La profesión pesquera ya es bastante dura como para andarse tambien con estas.

Bueno, se acabo lo del Alakrana, por fortuna con todos los rehenes sanos y salvos tras el pago del rescate, tal y como estaban las cosas, poco mas se podia hacer.

Con las vidas de la gente ni se juega ni se hace politica, se les saca de allí y punto, las soluciones a la larga se discuten despues.

Ahora empieza el tema de que coño hacemos con lo de los piratillas del Indico.

Que si seguratas con un fusil de largo alcance contra, mas que probablemente, varias lanchas llenas de piratas con rifles de asalto y lanzagranadas RPG perfectamente capaces de enviar el barco a pique.

Que si abandonar unos caladeros en aguas internacionales que son un importante sosten para la ya muy maltrecha industria pesquera nacional.

Que si infundir el respeto a la justicia y el estado democratico de derecho a unos piratones que no se parecen en nada a Johnny Depp.

Que si establecer unos mecanismos de cooperación juridica y policial internacional con un estado que realmente solo existe sobre el papel, no digamos ya ser efectivo.

Uys, creo que he dejado traslucir un poco mi opinión.

Y digo yo, follón de los seguratas aparte………..

¿¿No tenemos un precioso y rimbombante portahelicopteros (no tiene tamaño para que se le pueda llamar portaaviones), lleno de cazas “Sea Harrier”, que podria venir al pelo para la situación??

Porque el Indico es muy grande y una fragata es una broma, pero si pones allí al “Principe de Asturias” (así se llama el barco, aunque tampoco estaria mal enviarlo a el), deberia ser capaz de responder a cualquier petición de ayuda en cientos de kilometros a la redonda, enviando unos cazas que llegarian en minutos.

Cazas que sencillamente podrian evitar los abordajes intimidando a las lanchas piratas, sobrevolandolas o , llegado el caso, tomando medidas mas duras.

Imaginate que al primer avistamiento de una lancha pirata el pesquero emita el aviso, que al cabo de 10 minutos (en alcanzar y abordar un pesquero se puede tardar bastante mas que eso, sobre todo si el pesquero no coopera) llega un “harrier” que se le planta en proa a la lancha del piratilla en cuestión, con un viento y ruido infernales, al mejor estilo “Mentiras arriesgadas”.

Solo el ruido de las toberas es ya un arma.

Imagina que los pescadores y los seguratas del pesquero amenazado se entretienen en la borda del barco mirando el espectaculo del “somalí que sale corriendo con los timpanos sangrando”.

Claro que para esto tambien hay que imaginar una pericia y una diligencia que me cuesta mucho asociar a la armada española, no digamos de la voluntad politica de tomar las decisiones duras si hay complicaciones, porque, amigos, en el papel no aparecen, pero en el mundo real siempre hay una complicación lista para saltarte al cuello.

Que a este gobierno que tenemos, no nos rasguemos las vestiduras, es el que mejor nos representa en todos nuestros defectos y miserias, le encanta algo tan español como las “sopas sin sorber”, queremos un ejercito “humanitario” (¿y que cojones es eso?), estar en todos los fregados, salir en portada siempre.

Pero sin pagar el precio, claro esta, el precio es cosa de otros, de fascistas intolerantes por ejemplo, ¿Como vas a usar la violencia contra unos pobres somalies que se buscan el pan? ¿Como vas a contraatacar a unos inocentes talibanes afganos?

Aqui enviamos soldados a una zona de guerra y nos sorprendemos cuando les disparan.

El ejercito esta para repartir medicinas y hacerse fotos chachis con la ministra de la ayuda humanitaria, so rumsfeles.

¿A que huelen las balas?

Sum sum sum sum………………….

Va sobreentendida mi solidaridad y apoyo a los estoicos pescadores que cada dia salen a jugarsela a la mar para que sus familias tengan dinero para vivir y nosotros pescado para comer.

He vivido años en un pueblo pesquero y les conozco, son gente honrada y valiente.

Lo incluyo en el “Rincon del gilipollas” porque se ha hecho mucha estupidez con este asunto.

It was a mild afternoon, almost 50 degrees with some weak sunshine.  Down at Ashland Pond the birds–large and small–were active.  White-throated Sparrow among the Golden-crowns.  A Harrier passed over en route to the Billings Rnahc pastures.  Red-breasted sapsucker on the dead tree trunks.  No sap, good chance for insects.  And Robins, coming home to roost for the evening.

Male Lesser Goldfinch in bright new plumage.

Red-breasted Sapsucker with limbalmost obscuring his white moustache.

Black-capped Chickadee, notorious people watcher.  If I’m a birder, is he a peopler?

There were few ducks to be seen and those on the pond were very skitterish.

A block away on Glendower was this tree-topping American Kestrel.

John Bullock had seen a Townsend’s Warbler at the pond but I found only the Yellow-rumps when I was there.

Ashland Pond Observation date: 11/23/09 Number of species:  26.  Canada Goose 17 American Wigeon 10 Mallard 8 Pied-billed Grebe 2 Northern Harrier 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Mourning Dove 2 Acorn Woodpecker 4 Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1 Western Scrub-Jay 14 American Crow 8 Common Raven 3 Black-capped Chickadee 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 American Robin 40 European Starling 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s) 6 Spotted Towhee 18 Song Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 1 Golden-crowned Sparrow 30 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 8 Lesser Goldfinch 2

During my visit to the USS Nimitz in the Indian Ocean last month, I had the opportunity to see the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets in action. The Super Hornet is a 4.5+ generation naval multirole aircraft that was delivered to the US Navy in 1999 to replace the F-14, the S-3 and, in the long term, the F/A-18C and D Hornet.
Even if the “Rhino” (as the aircraft has been dubbed to distinguish it from the “legacy Hornet”) is the most advanced aircraft in the USN inventory, its replacement is already flying and undertaking flight testing: on Nov. 15, the first Lockheed F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) landed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md. The test aircraft, known as BF-1, after departing from Lockheed facility in Fort Worth, landed at Pax River after a stop in Dobbins Air Force Base, Ga.
BF-1 is the first of five test F-35B STOVL (Short Take-Off Vertical Landing) variants to be assigned to the air station. BF-2 is expected to arrive by the end of this year and BF-3 will follow shortly behind that, Lockheed spokesman John Kent said. The air station also will be home to three Navy carrier test variants. Before the aircraft can complete its first vertical landing, it must go through a transition phase. When regular airplanes fly, lift is created from the wing. But for hovering jets such as the F-35B, it is created from the jet itself. The transition phase is expected to include a series of flights, during which the aircraft will practice slowing down and transitioning lift from the wing to the jet — a critical step before an actual STOVL flight. Additional testing will include flying with different weight loads and ordnance payloads, according to a Marine release. “I’m anxious to have our engineers, our test pilots and our operators get their hands on this jet, and then see what we can do to turn test points and sorties at a rapid rate during the coming months,” said Lt. Gen. George J. Trautman, the deputy commandant for aviation, in a release. Eventually the Joint Strike Fighter will replace the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier, and the EA-6B Prowler. Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron-501, the first squadron that will train Marine JSF pilots and maintainers, is expected to stand up at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., in April 2010 as part of the Joint Integrated Training Center. The first operational squadron will stand up in 2012. Even the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) is expeceted to receive 22 naval JSF that will replace the AV-8B+ Harrier and will operate from the new Italian aircraft carrier Cavour (that can accomodate 8 – 10 F-35B).

An F/A-18F of the VFA-41 and an E of the VFA-14 overflying USS Nimitz (courtesy USS Nimitz)

The BF-1 arrives at Patuxent River (Lockheed)

The BF-1 arrives at Patuxent River (Lockheed)

Adult White-crowned Sparrow at North Mountain Park.

White-throated Sparrow at North Mountain Park.

Lincoln’s Sparrow skulking in the pondside brush, North Mountain Park.

Female Hooded Merganser showing her consummate hairdo.  Ashland Pond.

