Feb 182010

I was just asking myself, is there an actual shadow visible from an airplane flying at like 10,000+ feet?

Sort of… When an airplane flies overhead, between you and the sun, it will block out the sun, or a portion of it, depending on the airplane’s size and altitude. That is the airplane’s shadow.

When light strikes an object, the air molecules in the atmosphere bend and disperse the light around the object. That dispersion makes the shadow less defined the further away the object is from the surface.

You can see this if you pick up a ping pong ball from the ground at noon on a sunny day. Sitting on the ground, the ball casts a well defined shadow. As you lift the ball from the ground, the shadow becomes less and less distinct due to the diffusion of the light, to the point that it all but disappears at some height.

An airplane is the same… as the airplane climbs, its shadow "exists", but is so diffused that it may not be noticeable, and in any event is too far from the airplane to be seen from it.

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Posted by Airtime at 12:27 am Tagged with: Air Atmosphere, Air Molecules, airplane, Diffusion, Dispersion, Earth, Flies, High Altitude, Ping Pong Ball, Quot, Sun, Sunny Day
Feb 172010

LEVELS OF DISCOVERY Fly Boy Airplane Rocker

LEVELS OF DISCOVERY Rock-A-Buddies Fly Boy Airplane Rocker Once upon a time there was a rocking chair who wanted very much to be a best friend… Beautifully handcrafted and hand-decorated wooden “heirlooms-to-be” that are sure to delight your favorite little rocker! Retro red, white and shades of blue Vintage airplane seat back design Comfy padded seat and back cushions Special Message: Fly Boy Armrest wings labeled with “Sky Rocker” and BRN2FLY Working steering wheel turns the propeller Moving Laugh-O-Meter & “Flying High” gauges Easy to open and close cockpit panel Special under-stamp beneath the seat that the customer can personalize with the child’s name, the name of the gift-giver and the special occasion when the chair is received Photo greeting card included so child can say “Thank You” in a memorable way Each piece is independently tested to meet all safety requirements and standards of the CPSC. Total Chair Height: 29″ Seat Height: 12.5″ Recommended Ages: 3 to 6 years Maximum User Weight: 100 lbs.

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Posted by Airtime at 5:21 pm Tagged with: 6 Years, Airplane Design, Airplane Seat, Back Cushions, Buddies, Cockpit Panel, Fly Boy, Gift Giver, Heirlooms, Levels Of Discovery, Maximum User, Photo Greeting Card, Propeller, Rocking Chair, Safety Requirements, Seat Height, Shades Of Blue, Special Message, Special Occasion, Steering Wheel
Feb 172010

Flying Circus Jenny Model Airplane - Frontgate

This Flying Circus Jenny Model Airplane pays tribute to a plane that made its mark with dazzling &#151 and sometimes dangerous &#151 aerial stunt displays and barnstorming. Originally built for military training, these Flying Circus planes were sold after the war to private owners, and they became a public favorite as they traveled from town to town.Light wood frame covered with brightly colored stretched silkEasy 20-minute assemblyIncludes clear hanging wireView our entire collection of collectible models.

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Posted by Airtime at 5:21 pm Tagged with: Airplane Model, Amp, Collectible Models, Entire Collection, Flying Circus, Flying Model, Frontgate, Jenny Model, Light Wood Frame, Military Planes, Military Training, Model Airplane, Private Owners, Shopping, tribute, Yahoo
Feb 162010

There is something about flying that excites and amazes certain people. Many people often dream of flying, but resist following that dream because it seems too difficult and too expensive. However, the excitement and dreams of flying have become a reality with radio-controlled (RC) aircraft. Actually, some of the RC aircraft today can give you the best flight of your life. If you would talk to a dedicated RC plane hobbyist, they would tell of the excitement of heading to an RC field on a warm, sunny day to fly their planes and to enjoy the camaraderie of other hobbyists and RC club members. It is always amazing to see the many different styles of aircraft and how they maneuver through the air.

Radio-controlled planes have a rich history, and provide a suitable hobby for all ages and skill levels. Flying enthusiasts have a large variety of aircraft to choose from, making the hobby more exciting for all hobbyists from the beginner to the expert. You can pick and choose what you want depending upon your taste and the available money you have to spend. Generally, the ideal choice of a particular RC plane depends upon a combination of style and pilot skill level.

