Date of presentation: 29-Nov-2021
Subject: The Vought F4U Corsair
Description: In this month's
Showing posts with label Jeff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff. Show all posts
29 November 2021
Presentation: November 2021
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 29-Nov-2021
Subject: The Vought F4U Corsair
Description: In this month'sordeal presentation, Jeff talked a bit about one of the most prominent fighter aircraft ever to see service in World War II - the F4U "Corsair". Noting its "gull-wing" shape and its powerful capabilities, it is possible to lose sight of the fact that due to several initial flaws, including a nasty tendency to stall one wing (but not the other) on short final, this aircraft almost didn't see service at all. But these flaws were quickly worked out, and the plane went on to have the longest production run of any piston-engined military aircraft, not to mention a very impressive career as both a fighter and a bomber. The last ones in military service were used (by BOTH sides!) in the so-called "Football War" between Honduras and El Salvador in 1969.
Date of presentation: 29-Nov-2021
Subject: The Vought F4U Corsair
Description: In this month's
26 July 2021
Presentation: July 2021
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 26 July 2021
Subject: Aerospace Potpourri
Description: A different kind of change of pace this time - instead of doing one longer presentation that covered a single subject in some depth and ended with Jeff waking up his audience, this month's presentation was a series of shorter subjects that got no more than a slide or two each, with these subjects being centered around aerospace-related news and happenings in the world.
Date of presentation: 26 July 2021
Subject: Aerospace Potpourri
Description: A different kind of change of pace this time - instead of doing one longer presentation that covered a single subject in some depth and ended with Jeff waking up his audience, this month's presentation was a series of shorter subjects that got no more than a slide or two each, with these subjects being centered around aerospace-related news and happenings in the world.
The slides presented were entitled:
* US Airports face jet fuel shortage (several causes)
* Jet fuel from food waste? (new technologies)
* Mexico works to recover U.S. air safety rating
* UAE: So Many Int'l Airports = why? (separate Emirates)
* TESS Mission in second phase (extended mission, two slides)
* New material can reduce noise (very light aerogel)
* Plane hits wall because captain's seat failed (kicked levers)
* Israeli carriers launch Morocco routes (part of full diplomatic relations)
* Plane evacuated after teenager sends picture of airgun to other passengers
* Passengers behaving badly... (several examples)
* ... are rarely prosecuted (difficulties with enforcement)
21 June 2021
Presentation: June 2021
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 21 June 2021
Subject: CAPardy!
Description: Change of pace for this month: a rousing game of "CAPardy", Jeff's spurious takeoff of the game shop Jeopardy. A number of general questions were posed to a captive audience (the squadron), who got warm fuzzies for answering them correctly.
Date of presentation: 21 June 2021
Subject: CAPardy!
Description: Change of pace for this month: a rousing game of "CAPardy", Jeff's spurious takeoff of the game shop Jeopardy. A number of general questions were posed to a captive audience (the squadron), who got warm fuzzies for answering them correctly.
This month's questions centered around early aviation. The categories used were: Lighter than Air, Gliders, Early Powered Flight, and Questionable Designs.
17 May 2021
Presentation: May 2021
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 17 May 2021
Subject: Earth is a planet, too!
Description: The wildly controversial and provocative headline for this presentation was "Earth is a planet, too!" This presentation hoped to bring to light that while our exploration of the rest of the cosmos is magnificent and awe-inspiring, it has all been fairly recent.
Date of presentation: 17 May 2021
Subject: Earth is a planet, too!
Description: The wildly controversial and provocative headline for this presentation was "Earth is a planet, too!" This presentation hoped to bring to light that while our exploration of the rest of the cosmos is magnificent and awe-inspiring, it has all been fairly recent.
Our exploration of our home planet, though, has been going on continually for tens of thousands of years. It is still the primary testbed for our various machines, even the ones we ultimately use in other places like Mars or the Moon. The various physical processes that we expect to take place elsewhere - the water cycle, for example - take place here as well, and we can observe them here for very little before ever spending billions of dollars to assemble a probe to go somewhere else.
We live on a very special planet, and it behooves us all to take good care of it.
Incidentally, I believe this is the first time I have ever delivered a presentation out of doors. It was a unique experience.
