Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Saturday

Trouble With The Neighbors

Neighbors giving you problems, nowhere to turn? Mount a canon on your trike or flex wing microlight. Part way down this page of WWI aviation photographs is one of a cannon mounted in place of the engine on an aircraft.

I suspect the recoil from firing might induce some pitch stability problems though.

Ohh and don’t forget to update your weight and balance form after you finish mounting your canon. I don’t know whether this is considered a major modification by the FAA. Will have to get some advice on that.

Hat tip The Vintage Aviator via Trike Pilot Social

Monday

What is Aerotrekking?

MetaGlossary defines aerotrekking as long distance low level flying, following the contours of the earth in open cockpit weight shift aircraft. While nap of the earth flying has been around since the beginning of aviation, it is best known in military aviation circles where pilots fly at extremely low levels to avoid being shot down by the enemy. Here outside of Rodeo in the 1200 square miles of the New Mexican boot heel is the perfect area for low level flying and the military knows this too. It is not uncommon for jets to come screaming down Cave Creek Canyon and out into the valley, much to the chagrin of the local residents. In fact 2 military operations areas cover the north and south parts of the valley

Weight shift pilots have been nap of the earth flying for years, one of the guilty pleasures. The advantage weight shift control aircraft have over fixed wing aircraft is the second energy management system, especially useful in case of engine failure. By pulling in on the control bar the carriage swings forward, the angle of attack is reduced and energy is stored. Of course a higher power setting is required to maintain altitude but if the engine quits the pilot can allow the control bar to return to trim. The excess stored energy is then converted into altitude providing extra time for a landing decision.

Flying low over open terrain is fun but does require a sharp eye for obstacles, equipment that is good condition, and practice. Several videos, Learning to Aerotrek and Learning to Aerotrekk II Open Terrain address learning how to Aerotrekk.

Sunday

The History of Sky Gypsies

According to the unencyclopedia flying gypsies (flypsies) or Sky Gypsies have been around since the middle ages. These flying vagabonds used homemade aircraft primarily as a means to escape angry locals or police. This is in contrast to many of today’s Sky Gypsies whose love of aviation exceeds their income. They are easily recognized by their poor dress, shaggy hair, and emaciated look but somehow manage to own at least one aircraft. While the airworthiness of their aircraft may be questioned modern Sky Gypsies are always ready to fly.