tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28317277418879268522024-02-21T05:00:31.467-08:00The Sky Gypsies1920's style open cockpit aviation with 21st century technology in weight shift control light sport aircraft, flex wing microlights, and ultralight trikes.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-13162380427588424112016-09-20T07:43:00.002-07:002016-09-20T07:43:53.096-07:00How a trike is madeHow an Ultralight Trike is made, specifically Air Creation wings and trikes.
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-3652643475484029672015-09-28T08:43:00.001-07:002015-09-28T08:43:26.782-07:00Slow FlightPassing the check ride for a Sport Pilot License requires the performance of a number of flight maneuvers completed according to FAA standards. Below is an image of a natural pilot caught doing slow flight. Really it is the result of a slower shutter speed as a result of the dim viewing conditions but perfectly captures the blur of the wings while maintaining the head in focus. So for those practicing their PTS maneuvers getting ready for a check ride, this is for you. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKo2oRFbWvUa0RZh1DsjpjaApYpwgRURWmTy97t_UIF652gIh2NZQdm7SEHP7mMuR2m5-l7zNyJMoAWfw14T6rysYoix9NcaBrXCVorXKVfDwMskynwALmCkgJ0iIJr9OaLihNSF2k2S0g/s1600/slow+flight+blue+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKo2oRFbWvUa0RZh1DsjpjaApYpwgRURWmTy97t_UIF652gIh2NZQdm7SEHP7mMuR2m5-l7zNyJMoAWfw14T6rysYoix9NcaBrXCVorXKVfDwMskynwALmCkgJ0iIJr9OaLihNSF2k2S0g/s400/slow+flight+blue+bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slow shutter speed captures a Blue bird in "slow flight".</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-68461055132532031332015-06-17T09:38:00.000-07:002015-06-17T09:38:19.039-07:00A little more Aviation History from this corner of the DesertThe history of aviation in this little corner of the desert southwest is truly amazing. From the early <a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2009/05/piece-of-aviation-history-in-san-simon.html" target="_blank">Rodeo Intermediate Airfield</a> to more modern uses of aircraft in the valley aviation has influenced the area since its' inception. I recently came across this image taken at the Douglas Fairgrounds, circa 1910, of an early monoplane constructed locally. Probably built by the <a href="http://www.theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2013/04/early-aviation-in-arizona.html" target="_blank">Douglas flying club</a> it shows several men including W. K. Morrow (in the bowler hat) whose family ranched in the Chiricahuas for many years. Just reinforces the notion that aviation still has a place here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://morrows.net/gallery/var/albums/Chiricahua-Mountains%3A-Historical-Photos/WK_Morrow_Monoplane.jpg?m=1396229300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://morrows.net/gallery/var/albums/Chiricahua-Mountains%3A-Historical-Photos/WK_Morrow_Monoplane.jpg?m=1396229300" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Pearse monoplane in Douglas AZ. Photo from the <a href="http://morrows.net/gallery/index.php/Chiricahua-Mountains-Historical-Photos/WK_Morrow_Monoplane" target="_blank">Morrow Family website</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-67378871415238399692015-06-16T15:18:00.000-07:002015-06-16T15:18:38.371-07:00What can you do with a Trike, Well...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZAMPRmqhjCI" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-31349659634979365252015-05-25T07:56:00.000-07:002015-05-25T07:56:02.566-07:00The Dream of FlightAn new way, and record, for manned flight - with a hover board.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-52597817030134226252015-01-12T07:03:00.000-08:002015-01-12T07:03:15.774-08:00Extreme Trike FlyingLow and fast with a<a href="http://www.evolutiontrikes.com/" target="_blank"> Revo</a> weight shift control light sport aircraft. The best way to fly.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-51788941628900465482014-12-12T06:21:00.001-08:002014-12-12T06:21:21.953-08:00Air & Space Magazine with Trikes A great new article in Air & Space magazine about trikes. With 2 videos included it is a great way to promote the sport. Click on the link to read the article. Contributions by Henry Trikelife and Larry Mednick.<br />
