Why The Boeing 737 Max Is Flying Again [13:10]

After two deadly crashes that killed 346 people and a worldwide grounding that lasted almost two years, the FAA is giving the Boeing 737 Max jets the green light to fly again. However, many are worried that the changes to the plane are not enough. Can the U.S. trust the revisions made to the jet and the software updates to the MCAS system?

Boeing 737 Max sees first firm order since crashes
Irish airline Ryanair has placed an order for 75 more Boeing 737 Max aircraft as the plane is set to return to the skies after two fatal crashes.
Ryanair had already agreed to buy 135 jets. The extra planes take the list value of the order to $22bn (£16.3bn).
The US Federal Aviation Administration recently certified the Boeing 737 Max for a return to service after it had been grounded since March 2019.
Ryanair said it would take delivery of the planes in early 2021.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is yet to give the Boeing 737 Max the go-ahead to return to service.
EASA is in charge of re-certification for EU member states, as well as the UK.

 

Space tourism: Virgin space plane to fly above new base

Virgin Galactic is set to carry out a milestone test flight of its rocket-powered tourist plane on Saturday.

This will be the first crewed flight of its reusable Unity vehicle to take off from the purpose-built commercial spaceport in New Mexico, US.
Sir Richard Branson's company will begin space tourism flights in 2021.
Already, more than 600 paying customers - including Justin Bieber and Leonardo DiCaprio - are booked to take a ride on the plane.

Saturday's flight will be the first of three final demonstration flights before that commercial service begins.

It is on the third of these that Sir Richard Branson himself will test the service he's been promising for 16 years. Before that can happen Virgin Galactic needs to go through some final preparatory steps.
Saturday's mission will have just the two pilots on board - former Nasa astronaut CJ Sturckow and Galactic chief test pilot Dave Mackay.
They will run checks on all their plane's operating procedures by making the first ever powered climb above Spaceport America, the centre that was developed specifically for this commercial operation by the New Mexico state government.

It has been a long road for the company's engineers to get the technology to where they want it, and progress this year has, of course, been slowed by the Covid-19 crisis, with limited numbers of staff able to work both in New Mexico and at Galactic's manufacturing base in California.

Will Whitehorn, president of the UK Space Industry Group, described the flight as a huge milestone.
"This is going to be a very safe and low-cost system," he told BBC News. "Developing it has been ground-breaking and it hasn't been easy."
A fatal accident back in 2014 led to an investigation and the redesign of some elements of the system.
"But when it comes to space, you're not in a race with anyone. You're in a race to be safe," said Mr Whitehorn.
The craft will also serve as an astronaut training facility..

British Airways' souvenir sale hits snag as demand soars

They flew off shelves: slippers, cups and saucers, blankets and bedding, towels, even drinks trolleys.
British Airways' online sale of thousands of surplus stock not needed for its aircraft caused a stampede of buying from aviation enthusiasts and bargain-hunters.
In the first 24 hours, 5,000 purchases were made, with the website getting 250,000 page views. In the first four days, 1,900 six-packs of bread baskets were snapped up.
Meal trolleys were among the first to sell out. Items from the now-retired Boeing 747s in BA's aircraft fleet were in big demand.
Trouble is, the sell-off seems to have been so popular it risks becoming a PR headache.

While there are plenty of satisfied customers, there are also plenty of dissatisfied ones - just check Twitter, Trustpilot and the frequent flyer website Head for Points, where buyers are venting annoyance about broken and missing items, non-deliveries and lack of responses from BA and the company it used to handle the sale, Whatabuy.

"Such an unnecessary own goal," said Nick Hadjinikos, whose girlfriend is still waiting for her plates and bread baskets.
The director at communications consultancy Kallinos said: "During the ordering process, the site kept crashing after payment information had been submitted. This was the big worry, so I put in a couple of emails to Whatabuy and never heard back.
"Then I took to Twitter and found we were not alone. BA should have spotted the problem and headed it off. I think most of the stuff was snapped up by hawks and ended up on eBay."

BA said it had expected a huge amount of interest from aviation fans, bargain hunters and people looking for "unique" Christmas gifts.
"But of course, no one could have predicted quite how popular it would be and how quickly items would sell out," the airline told the BBC.
"We are working hard to ensure all customers receive their orders as quickly as possible and in time for Christmas. We're in touch with those who may not have received their items yet to reassure them they're on their way."

