Author Archive

Electricity and Magnetism Explained

Whenever there is relative motion between a conductor and a magnetic field, a current flow will be induced in [...]

Back to (electrical) basics

Having just spent a considerable amount of time working on the development of a curriculum package for aircraft maintenance [...]

Sending out Strong Signals

In the second installment of a two-part series, Gord Walker explains why some avionics systems are “vintage” in name [...]

They’re not Antiquated, They’re Vintage!

Pre-digital era avionics are not mere quaint relics, but highly effective instruments that still have their place. The advent [...]

The Science Fiction of Avionics

Here we are, 2014, well into the second decade of the 21st century, and a full 30 years beyond [...]

Something in the Air

It’s fair to say that after fire, the wheel, birth control pills, and Starbuck’s coffee, the Internet ranks as [...]

Air traffic management technology: Next Gen. Avionics Explained

The United States’ Federal Aviation Administration is well underway with the implementation of its Next Generation air transportation system. [...]

Maintenance Training Standards Explained

Once upon a time, men were admired and rewarded for their ability to make fire, club furry animals to [...]

Passenger Systems – Part 2

Passenger Accommodations, Systems & Services Explained – Part 2 In Part 1 of this series on passenger accommodations, we looked [...]

Passenger Systems — Part 1

Passenger Service & Entertainment Systems Explained: Besides the standard “fascination with aviation” and a geek-like interest in electronics, what [...]

VRLA Batteries Explained

“Overdressed, oversexed, overpaid bus drivers” was how airline owner Harry Steele referred to them, and I myself recently referred [...]

HIRF Explained

To the many young people beginning their careers in the field of aviation, I say “Welcome”. To those who [...]

Pilot Optional Aircraft Explained

I recently reconnected with a colleague of mine from the 1980s. His career has taken him into the engineering [...]