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<a href="http://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/motorcycles-air-180953577/#GyihU2DRiPCQHwQh.15">Flying an “air trike” is a lot like riding a motorcyle in the air.</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-80028958145935611522014-12-05T10:39:00.001-08:002014-12-05T10:39:34.390-08:00The Green RiverA recent posting by <a href="http://www.jeffsflightlog.com/" target="_blank">Jeff's Flight Log</a> of his flight down the Green River. Spectacular scenery and good music accompanies the imagery. About 30 minutes long it is well worth viewing.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-14635078975846098442014-11-25T09:07:00.001-08:002014-11-25T09:07:19.797-08:00Rock Triking (a bit different from Rock Climbing)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U-2a_Lq-dD0" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-66410756775346349722014-04-23T10:39:00.001-07:002014-04-23T10:39:15.298-07:00Weight Shift Control Light Sport Aircraft in New MexicoTrike flying in New Mexico. A really nice video of one pilot's view of trike flying in New Mexico. It is good to see more exposure for this unique form of aviation.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/drDUxF9FsW0?list=PLBulHKwa2OWd2xAmveTL2glGSwiK_zWSZ" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-34851605060610582472014-03-24T07:50:00.001-07:002014-03-24T07:50:40.363-07:00A Bad IdeaThe FAA has announced some proposed new rules that will significantly affect light sport aviation. Basically, they are proposing to limit operations to single seat flights (initially in SLSA aircraft transitioning to ELSA status). This proposal demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the history of light sport aviation and the requirements for 2 seat operations. Presented in the disguise of instructions to safety inspectors and DARs the proposed regulations will negatively impact the future of recreational aviation.<br />
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For more information see this article in <a href="http://www.psfmagazine.com/2014/03/more-proposed-faa-policy/" target="_blank">Powered Sport Flying Magazine</a> and to read the proposed FAA document see <a href="http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/orders/" target="_blank">this link</a> .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-32785489887422945712014-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:002015-01-15T08:43:05.389-08:00The Air Creation Racer is backAfter discontinuing the FAA <a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=99afe5acc929783f18986dc2aef5d081&node=14:2.0.1.3.16&rgn=div5" target="_blank">FAR103</a> compliant single seat Racer awhile back, <a href="http://www.aircreation.fr/en" target="_blank">Air Creation </a>has introduced a new version. The new Racer renamed the <a href="http://www.aircreation.fr/en" target="_blank">Pixel</a> comes in 2 flavors the XC version and a standard version. With a 13 sq meter single surface wing it is analogous to the old Fun 14 wing. The main difference is the power plant. With the loss of the Rotax 447 a new power plant was required. Air Creation chose the <a href="http://www.polini.com/en/page_619.html" target="_blank">Polini Thor 250 engine</a>, a single cylinder water cooled 2 stroke to power the Pixel. Below is a photograph of the aircraft's specifications.<br />
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<a href="http://aircreation103.com/index.html" target="_blank">Visit the Pixel website provided by Air Creation USA</a> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-rXv4d6baPH-q-qBGo0HzKHXdHkWBgcjZjW6mGy3nRRZncokLwWmKaysifGzruVV23FYHiTywJoSNfpuWvmvcIY76WheT03OAmdYIWKVECxnfGbncXE5cCdEWzFdqq4ktmaZuA7AkY4G/s1600/pixel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="single seat ultralight" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-rXv4d6baPH-q-qBGo0HzKHXdHkWBgcjZjW6mGy3nRRZncokLwWmKaysifGzruVV23FYHiTywJoSNfpuWvmvcIY76WheT03OAmdYIWKVECxnfGbncXE5cCdEWzFdqq4ktmaZuA7AkY4G/s1600/pixel.jpg" height="400" title="air creation pixel" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Specs on the new Pixel from Air Creation</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-72925592237818893352014-02-13T09:36:00.000-08:002014-02-13T09:36:15.345-08:00PortalDubFlight<br />Another trike pilot raising the bar in video production.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/S_iBJDpNY4k" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-68599777651310803362014-01-02T06:32:00.000-08:002014-01-02T06:32:29.141-08:00Sky SurfingA different take on the concept of Sky Surfing by a pilot in California.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Dlu1Ynbtr7U" width="400"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-19447284529713323692013-05-15T11:38:00.000-07:002013-05-17T09:56:33.996-07:00Aerial PhotographyNothing is more fun than going for a flight and grabbing some photographs to document the experience and many pilots use only small inexpensive digital cameras on flights because of safety and ease of use. The popularity of the digital camera has fundamentally changed how people take pictures and cameras are now built into a variety of electronic devices from smart phones to tablets, my gps even has a camera.<br />
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I was recently asked to present a digital photography workshop demonstrating how I shoot images and what processing techniques I use on the resulting photographs. The major take home lesson from the talk was that images are no longer made in the field but rather afterward, taking pictures in the field is now a matter of data collection. This approach is especially useful for photographs taken while flying where quick snapshots are the rule. If you are not satisfied with your aerial photographs perhaps applying some of these techniques will help make your photographs jump off the screen. While I do not claim to know what makes an interesting photograph these techniques have helped garer over 500,000 views on images I created and submitted to Google Earth.<br />