For beginners, park flyers are a great choice. The term “park flyer” denotes small, primarily electric planes. They are so named because they are small enough to be flown inside public parks. The recommended aircraft for beginners is an A-R-F (Almost Ready To Fly) high-wing trainer. A-R-F planes are already built and don’t require a lot of time and building experience to get ready for flight. A-R-F planes also have fairly large wing spans (60-70 inches) which aid in better visibility and flight operation.

For intermediate hobbyists, there are glow plug engine planes and electric powered planes. Glow plugs, which are similar to spark plugs, ignite the fuel in the plane operating as a small internal combustion engine.

For the expert pilot, jets, helicopters, and competition aircraft are very popular and provide an exciting challenge. Sophisticated electronics and speed controllers have now taken the controlling of an RC airplane to higher levels. These aircraft are no longer considered toys just to play around with. Jets commonly use ducted fans or micro turbines to power them. They are constructed of carbon fibre and fibre glass. Jets can achieve speeds over 200 mph, requiring quick reflexes and many hours of flying experience. Helicopters are trickier to fly than planes and are much less forgiving.

If you want to get started flying RC planes the following information may help you:

Flying aircraft of any type is not a skill we are born with. Purchasing any radio-controlled aircraft and trying to fly without some basic knowledge may possibly result in the destruction of the model. When this happens right off the bat, most prospective flyers get discouraged and pass on an exciting hobby. Flying RC aircraft is not difficult but does require some practice to become proficient enough to have your plane soar through the skies and return for a safe landing. Teaching yourself to fly is possible; however, if you find a local flying club and seek some help from the experienced flyers is the ultimate way to learn. A flight simulator can aid in learning the fundamental movements and actions of an airplane. It is an easy and convenient way to practice the simplest turns to the most complex maneuvers. It must be remembered that the flight simulator does just what it’s name implies, it simulates the actions of an airplane. The simulator is not the real thing and most planes react differently in the air.

Whether you are a kid, or just a kid at heart, flying RC aircraft is directed at anyone who wants to relax and have fun. Get involved if you want a hobby that gives you a thrill!

Happy Flying!

Stephen Stillman

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Posted by Airtime at 2:29 pm Tagged with: Air Radio, Camaraderie, Club Members, Competition Aircraft, Dreams Of Flying, Electric Planes, Engine Planes, Expert Pilot, Flight Operation, Glow Plug, Glow Plugs, Hobbyists, Internal Combustion Engine, Park Flyer, Park Flyers, Pilot Skill, Radio Controlled Planes, Rc Club, Rc Plane, Rich History
Feb 142010

Fly with Elmo Airplane Ride-On - Tek Nek

With a front propeller that spins and lights up, this Sesame Street® Fly with Elmo Airplane Ride-On from Tek Nek® features talking phrases. The stars on the vehicle body light up, while the plane’s eyes move. Moving the gear shift on the dash and turning the key will produce fun sound effects.

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Posted by Airtime at 6:37 pm Tagged with: Airplane Ride, Elmo, Fly, Gear Shift, Phrases, Propeller, Sesame Street, Shopping, Sound Effects, Stars, Tek Nek, Turning The Key, Yahoo
Feb 142010

Bike Airplane Hook-On

Hop on your bike & fly! Made from plastic The planes’ propeller spins as the wind goes through it. Ages 6 & up.

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Posted by Airtime at 6:37 pm Tagged with: airplane, Amp, Fly, Hook, Planes, Propeller, Shopping, Yahoo
Feb 132010

I’m sure that you’ve heard about the recent debacle regarding the family that was told to leave the airplane after their crying three year old repeatedly refused to take her seat in preparation for takeoff. For many parents, this sort of situation would be their worst travel nightmare. Of course toddlers, like adults, are going to have their good days, and their not-so-good days. Even the most cheerful and well-mannered child could have an unpleasant outburst when frightened, ill, or exhausted.

Foregoing an absolute worst-case situation, what types of things might parents do in order to make toddler travel as smooth and pain-free as possible? How may airport toddler tantrums be avoided?