Lousy picture of male Eurasian Wigeon, alsoon Ashland Pond.  The Wigeons have been hunted and will not stay close to shore when a human is sighted.  This bird may have taken a wrong turn in the Bering Sea and ended up on this side of the Pacific.

Great Blue Heron, in Ashland Pond.  Then looking down from aloft.

At Ashland Pond there was a brief flurry of raptor rage.  A Northern Harrier had caught something, the furry prey and some extraneous grass stalks were hanging from its talons.  A Red-tailed Hawk was in pursuit, hoping to steal the Harrier’s meal.  To escape the Harrier flew swiftly and low to the ground through the trees along Ahsland Pond, forcing the Red-tail to pull up into the air.  At that moment an aggressive White-tailed Kite sturck from above, diving onto the back of the Red-tail.  The Harrier used the distraction to escape, flying north acorss Bear Creek and away from the RT.  The much more agile and swifter kite drove the Red-tail into cover along Bear Creek, leaving the Kite rule of the Billings Ranch range.

Acorn Woodpecker at work in the acorn pantry.  B Steet & Oak, Ashland.

Western Screech-Owl at children’s playground, Butler Playground, in Lithia Park.

Dipper in swirl of Ashland Creek, next to the playground.

On Sunday Oct.  30, 2009, Sarzana Luni airport hosted an interesting event to celebrate the 40 years of the 5° Gruppo Elicotteri of the Marina Militare (Italian Navy, ItNy). The event was attended by a few hundred visitors that found an interesting static display and no fences around the aircraft. Among the most interesting aircraft displayed at Luni, there were a high-visibility EH-101 (MMX605/PP6) and an NH-90 in Dutch Navy markings (CSX81697/N-088). Matteo Marianeschi was there and took the following pictures of both the local based helicopters and visitors.

by Carl Strang

It has been a while since I have shared one of my species dossiers. One of my practices is to keep records of what I have learned from my own observations of various species, as opposed to reading about them in other sources. Today I bring out my dossier on the Cooper’s hawk. In reviewing it I see that I have left out a lot of observations of this species, which has become common in the Chicago suburbs over the past decade or two, but those other observations would be much like the ones below. The observations begin with my date codes.

13SE85. Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg. A Cooper’s Hawk pursued a frantic, cheeping young thrush in and out among the trees, in sharp twists, turns, and vertical climbs and plunges, for a good 15 seconds. Then the hawk broke off, and the thrush escaped. This took place in an old field between stands of trees. Could the cheeping have been a signal to the hawk that the thrush had plenty of wind? As soon as the hawk turned back into the woods, the thrush continued its flight over an open field.

2AP88. One passed through woods at Hartz Lake (in Indiana), occasionally calling “kip.” Flew and perched, flew and perched its way across woods.

12MR92, McDowell Forest Preserve. A Cooper’s flew, northerly, high above woods. Pursued by a crow that occasionally swooped at it, but the hawk itself was nearly crow-sized, and it often turned and flew at the crow. Flight faster and more twisty then, but the crow turned to pursue the hawk when the latter resumed its path. Three such cycles observed.

18AP92. Hartz Lake. Pair of Cooper’s hawks hanging around a clearing in the woods, often calling: a wild-sounding, almost woodpecker-like “eh-eh-eh-…” (15-20 repeated syllables).

20AU92. Cooper’s chased a couple crows at Herrick Lake F.P., not seriously. They rattle-called afterwards.

18MR99. An immature plumaged Coopers appeared, hung around the Willowbrook riparian area (SE corner of preserve) for the rest of March, calling frequently, but vanished in early April.

1SE99. Cooper’s hawk soared above Nature Trail area of Willowbrook, moving north to south. They soar from time to time.

15JE00. Morton Arboretum. Near Parking Lot 7, when I arrived around 8am, 3 robins were giving the high‑pitched thin call repeatedly, and the forest otherwise was relatively quiet. After 10 minutes, a Cooper’s hawk started calling nearby, then flew out away from the forest edge until an eastern kingbird started to chase it. It immediately turned around and flew back the way it had come, and kept going. The robins then were quiet.

16JE00. Willowbrook. In the afternoon, a Cooper’s hawk perched near the west edge of the prairie, drawing alarm calls from a robin (the hawk‑whistle warning call) and a cardinal, and a chorus of 7 loudly mobbing jays.

18JL00. Willowbrook. In the early afternoon, a Cooper’s hawk soared low above the marsh and areas east and west of it, while 3 red‑tails soared high. One of the visiting red‑tails called once, but the Cooper’s, which has been resident all summer, called repeatedly.

26FE01. A Cooper’s called for a long time from the top of a tree near the islands in the river at McDowell Grove. A harrier was flying overhead, but the Cooper’s did not appear to be looking at it while calling.

14AP01. 2 Cooper’s, possibly a pair, at West DuPage Woods. One made an unusual flight through the open air, with exaggerated, moth-like wingbeats reminding me very much of a short-eared owl.

5MY01. A Cooper’s hawk incubating a stick nest high in a tree at Wayne Grove Forest Preserve. Tail visible from below.

10JA02. Two jays newly arrived at Willowbrook (for weeks there had been one, at most, and these were in addition to that one). They were mimicking crow caws, with lower volume and a brighter tone that made the mimicry clear, but an interesting sound. One of them also repeatedly imitated a Cooper’s hawk’s calls, both the string of notes and the isolated single notes. Again the volume was lower than in the hawk, but tonal fidelity was very good. They were in brush, low to the ground and close to me (the Cooper’s imitator was within 20 feet and clearly knew I was there). Before long I saw a Cooper’s hawk, almost certainly the same one that we saw hunting the day before by sitting and waiting on a tree branch for a minute or 2, then moving to a new perch. Today the hawk was perched about 100 yards from the jays.

12MR02. As 2 Cooper’s hawks began to call in the woods at Willowbrook, a jay flew to the treetops above them and began the bobbing “teakettle” call. Another jay arrived and began to “jay” call as the first continued on away in the direction it had been going.

26OC07. A Cooper’s hawk still calling at Fullersburg.

2006-2008. Cooper’s hawks nested at Fullersburg. The great horned owls there prefer to use a hawk nest from the previous year. In at least one year the Cooper’s were successful, as fledglings frequently were to be seen. In at least one year, and perhaps two, the hawks started to incubate but then abandoned. In one case this happened shortly after a pair of broad-winged hawks arrived and began to advertise their territory nearby.

24MR09. Mayslake. Scattered feathers of a Cooper’s hawk in the prairie south of the stream corridor marsh. The location, and nature of feather damage pointed to great horned owl as the predator.

 Late summer 09. Mayslake. One day a Cooper’s hawk caught a young-of-the-year robin in the woodland east of the mansion.

 Autumn 09, Mayslake. A Cooper’s hawk, flying low, could see through the windows of the library wing, and attempted to fly through as it would a space within a forest canopy. Unfortunately the windows were closed. It was not flying fast, and after bouncing off flew away, apparently unharmed.

With the winter’s slower season arriving, I expect to be sharing more dossiers. I encourage any student of natural history to be careful in separating what you know out of personal experience from what you have heard second hand.

Red-tailed Harlan's Hawk Juvenile Dark Morph

A Red-tailed Harlan’s Hawk – Young Dark Morph in flight near Creston.

Red-tailed Harlan's Juvenile Dark Morph

The same Red-tailed Harlan’s Hawk – Young Dark Morph eating a vole.

Female Harrier Hawk

A Female Harrier Hawk hunts voles near Creston, B.C.

Rough-legged Hawk

A Rough-legged Hawk perched near Creston, B.C.

Rough-legged Hawk in Flight

A Rough-legged Hawk in Flight near Creston, B.C.

Rough-legged Hawk with Vole

A Rough-legged Hawk in flight with a with Vole near Creston, B.C.

Red-tailed Hawk with Vole

A Red-tailed Hawk in flight with a vole near Creston, B.C.

Osprey with Fish

An Osprey with a fish at Duck Lake, B.C.

Lapland Longspur

A Lapland Longspur at Duck Lake, B.C.

