum regulatory takeoff weight. Therefore, in certain cases, it is possible to takeoff at a thrust less than the Maximum Takeoff Thrust. It is advantageous to adjust the thrust to the actual weight, as it increases engine life and reliability, while reducing maintenance and operating […]
Does this aging bomber have “wrinkles”?
A recent photo of a B-52H Stratofortress revealed a unique pattern of vertical ripples on the aircraft’s skin between the cockpit and wing, giving it a papery appearance. These ripples are a common occurrence due to the compressive and pressure loads experienced during flight. Although the rippling is visible on the B-52’s large fuselage, it […]
RwandAir Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft experienced left landing gear wheel Tyre burst while landing
A Rwandair Canadair CRJ-900, registration 9XR-WI performing flight WB-110 from Harare (Zimbabwe) to Cape Town (South Africa) with 65 passengers and 8 crew, was accelerating for takeoff from Harare’s runway 05 when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed due to damage of one of the left main tyres. The aircraft slowed and stopped about […]
Does Delta Wing Aircraft generate more lift than an Aircraft with Standard Wings?
Delta wing aircraft are known for their high maneuverability and supersonic capabilities, but whether they generate more lift than aircraft with standard wings depends on the specific design and use case. Delta wings can generate a significant amount of lift at high angles of attack, which is beneficial for supersonic flight. However, standard wings can […]
Wheel fuse plugs
A wheel “fusible plug”, or “fuse plug” is a safety device installed in the wheels of all airplanes.A number of holes are drilled in the landing gear wheels; these holes are filled with plugs made of a metal alloy having a low melting point. When the wheels become excessively hot, such as during a high-energy […]
How does the CG affect controlability of the aircraft?
The center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft affects its controllability by influencing its stability and maneuverability. When the CG is located within the specified range, the aircraft is generally easier to control. If the CG is too far forward, the aircraft may be less stable but more maneuverable, while a CG that is too […]
Heavy winds of Tornado moved a parked Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing B737-76N aircraft
Visuals from the Buenos Aires (AEP), where heavy winds of Tornado moved a parked Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing B737-76N aircraft (LV-CAD / October 2006 delivered) in the gate. Aircraft received damages to the left wing leading edge. Arrival and departure have been affected , multiple flights diverted or are waiting at an alternative airport. 🎥 Pablezlo Source – […]
Can the pilot still manage the pitch control if the aircraft elevators jam mid-flight?
The elevators are typically located on the horizontal stabilizer at the tail of the aircraft and are used to control the aircraft’s pitch, which refers to the up and down motion of the nose. When the aircraft elevators become jammed, it means that the primary control surfaces responsible for pitch control are stuck and cannot […]
A320 Family latest modification- The Attention Getting Box
Latest A320 family aircraft is coming with a new Electronic Instrument System. One of the modification done on EWD is Attention Getting Box. In order to improve flight crew awareness in the case of engine failure or engine starting, an Attention Getting Box is added on the Engine & Warning Display and on the System […]
Do helicopters have a higher crash rate as compared to planes?
Here are a few reasons.Helicopters have a higher crash rate as compared to planes for several reasons, such as the following: Helicopters fly at lower altitudes and speeds than planes, which exposes them to more hazards and obstacles, such as power lines, buildings, trees, and birds. Helicopters also have less margin for error and recovery […]
Why does the 777X have folding wingtips instead of permanently folded winglets?
The Boeing 777X has folding wingtips to allow the aircraft to fit into the same airport gates and taxiways as existing 777 models. The folding wingtips give the 777X the ability to have a wingspan that is larger than that of the current 777 models, while still being able to operate at airports designed for […]
Why do airline pilots get paid so well for turning on autopilot and sitting?
By – Captain Alejandro Merediz (A350) Years ago I was at a wedding. We were assigned a table with people we didn’t know. All of a sudden, a guy started a conversation: “So what do you do for a living?” “I’m a pilot.” “Are you a pilot, or a copilot?” After clarifying the roles of […]
Consequences of attaching an unused extra engine under the wing?
Attaching an unused extra engine under the wing of a Boeing 747 would have significant consequences. The additional weight and aerodynamic changes could affect the aircraft’s balance, stability, and performance. It could lead to increased fuel consumption, reduced range, and potentially compromise the safety of the aircraft. Additionally, the structural integrity of the wing and […]
Redneck on TikTok Makes Boiled Barf Bag Shrimp On Delta Flight
This is the very reason crew need to do their lav checks because look at what passengers are doing in there! TikTok user barfly7777 made a viral video cooking shrimp in the dirty lav sink on a Delta flight. He used 2 6V batteries wired to an electric water beverage heater to boil the sink […]
What does FLEX stand for Airbus planes?
