On 9 January 2021, a (mostly) serviceable Boeing 737-500 departed controlled flight from eleven thousand feet, and plunged vertically into the sea, killing all 62 people on board. Maintenance records indicate a minor issue with the auto-throttle system on a few previous flights, although this appeared to be rectified andRead More →
“This will be a go-orientated takeoff. However, in the event of a decision to stop before V1, I will call STOP, close the thrust levers and apply full reverse thrust. You will monitor and call DECEL, Reverse Green and notify ATC. I will bring the aircraft to a stop, setRead More →
March 27th marked the 44th anniversary of what is still the world’s worst aviation disaster – the collision of two Boeing 747s at Tenerife Airport, Spain. WORST AS IN TWO ASPECTS: The highest single death toll for any aircraft accident, as well as the worst in human behaviour in theRead More →
The cargo compartment smoke warning came as a surprise. This was a heavy-weight take-off, well above maximum landing weight and the aircraft was not even through a thousand feet above ground level (AGL). Air Traffic Control were informed of the intention to return immediately. The ECAM (Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring)Read More →
‘There is no such thing as a stupid question’ is a statement I often make while talking to the public about flying, or when briefing students during a simulator session or an elementary training flight at Lanseria. Well, I lied. There is no shortage of stupid questions – but everythingRead More →
