Mammoth Passenger Plane Lands in Britain

AP ^ | May 18, 2006 | JANE WARDELL

[Zavien Doombringer]

I concur... Ever watch a C-5 in flight?

[BlueStateDepression]

I was watching a 757 land once down in Tulsa. It blew a few main gear tires as a result of a little to heavy a landing and I will tell you it shook me as much as the building I was standing by. These airplanes are huge!

It is amazing how much larger airplane's wings give up and down. I understand that is engineered in as part of strength and stability but I agree, it sure looks crazy when you see it.

I really do wish them the best with this airplane but my personal feelings tell me this is going to turn out to be impractical as the concord turned out to be.

[neodad]

Looks like a Guppy.

[pgyanke]

I really hate it when my software is verlopen.

[zipper]

Exactly. Looks like it's just hanging in the air, even doing 250 knots.

[Zavien Doombringer]

I especially love watching them on approach... seem to just float. Due to the size of the wings and shape, it is the best ride. Feels like a caddy in the air.

[Fruitbat]

Floppy wings are better than "Stiff"

Yeah, I know, but to an extent. Not to the extent that they look like they can scrape the ground with even the slightest of strong gusts. LOL

As well, there are a lot of stress/strain variables that factor into this discussion as well.

[zipper]

Oh yeah, and that C-5 that crashed at Dover was "very heavy" at over 700,000 pounds-- much lighter than the freighter version of an A380.

[Zavien Doombringer]

Your Guppy, sir..

[Fruitbat]

The Spruce Moose

"I said get in!"

[Zavien Doombringer]

heard about that one... I was stationed at Dover when my Squadron Commander was riding on one, during approach, all 4 engines were FODed out by migrating Canada Geese... the bird glided right onto the runway like nothing happened...

[Citizen Tom Paine]

How does this compare with some of the large Soviet Union transports. I understand there was some hair splitting about how much weight you could take off with vice how much you could fly with etc.

I would like to know. The Spruce Goose was the largest plane wasn't it?

[Paleo Conservative]

I concur... Ever watch a C-5 in flight?

Those engines sound as if they have a few loose screws inside the turbines.

[rlmorel]

"...747's aren't exactly "fleet of foot" on takeoffs and landings..."

Except of course, for Air Force One.

Ever read about how it took off on 9/11? Just amazing.

The people on the plane said it took off like a raped ape and seemed like it went straight up for an hour...

[Zavien Doombringer]

Those engines sound as if they have a few loose screws inside the turbines.

Nah, we make sure those are out before we sign off the jet for flight... We call the loose screwws in the turbines, Jet Mechs..

[Fruitbat]

LOL...

Yeah, I'm not quite sure I've ever seen a raped ape, ... nor would want to. Particularly not in my back yard. LOL

I'm sure it took off with purpose however. In Germany the planes take off on Sundays and holidays with angles of ascent that are astonishing due to noise laws. Or so it used to be. Nothin' like watching a passenger jet take off at a near 45 degree angle seemingly.

[billorites]

Some (supposedly) actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews...
(source unknown)

Problem: "Left inside main tire almost needs replacement."
Solution: "Almost replaced left inside main tire."

Problem: "Test flight OK, except autoland very rough."
Solution: "Autoland not installed on this aircraft."

Problem #1: "#2 Propeller seeping prop fluid."
Solution #1:"#2 Propeller seepage normal."
Problem #2: "#1, #3, and #4 propellers lack normal seepage."

Problem: "The autopilot doesn't t."
Signed off :"IT DOES NOW."

Problem: "Something loose in cockpit."
Solution: "Something tightened in cockpit."

Problem: "Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear."
Solution: "Evidence removed..."

Problem: "DME volume unbelievably loud."
Solution: "Volume set to more believable level."

Problem: "Dead bugs on windshield."
Solution: "Live bugs on order."

Problem: "Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200 fpm descent."
Solution: "Cannot reproduce problem on ground."

Problem: "IFF inoperative."
Solution: "IFF inoperative in OFF mode."

Problem: "Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick."
Solution: "That s what they re there for."

Problem: "Number three engine missing."
Solution: "Engine found on right wing after brief search."

[MediaMole]

Mammoth Airliner is also appropriate, since mammoths are extinct elephants.

[ArrogantBustard]

Floppy wings, anyone?

[Yo-Yo]

The world's largest aircraft:

By weight, the AN225

By wingspan, the H4 Spruce Goose