Snow Bunting

A Snow Bunting at Duck Lake, B.C.

American Coot

An American Coot at Duck Lake, B.C.

]]> http://atowhee.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/whetstone-prairie/ Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:39:33 +0000 atowhee http://atowhee.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/whetstone-prairie/

Dennis Vroman was leading today’s Rogue Valley Audubon field trip at Whetstone Prairie.  This is a piece of Nature Conservancy land north of Medford.  It is covered by low grass, white oak and buckbrush.  Still blooming are the yellow-blossomed showy tarweed.  So named for their sticky seeds that will follow you home.  The oaks on Whetstone Prairie are not too dense but the buckbrush is, and there are patches of dense blackberry tangle.

Our most abundant bird on the walk: Savannah Sparrow.

We also good looks at a couple Lark Sparrows that have not migrated away…yet.  A few linger for the Christmas Count.  The Meadowlarks were also visible and tuneful.  They sang from wires, they sang from buckbrush clumps:

And the Lewis’s Woodpeckers fluttered over the oaks like giant, dark moths.  They would play chase, fly-catch and generally make themselves visible in flight.  Getting close enough to a Lewis percher was another story.

Below: view of Lower Table Rock to the north.  Ele. 2029′  Then view of Mt. McLoughlin in the cascades to the east.  Ele. 9495′

We puzzled over thebig falcon until we all got to see his facial markings, young Peregrine.  The Cooper’s Hawk came by and drove off our two lark Sparrows, then politely sat in the open so everybody got a good look and finally a confirmed ID. Large female Coop.

Filling out the eBird form can be enlightening.  Their algorithm has very clear ideas about what birds you should see.  California Towhee doesn’t even show up on the common birds list for Jackson County, so you have to click on “rare birds.”  Then when I said we’d seen over a dozen Mockingbirds, eBird politely asked what I’d been drinking so I had to re-confirm.  Yet Whetstone is one of the spots in Jackson Countywhere Mockingbirds are doing quite well and are numerous.

One Kestrel male caught something to eat as we watched, and two other Kestrels were attracted to the spectable, flying in and out of the dining tree.  Later this trio spotted the (or one of two) Peregrine and gave chase.  The Peregrine eaisly out-flew his tiny cousins.  Peregrines annually nest on nearby Lower Table Rock.  I’ve been told by a Peregrine census-taker there are at least ten known nesting sites in Jackson County now.

Location:     Whetstone Prairie–located south of Newlands Road which parallels Whetstone Creek as it frows westward to join the Rogue River between Touvelle State Park and the mouth of Bear Creek which is just upstream from Gold-Ray Dam.
Observation date:     10/24/09
Notes:     Dennis Vroman’s field trip for Rogue Valley Audubon Society.
Number of species:     35

Canada Goose     16
Great Egret     1
White-tailed Kite     2
Northern Harrier     1
Cooper’s Hawk     1
Red-tailed Hawk     1
American Kestrel     5
Peregrine Falcon     1
Anna’s Hummingbird     1
Lewis’s Woodpecker     30
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)     2
Say’s Phoebe     2
Western Scrub-Jay     25
Common Raven     3
Black-capped Chickadee     2
Bushtit     15
White-breasted Nuthatch     1
Bewick’s Wren     6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet     4
Western Bluebird     35
American Robin     20
Northern Mockingbird     15
European Starling     6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s)     12,     Spotted Towhee     10
California Towhee     3
Lark Sparrow     2
Savannah Sparrow     120
White-crowned Sparrow     8
Golden-crowned Sparrow     5
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)     5
Western Meadowlark     40
Brewer’s Blackbird     30
House Finch     6
Lesser Goldfinch     16

Harrier

El despegue vertical reduce la capacidad de carga bélica. Señala Pedro Luis Martín Olivares que su radio de combate es de 200 Km con 6000 Kgs de carga bélica y una hora de permanencia sobre el objetivo; 100 Km con 3500 kgs y utilizando un perfil de misión hi-lo-hi.

Los Harrier necesitan despegar en corto cuando transportan una carga completa de combustible y armas. Empleando tanques auxiliares balares, el Harrier puede volar casi 2000 millas naúticas, unos 3600 kms.

Aunque sea mucho más lento a alta cota, alega Pedro Luis Martín Olivares que el Harrier, a baja cota, es casi tan veloz como sus rivales; además acelera mucho más rápidamente. La capacidad de empuje vectorial hace del AV-8B uno de los aviones más maniobrables del mundo.

Un AV-8B de los Marines exhibiendo toda su variedad de armamento

Europa: aéreas somarão perdas de 2,9 bi de euros no ano

A irlandesa Aer Lingus é uma que enfrenta dificuldades (Foto: Jetphotos.net / Clique para ampliar)

O presidente da Associação de Companhias Aéreas Europeias (AEA, da sigla em inglês), Ivan Misetic, da Croatia Airlines, divulgou resultados preliminares da aviação civil na Europa neste ano. Nas previsões da AEA, o ano tem sido o pior enfrentado pela indústria nas últimas três décadas. Segundo o presidente da AEA, até o final do ano as 33 companhias aéreas europeias associadas reduzirão 35 mil postos de trabalho, em 2009, por conta das perdas de 2,9 bilhões de euros. A queda no número de passageiros projetada pela associação é de 22 milhões, número 50% superior à redução enfrentada em 2001, depois dos ataques de 11 de setembro.

Segundo o presidente da associação, os custos externos – aqueles fora do controle das empresas aéreas – são responsáveis por dois terços dos gastos totais das companhias, entre eles as taxas aeroportuárias. Para Misetic, os grandes aeroportos aumentaram sucessivamente suas taxas para compensar a queda no volume de passageiros e os custos mais elevados das medidas de segurança. As empresas associadas à AEA transportam anualmente 366 milhões de passageiros em 11,5 mil voos diários.

Ações Gol e TAM sobem com alta nas tarifas

A possibilidade das principais companhias aéreas aumentarem suas tarifas tem impactado de forma positiva as ações destas empresas. O presidente da Gol, Constantino Jr., disse que deve fazer reajustes da ordem de 20% em seus preços nos próximos meses. Os papéis de Gol e TAM encerraram o pregão com altas superiores a 3,5%.

Nas últimas semanas, TAM, e Azul também declararam a possibilidade de reajustar suas tarifas ainda em 2009. A corretora Link recomenda a compra dos papéis da Gol. (GOLL4) e da TAM (TAMM4) e inclui a última em sua lista de “top picks” (melhores escolhas).

O reajuste da Gol, segundo a corretora, deve ocorrer para equilibrar os efeitos negativos que a guerra de tarifas entre as companhias teve sobre a receita. A recomposição tarifária e o término das promoções são a estratégia da empresa para o fim do ano, embora o objetivo continue sendo atrair as classes C e D.

Para os analistas, outros motivos justificam o aumento dos preços das passagens. O último semestre de 2009 e o primeiro de 2010 serão períodos propícios ao reajuste, tanto por questões de sazonalidade nesta época, a demanda aumenta -, quanto pela tendência de aumento de renda da população e de queda no desemprego.

As ações da Gol fecharam o pregão desta quinta-feira (22/10) em alta de 3,9%, comercializado a 18,61 reais. Já os papéis da TAM encerraram as negociações em alta de 4,45%, a 25,80 reais. O Ibovespa, no fim do pregão, apresentava alta de 0,99% e fechou aos 66.134 pontos.

Aviação executiva está otimista 

O mercado de aviação executiva mostrou no terceiro trimestre do ano que a recuperação da crise é fato consumado. Otimista, mesmo após queda de 20% no primeiro semestre de 2009, seguida de redução no quadro de funcionários, a Líder Aviação retomou em setembro o ritmo de crescimento que tinha em 2008, antes do início da crise financeira. Júnia Hermont, superintendente da Líder Aviação, se ampara também nas perspectivas de crescimento de outros setores, como o agronegócio e a extração de petróleo, e prevê um avanço de 10% da empresa em 2010. “Estamos estudando inclusive uma ampliação da frota para atender a novos contratos”, diz. Segundo Júnia, entre agosto e setembro a empresa renovou 8 contratos com a Petrobras. “Os próximos investimentos no pré-sal podem ampliar ainda mais os contratos da empresa.” Além da Petrobras, seu maior cliente, a Líder tem contrato com a Repsol e com a Shell, todos de prestação de serviço de transporte entre a plataforma e terra firme. Os resultados do terceiro trimestre prometem compensar baixas que a empresa teve com a crise, uma vez que apenas entre agosto e setembro a empresa vendeu três aviões com valor médio de US$ 4 milhões cada.

