2009 Predictions : What's going to happen in '09

 It's the Chinese year of the Ox, Boeing says the Dreamliner will fly this year and more airlines are sure to go under or at least consolidate. But what else can we expect from this year?

My predictions:

1. There will be plenty of order changes or cancellations as the lack of liquidity causes problems for airlines to upgrade or expand
2. On that theme, i am going to say that one big boy will go under (and i don't just mean chapter 11)
3. Boeing will continue to have fastener issues but will start to make its predicted targets
4. Branson and Walsh will kiss and make up and decide to create a new airline called British Virgins (oh okay perhaps not)
   

 

• Filed under: 2009, predictions

Well, I broke my Crystal ball but I predict there will be a limited number of vacancies for pretty flight attendants that can't afford a uniform.

Be quick - Apply Now!

• Filed under: airline vacancies

Firstly, I agree that both the Boeing 787 Deamliner (nightmare-liner!!) and the AirBus A400M will fly this year. They've just got to, have'nt they!! Also, I think that Heathrow will get permission for its 3rd runway. The economic case on its own is just too powerful. Again at Heathrow, I think that following the 3rd runway decision, project Heathrow East will finally get underway. This, originally, was going to be largely finished in time for the 2012 Olympics. Also I think that possibly late in 2009, Heathrow will begin its long proposed 'mixed mode' landing and take-off operation. This will allow a much needed increase in operational movements. On the negative side, I think that sadly, Vulcan 558 will remain mostly grounded throughout 2009. Mainly due to lack of sponsorship (credit crunch) and very restricted flying conditions set within its permit to fly.(cancellations due to inclement weather!!) Subsequently, resulting in loss of vital revenue. John.

My, ever-hopeful prediction for 2009 is that all pilots who have a prediliction for hot and high approach profiles, will finally realise that if they continue with this practice, one day, sooner or later, they will overrun the runway end or embark on a wild excursion off to the side, thus setting up a high risk of an engine separation, ruptured wing, fuel-fed fire and hundred(s) of screaming burning passengers behind them. I also predict that timid co-pilots, when under the above scenario, will all have the guts to assume command, ram the power levers full forward and execute a timely missed approach and/or go-around if already on the ground with the nose down, mainwheels barely touching the surface and no realistic hope of stopping. I can think of only two possible reasons for not aborting a bad approach....you are out of fuel or you are on fire!!!!!

Perhaps it might bring it home to the (few) really dense aeroplane "drivers", if they imagined that their children are sitting down the back with total trust and faith in their Dad, or Mum.

"Happiness is slipping across the threshold, on height, on speed and with the nose rising elegantly....."  

What pursuades them to do those types of approaches? Commercial pressure? Does it save fuel?

...At approximately Mach 3, two air data probes, located on the left and right sides of the forward lower fuselage, are deployed to sense air pressure in the atmosphere.

The approach and landing phase begins at a 3,000 m (10,000 ft) altitude, 12 km (7.5 miles) from the runway. The pilots apply aerodynamic braking to help slow down the vehicle and speed is reduced from 682 km/h (424 mph) to approximately 346 km/h (215 mph), (compared to 260 km/h (160 mph) for a subsonic jet airliner), at touch-down.

The landing gear is deployed while flying at 430 km/h (267 mph). To assist the speed brakes, a 12 m (40 ft) drag chute is deployed either after main gear or nose gear touchdown (depending on selected chute deploy mode) at about 343 km/h (213 mph). The chute is jettisoned at 110 km/h (69 mph).

After landing, the shuttle stands on the runway for several minutes for the fuselage to cool... etc etc before the astronauts can disembark

• Filed under: glide approach, gliding

Please note:-  all data in the previous post is approximate