AvFacts - Aviation knowledge without limits

Latest Episodes:

#4: Close Air Support and the 9-Line Sep 24, 2017

Show notes

Close air support is one of the most challenging air-to-ground missions a pilot can perform. Unlike an in-and-out strike mission, CAS missions require the pilot to be over a hostile area for a long period of time, ready to provide air support when needed. The risk of confusion, miscommunication, and friendly fire is also very high. To prevent this, CAS missions are highly procedural, using a standard 9-line briefing. In today’s episode, we will learn about the procedures, risks, and benefits of CAS missions, and how CAS aircraft are coordinated and controlled. Voice acting: Ignacio Soto, William Dillon, Rachel Schifano, Adam Starkey

#3: Cost Index Sep 10, 2017

Show notes

When airline pilots decide how fast to fly, it all comes down to one number: the cost index. An airliner’s flight management computer (FMC) uses this number in a lot of ways to calculate climb speed, cruise speed, and descent speed. On this episode, we learn how cost index is calculated why airlines fly their planes at the speeds they do.

#2: Hydroplaning Aug 27, 2017

Show notes

On today’s episode we take a look at hydroplaning (sometimes called “aquaplaning”). We learn the three different types of hydroplaning, how they occur, what pilots can do about it, and some other associated hazards.

#1: The DLZ Aug 14, 2017

Show notes

The dynamic launch zone (DLZ) is a launch envelope that helps fighter pilots predict whether their missiles will hit their targets. Learn about the elements of the DLZ and get a glimpse into beyond-visual-range missile tactics in this inaugural episode of AvFacts.