Boeing 797: Fact or Fiction

BOEING 797
It can comfortably fly 10,000 Miles
at Mach 0.88 or 654 mph
with 1000 passengers on board!

Rumor has it...

"The  BOEING  797....

Boeing is preparing this 1000 passenger Jet Liner that could reshape the Air Travel Industry. Its radical "Blended Wing & Fuselage" design has been developed by Boeing in cooperation with NASA Langley Research Centre. The mammoth aircraft will have a wing span of 265 feet compared to 211 feet of its 747, and its been designed to fit within the newly created Air Terminals for the 555 seat Airbus A380, which is 262 feet wide.

 

The new 797 is Boeing's direct response to the Airbus A380, which has racked up orders for 159 already. Boeing decided to kill its 747X Stretched Super Jumbo in 2003 after little interest was shown for it by Airline Companies, but continued to develop its "Ultimate Airbus Crusher", the 797 at its Phantom Works Research Facility in Long Beach, California.

The Airbus A380 had been in the works since 1999 and has accumulated $13 Billion in development costs, which gives Boeing a huge advantage. More so because Airbus is thus committed to the older style tubular structure for their aircraft for decades to come.

There are several big advantages in the "Blended Wing & Fuselage" design, the most important being the ‘Lift to Drag’ ratio which is expected to increase by an amazing 50%, resulting in an overall weight reduction of the aircraft by 25%, making it an estimated 33% more fuel efficient than the A380, and thus making the Airbus's $13 Billion Dollar investment look pretty shaky.

 

"High Airframe Rigidity" is another key factor in the "Blended Wing & Fuselage" technology. It reduces turbulence and creates less stress on the airframe which adds to fuel efficiency, giving the 797 a tremendous 10,000 Mile range with 1,000 passengers on board cruising comfortably at Mach 0.88 or 654 MPH, which gives it another advantage over the tube-and-wing designed A380's 570 MPH.

The exact date  for introduction of the 797 is as yet unclear, but the battle lines are clearly drawn in the high-stakes war for future civilian aircraft supremacy."

What do you think? Is it possible? Could this be the future? Would you fly on this plane if it came to being?

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

The Royal Air Force

 

My friend Alex Wood, from Brazil, has recently looked into another option to fulfill his dream of learning to fly. He, like many of us, is figuring out the best avenue to realize his dream within his resources available. And what should he come upon? —The Royal Air Force.

An amazing opportunity? I think yes.

Alex Wood says…

“Commonly known as RAF, the Royal Air Force was formed in 1918, and it is the oldest independent air force in the world. The RAF has taken a significant role in British military history, playing a large part in the World War II and in more recent conflicts.

Is one of the most capable and technologically sophisticated in the world. In 2012, 827 airplanes were operated, making it the largest air force in the European Union, and the second largest in terms of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) after the USAF. Most RAF aircraft and personnel are based in the UK, with many others serving in the Middle-East and recently in Libya.

Everyone one that has British citizenship can apply and be part of the team. I mean, everyone, from all kinds of backgrounds. They accept even people with the lowest academic grades. There are more than 50 different type of careers, but it isn't everyone that can become a pilot. To be an Airman/Airwoman you have to hold 5 GCSE grades from A-C, and A-Levels from A-C as well, with Bs on math and English. However, they do accept applicants with Cs on math. 

Not only a good grading is necessary, but you have to be fit to start applying (not like an athlete, but capable of resisting duty programs). Also, not only UK residents are eligible, but residents from countries that has, at least dual British nationality, or has part in the European Economic Zone and the Commonwealth can apply for a job either. For those who are interested in the salary, they are high, and for pilots, the monthly salary after training is approximately £34.700. 

The minimum age requirements for eligibility is 17 years old. When accepted, you will have to undertake very high-standard training sessions.

Certified by Queen Elizabeth II, and one of the most respected in the world, the RAF also has their own aerobatic team—The Red Arrows. Appreciated for their formation, they did an astonishing performance at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, at the London Olympics Opening Ceremony, and at the Queen's Golden Jubilee (escorting a British Airways Concorde fly-over). The team has a large fleet of the Hawk T1A powered by Rolls Royce. The Hawk T1A reaches 42.000ft in less than 10 minutes!

A large variety of transport aircraft are also in the fleet. C-17 Globemaster III, VC10, Hercules, A400M, A330, A340, small transport aircraft. But the Airman/Airwoman cannot select where he/she wants to be. During the selection process, the recruiters will check where do you fit according to your height, weight, fitness and aptitude (in general).

Personally, I think applying for your national air force is a good idea to start a career in aviation. After 12 years of service, you can apply for a job in an Airline Company. Some airlines are recruiting pilots from the armed forces, an example is British Airways. Not only because it may be a differential in your curriculum, but it will build up your own confidence and many skills such as maneuvers, emergency procedures and intellectual skills, which are more than a requirement nowadays. Also, if you don't have financial conditions to pay a course, the air force may be a great option. 

Please, let's make 1 minute of silence in honor of the heroes that have lost their lives in combat.  

Are you interested in joining the RAF? Do you meet all the requirements? Check out their website HERE. And if you want to join your national air force, contact your local office or apply on their website.

