. This page is intended for information, software, etc., that us 'old geezers' might find useful or interesting. Each item has
been passed through a virus filter but no guarantee is offered. If you have any reservations, I suggest that you right-click
on the 'Download' that interests you and use the "Save Target As..." option to download the file and then check it with your
own favourite Virus Scanner before use.
. Please contact me if you would like to submit an item.
Petrol Gauge Secret
From: Ian Bradstock - 3(A)Wing - Airframe
I have been driving for over 45 years... I would think I should have noticed the little secret on my dashboard
that was staring me in the face the whole time...I didn't...and I bet you didn't either...
Have you ever rented or borrowed a car and when arriving at the petrol station wondered...mmm, which side
is the petrol filler cap? My normal solution was to stick my head out the window, strain my neck and look,
try to see in the side mirrors or even get out of the car!!!! Well gentlemen, I'm going to share with you
my little secret so you will no longer look like Ace Ventura on your way to the petrol station or put your
neck at risk of discomfort or injury.
If you look at your petrol guage, you will see a small icon of a petrol pump. The handle of the petrol pump
will extend out on either the left or right side of the petrol pump - If your tank is on the left the handle
will be on the left, if your tank is on the right the handle will be on the right. It is that simple!
I don't know how you feel right now but when I found out this morning I felt cheated! WHY don't the dealers
share such importnant information with car buyers? I don't understand why this isn't in the Highway Code or
even the car manufacturers manual. I don't get why any mechanic I have ever been to or know has even thought
of mentioning this to me. The only possible explanation can be that all these people probably don't even know!
Go out and share the worlds best kept auto secret with your friends as this is information is way too important
to be kept secret.
Aircraft Marshalling
From: Bill Hardwick 1(A)Wing - Airframe
A YouTube collection of RAF aircraft marshalling techniques, filmed during an event organised for the charity
Cancer Research UK.
(Download)
Turkey Shoot
From: Pete Towse 3(A)Wing - Instruments(Nav)
If you have left it a bit late to get the Christmas Turkey, download this and bag your own. A warning though;
these turkeys fight back! I acknowledge the (unknown) author's work.
(Download)
Control this Helicopter
From: Pete Towse 3(A)Wing - Instruments(Nav)
A very simple way to pass the time; it is much easier to master than the paper aeroplane but it could form the
basis of a great "drinking game". The download connects you to the game website, so nothing is permanently
loaded onto your hard-disk.
(Download)
A Reporter's ride in the back of an F-18
From: Chas Ducat 1(A)Wing - Engines
The website of the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution", a daily newspaper based in Atlanta, Georgia USA, includes
video of their very own daredevil reporter, a chap named Steve Beatty, being subjected to what appears to be
several hundred 'G' in the rear seat of an F-18 in March 2007. The pilot is a member of "The Blue Angels",
the US Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, who seems to be thoroughly enjoying his opportunity to shake up
the gung-ho newspaper man. To be fair to Mr Beatty, he does put a very brave face on the experience. For me,
however, the most impressive part of the the whole venture is how he manages not to choke to death on the
gum he constantly chews.
Apparently, other adventures undertaken by the fearless Mr Beatty include an "eye-rolling ride in a NASCAR
racer", which should be well worth watching. His newspaper claims that he is "just getting started....and his
thirst for thrills, risks, adventure or unconsciousness isn’t easily slaked"; so they are asking people to submit
ideas "for his next life-threatening or gut-wrenching stunt". The possibilities make mind boggle......
The download will actually connect you directly to the newspaper's website, so nothing is permanently loaded
onto your hard-disk. Turn your sound On and then click on each photo to watch a different scene: they are all
good - scene 2, especially so.
(Download)
Paper Aeroplane
From: Pete Towse 3(A)Wing - Instruments(Nav)
What little I know about aerodynamics was learnt from folding, and flying, paper aeroplanes and I spent
many a happy hour doing just that at the back of the class at 'schools'. If you have the same fond memories,
or are just bored, run this .xls file and recreate those happy days. I have to warn you that it can be quite
addictive. I acknowledge the (unknown) author's work.
(Download) Top 5 : Rod Whitehead 101.004m on 28.Nov.07
Richard de Fraine 97.244m on 26.Nov.07
Pete Towse 88.874m on 23.Nov.07
Richard de Fraine 66.271m on 26.Nov.07
John Humphries 5.939m on 23.Nov.07
World's Largest Model Aircraft
From: Pete Towse 3(A)Wing - Instruments(Nav)
I am not usually into this sort of thing but was impressed by an entry on the Falkirk Model Flying Club's
website (http://fmfc.org.uk/) covering what is claimed to be the Largest flying model in the world. It is/was
a model of a Boeing B-52, built by a chap named Gordon Nichols, and has/had the following specifications:
Aircraft Wingspan: 23'
Length: 23'
Speed: 120 mph
Dry Weight: 297 lbs
Fueled Weight: 330lbs (inside the CAA 150kg limit)
Fuel Capacity: 22 litres Jet A1
Engine Make: Wren (8 off)
Model: MW54
Thrust: 12Lbs
As can be seen from the bottom two photographs it is, unfortunately, no longer the largest flying model
in the world. A video covering a (successful) 9 minute test flight was available but, alas, the site now seems
to have died (along with the model, perhaps). The flight took place at Merryfield, Somerset, so I assume that
Gordon Nichols is a Brit. Well done him..!
86th Entry Graduation
From: daftcaptain (???)
This item has appeared on the YouTube site but I have absolutely no idea as to the identity of "daftcaptain".
Someone may know who it is - or perhaps the real daftcaptain will step forward (please)?
(Download)
Veteran's Lapel Badge
From: Vic Gardner ?(A)Wing - Engines
I wonder if our members realise that they are entitled to wear a Veteran's lapel badge. For more information
you can contact the Veterans Agency Tel: 0800 169 2277 or visit their website.
(Download)
Conversions
From: Pete Towse 3(A)Wing - Instruments(Nav)
If, like me, you have forgotten much of what was drilled into us at "schools", then you may well find this little
piece of software very handy. Your daily struggle to convert hectares into square inches, or light-years into
furlongs, will become a thing of the past. The program is freeware and information on it can be obtained from:
http://www.joshmadison.com/software.
(Download)
Heart Attack - Self Help
From: Ray Helliar 1(A)Wing - Engines
This item comprises a powerpoint file describing a method of self-help that can be used if you are unfortunate
enough to suffer a heart attack while you are alone.
(Download)