"...AM radio receiver, tuned to the local tower frequency,..." I believe that ATC communications are the 118-137 MHz band. Not AM. Best

(Written on 11/09/2020)(Permalink)

Actualy the birds (chicken, duck, goose, etc.) need not b frozen. In fact they need not be an actual bird. It can be a man made object similar in size and composition to a real bird. The FAA's guidance on Bird Ingestion Certification Standards can be found here: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_33_76-1A.pdf The regulatory requirements are in Title 14 CFR 33.76 (Design and Construction; Turbine Aircraft Engines; Bird Ingestion.) Ice testing is in the same rule. Best Regards Capt. J Buck FAA (ret.)

(Written on 23/08/2020)(Permalink)

You folks might enjoy this video of GE testing one of its engine models. Manufactures also test windshields in a similar fashion. And pitot tubes. And AOA vanes. And on and on. https://www.wired.com/2014/11/how-ge-tests-jet-engines/ Best

(Written on 23/08/2020)(Permalink)

King Airs have no vacuum pumps. jthyland, in his/her post, is correct. Here are few words from my old King Air B200 Flight Manual: Beechcraft King Air 200/B200 Flight Manual SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION CHAPTER 9 PNEUMATICS Pneumatic and Vacuum Systems Page 9-1 High-pressure bleed air regulated to 18 psi, supplies pressure for the surface deice system and the vacuum source (Figure 9-1). Vacuum for the flight instruments, pressurization controller, and surface deice originates through a venturi (bleed air ejector) which is exhausted overboard (Figure 9-2). One engine can supply sufficient bleed air for all associated systems. In addition, the brake deice system receives bleed air that is tapped off downstream of each instrument air valve Engine bleed air is ducted from each engine to its respective L or R flow control unit mounted on the firewall. A pressure supply line tees off the engine bleed-air line forward of the firewall and flow control unit. This supply li

(Written on 09/08/2020)(Permalink)

Which model(s) 130s did you fly? When I started with the Coast Guard we had Bs and Cs and got Es just before I left. You are correct about running at 100%. the During flight, the T-56 runs at a constant 100% RPM (13,820 RPM), so torque (force times distance) is proportional to horsepower. The C-130 T-56 installation uses torque as the primary indication of engine output. The most important operational limitations for the C-130 engine are: - Torque: 19,600 in-lbs. maximum -Turbine inlet temperature (“TIT”): 1083º maximum. It's amazing how much superfluous information the mind retains after so many years have past.I still like turboprops big and small. Best Capt J Buck ATP DC-9 B757 B767 Flight Instructor Ground Instructor Aircraft Dispatcher A&P Mechanic Air Traffic Controller FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Ret.) FAA certified accident investigator (Ret.) ICAO Panel Member

(Written on 07/08/2020)(Permalink)

Yes, the King Airs (all 7000+ of them) have props attached to their always reliable PT-6 engines. As a professional pilot I am more interested in the performance numbers. The HondaJet (for example) can climb to FL430, cruise at 422Kts and carry 6 people 1420 miles. The King Air 350ER (or the newer 360ER) can climb to FL310 (lower than the HJ), Cruise at 305Kts (slower than the HJ) but carry 8 folks 2700 miles (vice the HJs 6 folks and 1220 miles.) That last number is an important one. I'd much rather have an airplane that had double the range than go higher and faster. Take a Boston-Dallas route (1560 miles) for example. The King Air 350 or 360 can make the tripe non-stop. The HondJet is going to have to stop enroute, refuel and then continue on. Turboprops have a real distinct advantage over jets especially when operating short to mid-range flights, flights that require takeoffs and landings on a short(er) runways and flights that are as inexpensive as possible in terms of fuel

(Written on 07/08/2020)(Permalink)

"I can't find any information on how much the 65-90 cost in 1964," I looked in an old(er) Aviation Bluebook (from my aviation insurance days) and it shows that the cost of a 1964 King Air 65-90 to be $320,000.00. What it doesn't say is what equipment that included. E.g. flight director, wx radar, dme, etc. The 65-90 King Air was simply a 65-88 Queen Air (the only pressurized Queen Air) with turbine engines (P&W PT6-6s) vice the Queen Air which was powered by two Lycoming IGSO-540 recip. engines. The 65-88 had round windows and the -70s and -80s had square windows. Best J Buck

(Written on 07/08/2020)(Permalink)

Same here. That's why I asked the questions about airman certificates held. The FAA/ICAO's guidance defines a Flight Simulator Technician/Engineer as a person who is to maintain and repair flight training devices in accordance with appropriate Civil Aviation Authority requirements and company standards. Essential elements of the position include performing installation of flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) and flight control devices, operation, inspection, regular maintenance, design, modification, repair and testing. Technicians or engineers work with software that runs modern flight simulators, and the associated electronic devices and classroom equipment. The positions as a flight simulator engineer requires that the person be familiar with avionics and navigation concepts, flight simulation, aircraft sensors and inertial guidance. Specialist qualifications as a systems engineer may require experience of modeling and simulation. The individual is not authorized to give gr

(Written on 26/07/2020)(Permalink)

" I have been a Air Traffic controller for the past 29 years in a very busy north east Center" My sincere condolences. Stuck with just a 7110.65 and Pilot/Controller Glossary for all those years. You might want to apply for the Chief Operating Officer of ATO when Teri leaves. I'll put in a good word for you. >;-) Best

(Written on 24/07/2020)(Permalink)

"Bureaucrats, no matter what field of endeavor, are normally under-qualified for their position" I must not have been normal then. >;-) In any case I'm sure my brethren in ATC would disagree. Ditto, the airways inspection pilots. Fellow ATP rated inspectors. Etc. As an aside perhaps you could share with us your qualification. Best Capt J Buck ATP DC-9 B757 B767 Flight Instructor Ground Instructor Aircraft Dispatcher A&P Mechanic Air Traffic Controller FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Ret.) FAA certified accident investigator (Ret.) ICAO Panel Member Aviation Safety Consultant

(Written on 24/07/2020)(Permalink)