TAP nega fusão com a TAM 

O presidente da TAP, o brasileiro Fernando Pinto, negou informações veiculadas ontem pela imprensa portuguesa de que ele defende uma fusão entre TAP, a brasileira TAM e TAAG, a estatal de aviação da Angola. A TAM não comentou o assunto. A TAAG está proibida de voar na União Européia desde julho de 2007 por problemas de segurança operacional. Em fevereiro deste ano, a TAP firmou uma parceria com a TAAG para treinar os funcionários de manutenção. “Estou aqui em Luanda num trabalho de cooperação técnica com a TAAG. E deixei muito claro que isso (fusão) nunca foi falado”, disse Pinto, ao Valor, por telefone, acrescentando que essa hipótese foi criada pela imprensa. TAP e TAM mantêm um relacionamento comercial desde 2007, por meio de um acordo de compartilhamento de assentos (code share). No primeiro trimestre de 2010, a TAM vai efetivar sua adesão à Star Alliance. A TAP já faz parte dessa aliança. Questionado sobre os rumores de que teria sido convidado para presidir a TAM, o executivo brincou. Chegou a confirmar e afirmou que vinha ao Brasil para aceitar o convite. “Estou brincando… Não tem nada disso. Não quero sair de Portugal. Não fui convidado”, emendou.

Incidente com aeronave da centurion no Uruguai 

Um avião da empresa americana Centurion Cargo sofreu nesta terça-feira um “acidente menor” no aeroporto de Carrasco, que serve a Montevidéu, e seus cinco tripulantes saíram ilesos, disseram fontes oficiais. “Foi um acidente menor, ocorrido às 03H00 da manhã (05H00 GMT), quando pousava; houve uma ruptura da roda principal do trem de pouso”, explicou o porta-voz da Força Aérea (FAU), coronel Mariano Rodrigo. O aparelho “é um trirreator MD11 da empresa Centurion Cargo de bandeira americana, que opera semanalmente em Montevidéu”, acrescentou.

Celular pára voo na Espanha 

Um avião com destino à Grã-Bretanha ficou parado na Espanha depois que uma passageira deixou cair seu telefone celular em um escoadouro para ventilação de ar, levando a companhia aérea a desmontar parcialmente a aeronave. A passageira deixou cair seu celular durante o pouso do avião no aeroporto de Murcia, no sudeste da Espanha, no último domingo. Como estava ligado, os coordenadores da companhia aérea, Jet2, se recusaram a permitir a saída da aeronave antes que o aparelho fosse encontrado. Passageiros que deveriam embarcar para a cidade de Newcastle, na Inglaterra, tiveram de esperar três horas enquanto os engenheiros desmontavam a área do cockpit e os assentos da frente do avião. Após o incidente, a companhia agradeceu a paciência dos clientes e atribuiu a necessidade de atrasar o vôo aos procedimentos de segurança. “Sem dúvida houve o inconveniente de esperar até que recuperássemos o telefone, mas celulares ou outros aparelhos de comunicação ligados têm de ser removidos da aeronave a fim de garantir o maior nível de segurança para os nossos passageiros”, disse um porta-voz da companhia. “Gostaríamos de lembrar a todos os passageiros que não liguem seus telefones antes de chegar ao terminal do aeroporto.”

Revisão de plano em VCP diminui impacto ambiental 

A Infraero (Empresa Brasileira de Infraestrutura Aeroportuária) concluiu o trabalho de revisão do plano diretor da expansão do Aeroporto Internacional de Viracopos e irá promover alterações no traçado e na distância entre a primeira pista (já existente) e a segunda (ainda a ser construída). O objetivo principal das mudanças é reduzir o impacto ambiental da obra e adequar o projeto às exigências feitas pela Secretaria Estadual de Meio Ambiente, que analisa o EIA (Estudo de Impacto Ambiental) – Rima do empreendimento. Segundo Wagner Del Monaco, gerente-geral da coordenadoria de ampliação de aeroportos da Infraero que atua diretamente em Viracopos, pelo novo projeto a segunda pista deverá ficar cerca de 400 metros mais próxima da Rodovia Santos Dumont do que o que estava previsto no projeto original. “A distância original era de 1.293 mil metros, distância que deve ser reduzida para algo em torno de 900 metros”, afirmou ele. Del Monaco ressaltou que isso não deverá obrigar a empresa a reavaliar as áreas de desapropriação nos bairros em torno de Viracopos. “As áreas a serem utilizadas estão desocupadas e acreditamos que essa alteração também não trará mudanças significativas no que diz respeito ao ruído provocado pelos aeronaves nessas regiões”, disse ele. Com relação à distância entre a pista já existente e a segunda pista, del Monaco ressaltou que a perspectiva é de que ocorra uma aproximação de 200 metros, o que diminuiria a distância entre as duas pistas de 3 mil metros para 2,8 mil metros. “Acreditamos que com isso não iremos precisar diminuir o número de pousos e decolagens a serem feitos nessas pistas”, destacou ele.

Embraer agiliza superte a executivos

A Embraer está concluindo a implementação do programa da Component Control para agilizar os sistemas de peças de reposição em todas as suas bases que garantem apoio técnico de pós venda aos operadores de seus jatos executivos. A primeira unidade assim equipada foi a de Nashville, no Tennessee (EUA) e depois as de Mesa (Arizona) e Fort Lauderdale (Arizona), também norte-americanas. Este ano o sistema foi implantado nas unidades de Le Bourget (França) e de Gavião Peixoto (São Paulo-Brasil). A firma Componente Control, baseada em San Diego, é especializada nesse tipo de programas

Pratt & Whitney entrega motor

A Pratt & Whitney Canada celebrou recentemente a entrega do seu motor aeronáutico de número 7000, um exemplar da versão PT6A-60A do qual o fabricante já entregou mais de 17 mil exemplares. Os motores PT-6 equipam uma grande gama de aeronaves, inclusive muitas de fabricação brasileira como o “Bandeirante”, o “Tucano” e o “Brasília”.

Indianos param seus Harrier

Mais um acidente abalou a confiança da Marinha Indiana em seus caças embarcados “Harrier”, dos quais restam apenas 11 em estado de voo do lote original de 30 adquirido na Inglaterra nos anos da década de 1980. Uma serie de fatores, como a complexidade da aeronave, acidentes operacionais e problemas de manutenção tem sido responsáveis pelas perdas.

Israel testa míssil ar-terra em UH-60 Blackhawk

A Força Aérea de Israel realizou recentemente um lançamento real com míssil à partir de um Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk, completando mais uma etapa do programa que visa a utilização deste modelo como plataforma de ataque. A Força Aérea de Israel empregou nos testes o míssil Rafael Spike ER, guiado por infravermelho, que possui um alcance efetivo que varia de 400m à 8km contra alvos em solo. O primeiro protótipo foi desenvolvido pela força aérea com cooperação da US Air Force (Força Aérea norte-americana) e da Elbit Systems, que incluíram no helicóptero um novo computador de missões, aviônicos mais avançados e sistemas de aquisição de alvos. A Força Aérea de Israel ainda não decidiu se vai converter sua frota de UH-60 em versões de ataque.

