Technicalities
Why We Fly, Indeed: There’s Always Something New Out of Africa
Fundamentals of flight elude naming, but not feeling.
Where to Put It: Is Stabilizer Position Wisdom or Whim?
Designers just seem to put the aerodynamic element wherever seems convenient.
Miracle on the Potomac: Samuel Langley Never Received Enough Credit as Aviation Pioneer
American scientist developed some of the world’s first flying machines.
The Performance: Sometimes Work Fashions Artist
HBO’s ‘The Rehearsal’ doesn’t get that granular because its purpose is not to inform ‘about aviation’ but to amuse.
This Pilot’s Tune: Nancy in the Sky With Misgivings
First requirement for travel is a good companion.
Pilotless: This Is Your Robot Speaking
Once we’ve accepted driverless cars, what about pilotless airliners? Is that a bridge too far?
Biplanes: If One Wing Is Good, Two Must Be Better
Prevalence of biplanes over monoplanes was due almost entirely to practical considerations.
Classic Theory Meets Digital Computer; Status Quo Emerges Unscathed
A 45-year-old essay about ‘Carson Speed’ became a point of reference for the wonkier class of pilot.
The Gadget: Let’s Stop the ‘Beeping’ Noise
Gear warning systems in many airplanes are imperfect for several reasons.