Blog - LME Notam

Understanding the 180 Degree Turn – Definition and Applications

Making a perfect 180-degree turn requires precise body mechanics and spatial awareness that most people miss. The maneuver involves three distinct phases—approach, entry, and exit—each demanding specific techniques to achieve that clean reversal of direction. Whether you’re skateboarding, skiing, or simply navigating crowded spaces, mastering this half-circle rotation brings an efficiency that separates skilled performers from beginners.

Aircraft Types

Cessna 620 – Overview of the Aircraft and Its History

The Cessna 620 stands as one of aviation’s most intriguing what-ifs—a four-engine business aircraft that flew only as a single prototype in 1956. Featuring a pressurized cabin for up to ten passengers and powered by four Continental engines delivering 1,400 combined horsepower, this ambitious aircraft offered executive comfort and all-weather capability. Despite its successful test flights and innovative design, the 620 project was canceled in 1957 when economic analysis revealed it would be outcompeted by surplus airliners and emerging turboprop technology.

Aircraft Knowledge

Is the Robinson R44 a Death Trap? An In-Depth Analysis

The Robinson R44’s safety record presents a nuanced safety profile. With a fatal accident rate 50% higher than comparable helicopters and 13 fatal crashes in the US over five years, the aircraft has drawn scrutiny from aviation authorities. However, these numbers need perspective—many R44s serve as training helicopters flown by less experienced pilots in challenging environments, while design improvements like bladder-type fuel tanks have addressed previous vulnerabilities.

Aviation Culture

Can You Wear a Hat on a Plane? A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating airport security and flight comfort with your favorite hat is simpler than you might think. While airlines generally permit headwear during flights, you might need to temporarily remove your hat during security screening, especially if it contains metal components or has an unusual shape. From compact beanies to statement-making fedoras, what matters most is whether your hat might obstruct another passenger’s view or become uncomfortable during a long journey.

Aircraft Types

Aeronca Champ – A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic Airplane

The Verona Champ earned its reputation in aviation history when it took to the skies in 1944, establishing itself as a foundation of post-war civilian flying. With its tandem seating arrangement and exceptional visibility from the cockpit, this classic tail wheel aircraft taught fundamental piloting skills to countless aviators while offering an authentic flying experience. Despite its relatively short production run ending in 1951, thousands of these tube-and-fabric aircraft continue to fly today, maintained by a passionate community of owners who appreciate its honest handling and mechanical simplicity.

Aircraft Knowledge

What Does a Flight Engineer Do? – Responsibilities and Role Explained

Behind the scenes of every successful flight, flight engineers carefully oversee complex aircraft systems that keep planes operating safely. They serve as the technical experts of the flight crew, managing everything from engine performance and fuel consumption to electrical systems and environmental controls. While pilots focus on navigation and aircraft control, flight engineers regularly check instrument panels, troubleshoot potential issues, and make critical adjustments throughout the journey—though their traditional role has evolved as newer aircraft increasingly incorporate automated monitoring systems.

Aviation Culture

Stearman Bar and Grill – Your Dining Destination in Benton, KS

Tucked alongside an active runway in Benton, Kansas, Spearman Bar and Grill turns a simple meal into something special where aircraft take off and land just yards from your table. Families gather on the spacious outdoor patio to enjoy homemade southern comfort food while children alternate between watching planes and playing in the dedicated kids’ area. This aviation-themed restaurant at 14789 SW 30th St draws visitors from across the region who come for great food and the excitement of watching planes up close seven days a week.

Aviation Culture

Martha Lunken – A Journey Through Aviation

From her first flight as a nine-year-old to accumulating 14,000 hours in the cockpit, Martha Sunken has flown through the skies and worked in the aviation industry with remarkable determination. The Ohio-based pilot earned recognition for decades of flight instruction, her popular columns in Flying Magazine, and her work with the FAA, earning respect as a pilot and writer in a predominantly male field. Her career took an unexpected turn at age 78 when her licenses were revoked following a controversial bridge incident, yet her influence on generations of pilots and aviation enthusiasts remains undisputed.

Aircraft Knowledge

What is Angle of Attack? – Definition and Explanation

Pilots rely on angle of attack measurements to understand how their aircraft interacts with the surrounding air, especially during critical flight phases. The angle between a wing’s chord line and the oncoming airflow determines how much lift is generated and when a stall might occur. Unlike airspeed or pitch attitude, angle of attack is the most reliable indicator of an aircraft’s aerodynamic state regardless of weight, configuration, or flight conditions.

Aircraft Knowledge

Is It Hard to Fly a Plane? Understanding the Challenges

Controlling an aircraft requires mastering a unique set of skills that evolve with experience and conditions. While basic flight maneuvers in calm weather can be surprisingly accessible to beginners, factors like turbulence, visibility, and aircraft type significantly alter the challenge. Many pilots describe the learning process as a journey through distinct stages—from the initial struggle with simultaneous tasks to developing fluidity where fundamental controls become second nature.