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I have uploaded a pdf of the workshop power point presentation which shows how to manipulate images and lists all the software resources (free). The pdf may be found <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9IXOUCL-_hoNWo1cFNFY3hjVXM/edit" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://assets2.blurb.com/images/uploads/catalog/21/1205621/867106-984d08793293e3b5d01c7ac9e7e1ec3f.jpg?20130412172055" height="334" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo book</td></tr>
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Below is a before and after of the same image where the input levels were slightly decreased, contrast was slightly increased, and unsharp mask was applied. Note the apparent increase in resolution and increase in photographic depth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tanarg image before post production processing.JPG" border="0" src="http://static-2.socialgo.com/cache/631/image/17763.jpg" height="299" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Air Creation Tanarg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tanarg after post production processing.JPG" border="0" src="http://static-2.socialgo.com/cache/631/image/17765.jpg" height="299" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Air Creation Tanarg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-87603323143680112242013-04-30T08:41:00.002-07:002013-04-30T08:41:35.240-07:00Trikes from around the WorldA compilation video of trikes and their pilots from around the world. Combined from still images posted on <a href="http://www.trikepilot.com/" target="_blank">Trike Pilot Social</a>, this video shows the passion of pilots from around the world who fly trikes.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v_Cni8vNYD4" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-50424182618912454922013-04-09T08:16:00.000-07:002014-03-07T07:51:55.201-08:00Early Aviation in ArizonaThe history of early aviation in the desert southwest and particularly around the boot heel is often overlooked in the grand scheme of things. But from aviation's inception people here were expressing an interest. The first transcontinental flight <a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2010/08/early-aviation-in-san-simon-valley.html" target="_blank">crossed the valley in 1911</a> and was followed by the installation of an <a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2013/01/note-this-first-appeared-in-blogging.html" target="_blank">intermediate field</a> north of Rodeo. But aviation history stretches back even further in the area. As reported in the <a href="http://douglasdispatch.com/articles/2013/04/06/news/doc515ef5b87cffa563405728.txt" target="_blank">Douglas Dispatch</a>, in 1908 a group of local aviation enthusiasts formed the Douglas Flying Club and went on to build a glider based on Wright brothers designs which was flown locally. "The first phase had no motor or wheels and was pulled by horses running
down 15th Street between A and Washington Ave. Once it would get
airborne, it would break free from the harness that attached it to the
horses and fly for several minutes before coming back down, landing on
its skids."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/douglasdispatch.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/e1/7e1dca2b-8430-5d54-9057-cfec6c4b9d61/52683688282b7.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/douglasdispatch.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/e1/7e1dca2b-8430-5d54-9057-cfec6c4b9d61/52683688282b7.image.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Douglas Glider</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-58370993562717229622013-01-27T09:41:00.000-08:002013-01-27T09:41:08.096-08:00The Dolly Zoom and Aerial VideographyThe <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolly_zoom" target="_blank">dolly zoom</a> or the "Hitchcock zoom" is a camera technique developed by Irmin Roberts, a second unit cameraman at Paramount and is used in a variety of television and movie productions. Perhaps best know from Alfred Htichcocks film Vertigo, there are a number of other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolly_zoom#Notable_examples" target="_blank">notable examples</a> in more recent productions. Shown in this <a href="http://youtu.be/GnpZN2HQ3OQ" target="_blank">clip from Vertigo</a> (starting at 2:04) the dolly zoom is an effect used to heighten tension in scene by inducing a feeling of "falling-away-from-oneself" or creating a feeling of unreality by distorting the perspective of the viewer. A more technically correct description of the technique is zoom in/dolly out or forward zoom/reverse track. But this description may be reversed and used as zoom out/dolly in or reverse zoom/forward track. This reversed application of the dolly zoom technique is applicable to trike videos and may be used to highlight a particular view while in flight.<br />