Marinha da França encontra destroços e corpo de piloto acidentado no Mediterrâneo

Militares de uma unidade de mergulho da Marinha da França localizaram os destroços de um dos dois Dassault Rafale que se acidentaram durante manobras no porta-aviões Charles de Gaulle, no Mediterrâneo, em 24 de setembro último. Os caças da Marinha da França, que pertenciam a uma esquadrilha de quatro aeronaves, todas monoplaces, colidiram em pleno voo à aproximadamente 30km da cidade de Perpignan, sul da França.Os aviões estavam participando de um exercício e, durante a colisão, somente um piloto havia ejetado. Junto com os destroços localizados sete dias mais tarde, estava o corpo do piloto desaparecido, François Duflot, encontrado a mais de 700m de profundidade à 35km leste do Cabo Bear.

Expectativa da Tap para 2009 ainda é negativa

O vice-presidente executivo da Tap, Luiz da Gama Mór (foto), falou há pouco com jornalistas, no estande da companhia, na Feira das Américas, onde mostrou um balanço prévio das operações no Brasil. Na presença do diretor da aérea para o Brasil, Mário Carvalho, Mór voltou a dizer que a redução de dez voos para o País foi uma medida tomada no “calor da crise”, e que a oferta voltará a ser maior na alta temporada. “As operações brasileiras são importantíssimas para nós. Cerca de 13% do total de passageiros que transportamos é proveniente daqui. E mais: geram 28% da receita total de viajantes Tap”, explicou o dirigente, completando que o País tem uma oferta semanal de 30 mil assentos.

Porém, a estimativa para o restante do ano não é boa, um fato, por outro lado, esperado. “Provavelmente, teremos queda de 8% no número de passageiros transportados. Serão cerca de 1.127 milhão”, anunciou o vice-presidente executivo da empresa portuguesa. Entre janeiro e setembro, a companhia já contabilizou o transporte de 841 mil pessoas, com ocupação média de 71%. “Desse número, 61% vem do Sudeste”, resumiu ele.

Passaredo anuncia investimentos de R$90 milhões

A aquisição de novos jatos Embraer ERJ 145 em 2009, todos em operação, possibilitou que a empresa triplicasse o número de passageiros transportados em relação a 2008 e também ampliasse a quantidade de destinos oferecidos. Um dos objetivos da Passaredo Linhas Aéreas é se fortalecer cada vez mais no mercado do interior de SP, onde atua oferecendo voos diretos ligando as principais cidades às grandes capitais brasileiras, principalmente a São Paulo, onde através do aeroporto internacional de Guarulhos, facilita conexões nacionais e internacionais. A Passaredo voa atualmente para 17 destinos e quer ampliar ainda mais este número no ano que vem, tanto que anunciará um investimento na ordem de $90 milhões em aquisições e também em infraestrutura, visando dobrar o número de passageiros atendidos em relação a 2009.

First biography of legendary Marine Corps Colonel John W. Ripley.

by Norman Fulkerson

On November 1, 2008, Ron Darden was watching the evening news when an item, scrolling across the bottom of the screen, caught his eye. He was shocked to find out that his former company commander, Colonel John Walter Ripley, had died at his home in Annapolis, Maryland.

On that same day, I decided to write An American Knight, The Life of Colonel John W. Ripley, the first biography of this great man.

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Sergeant Darden admitted that he was afraid when, as a 19-year-old lance corporal, he first joined Lima Company. He drew guard duty on his first night in Vietnam and described how his fears were put to ease when he received an unexpected visit from Captain John Ripley, Lima Company’s fearless commander, who jumped into the foxhole next to him.  The solicitous captain asked Darden where he was from, if he was married and how his parents were getting along without him.

During this night visit, John Ripley spoke to Ron Darden with the gentleness of a father and told him it was okay to be afraid, but that he should not let his fears dominate him. Sergeant Darden would go on to earn a Silver Star when he ran out into the middle of a firefight to save the life of a wounded Marine who lay helpless on the ground. He is a man who has seen the worst of war while serving under the best of battle field commanders.

As Darden related stories about John Ripley during a phone interview, I sensed that this Silver-Star-recipient was fighting back tears as he remembered this remarkable man and that unforgettable night so many years ago. He could not believe the lack of news coverage of this great man. His surprise quickly turned to frustration and then anger as he searched for more details about the passing of a man, who, long before his untimely death had already been revered as a “living legend.”

The news of Colonel Ripley’s death did in fact begin to hit the airwaves and his obituary eventually appeared in

Painting by Col. Charles Waterhouse of John Ripley dangling above the Cua Viet River as angry North Vietnamese soldiers fire upon him.

The New York Times. What the Times and so many others newspaper articles recounted was the story of a man who blew up the Dong Ha bridge on Easter Sunday in 1972. This is understandable considering that Colonel Ripley almost singlehandedly halted the largest Communist offensive of the entire Vietnam War. This amounted to stopping 30,000 enemy troops and 200 tanks. He was successful in this task and would later sum up in actions in a succinct way:

“The bridge was there, the enemy was there, and I was there.”

Desiring to Tell the Whole Truth

What he did on that day defies belief and I could not fail to narrate the Dong Ha story in An American Knight. There is so much more to Colonel Ripley, however, that has been conveniently overlooked or glossed over by those either unable or unwilling to tell the whole truth. Colonel Ripley was a rare type of warrior who willingly and, his sons told me, enthusiastically addressed a number of politically incorrect issues of his day.

Ashley Gonzalez of the United States Air force. No comment!!!

I saw the importance of one of the issues he addressed when I was “mugged by reality” in an airport some years ago by the sight of a young lady about to board a plane. She was a picture of femininity, in every way, except for her battle fatigues and the rucksack thrown over her shoulder. Moments later, her tearful parents said their final farewells to a daughter being sent off to do a man’s job.

It was only natural, therefore, that I drew an enormous consolation when I first read the heroic testimony of Colonel Ripley against sending women, like this one, into harm’s way. While others paid homage to the “god of equality,” he chose to defend the noble ideals of womanhood and femininity. This, and his care for children, were the things which caused me to see in Colonel Ripley a modern-day knight.

Since justice is the virtue whereby man renders to each what is due to him, I could do nothing less for this great man. This was one of the motivating factors which urged me to write his life. Mysteriously enough, I was egged on in this project as much by Colonel Ripley himself, as anyone. In a letter to a friend he said something which struck me like a voice from beyond the grave: “If a young officer or Marine ever asks, what is the meaning of Semper Fidelis, tell them my story.” After reading such a thing, I could not fail to tell this man’s story?

“I Walked with a Hero.”

There was another motivating factor which urged me on and that was my desire to console hero-seeking-Americans who yearn for a role model like Colonel Ripley who they can admire and emulate. During the researching of An American Knight, I took time to read numerous website commentaries and was inspired by the eulogies posted by average Americans.

One man, no doubt inspired by the Marines’ Hymn which speaks of Heaven being guarded by U.S. Marines said the following.

“We claim Semper Fidelis as our motto, but it was Col. Ripley’s life. His loyalty was complete, in all directions. The earth is less today without his soul, but the heavens are a safer place tonight.”

Another comment was even more impressive but demands an introduction.

Colonel Ripley was an outstanding officer who took great pride in the position he earned. This can be seen in the picture I chose for the cover of An American Knight. Yet he was a man that had a profound humility and never wanted attention drawn to himself. Colonel Ripley was not a man who tried to impress others with his Navy Cross or his legendary status. In fact he would often point out the achievements of those of lesser rank and frequently expressed his unbounded appreciation for the common Marine Corps grunts that “get the job done.”

He did this in a very refreshing way without ever adopting the “one of the guys” egalitarian attitude, so lamentably

John Ripley (right) as a Naval Academy midshipman with his brother Michael who died in 1971 while test flying the Harrier.

common among many people of higher station. Colonel Ripley was, from top to bottom, a serious Marine Corps officer and was not ashamed of it. Yet he never missed the opportunity to challenge those around him to reach higher. It is for this reason that towards the end of his life he gave himself wholeheartedly to mentoring. He loved to counsel young men starting out on their military careers, especially those of the United States Naval Academy, his alma mater, which he loved with his whole heart.

All of this helps in understanding better a comment of a midshipman after Colonel Ripley’s death:

“This is the same man who sat at dinner with me and asked me, a first class midshipman, about to be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, to sign his program for the evening because he was going to read about me in the papers and all the great things I did for the Marine Corps. I walked with a hero. Semper Fidelis.”