And the airline promised refunds "for any items that are not in the condition advertised on the site".
Would BA do it again? "We'll consider our options once we've reviewed the success of the scheme and any learnings," the airline said.
 

Is this the FUTURE of Aviation?!  [17:32]

On September 21st 2020, Airbus Industries had a press conference and released some wonderful and extraordinary news. THey have now decided on the future energy source to be used in their aircraft and that is HYDROGEN. What I think of this, what challenges they face and what those aircraft will look like will all be covered in this video.
.
.
.

Pilot STARS! Captains Marina & Gerhard Airbus A220 Riga-Dublin Ultimate Cockpit Movie [AirClips] [1.48:13]

In June 2020, right after the worst impact of the COVID-19 pandemic's "first wave" in Europe, Patrick was invited to visit Air Baltic's CEO Martin Gauss in order to learn about how the airline manages the crisis and what their plans for the ramp-up are. Also Patrick and his team were invited to film a series of Ultimate Cockpit Movies aboard different aircraft. This flight with famous AirClips stars Marina from our Dash 8 Q400 movie and Gerhard from various A220 films certainly is a big highlight of this series of films. Enjoy a CEO interview as appetizer and then a full cockpit ride from Latvia to Ireland. The return flight features even more exciting interviews, presentations and cockpit views and will be released under a separate link - available at Movies.AirClips.com, once published.
Full ist of AirClips.com FREE full-length ULTIMATE COCKPIT MOVIES: http://Movies.AirClips.com


 

Unveiling the World's First Autonomous Regional Cargo Aircraft (Modified Cessna 208B) [3:37]

Xwing is testing a Cessna that's controlled from the ground, not the cockpit. Its goal is to automate as much as possible, while keeping a human in the loop.
Automation is nothing new to air travel. In commercial airliners, the pilot’s role in handling the plane largely ends soon after takeoff. Then, autopilot takes over, as it has for decades. Contrary to popular imagination, many modern planes are designed to cede less control to the pilot in the event of an emergency. Automated flight systems, generally speaking, handle the shifting conditions of flight with more ease, and more safely, than humans do.

But those features are a far leap from going pilot-free, Marc Piette, Xwing’s CEO, tells me. For one thing, there are the aspects of flight that are not yet automated: maneuvering on the taxiways and executing takeoff, for example. Plus, “autoland” features common on bigger jets typically require ground-based systems that guide the plane home safely; the plane can’t do it alone. Even autopilot, in the traditional sense, still has a major crutch: the pilot. The challenge is not so much how to replace their role in flight, but how to replace their role as a communicator. The pilot’s primary job is to take instructions from air traffic control—to avoid a brewing storm or find a favorable wind or evade that incoming 747—and adjust the automated system accordingly. It’s routine, and essential to how public airspace remains safe for all.
That role can’t be automated away entirely. In Xwing’s vision, pilots would be replaced by ground-based controllers, not unlike military drone operators, who would oversee the flight and adjust its autopilot at the direction of air traffic control. The goal is to automate away as much as possible—the taxi and takeoff, the landing, and avoiding collisions in between—but to keep a human in the loop. Instead of overseeing one flight a day, pilots could manage many in short succession—or, who knows, maybe even juggle a few aircraft at a time. The basic idea: more planes, fewer pilots.

Suggested reading: https://www.wired.com/story/autonomous-plane-xwing/

 

How Microsoft Flight Simulator Recreated Our Entire Planet [34.35]

We talk to Jorg Neumann (Microsoft) and Sebastian Wloch (Asobo) about the bleeding-edge technology that enabled them to recreate the digital twin of planet earth in the latest iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator..



 

The World's Most Useful Airport [46.29]

If you want to learn more about the fascinating, isolated island of St Helena, listen to our podcast Extremities. We spent a whole season covering how St Helena works--its economy, its people, its government, and much more: http://extremitiespodcast.com



 

Cockpit Flying Video: FULL FLIGHT Dash 8 Q400 | Fort St. John to Calgary WITH Air Traffic Control! [41.06]

Was feeling nostalgic and found this flying video.  Please listen to the audio as I cover numerous questions I often get asked! Fingers crossed I go back to work soon... I really miss it!



 

WARNING! Stressful Rain Storms AHEAD | Bush Pilot Flight Vlog [29.53]

Flying in Bad weather, going in and out of VFR-IFR-VFR, can get stressful quickly.  On this pilot flight vlog I take you out to a jungle airstrip in West New Britain, Papua New Guinea.  Half way there I encounter a rain storm and have to make the decision if I should proceed, or turn back. 