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The idea is that in a scene with a clearly defined foreground, midground, and background the foregroun/midground is held constant while the background moves away from the viewer. As originally concieved this technique requires a ground based camera on a dolly and the zoom adjusted as the camera moves in or out to create the effect. With an aircraft mounted video camera forward motion is a constant and it is difficult to correctly manipulate the zoom while piloting the aircraft, so it falls to post production processing to create the effect. In post production it is a simple matter to ramp the zoom (in or out) at a rate that holds the foreground/midground stable while allowing the background to fall away.<br />
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The video at <a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2710120/sky_surfing_flying_in_3d_anaglyph_video_short_version/" target="_blank">this link</a>, and shown below, shows 3 examples of the dolly zoom effect using an aircraft mounted video. The 3 examples start at 1:07 (flying through saddle), 1:29 (flying through a rock outcrop), and 2:05 (runway view upon landing). This is an anaglyph video (3D video requiring glasses with the red lens on the left, green on right) and without glasses there is somewhat more distortion, but the effect is still obvious.<br />
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In the first example the bottom edge of the foreground holds while the background falls away as the aircraft passes through the saddle. In the second example the foreground again holds while the background as viewed through the outcrop falls away from the viewer. In final example the zoom is moved in and then out which shortens then lengthens the view of the runway while landing.<br />
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Distorting the perspective of the viewer is just one more tool the flying videographer may use to impart their feelings while piloting a trike.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2710120/sky_surfing_flying_in_3d_anaglyph_video_short_version/"> Sky Surfing: Flying in 3D (anaglyph Video) Short Version</a> - <a href="http://www.metacafe.com/">Funny blooper videos are here</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-25274304657212876322013-01-23T08:46:00.000-08:002013-01-23T08:47:21.422-08:00Rodeo Intermediate Field, the First Airport in the San Simon ValleyNote: This first appeared in <a href="http://bloggingfromthebootheel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blogging from the Boot Heel</a><br />
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An ongoing project for the past several years was the documentation and submission of the <a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2009/05/piece-of-aviation-history-in-san-simon.html" target="_blank">Rodeo Intermediate Field</a> as a site worthy of a New Mexico historical marker. It began with the discovery of the site while flying one afternoon several years ago. Long straight lines in the desert and a big red arrow pointing east toward El Paso stood out on the desert at the mouth of Antelope pass along Highway 9. Exploring further on foot, building foundations and runways became apparent. Inquiries to local residents produced no concrete information and many were unaware of the sites existence. Information about the site required a longer memory and after consulting author and the local historian <a href="http://talbotland.com/#theotherrodeo" target="_blank">Jr. Gomez</a> and explanation arrived, an old airport. The local memories only went back to WWII when the site was an Army Air Force Auxiliary field with lighted runways visible in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal,_Arizona" target="_blank">Portal</a>, but further research turned up a longer history which extended back to the late 1920's. Developed by the Department of Commerce and known for a year as the Pratt Intermediate Field, the name was changed to the Rodeo Intermediate Field. The site was developed in support of early commercial aviation along a route from California east. Early commercial aviation, both transport and mail relied on the <a href="http://ironcompass.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=81" target="_blank">iron compass</a> as a navigational aid and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Paso_and_Southwestern_Railroad" target="_blank">El Paso and Southwestern Railroad</a> running from Douglas to El Paso was an ideal navigational aid along a southern route. Other intermediate field routes were established across the U.S. and in New Mexico an early route also extended across the northern part of the state through Albuquerque. <br />