Rest in Peace Now!

I saved the best eulogy for last. It came from a mother of four, who defined herself, even if inaccurately, as a “simple American women.” I pray that she someday know how moved I was to read her words.

“I never had the honor of meeting Col. John Ripley. In fact, before a dear friend suggested that I look him up, I had never heard his name. But I have sat here and read stories of his life and countless postings by the people that loved him and will miss him dearly. I am a simple American woman enjoying a world that Col. Ripley dedicated his life to protecting. I am humbled by the recounts of his heroism and tireless dedication to his country. I suppose I’d just like to say thank you. Thank you from the core of my being and on behalf of my four children. When the time is right, I will tell each of them of this great man, Col. John Ripley. May God bless your soul.”

I thank you also Colonel Ripley. Rest in peace now, I will them your story.

Back cover of An "American Knight". A solitary Marine pays his final respects beside the coffin of Colonel John Ripley.

On the way back we stopped at Nojoqui Falls to see how much water was still flowing after the big rain last week.  There wasn’t a ton of water but it was still lovely and I’d like to get back there with a tripod and with fewer people around.  We then decided to check out Devereux Slough before going back to the house.  We were there last weekend and the difference in water level was stunning.  The slough is very full and possibly close to breaching through the beach.  The heightened water level has changed the composition of water birds with most of the small shorebirds now missing.  The highlight was watching a White-faced Ibis fly in and land on the southern island.  Hmm… now that I think about it, I change my mind.  The most memorable occurrence was watching several cormorants attempting to balance on a 4×4.  Here’s some video of them log-rolling!  Finally, we dropped by Lake Los Carneros before sunset and saw a Northern Harrier flying back and forth, low over the brushy fields.

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“Spring and Fall”  -  Nojoqui Falls, Santa Barbara County, CA

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“Tranquility”  -  Nojoqui Falls

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“Kingfisher”  -  Devereux Slough

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“Black-crowned Night Heron I”  -  Devereux Slough

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“Black-crowned Night Heron II”  -  Devereux Slough

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“White-faced Ibis”  -  Devereux Slough

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“White-faced Ibis”  -  Devereux Slough

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“Great Egret”  -  Devereux Slough

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“Northern Harrier”  -  Lake Los Carneros, Goleta, CA

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“Sun Dog”  -  Lake Los Carneros

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A la vez que estrenamos el blog, la compañía Falcon Harrier abre un foro para conversar sobre partidas o quedar con otros grupos. Entra, registrate y enganchate al airsoft.

http://falconharrier.creatuforo.com/

La Compañía Falcon Harrier os da la bienvenida a su cuaderno de bitácora donde recogerá los devenires de cada partida de airsoft. Esperamos hacer que disfrutéis y aprendáis todo lo necesario del maravilloso mundo del airsoft. Más adelante os presentaremos a los miembros. Un saludo y gracias.

Was it justt wo days ago I was moaning about not being able to capture raptors inf light? I think so. And yesterday afternoon i went to Gooseberry and while walking downt he centra road I saw what I am sure was a marsh hawk off int he distance. Even in the 300mm telephoto it looked like this.

Marsh Hawk gliding over the highest point at mid-island. Click image for larger version.

But if you zoom in, this dud ooks like this. So why am I so sur eit’s a Harrier? Marsh Hawk? I’m rarely absolutely sure, but my confidence is high on this one becuase there’s no neck, a long tail, grey body, and the outer wings are light grey.  That all fits.  But I am used to idnetifying hawks – and a few other birds – in flight, not by their markings, but by their flight pattern, environment,  and behavior.  This bird flew low. following the contours of the land, alternately flapping and gliding. This is the perfect kind of hunting territory for the Marsh Hawk – the brish being loaded with small birds, as well rabbits and rodents.  And the Marsh Hawk flies and hunts this way. This even more distant shot shows a wing shape typical of  a marsh Hawk gliding which you can find in  “the Sibley Guide to Birds.”

Click image for larger view.

Well – that’s one of my easy hawks. Now if I can only catch the speedy, smaller Merlin!  And, of course, I’d like better shots of the Marsh Hawk.

Meanwhile, the Monarch migration continues its hot pace. I took a brief walk on the central road for about 30 minutes maxumum – probably abit less – and I saw 29 Monarchs! So if anything, there were more than the day before which was  a peak dya for my observation this year. (Saw lots of dragon flies yesterday in my backyard – they also migrate about this time – but didn’t see any at Gooseberry. )

Monarch in flight - click image for larger version.

OH – and this was an “LBJ Day” for me – that stands for “Little Brown Jobbies.” In other words, I saw several of these just a bit osuth of the parking lot, they seemed to like scrounging in the road. But I haven’t yet identified them.

Haven;t yet identfied these guys on the road - and I surely can't identify the one in the upper left that is flying. Click on the image for a larger version and take a close look - kinda weird.

Esto es lo que dice el soldado americano cuando ve que el Harrier viene directito a él, muy bajito, muy bajito. La verdad que debe molar mucho verlo en la vida real, lo que no debe molar es verlo insitu en Afganistan, en plena guerra anti-talibana. Asi que os dejo con dos videos, para que os lo veais desde casa tranquilamente.

This was the last weekend we’d have my parents’ car so we decided to make the most of it with a trip to Bletchley Park, the World War Two code-breaking centre that also happens to have been home to the first ever programmable electronic computer, Colossus. the team who broke the Nazi Enigma code (dramatised in the film, Enigma) and tragic geek hero-genius, Alan Turing.

So…it wasn’t entirely for kids   But then, I’ve always thought that family days out should have something for everybody, not just the children.  Forcing me to only visit places only meant for children to enjoy – or vice versa – is a guaranteed way of making some very unhappy travellers indeed!

Fortunately, we can all of us highly recommend Bletchley Park to everyone as the entire Carter family – even AmberG – had a great day out.

For the kids there was plenty of exploring to do, a museum of toys, a Harrier jump jet and a small playground.  The grown-ups had lots of interesting material about the war, the National Museum of Computing, a Harrier jump jet and all kinds of fascinating (if somewhat geeky) displays of… stuff would seem to be the best word to describe all the different things to see.

When Winnie met Millie

Despite its pivotal role in the Second World War and in the development of computers Bletchley Park is run as a charity and often had an endearingly ramshackle quality to it; there were lots of restoration projects on the go, lots of donated pieces of equipment and memorabilia, and just as many people working to restore it all purely for the love of it.

On top of this, the Lovely Melanie and I got to feel like very good parents: taking our children to such an important, educational place, and coupled with last week’s trip to the Diana Memorial Playground we’re probably in line for some kind of parenting award! (or the Lovely Melanie is, anyway, since while I’m upstairs arsing about writing this she’s downstairs helping Millie learn her letters through the use of Jolly Phonics).

My only real regret of our day at Bletchley was of not getting a really good look at most of the displays.  Bletchley Park is great for the whole family, but taking the whole family ensures that you get dragged around at the speed of boredom (and the speed of boredom for most children is pretty fast!)  One day the Lovely Melanie and I would quite like to go back there sans children…

I went out to the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary today. 

Wow – SLOW day for birds.  I wandered about for 4.5 hours today and hardly shot anything.

Today’s set can be seen at Flickr

All shot with the 50D  and 100-400L

I can’t wait for all the cool winter ducks to arrive!

Glider Pilots at Arnhem
The fierce struggle between the British 1st Airborne Division and the superior German forces in and around Arnhem is well documented. This book tells of the role played in the battle for Oosterbeek and the bridge at Arnhem itself by the men of the Glider Pilot Regiment (GPR). These men were already experienced soldiers who volunteered to join the airborne forces and take the fight to the Germans in a totally new regiment….