Whether you are a seasoned pilot, student pilot and wanting to learn to fly, or an avid SIM pilot, I think you will enjoy this cockpit view flight vlog into some of the most dangerous airports in the world. 



 

Rovaniemi Airport | Christmas 2018 [2:24]

Christmas is by far the busiest time of the year at Santa's home airport. Here's what record-breaking Xmas 2018 looked like. Hope you enjoy!



 

 How Airports Make Money [10:59]

Wendover Productions
 Comparing Heathrow and its commercial success with similar airports around the world.
.



 

UK Direct African Safari

Earlier this year Phil Elliott UKD101 wanted to create a new hub in Africa to have a base for some bush flying. I don't know what triggered this, maybe it was the release of Orbx’s African Mesh scenery or FSDG’s Nairobi airport, maybe them both, we'll never know?. After creating a few routes based on Nairobi that was as far as it had got. The last time I spoke to Phil I said I'd add a UK Direct African Safari web-page along the lines of the existing Formula One Grand Prix page and just started it a day or two before he passed away. Well, without his driving influence and work getting in my way progress has been slow. That said the single web-page has grown into a mini website albeit unfinished. However there is enough of a website to unveil it here. https://mark39025.wixsite.com/mysite and I will keep updating it too, maybe even finish it one day  :)




If it proves popular I will paint some light aircraft in appropriate liveries. With the advent of MSFS2020 I think that part of the world may look amazing by default but with the aforementioned sceneries it looks great now in P3D5. FSDG are expanding their range of airports in the region too so this should provide some new variety in your flying. We have direct flights to Nairobi from many UK airports and to Melbourne providing a connection to Phil's other flying interest - Australia.

FSDG – Nairobi Release and Discover Africa in MSFS Official Video

FSDG - Let's discover Africa | Ep.3  [2:57]

More sceneries for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Prepar3D and X-Plane available here: https://fsdg-online.com

 

Africa Bush flying - Day 1 - Bush Pilot exploring Botswana's Okavango Delta in Africa.  [17:29]

Africa bush pilot flying the Botswana Okavango Delta 2019 - Follow along, as I explore the Okavango Delta, by bush plane, flying with Ian Chamberlain from MackAir.
In 2019, this region is in the midst of a severe drought.  Join as we fly to the safari lodge airstrips, and view the Okavango Delta from above.
In this episode : We visit Xaranna, Chiefs Island and Cement, before returning back to the Maun International Airport.
 

Part two can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc9SsSpxuYg

The best of X-Plane 11?

A flight to Bradfort, UK in a McDonnell's Douglas 737-300 - where do you begin dissecting that line?

400GB of mods, sound overlays and heavy post-production editing bring you the best from X-Plane 11.
In this video you will see beautiful flight from Thessaloníki to Leeds, UK with the best add-ons currently available for X-Plane 11 (ORBX, FlyTampa, IXEG)! This time I am piloting Boeing 737-300 Jet2 Airlines. I personally love 737 Classic series so you can enjoy it with me!

The best of X-Plane 11?



 

Active Sky P3D

New ActiveSky weather simulation for P3D v4/v5!


ActiveSky P3D is the latest addition to HiFi Simulation Technologies' ActiveSky weather simulation engine line. ASP3D evolves realism-based weather simulation, building upon the ground-breaking and proven features of ActiveSky while integrating with the latest simulator platform from Lockheed Martin.

Many of the back-end systems of ActiveSky have been completely redesigned or overhauled for ActiveSky P3D.

https://hifisimtech.com/


 

UK2000

UK2000 took to their Facebook Page recently and gave us some exciting news regarding their plans going forward. This includes the release of Glasgow 2020HD and many other projects predicted for the year.

First off, UK2000 has confirmed that they are indeed developing the Isle of Man (EGNS) for FSX, P3D, and X-Plane11. The airport used to be known as RAF Ronaldsway during the Second World War. In 1948, the Isle of Man Government purchased the airfield from the Royal Navy and fully converted to a civilian airfield. The island is also well known for the extremely dangerous Isle of Man TT which is an annual motorcycle event. The course spans for 37 miles (60KM) of hills, bumps, corners all of which are residential. Many consider it to be the most dangerous racing event in the entire world.