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<a href="http://www.twaspirit.com/1920s.html" target="_blank">Standard Airlines</a>, a subsidiary of Aero Corp and later to become TWA, began flights from California to El Paso on Feburary 5, 1929 as an <a href="http://www.twaspirit.com/media_air_rail_news.html" target="_blank">Air-Rail line</a> where passengers would fly part of the route then continue by train east from El Paso. In support of this commercial activity the Department of Commerce had been locating a series of "intermediate fields" along these air routes. Located 40-50 miles apart these intermediate fields provided a measure of safety for early commercial airlines in cases of mechanical or weather related problems. Along the southern routes air traffic converged on Phoenix and Tucson then proceeded via Douglas around the Chiricahua mountains and up the San Simon Valley to Antelope pass where air traffic would again turn east following the rail line to the "planeport" in El Paso, see the video for air traffic maps. Passing the Rodeo Intermediate Field early air traffic then continued through <a href="http://www.airfields-freeman.com/NM/Airfields_NM_SW.htm" target="_blank">intermediate fields</a> located in Hachita, Columbus, and Mt. Riley before arriving in El Paso.<br />
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From an intermediate field to an Army Air Force auxiliary field the Rodeo Intermediate Field slowly grew. More buildings were constructed including a supply depot and radio building which after relocation into Rodeo became <a href="http://www.rodeocottages.com/" target="_blank">Rodeo Cottages</a>. But after the end of WWII the need for auxiliary fields disappeared. Although still in use after the war, <a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2012/03/rodeo-intermediate-field.html" target="_blank">see this photograph</a>, the Rodeo Intermediate Field began it's return to nature. As it sits today the Rodeo Intermediate Field lies on BLM land on the east side of the San Simon Riverbed north of Highway 9. The site is marked by a concrete tank stand and building foundations as well as a runway may be seen from the road, while the historical marker is located at the intersection of Highway 80 and Highway 9, 2.25 miles to the west.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TOOgosTbfx8" width="420"></iframe>
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A short slideshow of Standard Airlines and the Rodeo Intermediate Field<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/medium/84975632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/medium/84975632.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodeo Intermediate Field historical marker</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Points of Interest </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The new historical marker was submitted to the <a href="http://www.hmdb.org/" target="_blank">"Historical Marker Data Base"</a> for inclusion. The marker will also be included in the next edition of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roadside-New-Mexico-Historic-Markers/dp/0826331181">"Roadside New Mexico: A Guide to Historic Markers"</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-65338587847536539132012-12-14T11:53:00.000-08:002012-12-14T11:53:20.606-08:00AerotrekkingWith the recent media interest in <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/#/john+mcafee/" target="_blank">John McAfee</a> the Sky Gypsies Blog has received a significant increase in traffic. For the most part, based on keyword activity, this is an interest in the concept of <a href="http://youtu.be/I8665RhJJj0" target="_blank">Aerotrekkin</a>g. It seems worthwhile to answer this interest with a review of the idea of Aerotrekking and its utility.<br />
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The concept of low level aviation is not a new idea, it is practiced by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_flying_military_training" target="_blank">military</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_firefighting" target="_blank">aerial firefighters</a> on a regular basis. It is an activity weight shift control aircraft pilots have <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLj_ZS3KxtU&feature=share&list=UUVCY635B0jlN6g7s4u7d_JQ" target="_blank">engaged in for many years</a> and since the inclusion of these aircraft into the Light Sport Aircraft category the FAA has acknowledged low level flying by <a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=797266e5629f05ff96003401a12a4458&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.3.10.2.4.10&idno=14" target="_blank">exempting these aircraft from minimum altitude requirements</a>. It recognizes the fact that weight shift control aircraft (commonly know as trikes) are frequently flown at less than the minimum altitude of 500 ft, found in the regulations. In fact the altitude for many of the pilot maneuvers required by the FAA during pilot certification are carried out at 400’ AGL (<a href="http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_standards/pilot/media/FAA-S-8081-31.PDF" target="_blank">practical test standards</a>).<br />