Pegasus – The Heart of the Harrier: The History and Development of the World’s First Operational Vertical Take-Off and Landing Jet Engine
The conception of the Pegasus engine in 1957 upset all the conventions of aircraft design. It was previously usual for aircraft designers to seek a suitable engine, but this was an engine that sought an aircraft. The aircraft that resulted was the famous Harrier that is still in front-line service with air forces around the world including the RAF and US Marine Corps. This book takes an in-depth look at the engine’s original design concept, initial production and flight testing….

A finales de 1995 PepsiCo, Inc. lanzó un anuncio de televisión con una nueva campaña para fomentar el consumo de Pepsi-Cola a través de la recolección de puntos para canjearlos por diverso merchandising.

Al final del anuncio, como podéis ver aparece un Harrier a cambio de 7.000.000 de puntos Pepsi. 1 punto pepsi equivalía a 1 litro de pepsi (1 botella de 2 litros, 2 puntos).

Un avispado llamado John Leonard, reunió 15 puntos por si mismo y pago 10 céntimos de dolar por cada uno de los 6.999.985 puntos restantes tal y como establecian las bases del concurso además de 10 dólares por los gastos de envio.

Resumiendo, por más o menos 700.000 dólares accedía a un premio de un aparato valorado en la época en aproximadamente 30 millones de dólares.

Finalmente creo que PepsiCo se libró de darle el Harrier a John pero la imagen de la marca quedó bastante dañada por el hecho y la campaña consiguió el resultado contrario al esperado.

Moraleja: Nunca prometas lo que no puedas cumplir.

Hey Newbie Janet!

 Great Questions and thanks for writing!  Here’s what you should know and can expect from the races as a newbie. 

 First, the “Reno Races” are in fact “air races” with lots of thrilling and entertaining “air show” events occurring between the races within the tightly choreographed four day event.  You will be attending with about 210,000 of your new race friends!

 About the Races

The aircraft race in a basic circle course around Pylons (flying low and flying left) and each category of aircraft listed below have their own course, varying in length depending on the speed and size of the aircraft.  The “home pylon” is front and center of the Grandstands and Box seating, so you can see the winners zipping by and pulling up at the finish of their race!  You might want to bring binoculars to see the planes as they are flying their laps on the far side of the course and to people watch!

 These are the six classes of aircraft that will be racing, their average speed and course length:

• The Unlimited and Jet classes fly the same and largest course of approximately 8.43 miles.  The Unlimited class fly between 465 mph to 487.9 mph* (a course record in 2007, although I was there when a 501 mph was recorded on a qualifying lap).  The Jets fly about the same speed and I’m betting they’ll fly about 10 mph faster this year.
• The Sport Class has a slightly smaller and tighter course of approximately 7 miles (6.9992).   These small planes fly fast, about 400 mph.
• Formula 1 aircraft are built according to strict specifications and reach speeds of about 250 mph on a 3.1875 mile course.
• Biplanes, the small aerobatic aircraft fly about 250 mph on a 3.1761 mile course.
• My personal favorite, the AT-6’s fly a 5.0693 mile course at speeds that range from 210- to 235 mph.

 Be prepared to enjoy the roar of the radial engines up-close and personal!  Most of the aircraft will be starting their planes in view of the grandstands and will set the tone with the chest rattling sounds of heavy metal – just for you!

 About the Air Show

Secondly, the Reno Races feature a first class air show with incredible talent and incredible machinery.  This year the Blue Angels will perform (first time since 2000) in their F-18 Hornets – always a show favorite with their tight precision maneuvers and screaming fast fly-bys.  Be sure to keep your eyes on the solo flyers.  If you’re not watching, you won’t see them; you’ll just be startled by their AWESOME SCREAMING sound!

 There’s always an impressive US Navy Legacy Flight which features the beautiful and rare P-38, Glacier Girl, P-51, an A-10 and an F-16.  The Navy chooses two pilots from a special list of civilian pilots to fly the P-51 and P-38.  What an honor for those lucky pilots!  They’ll fly by low and slow in tribute to our armed services and flying heroes.

 Patty Wagstaff in her Extra 300S will dazzle with her aerobatic performance as will David Martin in his aerobatic show with the same type of aircraft. The precision team Red Eagles, Dan McClung and Buck Roetman in their low flying pretty bi-planes will show you what a snap roll, flat spin, torque roll, tail slide and inverted flat spins are all about – but warning: don’t try these at home… !  (There will be more performers, so check the official website provided on my side bar for the latest show additions.)

 Static Displays

Thirdly, you’ll have the opportunity to view the static displays of Vintage aircraft and Heritage Trophy aircraft.  There’s an award ceremony with trophies presented by aviation VIP’s and the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum.  You’ll also have access to the Military Static Display with impressive hardware like the Harrier, the Predator, C-130, C-12, C-21, F-5, F-15, F-16, F-18, KC-135, T-1, T-6 and many more.

 The Pits

Fourth, if you’d like to see and admire the racing aircraft, their pilots and crew, I’d strongly urge you to purchase at least one day of “pit access” tickets.  You can walk all aisles of parked aircraft, the T-6 and Unlimited, and visit the crew and friends of the Sport, Bi-plane and Formula planes under two hangars.    The air show performer aircraft are parked next to the Exhibitor aircraft and you may see “Hoot” Gibson, Space Shuttle Columbia’s Commander and 1984 Challenger’s Pilot flying a demonstration of the latest Gulf Stream Jet – for those who’d like to take home a little something special.  

 You can still view the races in the Pit Area and see the air show events in progress.  You may even catch a glimpse of the legendary Bob Hoover and other racing VIP’s and performers!

 And last, but not least, expect the sun to shine brightly, the weather to change on a dime and the wind to blow hard sometimes.  Expect to be overwhelmed with beautiful aircraft, lots of people, and your feet to say “sit down.” Be thrilled by the talented pilots flying all kinds of aircraft for your enjoyment – it only happens once a year and in one place on earth – that’s Stead Air Force Base, the home of the Reno National Championship Air Races.  Take your time, soak it all in, talk to the other fans and take lots of pictures.  And remember, you’ll be viewing history in motion!

 Enjoy your races Janet!  We’ll be looking for you!

 Good luck and Godspeed~

Kimberley West, WarBirdBabe

Promoção da Azul tem tarifas a partir de R$ 69 

De hoje (24/08) até quarta (26/08) é possível comprar passagens aéreas na Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras com tarifas reduzidas e viajar às terças, quartas ou quintas-feiras pagando menos. Um bilhete de Campinas para Curitiba, por exemplo, custa R$ 69 em seis parcelas de R$ 11,50. Mesmo preço cobrado para voar de Campinas para Belo Horizonte. Outras rotas com desconto são Rio de Janeiro – Porto Alegre ou Campinas – Porto Alegre, por R$ 99, em seis parcelas de R$ 16,50. E ainda Campinas – Salvador por R$ 179,00 em seis parcelas de R$ 29,83 ou Porto Alegre – Recife por R$ 249,00 em seis parcelas de R$ 41,50. Os valores são válidos por trecho, para viagens de ida e volta. As passagens precisam ser compradas para viagens até 22 de outubro realizadas as terças, quartas ou quintas. A permanência mínima é de 3 dias.

Tam cancela voos entre São Paulo (GRU) e Bariloche

A Tam vai cancelar os voos entre Bariloche, na Argentina, e São Paulo (GRU). A partir de 13 de setembro a companhia não opera mais o trecho, que era voado duas vezes por semana. Segundo a companhia aérea nacional, “a decisão foi determinada pela queda na demanda e ocupação das aeronaves abaixo dos níveis de equilíbrio econômico”. A Tam ressalva que os voos fretados serão mantidos para atender à demanda sazonal.