When the takeoff weight is lower than the maximum performance-limited weight, the takeoff can be made with a reduced thrust. All bigger size jets use this method of “assumed temperature”. In Airbus, it happens to be called FLEX, short of flexible temperature. The maximum takeoff thrust is limited by outside air temperature (OAT). By assuming […]
Why do both pilots handle the throttles during takeoff?
During takeoff in commercial aviation, both pilots handle the throttles to ensure safety and redundancy. This practice allows for better coordination and communication between the pilots, and provides a backup in case one pilot becomes incapacitated. Additionally, it facilitates a smooth and controlled acceleration during the critical phase of flight. Safety and Redundancy Having both […]
What are possible situations which may lead in an aircraft exceeding speed limits?
There are many possible situations. In high speed jet aircraft, the pilots need to keep a very close eye on the speed indication, particularly when cruising at high altitudes. When in cruise, the aircraft speed is usually just a few knots below the vmo/ mmo (Maximum operating speed/ Maximum operating Mach). So, a speed excursion is highly […]
Is it possible to drop the landing gears manually?
Yes, it is possible for some aircraft to lower the landing gear manually in the event of hydraulic failure. In older aircraft, such as those from the 1970s, this task was often performed by the flight engineer as part of their duties. However, modern aircraft are designed with backup systems and emergency procedures that allow […]
Disadvantages of using high bypass turbofan engines on small aircraft less than 14 tons (<30,864 lbs) MTOW?
While high bypass turbofan engines are highly efficient and commonly used on larger commercial aircraft, they may not be the best choice for small aircraft weighing less than 14 tons. Here are some potential disadvantages of using high bypass turbofan engines on small aircraft: Size and Weight High bypass turbofan engines are relatively large and […]
How can you start a jet engine?
In general, the main challenge with starting a turbine engine is ensuring there is sufficient airflow before introducing fuel. If the compressor blades are not pushing enough air through the engine, introducing fuel and beginning combustion will cause the engine to overheat and will damage it. This is called a hot start. So, every jet engine […]
The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) in most airplanes is located on the tail section of the airplane. This is where you also find the data recorders and voice recorders because the tail is the safest place in a crash. You would be able to see the ELT antennae on the air frame of an airplane […]
China Eastern A330 near Xiamen on Dec 3rd 2023, uncontained engine failure
A China Eastern Airbus A330-300, registration B-8970 performing flight MU-721 from Shanghai Hongquiao to Hong Kong (China), was enroute at 10400 meters (about FL341) about 30nm north of Xiamen (China) when the left hand engine (Trent 772) suffered the separation of one and a half of the fan blades ejecting the fan blades through the […]
How do airplanes stop by using reverse thrust?
There’s a few different ways depending on the thrust reverser in question. The first two kinds are similar which are a clamshell style and bucket style thrust reverser. They essentially have a moveable section of the rear engine cowling which can be simply hinged or extended and rotated to come together. This creates an angled […]
Why do Boeing aircraft have Wing Flex
The aircraft’s distinctive wing flex is one of its defining features. Made possible with the use of carbon fiber material, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s wings have an incredible amount of flexibility. This flexibility allows load changes and wind gusts to be dampened, resulting in an overall smoother, less turbulent ride for passengers. The reason Boeing […]
Unity Zanzibar E120 at Kikoboga on Nov 28th 2023, gear problems, gear collapse, runway excursion
A Unity Air Zanzibar Embraer EMB-120, registration 5H-MJH performing a flight from Zanzibar to Kikoboga (Tanzania) with 30 passengers and 3 crew, was on approach to Kikoboga when the crew reported problems with their landing gear. The aircraft subsequently landed at 03:40L (00:40Z) but suffered the collapse of the right hand main landing gear, veered […]
Why is there an altitude limitation on operating the slats/flaps on the A320?
The altitude limitation on operating the slats/flaps of the A320 aircraft exists because Airbus did not conduct tests on the flaps and slats at altitudes above 20,000 ft. This decision was made because testing the effects of flaps and slats at higher altitudes becomes more complex. As the aircraft ascends, the impact of compressibility on […]
Satellite-based landing system
This particular feature allows pilots to execute “straight-in” approaches to airports through the utilization of satellite positioning, even in scenarios of poor visibility. The implementation of this feature, known as SLS, was initially carried out by Airbus in 2015 for *CAT1 approaches, and was supported by the European GNSS Agency (GSA) – now EuSPA – […]