The stunning image on the cover of a blended wing body aircraft points to a feature by Robert Wilson. This futuristic concept represents one of the most significant shifts in airliner design in nearly a century. Unlike traditional tube‑and‑wing aircraft, this design merges the fuselage and wing into a single lifting surface, reducing drag, improving structural efficiency and offering major gains in fuel burn, noise reduction and passenger flow. Although the concept dates back to early 20th‑century experiments, modern composites, reliable engines and advanced fly‑by‑wire systems are making the design increasingly viable.
In the feature, ‘All ears on you,’ Monica Kade writes about the experience of pilots finding their voice in controlled airspace and has lots of great tips and sensible advice from instructors. There’s something about controlled environments that cranks up the pressure. It’s not lack of skill, it’s human wiring. Our brains don’t like novelty layered on top of high stakes. ‘Recognising those forces, and deliberately slowing the experience down, is how you keep your brain in command mode instead of in survival mode,’ she says.
Miranda Cirocco writes about the Western Australian police embracing the use of drones, integrating them into operations to increase the safety of officers and the community. This includes flying drones indoors to scope out threats, rather than risk the safety of officers unnecessarily. The program has grown into a dedicated team of 13 officers, with nearly 100 trained officers across the state who can operate as part-time pilots on top of their normal police duties.
Kreisha Ballantyne looks at the importance of checking NOTAMs and explores decoding them. To cut to the chase, she examines accidents that have occurred because pilots have not checked NOTAMs. For instance, on a clear morning at Gunnedah, a pilot taxied out for departure on a runway that was, on paper at least, closed. The closure for work on the pavement had been published in a NOTAM. It was not hidden in jargon or buried down a briefing – it was simply never read. As a consequence, the aircraft hit a pothole and the left main landing gear collapsed.
Tony Self owns an antique aircraft so he can write with authority on the safe operation of older aircraft. In ‘Age must not weary them,’ he says pilots are said to be ageing when they see their first training planes in a museum! Operating an old aircraft safely is not vastly different to operating a modern aircraft, but there are some significant differences and considerations. Some skills – such as wood and fabric work – are becoming increasingly rare, keeping original equipment operating is often a struggle, and replacing obsolete components with alternatives sympathetic to the aeroplane’s heritage can be complicated. The feature investigates the challenges and rewards of operating and maintaining 50- or 60- or 80-year-old aircraft and discusses why pilots of historic aircraft are so committed to keeping old and older machines in the air.
In the close call, ‘Perfectly gauged response,’ a helicopter flying under Sydney Harbour Bridge on a scenic flight has high oil pressure. At first the pilot is uncertain, then decides to broadcast a ‘pan-pan’ call and lands in sports field – fortunately there was no-one playing cricket! ‘I felt good that I had overcome my fear of embarrassment or ridicule and made the right decision to land. Having the controller react in a completely normal and supportive way was really helpful too.’
This 64-page edition includes a crash comic, quizzes and valuable safety insights, making it a must-read for aviation enthusiasts.
Flight Safety Australia is also available for annual subscription.
