Insights
Aviation is one of the safest modes of transportation, and this is largely due to stringent safety regulations and meticulous standards followed by airlines and aviation authorities. One of the critical components that ensures the airworthiness of an aircraft is the Minimum Equipment List (MEL). The MEL is an essential
Insights
The life of an airline pilot is both exciting and demanding, filled with responsibility, precision, and a deep sense of adventure. While passengers may only glimpse the polished uniform and calm demeanor of the pilot as they board the plane, behind the scenes lies a carefully orchestrated routine built on
Travel
In recent years, the aviation industry has increasingly recognized the profound effects that space weather can have on aircraft operations and navigation systems. Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space, driven primarily by solar activity, such as solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and cosmic radiation. While space weather is
Hotel Reviews
Chicago is high on my list of incredible cities, and any time that I get to visit is a treat. I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend in the windy city and ended up staying near the airport for a night. Booking I was surprised at how expensive
Travel
Air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation, but for many people, the thought of flying is anxiety-inducing or even terrifying. This fear, known as aviophobia, affects millions of people worldwide. But what causes this fear, and how can those who experience it find relief? Causes of Fear
Insights
Flying through turbulent weather is a common experience for air travelers, but when it comes to hurricanes, the situation is dramatically different. Hurricanes are among the most powerful and destructive weather phenomena on Earth, posing significant challenges and dangers to any type of aircraft. But can a commercial airplane, designed
Airlines
Airline bankruptcies have become a significant topic of discussion, particularly as the aviation industry faces cyclical downturns, rising fuel costs, and unforeseen disruptions like global pandemics. When an airline files for bankruptcy, it doesn't always mean the end of the airline, but it does have far-reaching consequences for
Airline bankruptcies have become a significant topic of discussion, particularly as the aviation industry faces cyclical downturns, rising fuel costs, and unforeseen disruptions like global pandemics. When an airline files for bankruptcy, it doesn't always mean the end of the airline, but it does have far-reaching consequences for
When it comes to staying at a hotel, I expect to pay for a good night’s rest, convenience, and maybe even a little luxury. What I don’t expect? Being slapped with hidden costs—namely, “destination fees.” These fees have quietly crept into the hospitality industry and become a
A METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is a standardized format for reporting weather observations, crucial for aviation operations. These reports provide a snapshot of weather conditions at an airport or aerodrome, typically updated every hour. Decoding a METAR might seem daunting due to its concise and coded format, but with practice,
Despite significant advancements in aviation technology, a surprising relic from the past continues to linger in the skies: leaded fuel. Specifically, 100LL aviation gasoline, commonly known as avgas, remains the standard fuel for many general aviation aircraft. This raises significant environmental and health concerns, prompting a call for the industry
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Bird strikes are a significant safety concern in aviation. These events usually happen at low altitude when aircraft are on approach or departure to airports. While modern aircraft are designed to handle these situations, bird strikes can still pose a serious risk to both the plane and its passengers. Impact
Airlines operate a fleet of airplanes to serve passengers and cargo needs, but there comes a point when even the most reliable aircraft reach the end of their operational life. Retiring an airplane is a significant process that involves detailed planning, regulatory compliance, and cost considerations. While some retired aircraft
If anyone knows me, I find it a struggle to find a decent LAX airport hotel. I've gotten close with both the Hyatt Regency and the Marriott, however for the true AvGeek, there is only one hotel you should be staying at. The H Hotel, which is a
The idea of a passenger replacing a suddenly incapacitated pilot is a scenario that has fascinated and concerned people for years. With the increasing accessibility of air travel, many have wondered whether, in a dire situation, an ordinary passenger could step into the cockpit and land the plane. Hollywood movies
Chase, known for having one of the best travel credit cards around, is lacking in actual airport amenities. While their competition has a whole network of lounges, Chase just as of recently have slowly been opening up their own lounges. One of their first lounges was in Boston. However instead
Airports play a critical role in global transportation, serving as gateways for passengers and cargo. But while they are essential infrastructure, operating an airport is a complex and costly endeavor. Airports require vast amounts of capital for construction, expansion, daily operations, and maintenance. Understanding how airports get funding and generate
Traveling with pets by air can be a daunting task for both the owner and the animal. While some airlines have become more accommodating to furry companions, navigating the process requires careful planning and a solid understanding of airline policies. With proper preparation, flying with your pet can be a
The bodycam footage from the student who damaged more than 10 planes at a flight school because he didn't get his solo sign-off has been released. He has since been sentenced to 226 days in jail for criminal mischief. Reports were that he flew into a rage after
I really enjoyed my time in Taipei, but after what felt like a short week, it was time to go home. First stop after clearing security and customs at the Taipei airport was the lounge. China Airlines runs only a few lounges around the world, besides two in Taipei (Terminal
Air travel has become a routine part of modern life, yet many aspects of the process go unnoticed. One such element is the long-standing tradition of boarding an airplane from the left side. Whether it’s a large commercial jet or a small private aircraft, passengers nearly always enter through
On a recent trip to Boston I was trying to find reasonably priced hotels, however on the week that I was going, there seemed to have been an event in town and I could not find a hotel room for under $350. Unable to find a reasonable hotel room, I
In an exciting move for frequent flyers, United Airlines has announced a partnership with SpaceX to equip its fleet with Starlink satellite internet, offering free high-speed Wi-Fi to all passengers. Starlink, which utilizes a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, promises a significant upgrade over traditional in-flight internet services. For