# The Great Ongoing Aviation Thread (general and other) (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 23, 2011, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499 "2011-10-23T02:17:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 482
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2026, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9623 "2026-04-12T21:55:18Z")
Man attacks C-130 with axe: > **[Man arrested at Shannon Airport and allegedly causing damage to US military...](https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/man-arrested-at-shannon-airport-and-allegedly-causing-damage-to-us-military-aircraft/a2125713483.html)** > > A man has been arrested after entering an unauthorised area of Shannon Airport and allegedly causing damage to a US military aircraft. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2026, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9624 "2026-04-12T21:58:07Z")
Photos of damaged KC-135 tanker transiting Mindenhall in Britain. > **[Battle Damaged KC-135 Seen Covered In Shrapnel Patches](https://www.twz.com/air/battle-damaged-kc-135-seen-covered-in-shrapnel-patches)** > > A KC-135 damaged in an Iranian strike has made its way to RAF Mildenhall in the UK thanks to field repairs. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2026, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9625 "2026-04-12T22:05:11Z")
That seems like a unit matchup out of some Civ IV campaign. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9626 "2026-04-13T00:20:41Z")
“Speed tape” is super duper aluminum duct tape. It’ll stick at Mach speeds. Useful for all sorts of minor holes & dents. Doubly so with a little silicone caulk. “If it’ll start, we’re leaving”. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9627 "2026-04-13T01:36:46Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > “Speed tape” is super duper aluminum duct tape. [Then there’s the Super Cub that was repaired with regular duct tape.](https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/bear-eats-cub-4434) ---
**Author:** ![ThisOneGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@ThisOneGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisOneGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9628 "2026-04-13T01:40:41Z")
For those who are curious, AOPA video with the pilot: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w0HizsCp2E) ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9629 "2026-04-13T02:48:22Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > > [@LSLGuy](#): > > > > “Speed tape” is super duper aluminum duct tape. > > [Then there’s the Super Cub that was repaired with regular duct tape.](https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/bear-eats-cub-4434) Because too slow for speed tape? ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9630 "2026-04-13T16:18:46Z")
Retiring Icelandair pilot does an [unauthorized low (100m) pass](https://simpleflying.com/icelandair-reports-veteran-pilot-police-unauthorized-flyover-farewell-flight/) over his hometown in a B757 on his last flight before retiring ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9631 "2026-04-13T16:52:40Z")
At least he didn’t run aground like this show-off hero: **[Francesco Schettino - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Schettino)**. One _might_ have been able to get away with that kind of silliness in the 1970s and before. Now? Fugeddaboudit. OTOH, unless they can press some sort of criminal charges, there’s probably not much sanction the company or the authorities can actually apply to the guy. Revoke a license he’ll never use again anyway? etc. The name and reputation he’ll leave for himself amongst his co-workers won’t be improved by this, but he may have the satisfaction of having put one over on the company. If he’s into that kind of thing. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9632 "2026-04-14T19:43:28Z")
CNN: The double-level airplane seat is back with the ‘ultimate, final statement’ design > **[The double-level seat airplane is back with the ‘ultimate’ statement | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/14/travel/chaise-longue-double-level-airplane-seat-new-design)** > > Chaise Longue is a double-level airplane seat concept that’s inspired frequent social media frenzy and fervent discussion. Now airplane seat designer Alejandro Núñez Vicente gives CNN an exclusive first look at the latest version. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9633 "2026-04-14T20:07:09Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > > [@LSLGuy](#): > > > > “Speed tape” is super duper aluminum duct tape. > > [Then there’s the Super Cub that was repaired with regular duct tape.](https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/bear-eats-cub-4434) Q: What did no redneck ever say? A: “I can’t fix that with duct tape.” ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9634 "2026-04-14T23:00:28Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > CNN: The double-level airplane seat is back with the ‘ultimate, final statement’ design > > [https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/14/travel/chaise-longue-double-level-airplane-seat-new-design](https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/14/travel/chaise-longue-double-level-airplane-seat-new-design) That looks like a terrible idea for many different reasons. It requires the removal of the overhead storage bins – to be replaced by what? The lower level would feel claustrophobic to many, yet has a great deal of wasted space above it. And if a passenger chooses to recline the seat and stretch out their legs, how on earth would any passenger in any inner seat get past them? And the upper seats would likely not have any usable windows, which also tends to feel claustrophobic. Plus, the lower and upper seats appear to have quite different features, which poses marketing, pricing, and seat allocation complications. I admire passionate inventors on general principle but I can’t believe any airline would seriously consider this idea. ---
**Author:** ![abcdefghij](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/43a26b/32.png) [@abcdefghij](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abcdefghij)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9635 "2026-04-15T01:08:40Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > > Chaise Longue is a double-level airplane seat concept that’s inspired frequent social media frenzy and fervent discussion. [Hey you, over there On the chaise longue in your underwear What are you doing sitting down? You should be horizontal now](https://genius.com/Wet-leg-chaise-longue-lyrics) ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9636 "2026-04-15T06:14:04Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Retiring Icelandair pilot does an [unauthorized low (100m) pass](https://simpleflying.com/icelandair-reports-veteran-pilot-police-unauthorized-flyover-farewell-flight/) over his hometown in a B757 on his last flight before retiring I suspect this was a runway pass. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9637 "2026-04-15T10:54:15Z")
Apparently not. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9638 "2026-04-15T17:20:30Z")