1. Keep the same routine. One of the best ways to avoid toddler travel disasters is to stick to your child’s schedule as much as possible. The routine adds stability, familiarity, and comfort to your child’s life in the midst of changing and perhaps frightening surroundings. Provide snacks on time. Allow for naps. In fact, if you can do so, speak with your travel agent about scheduling a flight during a time when your child would normally be sleeping. Consider flying at off-peak times. Traveling late at night may not only enable your child to sleep, but the airport may be less crowded, less noisy, and much easier to navigate.

2. Nix the potty training. If your child is just starting Potty Training 101, now is actually not the best time for another lesson. Being in diapers (or disposable pull-ups) for a handful of hours will provide much less hassle for you and less stress for the toddler than the undesirable and malodorous worst-case scenario.

3. Bring toys. And more toys. Pack several favorite books (and perhaps a book about airplanes), small non-noisy toys, and comfort items (such as a favorite blanket). Do you have a small portable DVD player? If not, consider borrowing one from a friend. Bring a couple of movies that are special to your child. You may also wish to bring a secret toy along for a special reward.

4. Backpack benefits. If your child is old enough to wear a small backpack, let your toddler place his or her favorite items inside it. The pleasure of wearing it, unzipping it, and adding and removing items from it, may provide entertainment and amusement when you need it most.

5. Choose window seats. Looking out the window can be a marvelously interesting distraction. The view beyond the airplane window is also fraught with educational opportunities and possibilities.

6. Fly non-stop. Do this if it is at all possible. This completely eliminates the added hassle of connecting flights.

7. Set boundaries. Ahead of time, explain to your toddler what is expected of him or her during the flight. Let your toddler understand (to the best of your child’s comprehension) that the trip will involve sitting and playing quietly.

8. Take charge. Always remember, you are the adult. It will ultimately be your responsibility to handle things before a situation can escalate. Because you understand what is best for your toddler, you can correct your child in a loving, yet firm manner.

Make every effort to enjoy the time spent traveling with your toddler. Definitely do not let an off-hand remark by a disgruntled fellow passenger ruin your trip. Be as courteous as possible to those around you, but remember the safety, health, and well-being of your child is your highest priority.

R. G. Kirk
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/strategies-to-prevent-toddler-tantrums-during-flights-102123.html

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Posted by Airtime at 1:29 am Tagged with: airplanes, Case Situation, Debacle, Diapers, Familiarity, Favorite Books, Naps, Noisy Toys, Outburst, Peak Times, Portable Dvd Player, Potty Training, Pull Ups, Takeoff, Toddler Tantrums, Travel Agent, Travel Nightmare, Ups, Worst Case Scenario, Worst Travel
Feb 112010

they were all flying in the airplane, would the airplane weigh 2000 pounds more?

that’s why I never let seagulls on planes before checking they remove their talons AND underwear!

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Posted by Airtime at 10:52 pm Tagged with: airplane, Planes, Seagulls, Talons, Two Pounds, Underwear
Feb 102010

I’m talking about a big earthquake. like a 9.0 magnitude earthquake. Would it effect planes in flight?

No, planes are not connected to the ground so they would maybe see it happen but they would not feel a thing, The only way they would be affected is if the airport they were landing at was damaged.

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Posted by Airtime at 10:20 pm Tagged with: airplane, Big Earthquake, Flying In The Sky, Magnitude Earthquake, Planes
Feb 102010

Something that will calm me down and make me relaxed (but keep it legal).

Calms forte is a homeopathic medicine that you can buy in health food markets. I bring a small vial of natural lavender oil and smell it if there is any anxiety, haven’t had to use it the last couple of trips but it also helps to sleep if you need to sleep. Also don’t drink anything with caffeine in it for at least 12 hours before the flight, coffee, tea, cola or even chocolate. That will help you to sleep, and have some yogurt.

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Posted by Airtime at 10:19 pm Tagged with: airplane, Anxiety Help, Calms Forte, Chocolate, Coffee Tea, Health Food Markets, Homeopathic Medicine, Lavender, Lavender Oil, Medicine, Pills, Relax, Sleep, Yogurt