Posts tagged Air travel at Switched

Posts with tag air travel

Electric Wheelchair Battery on Plane Combusts

by Tim Stevens, posted Sep 24th 2008 at 3:04PM

We've seen no shortage of batteries exploding, whether they be in cell phones or laptops. It didn't take long for the FAA to institute bans for certain types (and quantities) of batteries for gadgets, and after an incident on a plane heading for Manchester, England, the U.K. travel administration may want to think about instituting a similar ban.

The battery on an electric wheelchair was found sparking in the cargo hold of a Boeing 757-200 that was carrying carrying 229 passengers. Thankfully, the plane had just landed when the battery started shooting sparks and flames, meaning the resulting danger could be addressed without fears of a major disaster. The wheelchair was removed from the plane, placed on a vehicle, and moments later, burst into flames. That was just dumb luck, though, and highlights the fears that lithium ion batteries of any type can go super-nova mid-air and cause some serious issues. [From: TimesOnline]

FAA Computer Glitches Causing Significant Flight Delays

by Nilay Patel, posted Aug 26th 2008 at 6:38PM

It's not clear what the exact problem is, but every major airport in the country is currently experiencing flight delays because of an FAA computer problem at a facility south of Atlanta. All that's being said is that the system that processes flight plans is having troubles, but that all flights currently in the air are fine and should land safely. Given that a single FAA computer failure has caused over 17,000 passengers to be stranded in the past, we're not too optimistic that these delays won't get worse and worse -- but then, nothing about air travel really inspires optimism lately, does it? [From: CNN]

Hindenburg-Like Airships to Cart Passengers on Trips Again?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jun 9th 2008 at 10:40AM

Bizarre as it may seem, the future of air travel may lie in the past. The past few years have seen a resurgence of interest in dirigibles (like blimps) as a way or carting passengers around the world. According to a report in the Guardian, Germany is getting ready to test the Zeppelin NT -- built with an endowment left by the builder of the original Hindenburg -- by flying tourists over London for about $300 a pop. The ship will then cross the Atlantic and the United States and offer similar rides in San Francisco. The company already has one in Tokyo.

Flying tourists over cities is hardly legitimate air travel, but since the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, getting people into an airship has proved difficult. The climbing price of plane tickets and growing concerns over their environmental impact, however, may make airships an attractive option for short-haul commuter flights like those normally served by a ferry or train.

In addition to sipping fuel, the newest generation of airships incorporate technology from a variety of sources, including vector-based thrust like that on the Harrier jet, which enables vertical landings and take-offs.

Airships aren't about to replace the 747, but they may find a niche as inland ferries or as luxury liners in the air. [Source: The Guardian]

World's Smallest Airplane

by Tom Conlon, posted Oct 1st 2007 at 1:25PM

The world's obsession with thin and light gadgets isn't limited to cell phones, laptops and cameras. Check out this miniature airplane that's suddenly showing up all over the Internet (even though it was designed in the 1970s). At 12.8-feet long and with a wingspan of 16.1 feet, the Cri-Cri is billed as the world's smallest twin-engine airplane. The French-designed, build-it-yourself kitplane weighs just 375 pounds and reaches top speeds of 150 mph thanks to its dual AMT Olympus Turbines.

Eat your heart out, Shriners!

UPDATE: It's come to our attention that, though the Cri-Cri does have turbine engines in photos, in the video above those are two-stroke piston engines turning regular ol' propellers. Thanks for the correction, Goose!

From Gizmo Watch

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United Adds Cool Gadgets to First and Business Class

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jul 26th 2007 at 2:25PM

United Adds Room and Gadgets to Business and First Class

United Airlines is giving you a little more for your money -- if you're flying International First or Business class, that is. For $2,500, you can now bask in the comfort of a United gadget-encrusted 'lie flat' seats.

Both Business and First class have picked up some leg and elbow room, as well as filled up the new space with a 15.4-inch LCD screen that features 150 hours of on-demand TV and movies, an iPod dock (for charging), a USB port (to charge your computer or camera), access to 20 XM Satellite stations, and noise-canceling headphones.

That's more than enough to make those of us stuck in Economy green with envy, but there's more: First and Business class passengers will get to pick from a new menu prepared by world-renowned chef Charlie Trotter (It's also paired with a selection of fine wines from Master Sommelier and Master of Wine Doug Frost).

Besides the same dry discolored ham and cheese on a stale roll, bag of snack sized pretzels, and coffee that tastes so bad it can't be described in family friendly terms, the Economy class perks will remain relatively no-frills in terms of technology, so make sure you stock up extra battery packs for your iPod if you're planning on going to Europe or Asia.

From Sci Fi Tech

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