26 April 2021
Presentation: April 2021
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 26 Apr 2021
Subject: Ingenuity - The Mars Helicopter
Description: Jeff's presentation for this month was on a rather timely subject, namely, the Ingenuity helicopter that was placed on the Martian surface and was now undergoing test flights. These flights were intended for the purpose of ensuring correct operation in the rarefied Martian atmosphere, which has been likened to flying a similar helicopter at 87,000 feet here on Earth. This also means ensuring correct operation in the frigid Martian cold, which can be as low as -130° Fahrenheit.
Date of presentation: 26 Apr 2021
Subject: Ingenuity - The Mars Helicopter
Description: Jeff's presentation for this month was on a rather timely subject, namely, the Ingenuity helicopter that was placed on the Martian surface and was now undergoing test flights. These flights were intended for the purpose of ensuring correct operation in the rarefied Martian atmosphere, which has been likened to flying a similar helicopter at 87,000 feet here on Earth. This also means ensuring correct operation in the frigid Martian cold, which can be as low as -130° Fahrenheit.
At the time of this presentation, it had completed 3 of 5 of these tests with flying colors (so to speak). Its rotor, spanning about 4 feet. was able to generate enough lift to raise its 1.5 lb. (on Mars) body over 17 feet above the surface and survey its surroundings.
For more information, visit: https://mars.nasa.gov/technology/helicopter/
16 November 2020
Presentation: November 2020
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 16-Nov-2020
Subject: STEM Kits - Which are best for a Senior Squadron?
Description: Jeff kept it short tonight with a brief discussion of the available STEM Kits that might be fun for senior members to work on and are not strictly for cadets. The ones Jeff considered the most appropriate were named: "Cross Country Navigation", "Flight Simulator", "Raspberry Pi", "Astronomy", "Rocketry", and "Weather Station". To this list, Richard opined that the "RC Aircraft" and the "NewBeeDrone" kits might also be appropriate.
Date of presentation: 16-Nov-2020
Subject: STEM Kits - Which are best for a Senior Squadron?
Description: Jeff kept it short tonight with a brief discussion of the available STEM Kits that might be fun for senior members to work on and are not strictly for cadets. The ones Jeff considered the most appropriate were named: "Cross Country Navigation", "Flight Simulator", "Raspberry Pi", "Astronomy", "Rocketry", and "Weather Station". To this list, Richard opined that the "RC Aircraft" and the "NewBeeDrone" kits might also be appropriate.
28 September 2020
Presentation: September 2020
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 28 Sept 2020
Subject: Three "Forgotten" Aircraft
Description: Tonight, Jeff talked about three aircraft that are often forgotten when discussions of aviation history arise: the DC-4. the DC-5, and the DC-6. Jeff himself remembers much talk of the DC-3 and DC-7, but these three in the middle often get overlooked.
The DC-4 had a number of improvements over the DC-3, not least of which was the tricycle gear rather than taildragger, but it still had an unpressurized cabin.
The DC-6 was almost a longer, more powerful version of the DC-4, with a pressurized cabin so passengers could enjoy the flights more. Both of these were good designs and had moderate success both in the marketplace and in the military.
Not so the DC-5, which was an unrelated design that was obsolescent before the prototype was even built. Only 12 ever were.
24 August 2020
Presentation: August 2020
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 24 Aug 2020
Subject: Wildfires and Air Quality
Description: The presentation for August concerned the air quality, or lack thereof, in California with the wildfires surrounding the Bay Area and all over the state. Jeff talked about the causes of these wildfires (dry brush, extreme heat, "dry" lightning), as well as the health effects of breathing smoky air, the effects on flying, and how to protect oneself as much as possible.
Date of presentation: 24 Aug 2020
Subject: Wildfires and Air Quality
Description: The presentation for August concerned the air quality, or lack thereof, in California with the wildfires surrounding the Bay Area and all over the state. Jeff talked about the causes of these wildfires (dry brush, extreme heat, "dry" lightning), as well as the health effects of breathing smoky air, the effects on flying, and how to protect oneself as much as possible.
20 July 2020
Presentation: July 2020
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 20 July 2020
Subject: Black Aviation Pioneers
Description: Jeff's presentation for tonight took advantage of the recent discussions about race and racial issues on the news by using the opportunity to shine a light on a number of early black aviators. The goal was to discuss the contributions they made to aviation in general, and more specifically, to the ways in which their pioneering efforts paved the way for other black aviators to become part of aviation history.
