Model Airplanes

Engine problems aren’t Propulsion South Carolina’s problem

There are issues with the engine that will power Boeing Co.’s new 737-MAX single-aisle commercial airplane, but don’t blame the folks at Propulsion South Carolina.

The LEAP-1B engine being built by CFM — a partnership of General Electric in the U.S. and Snecma in France — is missing its fuel consumption goals by as much as 5 percent in testing, according to media reports and analysts, including Leeham Co. LLC in Washington state.

That shortfall is a big problem for an airplane being marketed for its fuel efficiency.

Propulsion South Carolina, Boeing’s engine design and parts manufacturing site in North Charleston, designs and makes engine nacelles for the 737-MAX, Boeing’s next-generation model of its popular 737 brand.

Bjorn Fehrm, a Leeham analyst in France, told The Post and Courier that the nacelles “should not be any cause for the shortfall.” The problem likely stems from “hot part issues” such as the turbine, he said.

“This kind of problem is not uncommon,” he said, adding that the first-generation engine for the Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner — also built in North Charleston – “had to be redesigned in the hot turbine section for both high and low pressure turbines to get to guaranteed performance.”

Fehrm said the Dreamliner’s performance “is still 1 percent short of brochure figures, but good enough.”

Vinay Bhaskara, an analyst writing

Article source: http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150419/PC05/150419367/1177/engine-problems-aren-x2019-t-propulsion-south-carolina-x2019-s-problem

Strong crosswind grounds most model airplanes at Big Bird Fly-In

SALADO — The crosswind was much too strong for most fliers Sunday, the last day of the annual model airplane Big Bird Fly-In event, so many club members stood by and visited.

“We had a beautiful day, yesterday though, one of the best days we had in years,” said Hubert Dirr, a member of Killeen’s Cen-Tex Modelers Inc. “Not just because of the nice weather but also because of the wind.”

Established in 1971, Cen-Tex Modelers Inc, the local remote-controlled model airplane club, flew more than 30 miniature planes Saturday at their headquarters at Hall Field in Union Grove Park.

While many planes dotted the sky, one of the highlights was a 10-foot-wide B-17, modeled after the famous World War II bombers.

The plane was brought by guest member Paul Smith, of Austin, outfitted with movable model guns, a bomb hatch and designs that matched its time

Article source: http://kdhnews.com/news/strong-crosswind-grounds-most-model-airplanes-at-big-bird-fly/article_fa579c6a-e70b-11e4-ac3b-d7a1375cef52.html

Pilots at Allegiant Air Question Safety Standards

WWE Rumors: More on the Situation Between Stone Cold Steve Austin and WWE

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Reports of problems between the WWE and Stone Cold Steve Austin are persisting, and PW Insider has an update on the situation that interestingly involves John Cena.

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The site states that the connection between Austin and WWE has been damaged and that “it would appear that John Cena using a variation of the Stone Cold Stunner might be a way to try and infuriate Austin.” Keep in mind that Cena has been using a springboard Stunner recently.

Honestly, this seems a bit flimsy, as Austin has gone on record numerous times that he is a major fan of John Cena and has publicly supported and defended him. Cena’s use of the Stunner likely wouldn’t bother Austin all that much, if at all.

Recently, Austin took to his own podcast, The Steve Austin Show, to address the rumors.

“All kinds of things being said about myself and WWE over the fact that I no showed WrestleMania. Man, completely false. There’s no heat. One of the rumors was I was supposed to be on an airplane with Undertaker headed down there and there was a WWE employee waiting for me and when I didn’t get off the airplane everybody went into shock and anger. Not true.

I don’t know where Undertaker lives; last time I checked it was Austin, Texas. I currently reside in Los Angeles, California. When I’m not there I’m at the Broken

Article source: http://www.mstarz.com/articles/63453/20150418/wwe-rumors-more-situation-between-stone-cold-steve-austin.htm

You Should Always Know The Kind Of Plane You’re On, And Here’s Why

(Photo: Shutterstock/hxdyl)

Always know your plane. The type of aircraft on which you’re flying can have a big effect on the quality of your trip.

The most important time to “get to know your plane” is when you’re selecting a flight and buying a ticket. Most airlines, OTAs, and search engines show you the plane type during the search phase, although you may have to click on a “details” button for more information. And most airlines and OTAs give you a seat selection option before you make a final commitment to pay.

Although some important factors, like noise or smoothness, are inherent to the plane model itself, others depend on how each airline outfits its planes. Similarly, some choice factors apply to all classes of service; others are specific to each class.
Noise

Takeoffs can be noisy in much of the plane, but once you’re at cruising altitude, the noise in most of the plane results from turbulent airflow around the cabin — not the engines. (But to the extent that engine noise is a problem, newer engines are quieter than older engines.) Jet-noise problems are most severe in planes with rear-mounted engines, where noise in the last few rows can be truly offensive, but rear seats in planes with wing-mounted engines area typically the noisiest. And propeller noise and vibration in turboprops can be really annoying, anywhere in the plane.

Favor: A380s and 787s,
Article source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smartertravel/you-should-always-know-the-kind-of-plane-youre-on_b_7072416.html?utm_hp_ref=hplifestyle

Airline world’s little secret: infatuation with model planes – TwinCities.com

In America, businessmen shake hands. In Japan, they bow. But all over the world airline executives engage in a greeting that is all their own: the exchange of model airplanes.

When airlines start flying to new cities, make deals with other carriers or finance new jets, these high-quality models — typically one to two feet long — provide the perfect photo backdrop, can help break the ice or serve as a cherished “thank you.”

While a business card might be quickly stuffed away in some desk drawer, models remain prominently displayed on the desk of politicians and industry power brokers. Puerto Rico’s governor, Alejandro GarcÃa-Padilla, has models from JetBlue, Lufthansa, Avianca and local airline Seaborne in his office. Each has established or expanded service to the island since his 2013 inauguration.

“It’s one of these gifts that people get and don’t put in the closet,” says Jeff Knittel, who oversees aircraft leasing for financier CIT Group Inc.

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus took in 1,456 passenger plane orders from 67 airlines around the world last year. It also placed 30,000 of its own orders — for model Airbus jets.

Multimillion dollar plane purchases are decided on the fuel efficiency of a jet, its maintenance costs, how much cargo it holds and how far it can fly. However, desktop models help start the conversation, says Chris Jones, vice president of North American sales for Airbus.

“Putting a model on the table won’t sway a deal but it might get their attention,” Jones says. After the sales pitch,

Article source: http://www.twincities.com/business/ci_27754189/airline-worlds-little-secret-infatuation-model-planes