Hope you enjoyed the journey,

Alex Wood”

Alex… Thank you for a great post!!! I enjoyed the journey and know when, and if, you go this route we’ll be hearing much more about it. Thank you! 

XOX Karlene

A Special Day in History...

 Happy 21st  Birthday Cecilie! 

To imagine Cecilie flew on a Tower Air 747 at 5 months old from Oslo, Norway to Miami, and years later I would be flying that exact plane. And then one day I would be taking a picture of her in front of our favorite plane in Seattle Washington. Aviation is a place that shrinks the world and brings together people and builds friendships that will last a lifetime.

Today is Cecilie's 21st birthday, and what is she doing to celebrate? OH WOW!!! Sounds like a great celebration to me. I wish I could be there to celebrate with her, but schedules conflicted this month. We will have our time to party... just at another time.

This is one woman that has been flying strong for 21 years, and she will continue to leave an imprint on this world as she jets off to new destinations with passion and focus. Cecilie is one of those people who cares about the aviation industry, the people within it, and their future. She will be a world leader.

Please take a moment to wish this incredible young lady the happiest birthday ever. And remember to drop on over to her BLOG and say hello.

Enjoy the Journey... Cecilie is. Happy, Happy, Birthday!!!
XOX Karlene

Monday Motivation: Thanks

"In the full expression of my
thanks, let all things that I wish
for and want - be thankfully
created and harmoniously
achieved." ~ Eleesha

Today I'm sending a heart-felt thanks so Jeremy Carlisle for his effort in spreading the word for Flight For Control. Jeremy has been hitting the streets of New York, handing out cards, and sharing the word to buy Flight For Control. 

As you can see he's got some pretty good sales people on his team. For anyone who knows what Elmo sounds like, please use that voice and tell the children this is not the story for them. But for all the big people... this is for you! 

 

Positive reviews. Support. Encouragement. I'm so thankful. As you know the intent of Flight For Control is to improve safety the Airline Industry. To do that, we must not be afraid to face reality, be it in fiction, to create awareness. Flight For Control the first step. One step at a time. One card at a time. One word at a time.... We can make a difference.

Jeremy, thank you so much for all you do, and your great effort. What do I wish for to express my gratitude today? That everyone who reads this will purchase a copy of Flight For Control on pay pal and say, "Jeremy Sent Me" in the comments. 

My entire sales team is growing around the world. Today, Jeremy's creativity and extra effort have totally motivated me. I cannot thank you enough Jeremy.

Please visit Jeremy's Flight Deck.  

Who do you want to Thank today?

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene 

Flight For Safety Coming soon. Words: 79218 

P.S. Recurrent complete... learned many new things that must be shared... Will post soon!

Jessica Cox

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

 Jessica Cox

Last week in Oshkosh, with Women Soar You Soar, we all were fortunate to meet an incredible woman, Jessica Cox. Jessica touched my heart and I found it hard to keep the tears at bay with her story of strength, determination, and inspiration. Meeting Jessica kind of puts life into perspective.

Jessica was born without arms. But that didn't stop her from living. She was determined to not allow anything to pass her by, and learned how to use her feet for the things we do with our hands. She has also has proven that there is nothing that can stop you if you have heart, determination, and can think outside the box. Her stories will make you laugh, and cry.

When in High school she wore prosthetic arms, but they never felt right to her. One day she decided to relieve herself of the weight of not being who she was, and get rid of those things. She didn't need arms. She had something more powerful: Inner strength.

Among other things, Jessica learned Taekwondo, where mind and body meet. And as it turned out, where she met her husband. A gorgeous couple. A beautiful bride. So much love and commitment.

Compliments of Shanda Romans wedding photography.

Jessica touched the hearts of all the women at Oshkosh, as she's been doing speaking around the world. She is an inspiration to all. Including the pope. 

She can even drive a car!

As if that wasn't enough... 

Jessica learned how to fly!

Jessica is proving many times over that we don't have to be the same, and there is no handicap that can keep us from our dreams, or conquering any fear. Yes, she was afraid to fly. But that and no arms didn't stop her. You just have to believe in yourself and never give up. I hope you will all have a chance to meet Jessica. Or at the very least watch the movie. 

(Now in progress.)

 You can help make the RightFooted documentary become a reality two ways:

1. Click on RightFooted the Movie to learn how to donate. 
2. Click on RightFooted the Movie and select Tweet or Facebook and share the link. Sharing the message will be equally as powerful.

Or you can tweet this post. For every heart Jessica touches, she inspires the belief that you truly can do anything. Please help share her story. Who knows whose heart you might touch. When I asked Jessica her favorite quote she said...

My all time favorite quote by Marianne Williamson is, "our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate...our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."

Jessica says that if she could live her life over, she wouldn't want arms. What began as a handicap became her greatest strength. Her life, and the people in it, are there because of something that once brought tears and a great fear of what the future might bring. 

Was is easy for her? No. Does she have struggles? We all do. But Jessica is proof that you don't need wings to fly, or arms.  

Please take five minutes to watch the trailer 

Enjoy the Journey... Jessica is!