Date of presentation: 20 July 2020
Subject: Black Aviation Pioneers
Description: Jeff's presentation for tonight took advantage of the recent discussions about race and racial issues on the news by using the opportunity to shine a light on a number of early black aviators. The goal was to discuss the contributions they made to aviation in general, and more specifically, to the ways in which their pioneering efforts paved the way for other black aviators to become part of aviation history.
27 April 2020
(Abortive) Presentation, April 2020
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 27-Apr-2020 (likely)
Subject: Aerospace Trivia
Description: The intent of this presentation was for Jeff to host a Jeopardy-style trivia game that the squadron would participate in. Unfortunately, chance had other plans, as Jeff's computer chose that exact time to start throwing fits. After several attempts to restart the game, trimming other operating software to a bare minimum, etc., it was determined that this game was a lost cause. Apparently Jeff's poor old laptop simply lacks the horsepower to run twin behemoth programs Microsoft Teams and Mozilla Firefox simultaneously. An exceedingly awkward time was had by all.
Note that my memory is not the best and I am not certain this fiasco occurred on 18-May; it just seems the most likely date, and I had to pick something. In any event, it was within a week or two at the most.
Date of presentation: 27-Apr-2020 (likely)
Subject: Aerospace Trivia
Description: The intent of this presentation was for Jeff to host a Jeopardy-style trivia game that the squadron would participate in. Unfortunately, chance had other plans, as Jeff's computer chose that exact time to start throwing fits. After several attempts to restart the game, trimming other operating software to a bare minimum, etc., it was determined that this game was a lost cause. Apparently Jeff's poor old laptop simply lacks the horsepower to run twin behemoth programs Microsoft Teams and Mozilla Firefox simultaneously. An exceedingly awkward time was had by all.
Note that my memory is not the best and I am not certain this fiasco occurred on 18-May; it just seems the most likely date, and I had to pick something. In any event, it was within a week or two at the most.
Update, 26-Aug-2021: New evidence (email) has come to light suggesting that the actual date of this fiasco was 27-Apr-2020.
18 November 2019
Presentation: November 2019
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 18-Nov-2019
Subject: Aerospace CAP-ardy!
Description: For November, Jeff put together another rousing edition of CAP-ardy!, the game show that's sweeping all of CAP. Well, at least here in Squadron 80. Six aerospace-related categories ("Space Exploration", "Look! Up in the sky!" (astronomy), "It's a bird!" (hazards of bird strikes), "It's a plane!" (airlines), "The P-51 Mustang", and "AE Inside and Out"), including the last one provided by the Squadron CO himself, made for a fun evening with lots of aerospace discussions.
This was, of course, DESPITE the problems Jeff had with the software he wrote to play the game. Ultimately, its flaws became part of the fun. He hopes to have some of the problems worked out of it by the next time he trots it out.
Date of presentation: 18-Nov-2019
Subject: Aerospace CAP-ardy!
Description: For November, Jeff put together another rousing edition of CAP-ardy!, the game show that's sweeping all of CAP. Well, at least here in Squadron 80. Six aerospace-related categories ("Space Exploration", "Look! Up in the sky!" (astronomy), "It's a bird!" (hazards of bird strikes), "It's a plane!" (airlines), "The P-51 Mustang", and "AE Inside and Out"), including the last one provided by the Squadron CO himself, made for a fun evening with lots of aerospace discussions.
This was, of course, DESPITE the problems Jeff had with the software he wrote to play the game. Ultimately, its flaws became part of the fun. He hopes to have some of the problems worked out of it by the next time he trots it out.
26 August 2019
Presentations: August 2019
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 26 Aug 2019
Subject: Why does the 737-200 still fly in Canada?
Subject: Saving the Dark
Description: Jeff gave two separate short presentations this time, rather than a single longer one. Here are brief descriptions of both:
First, why does the 737-200 still fly in Canada? This aircraft, the second iteration of the well-regarded 737 series, stopped production in 1988, meaning the youngest of these aircraft are over 30 years old. Of the worldwide fleet of 58 still in commercial service as of July 2018, 17 (about 29%) are flying in Canada. What makes this plane so popular there?
The biggest advantage is that it can be relatively easily fitted with a gravel kit: a combination of gravel deflectors attached to the nose wheel, vortex dissipators attached to the engine nacelles, and structural enhancements to the lower fuselage. These devices allow this large plane to conduct operations on unpaved fields that are the norm in northern Canada, allowing the plane to bring in basic necessities and to provide those living in remote settlements a way to travel to and from the region.
