RA1

Just another example of our liberties being usurped. However, in one form or another, this has been going on for nearly 40 years of which I am personally aware. I have made hundreds (at least) of trips where I was going "one way" because I was either picking up or delivering an aircraft. Years ago I was constantly singled out as a possible drug smuggler, now I suppose I am merely a terrorist suspect. I have had my survival gear opened by US customs which meant it had to be re-packed are re-certified. Time consuming and expensive. At one point it got bad enough that I "threatened" them with a FOI inquiry which made them back off for a while. I fear complaining shall not be enough. Best regards, RA1

Obviously a Husky of some kind, as in, your not fat, just a little husky. Best regards, RA1

This whole situation reminds me of the Gurka garrison that I ran into in Brunei. Doing business in Brunei then (while still a UK protectorate) was interesting to say the least. The Sultan was in power but the Brits still had control of many, if not most, things. One was warned to avoid the cobras if one wandered around outside of the hotel. Being a Moslem country, the hotel bar had a sign that said no locals, meaning it was only for foreigners/guests. The population was/is about 15% Chinese which means wonderful, authentic food. I was there for 4 days and given a Gurka driver + jeep for my personal transport. The aviation department was run by "proper" Brits with shorts and knee socks + a veddy British attitude. All interesting. I was a long way from home and doing my best and so were all of them. Every morning the jeep would arrive and the driver would take me on my rounds which included contracting to send several hundred thousand dollars worth of spare part via cargo ship + complete the contract which meant signing various paperwork + releasing the purchase price for two aircraft and all associated parts. Obviously there is more to this story but enough for today. Best regards, RA1

Cute. I don't care what it is. Best regards, RA1

I gave up worrying about being "different' so many years ago, I don't even remember when. Had I continued with this "worry" I would have gone stark raving mad. Wait, too late. While it is true the various posters/lurkers on this board definitely have some common interests, many, if not most, have bunches of interests not in common. Most people travel to get somewhere, I go for the journey. Therefore, as said before in several different ways, if you are enjoying the ride, don't get off the horse. Best regards, RA1

There are any number of powdered "treats" available for civilians and this will be just another excellent one. * They are also available for the military and others. Best regards, RA1 I should think they have to be mixed, not stirred.

You are correct. There are several vids of various transport category aircraft dealing with very severe crosswinds. I prefer to think these are "proving" runs by such as Boeing to show that their aircraft can survive such but they are not something I would think is "everyday". The more common and "approved" technique for smaller aircraft is to lower the upwind wing to stop the drift across the runway (caused by the cross wind) and then land while going straight ahead. This minimizes wear and tear on the tires and the aircraft itself. But, it is only marginally approved on larger aircraft because their wings will strike the ground when the necessity of lowering them is very much. Therefore, larger aircraft crab into the wind making their progress in line with the runway but not aligned with it. When it comes time to land the pilot flying "kicks" the nose to align the aircraft with the runway. This must be done at the last minute because after doing so the aircraft is now not flying down the runway but merely aligned with it. The touchdown must ensue shortly or the aircraft will drift off the downwind side of the runway. Best regards, RA1

Cross wind landings are to some extent more difficult in airliners than in other aircraft because they cannot lower the down wind wing as much as most other aircraft. OTOH, airliner pilots are taught and use the crab into the wind until the last moment and then "kick" the aircraft straight in alignment with the runway. Personally, I use a mixture of both techniques in cross wind landings. It somewhat depends upon the aircraft in use. Going around is always a useful option and should be employed with the least reason to do so. Extreme cross winds are often a good reason to go around. The 747 that crashed in Afghanistan seems to have had a sudden and unexpected shift in cargo which upset the balance of the aircraft. Not a good thing. Some folks seem to neglect to remember that wind is a factor in weather. Best regards, RA1

There is no doubt that the JPL and Langley have produced some amazing results but I don't think they have gone so far as to use a common cork as a safety pressure relief valve, something that is perfectly safe, effective and incredibly cheap. This was used on the craft Burt Rutan built to win the prize for first commercial craft to go twice to 100 kilometers of altitude. (Just a little over 300,000 feet.) The plains/mountain areas of Chile bear a remarkable resemblance to the surface of the moon, do they not? Interesting the lengths man goes to eliminating as much intervening atmosphere while still on earth as possible. Not only are many of these observatory sites remote but also at altitudes somewhat uncomfortable for the various workers/scientists. Also interesting is how we almost never notice threatening asteroids until the danger is past. In some respects we might as well be blissfully unaware partly because we can to little to nothing to stop them anyway. Best regards, RA1

Richard Branson can and will (with the help of others). Governments can and sometimes do provide quality products BUT at enormous cost. Best regards, RA1

Funny. However, real sperm banks aka breeders need to go out of business also. Poor Mother Earth has a few too many of us already. Best regards, RA1

Thanks for the answer. If this went to trial and I were a juror, I would be interested to know if momma would have shot the girlfriend of her son or girlfriend of her daughter. Best regards, RA1

Even though TCL is the home of the U of A it is still full of "country folks" who to some extent have not come into the 20th century, never mind the 21st. From the ages listed ( it would have been interesting to know the age of both lovers) I have to think this has been going on for some time. In some ways it is a "family" spat with tragic and silly consequences. Good place for it. Love's truck stops are all over the South in many small to medium size towns + busy interstate exits. How does one even suspected of 3rd degree murder get a 75M bond? Of course, some folks have no place to go so they might as well have a $1 bond. Best regards, RA1

I only wish my boyfriend was gay. Best regards, RA1

I have no caption. I cannot even imagine this. Best regards, RA1

I deal with young pilots, experienced pilots and very experienced pilots. They all have something to bring to the table and I hope I have something for them. Each and every "encounter" can be worthwhile so long as there are at least two willing participants. Best regards, RA1

A pride of escorts. Best regards, RA1

The Walkman came out so long ago in my lifetime that I did not bother getting one. I don't have an MP3 player or any such either. Anything much newer than the Mommas and Poppas on a CD is unlikely to get my attention. Best regards, RA1

Cool. In the "old" days there were many flights where the cabin attendants loved their job and loved to fly. The flights were not nearly so full and "things" were different. I well remember going from TUL (Tulsa) to DAL (Dallas Love field) on AA on a late afternoon or early evening flight where the gals started throwing pillows and every "sane" person joined in. Not your everyday flight. It was a great break from the day's routine and a lot of fun. I am sure many of our frequent fliers can tell tales about various "fun" flights they had but, sorry to say, most from the "old" days. Thanks for the vid. Best regards, RA1

Are you quoting HiTo or yourself? Regardless, it is indeed an oh my. Best regards, RA1

The "high" cheek, not the low one? Best regards, RA1

You know, those things you put flags on. Best regards, RA1

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot. A. Einstein. Best regards, RA1

My passwords are very securely stored and not on some fancy index cards. I routinely cut up used 8x11 sheets of paper into eighths for note paper. I write my passwords on these. Usually, within a day or two, I can no longer find them which makes me very sure they are secure, even from me. Best regards, RA1

I am not sure what unsure means in this case. Anyone knowledgeable, please enlighten me. Best regards, RA1