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Examining over 100 years of flight automation and the history of the autopilot

Aerotime

The automatic pilot (autopilot) has to be one of aviations finest technological inventions. Largely gone are the days when pilots had to manually control their aircraft from engine start-up to shut down by keeping their hands rigidly fixed on the controls at all times.

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Flight Test Files: Grumman F-14 Tomcat

Vintage Aviation News

Since the 1940s, Dryden has been a hub for cutting-edge flight testing, contributing significantly to the development of modern aviation technologies. Initially flown by NASA test pilots, including Einar Enevoldson, the aircraft was later handed over to Grumman and Navy test pilots from Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

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A Bristol Bulldog Biplane Fighter is Once Again in the Sky

Vintage Aviation News

Although it is sort of heavy on the ailerons,” Storo said. ” On takeoff and landing, the pilot’s seat is adjusted to the upward limit of travel. .” ” On takeoff and landing, the pilot’s seat is adjusted to the upward limit of travel. “The first flight was kind of interesting. 6, 1941).

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of The Mitsubishi 3MT5

Vintage Aviation News

This was a troubling combination for any pilot, let alone those operating from the confined and unforgiving environment of an aircraft carrier deck. A particularly harrowing incident occurred during a test flight in March 1934 when the ailerons tore off one of the prototypes mid-flight. Despite these efforts, the problems persisted.

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Fiat BR.20 Cicogna

Vintage Aviation News

The wing was built in three sections (a center section that was integral with the fuselage and extended to the engine nacelles, and two outer sections), and were all-metal except for the fabric-covered control surfaces such as the ailerons. 274, made its maiden flight with test pilot Enrico Rolandi at the controls.

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