Given that much of northern Canada is peppered with these remote and temporary settlements (small towns, mining camps, etc.) that may only be accessible by air and for which permanent paved landing structures will probably never be available, the 737-200 is a vital lifeline to those who live there.
The second presentation was a repeat of a presentation first given just over a year ago, in July 2018, entitled "Saving the Dark". This presentation concerned the growing problem of light pollution in and around urban and suburban areas, and detailed a number of issues, such as: the effects that excessive light can have on the health of both humans and wildlife; the waste of energy involved in producing light that isn't needed or even useful; and ways in which we can strive to reduce the amount of light pollution we produce.
I felt that it was a good idea to repeat this presentation, even though it has been barely a year since originally presented, since there is a substantial number of new faces in the squadron who wouldn't have been here to see it when I first presented it.
Date of presentation: 26 Aug 2019
Subject: Why does the 737-200 still fly in Canada?
Subject: Saving the Dark
Description: Jeff gave two separate short presentations this time, rather than a single longer one. Here are brief descriptions of both:
First, why does the 737-200 still fly in Canada? This aircraft, the second iteration of the well-regarded 737 series, stopped production in 1988, meaning the youngest of these aircraft are over 30 years old. Of the worldwide fleet of 58 still in commercial service as of July 2018, 17 (about 29%) are flying in Canada. What makes this plane so popular there?
The biggest advantage is that it can be relatively easily fitted with a gravel kit: a combination of gravel deflectors attached to the nose wheel, vortex dissipators attached to the engine nacelles, and structural enhancements to the lower fuselage. These devices allow this large plane to conduct operations on unpaved fields that are the norm in northern Canada, allowing the plane to bring in basic necessities and to provide those living in remote settlements a way to travel to and from the region.
Given that much of northern Canada is peppered with these remote and temporary settlements (small towns, mining camps, etc.) that may only be accessible by air and for which permanent paved landing structures will probably never be available, the 737-200 is a vital lifeline to those who live there.
The second presentation was a repeat of a presentation first given just over a year ago, in July 2018, entitled "Saving the Dark". This presentation concerned the growing problem of light pollution in and around urban and suburban areas, and detailed a number of issues, such as: the effects that excessive light can have on the health of both humans and wildlife; the waste of energy involved in producing light that isn't needed or even useful; and ways in which we can strive to reduce the amount of light pollution we produce.
I felt that it was a good idea to repeat this presentation, even though it has been barely a year since originally presented, since there is a substantial number of new faces in the squadron who wouldn't have been here to see it when I first presented it.
30 June 2019
Presentation: June 2019
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: June 2019 (exact date TBD)
Subject: Strange Aircraft
Description: For June, Jeff dusted off his old Strange Aircraft presentation, which was actually one of the first ones he gave upon being appointed Squadron AEO. (It's a good presentation and I'd hate for it to be forgotten!)
This time around, there were several people knowledgeable about specific planes mentioned, and a lively discussion (the best kind!) ensued.
Date of presentation: June 2019 (exact date TBD)
Subject: Strange Aircraft
Description: For June, Jeff dusted off his old Strange Aircraft presentation, which was actually one of the first ones he gave upon being appointed Squadron AEO. (It's a good presentation and I'd hate for it to be forgotten!)
This time around, there were several people knowledgeable about specific planes mentioned, and a lively discussion (the best kind!) ensued.
15 April 2019
Presentation: April 2019
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 15-Apr-2019
Subject: Crew Dragon
Description: In this month's scintillating presentation, Jeff talked about the project called "Crew Dragon", a NASA-funded project being designed by SpaceX. Crew Dragon is one of two variants of the larger project "Dragon 2", which itself is the successor to the earlier Dragon series of cargo transports by SpaceX. The Crew Dragon variant is designed to carry up to seven astronauts, while the Cargo Dragon variant is exclusively for cargo. A trial run successfully docked with the International Space Station on 8-Mar-2019.
Date of presentation: 15-Apr-2019
Subject: Crew Dragon
Description: In this month's scintillating presentation, Jeff talked about the project called "Crew Dragon", a NASA-funded project being designed by SpaceX. Crew Dragon is one of two variants of the larger project "Dragon 2", which itself is the successor to the earlier Dragon series of cargo transports by SpaceX. The Crew Dragon variant is designed to carry up to seven astronauts, while the Cargo Dragon variant is exclusively for cargo. A trial run successfully docked with the International Space Station on 8-Mar-2019.
