Stuff Happens: complexity, contracts and unintended consequences.

Airliners are Very Complex Vehicles. A typical B-747 is comprised of millions of parts and components. The reported numbers vary because there is no agreed method of defining "a component" and every single airliner often has differences from others, for various reasons. Suffice to say - there are millions: "A Boeing 747-8 aircraft comprises more…

Childhood inspirations…

This video (below) reminded me how The Super 'Connie' was one of the extraordinary airplanes that I used to watch land and takeoff at our local airport when I was a boy. It helped inspire my interest in one day becoming an airline pilot. Here are some short excerpts from my memories in "Uplift -…

Can a passenger take over and fly your airliner?

He can when he's an off-duty, going-on-vacation-captain for the same company. And, thanks to his wife, he brought his pilot licence along with him!https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/easyjet-flight-spain-delay-pilot-michael-bradley-alicante-manchester-a9092066.html

Coldest Flight of the Year (part 3 – conclusion)

Second Officer’s Log:Winter 1976, B727, YWG Departure Gate  “Okay,” captain Dal said, “let’s do this.”  I began reading the unfamiliar checklist, speaking loudly over the outside noise. We accomplished each step slowly and deliberately. We couldn’t afford any mistakes. We were stepping beyond the standard daily routine. We were going the extra mile to accomplish…

Coldest Flight of the Year (part 2)

Second Officer’s Log:Winter 1976, B727, YWG Departure Gate  We were stumped and stuck in Winnipeg. We retreated into the bridge just as Captain Dal and FO (first officer) Bear arrived with our flight attendant crew close behind. We all huddled together taking stock. We had no electrical power from the ground power unit. No APU.…