Aviation guys: global flyer

[malice10985]

http://www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com/

Maybe some of you are interested in this world record stuff.

For those that aren't: Steve Fossett is going to attempt to fly around the world, nonstop solo. It is estimated to be an 80 hour flight. Richard Branson of Virgin Records is going to finance it. BUrt Rutan built it. He also built:

-SpaceShipOne; the first privateley built spacecraft.
-Voyager; the first aircraft to fly aroud the world nonstop. (Non solo too, there were 2 people on board)

I think it is cool. The aircraft is launching from my school here in salina KS. It will arrive here in about a week, and it launches in early january. A bunch of my friends are volunteering to work with the crew. Mission control is in the conference room of my school. I wanted to volunteer to work on something, but i just graduated, so I am not eligible. Go figure.

When the aircraft gets here, I will be sure to get pictures. This might be the biggest thing that ever happens to the little washed up town I currently call home. I am really anxious about the whole event.

It would be a HUGE event, but no one cares about breaking world records anymore. :rolleyes:

[malice10985]

Originally posted by malice10985:
http://www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com/


It would be a HUGE event, but no one cares about breaking world records anymore. :rolleyes:

Wow, I sure proved myself right on that one. Is there an echo in here?

[shenanigans]

LOL...


I think its pretty cool... the technology and what they do to make the flight is pretty crazy... and the weight reductions so they can use a smaller plane with less power needs, would make even james jelous.

[4thgenowner]

I don't think anyone really cares about aviation anymore, until a plane crashes or something.

[malice10985]

I think you are right. Everyone is happy right where they are. Technological research has shifted.

[12secondv6]

Interesting, get us some pic's [img]smile.gif[/img]

[phoenix64]

Originally posted by 4thgenowner:
I don't think anyone really cares about aviation anymore, until a plane crashes or something.

To the general public maybe. I thought that the SS1 program by Burt Rutan was awsome. When compared to that Flying around the world seems mundane I guess. Plus its very similar to his previous design isn't it?

[malice10985]

After SS1, this isn't quite as big, but it is still a huge feat. I have been awake for 34 hours, and I am feeling pretty tired.

ONce you factor in pre flight planning and pucker factor, he will have to stay awake for about 90 hours. He will also be strapped in to a cockpit about 1/4 the size of an F-body cabin.

The new ship does look alot like the old voyager. It is much faster, though.

I am gonna apply to do some of the journalism stuff for their website. Maybe I'll get picked maybe I won't. Am I a decent writer?

[4thgenowner]

Eh, I never really kept up with SS1 and all that. Im more of a commercial aviation guy, so im training to be an airline pilot. I've heard of around the world in 80 days but 80 hours! :eek:

[Wicked 3800 V6]

Hooray aero. [img]smile.gif[/img]
$1k to anyone who lands me an exciting job starting June 05.

[AlienInv8r]

Originally posted by malice10985:
ONce you factor in pre flight planning and pucker factor, he will have to stay awake for about 90 hours. He will also be strapped in to a cockpit about 1/4 the size of an F-body cabin.

Holy cow! 90 hours straight?? I can't imagine, that's almost 4 days without sleep. Staying awake and alert/attentive that long is quite a feat in itself.

[malice10985]

Originally posted by 4thgenowner:
Eh, I never really kept up with SS1 and all that. Im more of a commercial aviation guy, so im training to be an airline pilot. I've heard of around the world in 80 days but 80 hours! :eek:

More power to ya...

I can't stand commercial aviation. It is sooo boring. All my fellow CFI's have dreams of become 747 captains. I don't see the big deal with it. It is just like being an overpaid bus driver. If I wanted to drive a bus, I would have done it right after high school.

I think flying is a waste of time unless you are inverted or blowing something up. It's really fun when you are doing both. That is why I signed on to fly for the Marines.

What school are you training at?

[4thgenowner]

Well im not in school yet, but im starting at the Delta Connection Academy next September.

[shenanigans]

does it have an autopilot feature so he can sleep?

[phoenix64]

Originally posted by malice10985:
After SS1, this isn't quite as big, but it is still a huge feat. I have been awake for 34 hours, and I am feeling pretty tired.

ONce you factor in pre flight planning and pucker factor, he will have to stay awake for about 90 hours. He will also be strapped in to a cockpit about 1/4 the size of an F-body cabin.

The new ship does look alot like the old voyager. It is much faster, though.

I am gonna apply to do some of the journalism stuff for their website. Maybe I'll get picked maybe I won't. Am I a decent writer?

Yeah thats true, probably pretty hard to sleep before somthing like that.

Couldn't agree with you more about 747 pilots being glorified bus drivers. Only bus drivers dont have auto pilots. My uncle quit flying DC10's so he could fly a super cub and a beaver for the Minnesota DNR, much better stories after 20 years, but one hell of a pay cut.

Good luck applying for that position, I think motivation matters a lot more than skill to the Scaled Composite guys.