18 February 2019
Presentation: February 2019
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: TBD, sometime in February
Subject: TBD, but I bet it was good
Description: Yay! A presentation was delivered in February, I promise! However, due to a senior moment, I can't remember anything about it at this time. Will fill in the rest when I do remember.
Date of presentation: TBD, sometime in February
Subject: TBD, but I bet it was good
Description: Yay! A presentation was delivered in February, I promise! However, due to a senior moment, I can't remember anything about it at this time. Will fill in the rest when I do remember.
06 August 2018
Presentation: August 2018
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 6 Aug 2018
Subject: The TESS Mission
Description: Jeff gave a brief presentation outlining the goals and progress of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. TESS is a space telescope, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method in an area 400 times larger than that covered by the Kepler mission.
Date of presentation: 6 Aug 2018
Subject: The TESS Mission
Description: Jeff gave a brief presentation outlining the goals and progress of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. TESS is a space telescope, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method in an area 400 times larger than that covered by the Kepler mission.
16 July 2018
Presentation: July 2018
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 16 July 2018
Subject: Light Pollution - Saving the Dark
Description: This month's AE presentation talked about light pollution - the causes (excessive lighting, poorly shielded lighting (particularly street lights)), the effects (wasted energy, perpetually glowing sky, health and other effects on both humans and wildlife), and suggestions for ways to alleviate the problem.
Date of presentation: 16 July 2018
Subject: Light Pollution - Saving the Dark
Description: This month's AE presentation talked about light pollution - the causes (excessive lighting, poorly shielded lighting (particularly street lights)), the effects (wasted energy, perpetually glowing sky, health and other effects on both humans and wildlife), and suggestions for ways to alleviate the problem.
12 February 2018
Presentation: February 2018
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 12 Feb 2018 (not 100% certain)
Subject: Juno Mission - Update
Description: For February's presentation, Jeff talked about the Juno Mission (exploration of Jupiter). The bulk of the presentation was a series of high-resolution images captured by the Juno spacecraft during its 8th, 9th, and 10th passes around Jupiter. These images largely spoke for themselves and required only minimal explanation.
Date of presentation: 12 Feb 2018 (not 100% certain)
Subject: Juno Mission - Update
Description: For February's presentation, Jeff talked about the Juno Mission (exploration of Jupiter). The bulk of the presentation was a series of high-resolution images captured by the Juno spacecraft during its 8th, 9th, and 10th passes around Jupiter. These images largely spoke for themselves and required only minimal explanation.
04 December 2017
Presentation: December 2017
This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Date of presentation: 04 Dec 2017
Subject: Presentation: Aerospace Trivia Jeopardy
Description: At enormous risk to life and limb, Jeff put together a Jeopardy-like game with five Aerospace-related topics: Zeppelin, General, Airports and Airlines, Bird Strikes, and Atmospheric Considerations. Thanks to an excellent audience warm-up by Safety Officer Sena, Jeff was able to masquerade as a fun gameshow host and guide the festivities. A good time was had by some.
Date of presentation: 04 Dec 2017
Subject: Presentation: Aerospace Trivia Jeopardy
Description: At enormous risk to life and limb, Jeff put together a Jeopardy-like game with five Aerospace-related topics: Zeppelin, General, Airports and Airlines, Bird Strikes, and Atmospheric Considerations. Thanks to an excellent audience warm-up by Safety Officer Sena, Jeff was able to masquerade as a fun gameshow host and guide the festivities. A good time was had by some.
06 November 2017
Activity: Quadcopter Electronics Configuration
Date of activity: 06 Nov 2017
Subject: Quadcopter Electronics Configuration
Description: Having done some experimentation at home on his own time, David brought out the software and demonstrated some basic configuration of the electronics. The quadcopter is still not quite ready to fly, so we were unable to test that, but we could selectively run each engine separately.
Subject: Quadcopter Electronics Configuration
Description: Having done some experimentation at home on his own time, David brought out the software and demonstrated some basic configuration of the electronics. The quadcopter is still not quite ready to fly, so we were unable to test that, but we could selectively run each engine separately.
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