Gol inicia CPQ-GIG e promete BSB para setembro

A aérea Gol está lançando novos voos ligando a cidade de Campinas, no interior paulista, ao Aeroporto Internacional Tom Jobim-Galeão, no Rio de Janeiro, e a Brasília (DF). As duas novas ligações terão seis frequências semanais. A operação direta entre a Viracopos e a capital carioca, já em operação, sai do Galeão às 16h40, chegando em Campinas às 17h50. No sentido contrário, a aeronave sai às 18h22, com chegada prevista às 19h30. Já o voo de Campinas para a capital federal, com início previsto para 2 de setembro, decolará às 7h de Viracopos, chegando ao Aeroporto Internacional de Brasília/Juscelino Kubitschek às 8h48. No trecho inverso, o voo sai do Distrito Federal às 22h04, com previsão de pouso na cidade do interior de São Paulo às 23h50. “Esse voo é ideal para o público corporativo do mercado campineiro, que tem necessidade de ir e voltar no mesmo dia”, afirma o vice-presidente de Planejamento e TI da companhia, Wilson Maciel Ramos.

Rota Lima a Santo Domingo da Taca favorece brasileiros 

A companhia aérea Taca iniciou a frequência entre Lima, no Peru, a Santo Domingo, na República Dominicana. Com isso, surge mais uma opção aos brasileiros já que a empresa voa do Rio e São Paulo para a capital peruana. No Rio a empresa oferece três voos semanais diretos. “O tempo de espera não passa de uma hora”, garante chefe de vendas da Taca no Rio, Valci Souza, ressaltando ainda que a franquia de bagagem oferecida pela companhia é de duas malas de 22kg, uma das melhores da América do Sul. A partida do Rio é às 5h45, com chegada em Lima às 9h35m. De lá, decola-se para Santo Domingo às 10h20m, com aterrissagem prevista para as 16h15m. No retorno, a saída é às 17h15, com pouso em Lima às 21h. A partida para o Rio é às 22h, com chegada prevista para as 4h45m.

Embraer lança portal do Centro Histórico

Como parte do processo de resgate da sua memória histórica no ano em que completa 40 anos, a Embraer lança o portal Centro Histórico Embraer (www.CentroHistoricoEmbraer.com.br), que visa disponibilizar todo o acervo histórico da Empresa para consulta eletrônica. O projeto Centro Histórico Embraer foi criado em 2006 e tem como objetivo principal o resgate, a preservação e a divulgação da história da Empresa e também da indústria aeronáutica brasileira e mundial. Em agosto de 2007, foi concluída a construção de duas áreas: uma expositiva, para a visita de clientes, autoridades e empregados; e outra destinada ao tratamento, guarda e gestão do acervo, ambas localizadas na sede da Empresa, em São José dos Campos. Todo o conteúdo histórico acumulado desde então está agora disponível online por meio do novo portal para consulta de entusiastas, aficionados, pesquisadores, jornalistas e público geral. A área expositiva do Centro Histórico Embraer ocupa um espaço de cerca de 300 metros quadrados no hangar F-300 e conta com mais de 800 itens em seu acervo, incluindo vídeos, premiações e documentos importantes, como o martelo do leilão de privatização da Embraer, ocorrido em dezembro de 1994. Parte do material exposto foi gentilmente cedido por empregados, ex-empregados e familiares, que conscientemente contribuíram para a preservação da memória da Empresa. Por meio do novo portal, o público poderá navegar pela história da Embraer, relembrar acontecimentos marcantes e, inclusive, fazer uma visita virtual ao Centro Histórico.

Aeroporto de Maringá registra recorde

O Aeroporto Silvio Name Junior em Maringá registrou recorde de passageiros em julho comparado com junho de 2008. Foram 30.795 embarques e desembarques segundo a administração.Nos sete primeiros meses do ano o movimento de passageiros cresceu 7,18% em relação ao mesmo período do ano anterior.Em março de 2008 a TAM encerrou suas operações e o movimento teve queda de 15% até maio de 2009 quando o aeroporto passou a contar com novas companhias aéreas.Operam atualmente no aeroporto a Gol,Trip,Azul e Pantanal. A Sol Linhas Aéreas que fará voos regionais já instalou balcão de atendimento e deverá começar operar em breve.

Aurigny moderniza frota

A companhia Aurigny Air Services, das Channel Islands (Canal da Mancha) colocou em serviço o primeiro dos novos bimotores ATR-72-500, de uma encomenda feita em 2007. A aeronave foi adquirida para substituir outros ATR-72 mais antigos, da versão 200, e destinam-se aos serviços regulares ligando Guernsey à Inglaterra e à França.

Emirates recebe 78º Boeing 777

No início do mês a Emirates recebeu seu 78º Boeing 777 e se tornou a maior operadora a usar esse modelo.A nova aeronave é um B.777-300R configurado para viagens de longa distância.A companhia ainda vai receber mais 28 aeronaves do mesmo tipo no valor de US$ 7 bilhões.

TRIP lança campanha promocional

A companhia regional Trip Linhas Aéreas inicia nesse segundo semestre a campanha promocional “Quero Voar” que entre os dias 18 de agosto e 18 de setembro vai premiar os vencedores com 50 passagens aéreas. Os interessados podem participar entrando no portal www.voetrip.com.br e clicar no “flash” da promoção para preencher o cadastro e responder a pergunta “Por que você quer voar pela Trip?” As repostas deverão ter no máximo 140 caracteres e as mais criativas serão premiadas com passagens de ida e volta para viajar com acompanhante, escolhendo um trecho entre as 73 cidades cobertas pela malha da companhia.

Polet Cargo recebe novo Ilyushin

A companhia cargueira russa Polet cargo recebeu o primeiro exemplar de série do novo cargueiro Ilyushin Il 96-400TS. A aeronave, que tinha sido originalmente negociada pela Ilyushin Finance Company com a Aeroflot e foi agora repassada à nova transportadora. A Polet concordou em usar essa aeronave num programa de ensaios operacionais e depois comprar outros 2 exemplares iguais. O contrato prevê leasing por quinze anos e opção de compra para outros três aviões semelhantes.

Harriers voltam do Afeganistão

Cinco caças “Harrier” GR9A da Real Força Aérea retornaram do Afeganistão, onde operaram com a força de paz das Nações Unidas por quase cinco anos e cumpriram 8500 missões de patrulha e intervenção. No Afeganistão eles foram substituídos por caças “Tornado” GR4 no dia 26 de julho.

ANAC treina pequenos provedores

Pequenos provedores de serviços de aviação civil passam por treinamento pela ANAC para a elaboração do Manual de Gerenciamento de Segurança Operacional. São considerados pequenos provedores as escolas de aviação, os aeroclubes e escolas de pilotagem, e operadores de aeródromos com menos de 400 mil passageiros por ano. O Manual simplificou os requisitos de implantação, operação e manutenção. O curso acontece no Rio de Janeiro (24 a 28 de agosto), em Porto Alegre (28 de setembro a 2 de outubro) em São Paulo).

Tam passa Air France-KLM e lidera internacional da TMC

Como no Favecc, a Tam perdeu share no doméstico nas vendas do primeiro semestre das agências TMC Brasil, mas teve bom rendimento no internacional. A Tam obteve 15,8% de share nos seis primeiros meses, conseguindo ficar à frente da campeã do ano passado, a Air France-KLM, que teve 14,5% e continua forte na associação (dados das sete agências associadas no primeiro semestre).

O presidente da TMC Brasil, André Carvalhal, destaca o bom desempenho da Tap (oitava). Enquanto as vendas da Air France-KLM caíram 39,5%, da Tam 31,7%, da American assustadores 55,5%, da Lufthtansa 37% e da Delta 50,1%, a diminuição na Tap foi de apenas 12,6%. “A Tap está cada vez mais se mostrando uma empresa corporativa”, disse Carvalhal.

Ranking (com dados da Master, BTI/HRG, Avipam/BCD, BBTur, Kontik, Maringá e CWT):

Tam

Air France-KLM

American Airlines

Lufthansa/Swiss

Continental

Delta

United

Tap

British Airways

Aeromexico

Gol/Varig

Iberia

Lan

Copa

Emirates

SAA

…like everyone else these days spreading myself thinly time-wise gets increasingly difficult. Therefore I’m combining two of my blogs, this one and my other one – which has resulted in “A Dad in France”. You can continue reading about my Dad at http://braunstonian.wordpress.com

Many, many thanks for visiting and reading my blog – but please come and join us at my “new” one.