Nat Geo To Release Aviation Documentary

CalPilots

National Geographic will release a new documentary, “Living in the Age of Airplanes,” in April. The film, produced and directed by Brian Terwilliger — maker of the 2005 documentary “One Six Right” — takes a positive perspective on air travel with a tour around the world capturing diverse images from the ground and in the air. Harrison Ford narrates, while the score comes from Academy-Award-winning composer James Horner, also a pilot. The film was shot in 95 locations, covering all seven continents and 18 countries, including the South Pole. Footage shot in digital format and IMAX includes ancient landmarks around the globe as well as aerial shots, airplanes and cockpit views.

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Living in the Age of Airplanes premieres April 8

CalPilots

This spring, National Geographic Studios presents “Living in the Age of Airplanes,” which promises to carry audiences across 200,000 years of history and around the globe on a journey to 95 locations in 18 countries spanning seven continents to remind us how, in a single century, aviation has changed our world forever. The world premiere of the movie will take place at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., on April 8.

Narrated by actor and pilot Harrison Ford, Living in the Age of Airplanes will premiere in IMAX, giant screen, 15/70mm dome screens and digital cinemas nationwide beginning April 10.

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FAAST Newsletter

CalPilots

Combatting Crosswinds and Turbulence

 

Although the more pleasant temperatures of spring are now upon us, gusty winds are also on the rise in many areas. A good (and safe!) way to start your flying year is to get some crosswind flying practice with your favorite flight instructor. It’s also a good idea to review some of the best practices and procedures for dealing with winds and turbulence. For example, prior to landing, pilots should always review what their Plan B is going to be should excessive crosswinds or turbulence factor in. It’s much better to execute a well-thought-out contingency plan than to make radical decisions during critical phases of flight.

For more helpful tips on how to combat crosswinds and turbulence, check out “Getting Crossed-Eyed with Crosswinds and Turbulence” in the March/April 2015 issue of FAA Safety Briefing http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2015/media/MarApr2015.pdf.

 

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Google takes over aging Moffett Field and its airship hangar

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MOUNTAIN VIEW — Built for an age when 800-foot-long flying aircraft carriers were the cutting edge of aviation, the colossal hangars of the Moffett Federal Airfield are about to become roosts for Silicon Valley’s latest ideas.

Google on Wednesday formally takes over the 1,000-acre site with plans to repurpose its three airship hangars as laboratories for developing robots, rovers, drones, Internet-carrying balloons and other cutting-edge technology. The company will also manage the airfield’s two runways and upgrade an old military golf course for public use.

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