America has lost one of its most incisive, insightful voices

  Professor Angelo Codevilla, whom we’ve met in these pages many times before, has died of injuries he suffered from a vehicle accident.  He was apparently knocked down by a drunk driver. It may be a measure of the cynicism and suspicion that dominate American politics today that not a few people – including myself… Continue reading America has lost one of its most incisive, insightful voices

I’m not swimming there, no matter how much you pay me!

  Received from reader E. S., this photograph, which he says was taken in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.  It gives me the shivers just to look at it!  Click the image for a larger view. I presume the power’s still out, or that pool and those transformers would be spittin’ and sparkin’ like there… Continue reading I’m not swimming there, no matter how much you pay me!

Not a successful VIP transport

  The Mexican Navy and its Marines operate a number of Russian-built Mil Mi-17 helicopters to support its anti-narcotics missions.  One of them was tasked last week to survey hurricane damage in the state of Veracruz.  Its passengers included the Veracruz Minister of the Interior. However, its takeoff from the town of Agua Blanca was… Continue reading Not a successful VIP transport

An “accidental” mid-air collision – or something potentially more dangerous?

  I’ve been warning for some time (as far back as 2014) that terrorists might seek to use small unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to collide with aircraft and cause a crash.  Although several such collisions have been reported, so far there’s been no evidence of terrorist involvement – but then, there hasn’t been any… Continue reading An “accidental” mid-air collision – or something potentially more dangerous?

When technology kills

  There’s a very sad report out of Canada, one that might have repercussions in America as well.  It’s an analysis of what caused the crash of a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter last year, killing everyone aboard. As a pilot guided one of Canada’s navy helicopters up into a tight turn, neither his training nor… Continue reading When technology kills

A fatal flight for a firefighting crew

  China makes the Z-8, a licensed copy of the French SA 321 Super Frelon helicopter dating back to the 1960’s.  I’m familiar with the type, having flown in South African Air Force Super Frelons during the 1970’s and 1980’s.  It can hold up to 30 troops, and has three engines, giving good performance compared… Continue reading A fatal flight for a firefighting crew

An aviation tragedy in Russia

  An unplanned, accidental ejection of some or all crew members of a Tupolev Tu-22M3 supersonic jet bomber killed three and injured one person earlier this week.  The Aviationist provides this report, translated from Russian. In preparation for the training flight, after launching the APU and working with the cockpit equipment, Captain, who is the… Continue reading An aviation tragedy in Russia

Why you shouldn’t stand beneath trees when lightning’s around

  Courtesy of reader A. W., I was given the link to this tweet, which led me to the associated video (by now copied to YouTube, so I can embed it here). Among the commenters on Twitter was one who traced the location of the incident to Gurgaon in India, via this news report. A man… Continue reading Why you shouldn’t stand beneath trees when lightning’s around

Ten of the most dangerous routes in America

  Nick Austin of Freightwaves has published two articles, one in October and one last month, each listing five of the most dangerous roads for truckers in this country.  I figured they’d be equally dangerous for motorists in general, and so read the articles with interest. He’s identified ten roads/routes so far, five in each… Continue reading Ten of the most dangerous routes in America

How to load a tank onto a transporter – NOT!

  A couple of days ago, a hapless driver tried to load an Israeli Merkava main battle tank onto a transporter.  He was less than successful. Apparently he claimed that the accelerator pedal got stuck (which would be consistent with the engine revving so hard after the incident).  I guess there’ll be an inquiry to… Continue reading How to load a tank onto a transporter – NOT!