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The question then arises is this inherently dangerous? Weight shift control light sport aircraft evolved from hang gliders and without an engine they revert to this mode, large gliders. So the answer would have to be no, the danger does not increase with low level flying. But as with any aviation activity keeping a landing zone within gliding distance is always advisable. In fact, early commercial aviation in the United States was serviced by a series of <a href="http://www.airfieldsdatabase.com/CAA/CAA.htm" target="_blank">Intermediate Fields</a> which addressed this specific issue. In addition, low level aviation is clearly not something practiced in congested areas, controlled airspace, or in areas unfamiliar to the pilot. FAA regulations prohibit that sort of activity and unfamiliarity with the terrain can lead to negative interactions with ground based obstructions (power lines, towers, windmills, etc). While the commonly held misconception is that if you let go of the controls the aircraft will crash is false, it is especially true with weight shift control aircraft. Wings are designed and tuned to return to straight and level flight when the controls are released and here is a video demonstrating the stability of these <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbIW16_7Rro&feature=share&list=UUVCY635B0jlN6g7s4u7d_JQ" target="_blank">aircraft flying hands off</a>. They also fly fine without an engine (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCax5QaT9sw&feature=share&list=UUVCY635B0jlN6g7s4u7d_JQ" target="_blank">see this video</a>). Weight shift control aircraft also have a built in secondary energy management system. Since the carriage, pilot, and engine are a pendulum below the wing additional energy for landing may be acquired by pulling in on the control bar, storing energy for landing by increasing speed without increasing the throttle. This stored potential energy is translated back into kinetic energy when landing by letting the control bar out when entering ground effect and slowly losing airspeed.<br />
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The next question to arise is why fly low? The answer to this question is subjective. For some it may the adrenalin rush gained from skimming along at 5 or 10 ft above the ground. While for others it is the perspective gained from being just above the landscape. We commonly view the world from eye level, about 5-6 ft off the ground, but the perspective changes dramatically when one rises to 15 or 20 feet. One’s perspective of the landscape completely changes the world takes on a completely different view when flying above it. For example this low level aerial view of eroded rock formations in the Animas Valley of New Mexico.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs47/i/2009/231/3/e/Gaia__s_Brain_by_BAlvarius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs47/i/2009/231/3/e/Gaia__s_Brain_by_BAlvarius.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaia's Brain</td></tr>
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Or this <a href="http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=b1485ecc-86ac-40f1-9cfa-82744c8d2440" target="_blank">multi overlapping image panorama</a> taken while flying up and out of an extinct maar volcanic crater in Arizona. Or this view of erosion features in the San Simon riverbed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/balvarius/3861424743/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mesa in Miniature -tiltshift by BAlvarius, on Flickr"><img alt="Mesa in Miniature -tiltshift" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2510/3861424743_69f5399606.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Weight shift control light sport aircraft also make exceptional video platforms and a number of pilots around the world routinely <a href="http://www.trikepilot.com/videos.html" target="_blank">post videos of a variety of flying adventures</a>.<br />
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For more information on weight shift control light sport aircraft please visit <a href="http://www.trikepilot.com/" target="_blank">Trike Pilot Social</a> and read about these interesting aircraft. For more examples of low level aerial images please see the <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/867106" target="_blank">Boot Heel Photo-documentation Project</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-14441991993136381522012-11-13T09:09:00.001-08:002012-11-13T09:09:43.169-08:00The Invisible EtherPilots spend a good deal of time in the invisible ether, that is the air mass that surrounds the planet, and are subject to winds found at various altitudes. In light aircraft winds can present problems especially headwinds if on a cross country flight. As such pilots spend a good deal of time on weather. There are a variety of sources available for weather planning but a recently found application presents a moving image of the air mass across the country. It is a map in motion and
gives a nice visual overview of the surface wind patterns. It
is possible to zoom in on specific areas of the country and may be
a useful tool in explaining weather phenomena to students.
