Originally posted on Blue Side Up:
Yesterday’s post reminded me that there is no end of stupid. For many reasons. I am one of those who read various NTSB reports: Accident summaries of…
Mixing Alcohol, Pilots, and Shotguns… What Could Go Wrong?
What Could Go Wrong When a Pilot Bets He Can Land While Blindfolded?
There are certain professions where it is acceptable or even commendable for its members to take risks. Rarer are those careers where it is wise to gamble while on the job. When […]
Sound Asleep With Eyes Wide Open
As many as 20% of people sleep with their eyes open. The condition is officially known as nocturnal lagophthalmos. It gets its name from λαγωός, the Greek word for “hare.” This stems […]
This is the King, and I’ll Be Your Pilot Today
Whenever you fly, you expect your pilot will have the highest qualifications. You take it for granted that he or she has the appropriate pilot’s license and training for that aircraft and […]
The Time Air Force One Took Off But Never Landed
A common blessing among pilots is “May your skies be clear, your aim share, and your landings equal in number to your take-offs.” Indeed, there would generally be concern about any flight […]
Did a Manhole Cover Become the First Manmade Object in Space?
The eyes of the world were turned spaceward in October 1957 because the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik, the first manmade object sent into space. Or was it? Just a few […]
How to Steal an Airplane Without Breaking the Law
William McBoyle stole an airplane, and it was perfectly legal. Just to be clear, he actually took possession of someone else’s aircraft without their permission and never gave it back. Even so, […]
Berlin’s Modern Airport That Has Never Seen an Airplane
Airports are for airplanes. Airports are for aviation passengers. Airports are complex logistical partnerships of commerce, transportation, and technology that pump life into the economy. With its reputation for top-notch efficiency, Germany […]
The Famous Pilot Who Crashed His First Solo Flight
Manny wanted nothing more than to be a pilot, but it just didn’t seem to be in the cards. How he managed to get his wings and become one of the most […]
Meet Archytas, the Father of Robotics
Archytas (428 BC–347 BC) was a mathematician and scientist of Ancient Greece. He was a member of the Pythagoreans. (Click here to learn how Pythagoras was killed by his phobia of beans.) […]
Parisian Parrots Protect People From Planes
During World War I, citizens of Paris were quick to contribute to the war effort in any way possible. Parisians of all walks of left chipped in, whether poor or rich, young […]
Meet the Animals Who Were the First Hot Air Balloon Passengers
Everyone knows the names of Neil Armstrong, Charles Lindbergh, Ferdinand Magellan, and other brave pioneers who were the first to accomplish feats that were theretofore only dreamed of. Although you may know […]
When Landing an Aircraft at the U.S. Capitol Gets You Charged with Impersonating a Postal Vehicle.
Doug Hughes was upset about a lack of progress in campaign finance reform. He wrote letters to members of Congress, urging them to take immediate action. Apparently believing too much time had […]
Flying With Da Vinci
“For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you will long to return.” — Leonardo Da Vinci […]
Meet the Man Who Ate an Entire Airplane
Say what you will about Michel Lotito, but one thing is for certain: he never suffered from iron deficiency in his diet. For that matter, he didn’t want for glass, plastic, aluminum, […]
