Plane Answers: Is "Free Flight" the answer to ATC delays?

Map Display
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

Kent:
 
I know a lot has been written lately about airport delays, I have also read something about "Free Flying." With TCAS is ATC obsolete? Should ATC be more focused on ground operations, to get planes in the air? I know from most recent articles the ATC system is operating on antiquated systems and in need of a massive overhaul. I am interested to hear your opinion, is "Free Flying" in our future?
 
-Justin

Read my take on Justin's question in the latest Plane Answers.

Cockpit Chronicles: Our easiest trip: the two-day San Juan

One leg down and one leg back the next day. It doesn't get nicer than this!

We came upon a cell that needed to be dealt with (yeah, as in GO AROUND-not vaporize) and yet we still managed to arrive in San Juan 30 minutes early. 

It was great to visit with Captain Hank and hang out near the beach in San Juan. Just the ticket for my Paris marathon of trips coming up. 

Cockpit Chronicles: Bombed in Paris

767 cockpit arriving in Paris
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

The danger in this Chronicles title is the possible association with drinking the night away in Paris. Trust me, that's not what happened. Read all about my first Paris trip of the season here.

There's more Paris to come this summer, since I managed to get a whole month of it for June! I'm going to try to find something different for each trip. Let's see how that works, given the very expensive Euro/Dollar exchange rate.

Plane Answers: Overcoming the fear of flying

Another sunset view
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

By far the most popular question I've been getting for Gadling's Plane Answers is how to overcome a fear of flying. I did my best to tackle it this week, answering questions about tailskid strikes, turbulence and the 10,000 foot sudden drop.

I wonder what percentage of passengers is genuinely afraid of flying. If I had to guess, I'd say 10% of the airplane is made up of nervous flyers. I included a few links to some resources in the post that may help people overcome their fear.

Plane Answers: Takeoff speeds, weights and lavatory drains

Jetblue A320 takeoff from Boston
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

This Friday's Plane Answers covered a few topics that were short enough to combine into one post. Ever wonder what happens to the water from a lav's sink? Take a look at the latest questions and answers here. If you're curious about anything related to the pointy-end of an airplane, ask away!

Plane Answers: When are pilots afraid of turbulence?

White Knuckle Flyer?
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

Kyle writes:

First of all, thanks for taking the time to respond to people's questions. There's something I've always wanted to know. Do pilots ever get scared of turbulence? If so, what makes them bad enough to actually be scary. Is there a way a passenger can know when to be concerned and when it's just normal bumps and shakes?

Read the follow up answer with video here.

The Airline industry's newest business model: Desperate Housewives

Sunrise in Barbados
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

Two trips in one blog post this time! A Miami turn and a three-day with Barbados and Miami layovers.

The talk of the cockpit revolves around what's going on with the latest merger rumors. I think we only need to look at a typical episode of Desperate Housewives to see where the industry is heading.

After these two trips, I'm off for the next couple of weeks. Time to visit my mother-in-law in Germany with my wife and two kids.

I'll still put out a couple of Plane Answers every Friday, though.

Plane Answers: When do pilots use the autopilot?

Left turn on course
Originally uploaded by Fly For Fun

This week's Plane Answers covers the when and how often we use the autopilot on the 757.

Justin asks:

My question concerns the autopilot. During the course of a flight how often is it used? Are there times where it can not be used because of heavy turbulence and other weather phenomenon?

Read the answer here.