Plus it is nice just to watch.<br />
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<a href="http://hint.fm/wind/" target="_blank">Wind Map </a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-16818644765268260312012-08-13T08:34:00.000-07:002012-08-13T08:34:17.705-07:00Intermediate Field UpdateThe <a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2010/12/historical-marker-approved.html" target="_blank">historical marker for the Rodeo Intermediate Field</a> was approved early last year but installation of the marker fell between the cracks. After attending a <a href="http://www.hidalgocounty.org/index.php/government/county-departments/county-commission/" target="_blank">Hidalgo County Commissioners </a> meeting and letting them know the status of the project, the county manager asked for the background information. The details were forwarded and a day later an email stating the purchase order had been issued for the historical marker with the installation is scheduled for October. Good news and this project can now be filled under "completed". Pictures will be posted when the signage is installed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-13183596649257686032012-06-07T10:04:00.001-07:002012-06-07T10:04:36.936-07:00Goggle and 3D ImageryGoogle's mapping applications, Google Earth and Google Maps, are extremely useful tools for low level aerial photographers and a number of previous posts have addressed the utility of these mapping tools including:<br />
<a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2011/06/integrating-low-level-aerial.html" target="_blank">Integrating low level aerial photographs into Google Earth </a><br />
<a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2010/08/even-google-is-getting-into-low-level.html" target="_blank">The Sky Gypsies: Even Google Earth is getting into low level aerial photography</a><br />
<a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2010/02/intigrating-google-maps-with-flight.html" target="_blank">Integrating Google maps with with Flight paths, photographs, and video</a><br />
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But Google has just released a new video, shown below, and <a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/06/06/us-google-maps-idINBRE85516020120606" target="_blank">described plans</a> to incorporate 3D imagery of several cities created using a fleet of small aircraft (light sport aircraft?). What is interesting are the camera angles and scenes presented. Viewing any random video produced by a trike pilot at <a href="http://www.trikepilot.com/videos.html" target="_blank">Trike Pilot Social</a> and the same viewpoints, camera angles, and scenes may be observed. It suggests that Google has figured out that just rising above the landscape even a 100' gives a whole new perspective to the landscape. It is as interesting to observe the use of <a href="http://www.trikepilot.com/magazine/read/relative-motion_689.html" target="_blank">relative motion </a>in presenting heir images. Relative motion, the movement of foreground objects with respect to background objects, only enhances the results.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N6Douyfa7l8" width="400"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-64915879228487411502012-05-14T14:30:00.000-07:002012-05-14T14:30:34.301-07:00The Flying Trees in the Chiricahua MountainsAviation in the Boot Heel of New Mexico and southeastern Arizona goes back to 1911 with the first transcontinental flight by the <a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2010/08/early-aviation-in-san-simon-valley.html" target="_blank">Vin Fiz</a> which crossed through the San Simon Valley on the way to Tucson and the west coast. Followed by the construction of the <a href="http://www.airfields-freeman.com/NM/Airfields_NM_SW.htm" target="_blank">Rodeo Intermediate Field</a> in the late 1920's as the first airport in the valley. But in addition to aircraft, aviation related activities of other kinds are also popular here. One of the more popular activities is <a href="http://bloggingfromthebootheel.blogspot.com/2012/01/tradition-of-birding-in-chiricahua.html" target="_blank">birding</a>. The Chiricahua mountains are internationally known the diversity of bird species and attracts many visitors. The popularity of birding is just one indicator of how deeply ingrained in humans is the urge to fly. But what else can be found flying down here in the open expanse of the basin and range