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Measures 2010-03-18
As pilots we are, generally unaware and/or uneducated, as to the debt that aviation owes to those scientists and mathematicians who preceded the Wright brothers. The mathematics of aviation begins with the prehistoric use of our hands which gave us the span as in wingspan. Consider the beginning the numbering system. The Babylonians, over 6000 years ago, added the use of symbols, `zero', and place value to make mathematics possible. From the Babylonians we acquired the Base 60 numerical system used in telling time. This base sixty is also part of our navigational system. Ever notice how easy it is to do fractions in Base 60. It is interesting to note that the sum-of-the-digits for every 45-degrees all around the compass rose is the same. This is true no matter where we start on the rose. 360 = 9; 270 = 9; 090 = 9; 135 = 9 The Egyptians, not much later, devised a way of dividing the year into twelve months even including the leap year. They followed up with land measuring systems not unlike those used in modern map making. The Greeks developed axioms into theorems and proofs. They used abstractions to illustrate the reality of the world. Such abstractions pilots now call sectionals, charts, or maps. The Greek, Thales, demonstrated five propositions which have become part of geometry or earth measurement. · A circle is bisected by its diameter. Whenever we draw a course line we are bisecting a circle. · Equilateral triangles have equal sides and angles. Every time we make a 45 entry to an airport, decide when to turn downwind and determine the `key' point to turn base we are applying our knowledge of equilateral triangles. · A diagonal through parallel lines give equal opposite angles A knowledge applied every time we enter on a 45 and enter downwind. · Triangles having one side equal as well as two angles equal are congruent. Euclid also collected all the math ideas he could such as all right angles are equal, a straight line can be drawn from one point to another point, and the sum of the angles in a triangle equal 180 degrees. Archimedes was a mathematician as well as a creative engineer. He used a screw shape in tube to move water. The movement of a propeller through the air is such a screw. Early propellers were called air screws. His use of pulleys and levers have applications in aircraft control systems. Pythagoras with his followers discovered the roundness of the earth, the numerical relationships of frequencies, and the Pythagorean Theorem whose hypotenuse we fly during climbs and descents. WWII navigation with sextant, chronometer, almanac, all of which made possible finding a line of position using the celestial method of Marcq St.-Hilaaire. Radio navigation uses this method of a line of position with intersecting lines for a given position on the line. Only a timing device is required be it a watch or DME. Comment		External Links  Recent articles Fear of Flying An Opinion on Fear B BR I have concerns with fear as it relates to flying I realize fear of... Special Use Airspace (SUA) P Not on charts but often mentioned by VOR Tower broadcasts Locally by Livermore ATIS to warn of National Guard firing range near Danville San Ramon border... On Flight Instructors Almost anyone can learn to fly an airplane if exposed to the environment long enough and teaching someone properly is extremely hard work ... Subtle Fatigue P This problem often begins with a distraction that causes fixation on an instrument or occurrence Complex flight operations are the first skills to deteriorate ... Standard Rate Turns P All banks under the hood are at standard rate Standard rate turns requires two minutes to make a 360 degree circle One minute for a... 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Minimum Controllable No maneuvers below 1500í BR Stall horn whimpering at all times BR Power added as required to hold altitude in 10 degree maximum banks BR ... Instructional Frustration I must admit I am somewhat discourged with primary flight instruction Students that don #39;t prepare for the lesson don #39;t do their homework ... Course Reversal P The course reversal is a new addition to the Private Pilot Practical Test standards After the completion of a ground reference pattern in one direction it... Short, Soft, and Rough Takeoff P Use the recommended flap setting either prior to takeoff or after reaching 30 40 knots The idea is to get clear of the ground as soon... PTS Oral/Flight Test Meet with examiner before the tests and ask relevant questions BR Examiners weight BR Cross country plan BR Weather contingencies BR Cost... Airport Markings symbols colors local rules BR Diagram ... Teaching Ground Reference P More often than not ground reference is taught as though it were the end itself and not a tool for use We are not trying to... Buchannan Field (at Concord, California) Within the immediate vicinity of Buchannan Field Concord CA there have been over seven airports over the years One of the very first... Teaching Precepts P Docendo Discimus We learn by teaching When by yourself you are the instructor BR BR ... Hundred Octane Aviation Fuel Interestingly of all machines only airplanes have their own fuel BR BR In the late 1930s light weight and compact engines were being developed... Short Field Takeoff P The procedure requires performance that results in the shortest ground roll and the steepest angle of climb Two beginning options are available with little advantage going... Flight Contradictions ul li The rudder is not used to turn the plane Rather it keeps the nose straight BR... 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Trim Exercises (Instructor Notes) P To teach the effectiveness of trim try the following exercise The instructor should demonstrate how to hold the nose in one fixed position while the student... You and Illusions P 1 Illusions can and do occur to everyone BR 2 Proper planning for strange airport conditions is essential BR 3 Weather and... Pre-takeoff Uses checklist BR Takeoff configuration BR Radio use and acknowledgments and compliance BR Clearing approach ... A Training Program P I make a practice of having prospective students come to my home office for a couple of hours to discuss flying I request that... Smoking P The smoking of tobacco is a form of self imposed physical and psychological stress that constitutes an immediate and on going threat to health and safety ... Smoothness Piloting skill is usually poorly defined unless the smoothness factor is included It is only by the smallest increments of control pressures that a skilled... 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Performance Sheet ASEL Compute weight and balance with gross takeoff weight___________ Center of gravity location ________ BR Gross landing weight __________ Center of gravity location _________ BR Shift weight... Homebuilt Statistics 2 of planes are homebuilt #133;they have 10 of the accidents and are twice as likely to be totally destroyed P ... Self-Doubt is Normal P Every so often the instructor finds a student who is going through a phase of flying that is very disturbing to the student A student may...  Related Links
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