Jessica will be in Seattle August 31st-Sept 2nd. She will be speaking at the Vintage Aircraft show on Saturday at Paine field. Will you be there?

XOX Karlene

Stalling the Airbus

The good news is the A330 cannot stall in Normal Law. 

Laws are just protections so the pilots can't screw up. Normal Law is the mother of all laws, as she will babysit any pilot. But when the protections aren't there, we need to know how to fly our planes. As been proven... the A330 will stall at altitude if you pull the stick back. If held in a deep stall, it may become unrecoverable.

My advice. Don't pull the stick full aft at altitude. Don't pull the stick full back in "anything" other than normal law, with all the protections working.

How do you recover when it stalls in Alternate law?

Identify the stall:
Buffeting, lack of roll control, lack of pitch authority, and maybe the inability to arrest the descent rate.

The last note "inability to arrest the descent rate" is a confusion to some. Why couldn't you arrest the descent rate? Because when you pull the stick back the A330 will help you with automatic nose-up trim, giving you what you want. This, combined with high power settings, may make it difficult to pitch the nose down.

Recovery:

You might have to pull the power to idle, and use excessive force to push the nose over. A bank may help too. Once your wings are flying again (no longer stalling) level them, and smoothly bring the nose to the horizon and add power.

The best thing you can do in the Airbus is fly it. Don't be afraid of the laws or buy into the concept that this is not a plane. It is a plane. You just need to understand it.

Like a woman, she is a complex creature with many buttons. (Don't push the wrong ones.) It may take you years to understand her, if ever. But it is worth the effort. Understanding is the first step to success. Study. Study. Study.


Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene

A330 DriftDown... A Reason for Everything

Losing an engine at altitude over the ocean is an uncommon experience, but not improbable. And when it happens to you, will want to be prepared. Operationally you can memorize what to do. But the problem with rote memorization is the added stress of "This can't be happening!" combined with fatigue, and perhaps a few months of sitting reserve and not flying, and you miss one step... the remainder of the procedures head south.

B-6088 of Hainan Airlines flying over you guessed it – the Museum of Flight last 9 March

While I'm busily studying for recurrent, I decided to dissect the driftdown procedure in hope to provide an understanding for greater recall. The process first, then the reasons why.

1. Set MCT and disconnect autothrust.
2. Turn off the track 180 degrees, while slowing at altitude.
3. Select Green dot.
4. Determine your drift-down altitude. 
5. At or approaching Green dot, pull for open descent. 
6. Turn on your lights
7. Select "Below" on TCAS. 
8. Communicate.
9. Re-establish auto-thrust and select desired speed. 

• Your goal is to minimize the descent rate. Setting MCT will provide the lowest possible descent rate until you are clear of traffic. Why do you turn off A/T? Soon you'll be selecting open descent and you do not want the good engine to go to idle. So you're getting ready.

• Turn off the airway 180 degrees. We have to get 15 miles off course to avoid traffic, and want to initially fly parallel to the course. Why 15 miles? Because for RNP10 (another plane could have a 10 mile error, plus a 2 mile offset) we could have traffic 1000 feet below, as far as 12 miles off our course.  The first 90 degree turn at .80 Mach will take about 8 miles. The second 90 degree turn will take another 8 miles. Two 90 degree turns equal 180 degrees and you will be very close to that 15 miles. Adjust as necessary.  

• Select green dot speed. You've already been slowing that direction while maintaining altitude... time to set the bug. This is the speed you want to fly the initial driftdown. 

• Driftdown Altitude: 
• PERF Cruise altitude is the maximum altitude at green dot speed.
• PROG page is REC MAX. The altitude you can fly EO LRC. 
• Note: Engine out Managed speed is EO LRC in level flight, and green dot in climb and descent.

• Open Descent. Since your thrust is in MCT, this will provide the lowest possible descent rate. (If you forgot and left the A/T on, the thrust would go to idle.) If you pull for open descent prior to green dot, the plane will start down a couple hundred feet per minute, which is fine.

• Turn on your lights so everyone can see you coming. 

• TCAS to "below" enables you to see traffic below you down to 9900 feet. 

•  Communicate. Thanks to ADS and CPDLC... life is easy. ATC com Emergency page Set ADS:OFF to ADS:ON. Similar to squawking 7700... this sends a position report every couple minutes.  CPDLC you can send your intention of the altitude you're descending to as well as selecting PANPAN.

• Re-establish auto-thrust and select desired speed. Once you are off track 15 miles, you want to get below the tracks quickly so you can continue to your alternate. Thus if there is no terrain issues then you can expedite your descent below FL290... to FL280 to fly direct to your destination. You do not want to fly across the tracks at altitude. If you leave the power in MCT, you'll continue with a gradual descent and this descent will take forever. So you can re-establish auto-thrust and select desired speed to get down and on your way quickly.

Even when you lose an engine you can enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Above is a photo that I had originally placed at the top of this post. One of my friends emailed me and asked me to replace this photo with the A330. But of course. 

My thought is this... could you imagine any of these planes coming down on top of you? We fly over  each other daily. When we have to go down... this could be an issue if we don't know what we're doing.