As mentioned above, Glasgow 2020HD (EGPF) is available for FSX, P3D and XP11 with MSFS coming soon. Other airports being announced are the Edinburgh 2020HD airport (EGPH), and Gatwick 2020HD (EGKK). Also on this list of airports getting redesigned. Stansted (EGSS), Cardiff (EGFF), and the East Midlands (EGNX) will all receive 2021 updates.

SALE ENDS 26Th December

​.  http://www.uk2000scenery.com
Save 25% if you order 1 product, 30% if you order 2, and save 40% when you order 4 or more.

Just Flight 146 Pro For P3D Update [9:13]

The development team are busy readying the 146 for its maiden flight as we approach the final weeks of the project.

Full GSX compatibility is currently being added, integrated with our custom passenger, door and cargo door controls for seamless ground operations, such as the option to either use the in-built stairs or GSX airstairs for boarding passengers.

The dynamic cockpit lighting system is now complete, providing a very immersive environment for low-light operations, with many different lighting configurations to chose from. We’ve also been busy finishing off the exterior lighting, featuring custom landing, taxi, turn-off and logo lights.

Many of the complex aircraft systems are now ready for flight, from the hydraulic system that features engine-driven and electrical pumps and a PTU, to the fuel system with transfer and crossfeed, electrical system with fully-simulated normal and emergency AC/DC power, and air-conditioning system that can struggle to keep passengers cool on a hot day with the doors open!

Recent additions to the cockpit shown here include the custom-coded FMS with Navigraph support, weather radar with Active Sky support and TCAS/VSI.
 

A32NX Ground School | Chapter 1 - Basic Start [5.50]

Take a dive right into the A320 neo with our first tutorial.
More tutorials will come to help you use the various features of the FlyByWire A32NX mod and ultimately fly the A320.



 

MSFS 2020 | HOW TO: Plan a flight in SimBrief, import it to Microsoft Flight Simulator and Navigraph [14:02]

This video will teach you how to plan a realistic IFR flight using SimBrief, one of the best free tools available for flight simulation.

We'll cover the basics of flight planning in SimBrief, how to export your finished flight plan and how to import it into Microsoft Flight Simulator. We'll also touch briefly on Navigraph - what it is, what it does and how to use it to view your SimBrief plans on the fly.



 

Review: Honeycomb Bravo Quadrant - A Pilot's Perspective [16:26]

A review of the new Honeycomb Aeronautical Bravo Throttle Quadrant



 

Captain Sim 757 Realisitc Cold and Dark, Tutorial Including: CDU Preflight and Start procedure. [58:55]

This is the Cold and Dark tutorial of the Captain Sim 757 V3.



 

Google — Year in Search 2020 [3.00]

In times of uncertainty, people seek understanding and meaning. This year, the world searched “why” more than ever. This film features the questions we asked this year, with words and narration by Kofi Lost.


 

Flying across the Caribbean in the Cockpit with AIR ANTILLES (Trailer)[16:20]

JUST PLANES http://www.justplanes.com


 

Airport - The Motors [4:40]

The Motors' biggest single, Airport, reached #4 on the UK charts in 1978. It is still used in feature stories about airports and aircraft. Written by Andy McMaster, and taken from the album "Approved By The Motors", the song also reached the top 10 in Sweden and Ireland, and was top 40 in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.


 

Glitches and Tricks in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 [4:51]

Showing you the many oddities of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020


 

What's Actually Supposed to Happen When You Land on Free Parking [8.22]

Few board games have the ability to cause arguments like Monopoly, an unsurprising fact given the object of the game it was based on was to send your opponent to the poor house while you bask in the pleasures of immense wealth and prosperity. In the eight decades or so the game has existed, the rules of Monopoly haven’t really changed all that much, but because everyone “knows” how to play, how people actually play the game has slowly diverged from what the actual rule book, which nobody ever bothers to read, says. In anticipation of various family get-togethers coming up this holiday season, in which you’ll no doubt be subjected to a game of Monopoly at some point, in this article, we’re going to correct the various ways you’ve probably been playing Monopoly wrong your whole life.

 

Author Brian Shul on piloting the SR-71 [1:10:56]

In this talk at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Vietnam-era attack pilot and retired Air Force major Brian Shul, author of "Sled Driver: Flying the World's Fastest Jet," reveals fascinating details of piloting the SR-71. Using his rare aviation slides and stories as a vehicle, he tells a broader inspired story of hope, overcoming obstacles and daring to dream.