region? Well, there are <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7a53w_rednecks-versus-the-space-nazis-dir_fun" target="_blank">flying trailers</a> as well as a <a href="http://youtu.be/rLmp4QhRTeQ" target="_blank">flying roller</a> and more recently, certain species of trees were also noted to be flying. On a number of trips into the high country of the Chiricahua Mountains <a href="http://bloggingfromthebootheel.blogspot.com/2011/10/chiricahua-mountains-flying-trees.html" target="_blank">evidence of flying trees</a> was noted. Over the past 6-8 months images of several additional examples of flying trees were captured while hiking. As shown below, images of 5 flying trees have been collected, all confined to the high country above 7000' in elevation, see map. This lends credence to the notion that here in the Boot Heel, everything flys. An important reminder when cattle mysteriously appear within fenced land. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE-Xu5KHWZtOGBW84X3xNngDc32vw1P8qmOFBRMjB7r4usZR_cuXfIT4jhBnxCtvgwmjSiNyXSB3rNQtkxVik1q1CowFlLaxUE-BzaIuFNAQAlbpxPCKIpWLnpeiSU3LLK_SkGYGVv72M/s1600/flying+tree+transect+map+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE-Xu5KHWZtOGBW84X3xNngDc32vw1P8qmOFBRMjB7r4usZR_cuXfIT4jhBnxCtvgwmjSiNyXSB3rNQtkxVik1q1CowFlLaxUE-BzaIuFNAQAlbpxPCKIpWLnpeiSU3LLK_SkGYGVv72M/s400/flying+tree+transect+map+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transect map showing locations of flying trees. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right; width: 480px;">
<embed flashvars="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed890.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac110%2FBAlvarius%2FFlying%2520Trees%2520of%2520the%2520Chiricahua%2520Mountains%2Ffeed.rss" height="360" src="http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" wmode="transparent"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border: none;" /></a><a href="http://s890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/BAlvarius/Flying%20Trees%20of%20the%20Chiricahua%20Mountains/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border: medium none;" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2831727741887926852.post-84315528294633013382012-03-28T17:24:00.000-07:002012-03-28T17:24:19.722-07:00Rodeo Intermediate FieldA photograph of the <a href="http://theskygypsies.blogspot.com/2009/05/piece-of-aviation-history-in-san-simon.html" target="_blank">Rodeo Intermediate Field</a> from 1947 surfaced and was posted on <a href="http://www.airfields-freeman.com/NM/Airfields_NM_SW.htm" target="_blank">Abandoned and Little-Known Airfields: Southwestern New Mexico</a>. Originally appearing in the June 1947 issue of Skyways Magazine the image is of a new Piper Cub, on a ferry flight to California, parked in front of the radio tower at the Rodeo Intermediate field and the image shows the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloncillo_Mountains_%28Hidalgo_County%29" target="_blank">Peloncillo Mountains</a> south of Highway 9 in the background. This view of the mountains in combination with concrete foundations and footings, especially the fuel tank stand which is still in existence, on the site allows the original location of the photograph to be relocated. This was done and the view reproduced 65 years later. Both views can be compared to one another and it is clear that although the towers and buildings are gone the view remains the same. As a side note, still awaiting the installation of the new historical marker by the state at the site.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.airfields-freeman.com/NM/Rodeo_NM_47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://www.airfields-freeman.com/NM/Rodeo_NM_47.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piper Cub at the Rodeo Intermediate field in 1947. Used with permission.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnxxvO8PNf8tecdf_7uxCjM4RbuMrjhpIHkq6sKp_pMcri6AXGwJNop8jZi17q-ay8zEq2SQPpqSfr1p3_iXyhnPWzpN-TGQrM_lLHwc7__SAck25V3rRhutIlZGBGejc8sTi-sHJw3iF/s1600/rodeo+intermediate+field.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnxxvO8PNf8tecdf_7uxCjM4RbuMrjhpIHkq6sKp_pMcri6AXGwJNop8jZi17q-ay8zEq2SQPpqSfr1p3_iXyhnPWzpN-TGQrM_lLHwc7__SAck25V3rRhutIlZGBGejc8sTi-sHJw3iF/s400/rodeo+intermediate+field.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodeo Intermediate field 2012</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828727163244604661noreply@blogger.com5