rmsmith

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124200193256505099.html The captain of a commuter plane that crashed Feb. 12 near Buffalo, N.Y., had flunked numerous flight tests during his career and was never adequately taught how to respond to the emergency that led to the airplane's fatal descent, according to people close to the investigation. All 49 people aboard were killed, as well as one person in a house below, when the plane crashed just a few miles short of the Buffalo airport en route from Newark, N.J. The Bombardier Q400 turboprop in the crash, which will be the subject of a National Transportation Safety Board hearing Tuesday, was operated by commuter carrier Colgan Air Inc., a division of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. Capt. Marvin Renslow had never been properly trained by the company to respond to a warning system designed to prevent the plane from going into a stall, according to people familiar with the investigation. As the speed slowed to a dangerous level, setting off the stall-prevention system, he did the opposite of the proper procedure, which led to the crash, these people said.

Hi John, long time, no see. The freezing rain around Portland easily top 'em all in the Pacific Northwest. Spokane is bad, but like you say, Portland is exceptional. Back in the seventies I watched cars and trucks pile into each other for about 20-minutes, even a highway patrol too! It was surreal.

Optional deicing systems are subject to routine maintenance, same goes for auto-pilot / flight director systems.

In a nutshell, an aerial tanker like a KC-10 is filled with colored water, which is discharged at freezing altitudes. The test aircraft is outfitted with cameras and sensors, and a camera equipped aircraft maneuvers about the test aircraft's exterior. They ice the wings to failure (loss of lift), and the aircraft descends back into warmer air where the ice melts. The tests are repeated with the deicing system activated to see if it performs properly in known icing conditions. The ATR tests showed that its deicing boots didn't reach far enough back along the wing's chord; a design failure for an all weather aircraft. The ATR fleet was relocated to warmer regions.

According to the wire reports the Dash8 Q400 was knowingly flying in icing conditions with the deicing system operating; this is serious news. It's likely we'll see another icing/deicing experiment over Edwards AFB in California since this is a popular aircraft.

Mine too. Icing happens fast, really fast! By the time a pilot realizes that ice is building it is often too late. At freeway speeds the realization of windshield ice usually occurs just seconds before your car has lost its traction. Ever experience freezing rain in Portland, OR?

When she does those two horse be sure to get a photo!

If they're custom-made risers...they're yours. If they're off-the shelf risers, and they're still in a sealed and dated package then OK, lets trade. BTW, the rig makers are not partying with Britney and Paris; they're close to ground level like the rest of us.

I'm under the impression that most folks do things right, but something happens along the way that causes trouble; maybe a medical issue like your son crashing his bmx bike into a tree resulting in immediate expenses? With today's family debt load credit problems occur with increased frequency.

With a failed credit review the background investigation process stops right there.

You need a security clearance where I work. The past 24-months or so have produced an alarming increase in applicants who have the skills, but they have terrible credit ratings that disqualify them. These are smart folks with serious college degrees, not basket weaving. I understand that Police departments across California are experiencing similar difficulties. Interesting times ahead!

Paso Robles, CA?

My Litespeed Siena has over 6,000-miles, and my Litespeed Tuscany had over 15,000-miles. I try to ride every day; my fitness loop is 24-miles of rural climbs and vast windy stretches. Just waiting on the ice to melt in a couple of weeks.

Pope Valley, CA

LOL! What's for dinner tonight, Alpo?

The soldier's helmet used to be a two-piece affair, and one would simply drop some water into the steel-pot half, kneel over it and take a quick 11-Bravo bath. Worked great for shaving too.

Don't waste your time on an engineering program that is not ABET certified. Most employers specify it as a requirement too. It's a long tough road -- expensive too! http://www.abet.org/

Very nice! The only one to top that was some guy posting here had a Hughes 500 helicopter sitting in his driveway, somewhere in Texas, IIRC.

Great one, John! I've got a son too, and he's happy right now.

To sell today in many areas the price will have to be lowered significantly. Housing prices have been puffed up with credit. Lots of adjustable rate mortgages (four years worth) still are waiting for their resets occur. See the graphic. With the fed currently pumping money into the banking system you'll see inflation; your food bill, fuel for the car, etc., and metals too. Interesting times indeed!

Types of exercise

I ride about 100-mi/wk on this titanium bike.

The Running of the Bulls a dangerous sport too.

That's a nice office, Lou.

Now we've all heard of the "business trip" (a cutie pie weekend), but the wife's boss in your bed sounds like a Jerry Springer episode; it's not too bright if true.