Lifestyle

A meeting with Rachid Soulimane who is flying an Iskra - a Polish army training plane - using a remote control. His model jet is more than two metres long and flies at almost 155 mph. At these speeds, there’s no room for error.
 

We spoke to Safran Aircraft Engines, the aircraft engine manufacturer, who kindly gave us information for the CFM56 engine, the world's best-seller which notably equips the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.
 

Since their introduction in the 1940’s, ejection seats in fighter plane have saved the lives of many pilots. But just how do they work ? Come take a look.
 

Before being delivered to the customer, the airline’s livery has to be applied to the aircraft; but do you know how much paint is required? We put the question to you (video), the answer to which you will find in the article.
 

Commercial aircraft engines are very, very heavy. Those found on short-haul planes,for example, weigh on average two metric tonnes, those on long-hauls are four times heavier; but how are they installed?
 

At take-off, the pilots concentrate on the speed, or rather the successive speeds of their aircraft, and notably the rotation speed. But do you know what it is exactly? We put the question to you (video), the answer to which you will find in the article.
 

To become a commercial aircraft pilot, is there a minimum age? The answer is yes, but it's not the same everywhere. We put the question to you (video), the answer to which you will find in the article.
 

On 4 June, a plane deposited gently on the Aegean Sea bed, with the intention of becoming an artificial reef to help boost scuba diving tourism, is the spectacular operation that the Turkish authorities have undertaken. Watch the video, without commentary, and read the article.
 

To increase productivity, it is in an airline's interest to minimize the turnaround time of its aircraft. But do you know what turnaround time is? We put the question to you (video), the answer to which you can find in the article.
 

When we discuss the cabin of an aircraft, such as the Boeing 787, its capacity is generally evoked in terms of seating capacity, but have you any idea of its floor area We asked you the question (video), the answer to which is in the article.
 

You don’t start a plane like a car, simply because an airliner has no ignition key. To start the engines pilots must follow a strict procedure. Watch the video and read the article to find out how.
 

Nose Art appeared during the First World War, and peaked during Second World War, but do you know what it is ? We asked you the question (video), the answer to which you will find in the article.
 

In his garage in Dordogne (southwestern France), Jean-Pierre is completing the construction of a Flying Flea. This small single-seater biplane was developed in the 30’s by Henri Mignet, and weighs just 310 lbs (140 kg) unladen.
 

No matter the destination, before each take-off and landing in an airplane, we should all observe the safety instructions. Some are obvious, but others may be less so. A Europe Airpost purser explains.
 

When a plane rolls off the assembly line, and before delivery to the customer, aircraft manufacturers carry out an obligatory Run-up. We asked you the question (video), the answer to which is in the article.
 

So that flights can be conducted safely, load distribution in an airplane is essential. Before take-off, pilots have to ensure that the masses on board - luggage, passengers and fuel - are well distributed.
 

Do you know what the minimum regulatory airplane engine ground clearance is? We put the question to you the public (video), and give you the answer in the article.
 

On test aircraft a cable with a cone at the end can be seen hanging from the top of the tail. Deployed in flight, this "trailing cone" is essential for the future commercialization of the plane. Why?
 

When a commercial airplane takes off, the pilot immediately retracts the undercarriage ; but do you know why? We asked you the question (video), the answer to which you will find in the article.