Agreed. It legitimately can be hard to see runway directly below from passenger seats until you’re right down close to touchdown. And for sure they’re not seeing it up ahead or astern. So you might be able to conduct a 300 or 500 foot low pass along a runway and have none of the passengers have a vantage to see that particular runway at any time. But for damned sure it’s easy to see the rest of the trappings of an airliner airport alongside as you go over it. Hangars, terminals, other runways, other airliners taxiing about, etc. If you’re actually going over such an airport. Here’s a map of the area: https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d18461.43986011334!2d-20.26557771600402!3d63.43949092103494!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1776274037007!5m2!1sen!2sus Here’s a cite of an interior vid shot by a pax looking out the right side of the airplane. **[Video from inside the Icelandair 757 that preformed an unauthorised low pass over Vestmannaeyjar 2 days ago : r/aviation](https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/comments/1sk1s7b/video_from_inside_the_icelandair_757_that/)**. It’s _very_ informative. The pilot began near the northeast corner of the island flying in a west-southwestery direction. They passed ~1/4 -1/2 mile south of the long inlet and harbor over the northern ~1/4 of the town. As he continued southwesterly just as the town (and vid) was coming to an end you’ll see a soccer field with a set of bleachers on the close side. Which are easy to locate in Google’s overhead map more or less at the northwest corner of town adjacent to those hills. Notice the plus-shaped airport at the southwest area of the island. Which he was most emphatically _not_ directly over during the maneuver. Further, that airport’s runways are much too small / short to accommodate a 757. Wiki tells me that when that airport has airliner service, which is only intermittently, it’s done with small turboprops, not jets. The island is only a couple of miles offshore from mainland Iceland and there is established year-round ferryboat service. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9639 "2026-04-15T20:05:30Z")
Another video, an external view of that 757 from far away, claims the plane was “under 2000 feet”. The plane is quite far away which makes it hard to judge the altitude, but the previously linked video filmed by a passenger from inside the plane looks more like the 300 to 500 ft that @LSLGuy mentioned. I’m no expert, but having leaped out of airplanes at 3000 ft I know what that looks like, and this was way, way lower than that. Another thing that mystifies me is that even if this wasn’t a revenue flight, there would have to be a co-pilot on that class of plane. So even if the captain was retiring and didn’t care about the consequences, the co-pilot would also be implicated. Sure, the captain has ultimate authority, but that surely doesn’t apply to crazy illegal stunts! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9640 "2026-04-15T20:18:19Z")
The original news articles said 100m ~= 350 feet. From the vids I saw, that’s not too far off, as a point of lowest approach. My 500 came from a general observation about go-arounds or missed approaches or whatever. Overflying an airport at those altitudes is normal. And passengers won’t be able to see (or video) a bunch of the airport directly under them from that altitude. I was not intending to suggest 500 feet had any relevance to that particular flight. Sorry to confuse. As to your other point: The co-pilot there is in a very bad spot. A bad spot the Captain put them in. No great answers there. I don’t know what sort of investigation the Icelandic authorities will do, nor how public their results will be. If there ever is a public report, that part will make especially interesting reading. To the degree there is any follow-up news media interest in this case it’ll be interesting to see what the airline does with the FO. A temporary suspension during the investigation, some ritual retraining, and back to work suggests they did what they could to stop the stupid; which wasn’t enough in the face of determined opposition. the FO being fired suggests they were somewhere between supine and complicit. I’m reminded of a joke from the 3-person crew era, and especially the pre-CRM era when Captains were unquestioned masters of all they survey. > **Q** : What’re the three things you _never_ want to hear inflight?" > **A** : A Captain says “Hey boys, watch this!”. A First Officer says “I’ve got an idea!”. A Flight Engineer says “Oh, oh _shit!_”. It’s definitely going to be a bad day at work if any of those get said. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9641 "2026-04-15T21:43:08Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > A Captain says “Hey boys, watch this!” Followed by “I think we’re in trouble” and then, “Never tell me the odds!” (From here, of course: [https://youtu.be/60dFh008LKo?t=48](https://youtu.be/60dFh008LKo?t=48)) ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499/9642 "2026-04-15T23:00:04Z")
Any of you pilots have any views on WTF? > “Meow … meow!” > > The animal sounds heard over an air traffic control frequency were not from a cat loose on the plane, but human pilots making animal noises. > > The meowing occurred over an air traffic control frequency at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on April 12. The audio was recorded and obtained from [ATC.com](http://ATC.com). > > The pilots were quickly scolded, with someone else on the frequency saying, “You guys need to be professional pilots.” The scolding was met with more meows and barks. > **['Meow, meow': Pilots scolded after animal noises heard on air traffic control...](https://abcnews.com/US/meow-meow-pilots-scolded-after-animal-noises-heard/story?id=132076661)** > > The meowing occurred over an air traffic control frequency at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on April 12.   [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499.md?page=481) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-aviation-thread-general-and-other-part-1/600499.md?page=483)