Author: Vincent Lambercy
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Swiss International Airlines Flight LX-18: Handling an In-Flight Pressurization Issue
On September 13, 2024, Swiss International Airlines flight LX-18, an Airbus A330-300 en route from Zurich to Newark, encountered an in-flight pressurization issue that prompted the pilots to declare an emergency and return to Zurich. The crew’s swift and professional response ensured a safe outcome for all passengers and crew, highlighting the importance of effective…
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Understanding Flight Tracking Services: Capabilities and Limitations
Flight tracking services like FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and OpenSky Network have become invaluable tools for aviation enthusiasts, professionals, and even casual travelers. These platforms allow users to track aircraft in real-time, offering insights into flight paths, altitudes, and speeds. However, understanding how these services work and their limitations is crucial, as the data they provide can…
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Exploring the Skies: A Review of Flight: The Complete History of Aviation
If you’re passionate about aviation or simply curious about the journey from the Wright brothers’ first flight to the modern marvels that connect our world, Flight: The Complete History of Aviation by R.G. Grant is a must-have. This book is more than just a history lesson—it’s a beautifully crafted tribute to human ingenuity and the…
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Understanding Aircraft Pressurization: Why It’s Essential for High-Altitude Flight
If you’ve ever flown on a commercial aircraft, you’ve experienced a remarkable feat of engineering without even realizing it: the complex system of pressurization that keeps you comfortable—and, more importantly, alive—at cruising altitudes where the air is thin and the temperatures are frigid. But why is pressurization necessary, and how does it work? Let’s take…
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Speed Over Accuracy: Meet Captain Sum Ting Wong
Do you remember Captain Sum Ting Wong? If that name rings a bell, it’s probably because of one of the most embarrassing and unfortunate moments in aviation journalism history. It all happened back in 2013, when Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed on approach to San Francisco International Airport. While the accident itself was a tragedy,…
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The Complete Guide to Black Boxes in Aviation
Introduction Black boxes are essential tools in aviation safety, acting as the silent witnesses to every flight. These devices, officially known as flight data recorders (FDRs) and cockpit voice recorders (CVRs), capture vital information that helps investigators piece together the events leading up to an incident. Despite their nickname, black boxes are actually bright orange…
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GPS Jamming And Spoofing – Both Dangerous – Know The Difference
The Importance of GPS in Aviation Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has become indispensable in modern aviation, revolutionizing how aircraft navigate and improving both safety and efficiency. It provides accurate, real-time position data to pilots and aircraft systems, making flights more efficient by allowing for direct routing and precise landings. Before GPS, pilots relied on…
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Flying in and out of Vienna during Storm Boris – Pretty Unspectacular
Flying through storms always sounds a bit dramatic, doesn’t it? I’ll admit, I had some of those thoughts too when I learned I’d be flying in and out of Vienna during Storm Boris. Gusty winds, potential delays, and the mental image of dodging clouds were on my mind. But here’s the kicker—it wasn’t all that…
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Understanding Aviation Incidents: The Numbers, The Causes, and A Shout-out to avherald.com
There isn’t a single day that passes without an aviation incident occurring somewhere in the world. But don’t worry, incidents vary in severity and range from an unsafe landing gear indication to cracked windshield or bird strikes and most of them end-up without any damage, fatalities or injuries. Thanks to transparency and proactive reporting, the…
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The Importance of Weight and Balance in Aviation: What You Need to Know
When you step onto a plane, it’s easy to assume that everything is meticulously planned and ready for a smooth flight. While that’s true, there’s a critical piece of pre-flight planning that often goes unnoticed by passengers but is vital for the safe operation of any aircraft: weight and balance. Whether you’re flying a small…