I will so miss the 717-200 jets. I love just how steeply they ascend. I love how smoothly they fly. I love how reliable they are. I love how comfortable they are.
I know they are guzzlers of energy. And they need to be replaced with more efficient commercial services. But they are such beautiful aircraft. If I were up for buying a jet, it would be this one.
If you like a steep ascent, there's a lot to be said for visiting the local gliding club and asking if they would let you join for an air-experience flight... There's nothing quite like a winch launch ;)
(and you never know, you might find a sport you enjoy too!)
Ever seen a glider hover to a standstill? Today's wave conditions ensured the surprising sight of gliders practically "sitting" in the air. It's strange enough from the ground, but quite eerie in the air. Here's a clip from today's footage, showcasing the effect.
#Perlan is in the air for another altitude record attempt!
They expect to encounter 160 kt winds at altitude. When they are flying at 40-54 kt indicated airspeed at altitude, their true airspeed will be about 350-400kts, and they will have to "crab" strongly into the 160 kt winds to stay in the wave lift they are predicted to find. 🤞
Launching in the next hour or two, towing up to around 50K feet (higher than typical airliners fly), then hopefully #soaring in mountain wave to a new world record, at altitudes similar to the service ceiling of the (powered...) U2 spy plane.
#Perlan is in the air! The virtual cockpit is streaming video from a camera mounted in the tail, and right now you can see the tow plane, the Grob G 520 Egret, ahead of the Perlan glider.
The Perlan Project is back in Argentina this (southern hemisphere) winter, preparing to launch as soon as weather is good for soaring to the edge of space.Possibly as soon as tomorrow! And you can sign up to be notified when they start flying.
They have updated their telemetry this year, so their virtual cockpit will be within seconds of up to date, if you'd like to watch as they attempt another world record. This time with fewer flight-testing restrictions than in past years. 🎉