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Today in Aviation History: Loss of USS Macon

Vintage Aviation News

Though the German Zeppelins were inflated with hydrogen, which was a more readily available and lighter lifting gas, it was flammable when mixed with oxygen, which doomed many a Zeppelin to a fiery end. While flying high over West Texas, the sun heated and expanded the helium lifting gas, forcing the Macon to rise up.

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Recognising NASA Technology on Modern Airliners

Fear of Landing

Airborne Wind Shear Detection During the 1980s and 1990s, NASA led a comprehensive research program to identify the characteristics of dangerous wind shear and validated technologies that can predict its severity while in flight.

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Are Dry Microbursts Really An Invisible Trap? – Responding to Reactions

Chess In the Air

Most western pilots have patiently worked such lift for an hour or more while waiting for conditions to improve near their destination airport. Considering the delay in the AWOS reporting, it may also be helpful to proactively use the radio to ask anyone on the ground for the current winds (e.g. the local FBO).

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Invisible Trap Kills Glider Pilot – How To Avoid Microbursts

Chess In the Air

The Rifle ASOS recorded a gust of 43 mph from the south: a 100-degree shift in direction, putting it right on his tail. Moderate wind shear in some areas could make some thermals somewhat difficult to work but that, too, is typical. ” The wind gust could of course only be reported after it had been measured.

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Aviation Weather 101: What Makes Microbursts So Dangerous?

Pilot Institute

The pilots fought to recover, but the wind shear was too strong. Key Takeaways Microbursts can cause severe wind shear and downdrafts. It is the most severe type of wind shear. Theyre a form of low-level wind shear, which is a rapid shift in wind speed or direction near the ground.