The Good Old B52: America’s Veteran Bomber

The Good Old B52: America’s Veteran Bomber

Despite more sophisticated aircrafts, the B52 jet powered strategic bomber has been in active service since 1955. While much of it is attributed to the USAF teams that have maintained the aircraft, the main reason has been superior performance at sub supersonic speeds and relatively low operating costs. The B52 is slated to be in active service until 2040, 85 years since its commissioning.

Even before the production of B-36 started, the requirement for a bomber with a larger operational radius and greater speed was issued. The B52 was primarily meant for deterrent missions during the cold war era and designed as a high-level nuclear bomber that could take on the Soviet Union. That however became difficult with the arrival of SAM missiles. That was when B52 took on the role of a low-level bomber.

… Continue Reading

Jet lag – Cause and Management

[audio:http://aviationenglishblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/05jetlag.mp3|titles=Jet lag – Causes and Management]Jet lag – Cause and Management

Also called desynchronosis, jet lag is a medical condition that occurs as a result of air travel across countries in different time zones in a short period of time. This is different from air sickness which is nausea experienced by some people every time they travel by air.

Some of the common symptoms of jet lag include headache, fatigue, insomnia, disrupted sleep pattern, irritability and digestive trouble.

The body can tell the time of the day with the help of specific signals that are received by the senses. For example, the optic nerve in the eyes receives information about the amount of light or darkness outside and transmits this to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls various bodily functions like temperature, hunger, thirst and sleep as well.

Grammar point: present continuous tense

Grammar point: present continuous tense

Aim

• Practice English skills in an aviation context
• Practice present continuous in dialogue form

Low Cost vs. Conventional Airlines

[audio:http://aviationenglishblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/20lowcost.mp3|titles=Low cost v Conventional Airlines]

Low Cost vs. Conventional Airlines

Level: Easy

Read the text about conventional and low-cost carriers and match the words in the left column with the words in the right column:

1. 1. Low-cost carriers seem to be seriously involved in the new trend in the US airline industry’s domestic market. Both, smaller no-frills carriers (e.g. Allegiant, Frontier and Virgin America) and bigger budget airlines (e.g. JetBlue and Southwest), have grown rapidly over the last decade and are now known to be controlling 30% of the domestic travel market as compared to legacy carriers. As more Americans are changing their habits and choosing discount airlines for domestic flights, conventional airlines are cutting flights, shrinking hubs and even abandoning some destinations. The recent economic downturn has only contributed to this reshuffling, taking a toll on traditional airlines.
   2. While low fairs are obviously appealing, they are no longer a major selling point. What does seem to attract passengers is the major shift in how air travel is perceived. Value is given to non-complex operations and a more positive attitude.

… Continue Reading

Green Airlines (Environmentally friendly Airlines)

I. Read the small paragraph about aviation industry giants operating in environmentally responsible ways and pick out words in bold that have the same meaning as the following:

1. a. forward-thinking
2. b. recycling policies
3. c. sustainable aircraft
4. d. environmentally conscious
5. e. emissions trading
6. f. a global economic downturn
7. g. zero-emission
8. h. recycling program

It seems as though the recent bad economics of the airline business and the 1.global economic recession have contributed to more 2.environmentally responsible behavior and have caused some industry associations, airports and major airlines to be more 3.progressive and concerned about going green both, in the air and on the ground.

… Continue Reading

Aviation Quiz

AVIATION QUIZ

1. Many people have broken the sound barrier while driving. Who was the first person to break it in a level flight?

a) Chuck Yeager

b) Scott Crossfield

c) Wilbur Wright

d) Neil Armstrong

2. What do you hear when somebody says something while you are travelling faster than the speed of sound?

a) Nothing at all

b) A sonic boom

c) Since you are travelling faster than the speed of sound you hear words back words

d) You hear what is being said because the air inside the aircraft is travelling at the same speed as you.

3. What Does ICAO stand for?

a) International Civil Aviation Organization

b) Intense Civil Aviation Operations

c) Interstate Civil Aviation Organization

d) Interstate Civil Aviation Operations

… Continue Reading

Fire

TOPIC: Fires

Clique Aqui para Ouvir o texto

GOAL: To learn Aviation English vocabulary related to the dangers of aircraft fires and their causes.

Exercise #1: Read about aircraft fires, and then proceed to Exercise #2

Perhaps few things are as scary as an aircraft fire. They are serious business because, unlike an automobile, pilots don't have the luxury of stopping their aircraft in flight to solve the problem. Reacting quickly and correctly is essential to effectively deal with the emergency. When a fire erupts, you may have little time to consult the emergency checklist, and if you're confused or uncertain about the procedures, your reactions may be slow and inappropriate.

There have been several well-known cases of aircraft fires, including a UPS DC-8 that burned-up after it landed at the Philadelphia International Airport in 2006. Another classic scenario occurred during the tragic accident of ValueJet Flight 592 which crashed into the Florida Everglades after an in-flight fire developed shortly after departure.

… Continue Reading

Inglês para Comissários de Bordo

Flight Attendants can use this site to study, improve and maintain their  level of Aviation English.

With this site you can read about the vocabulary that is specific to your area, listen to the pronunciation, and practice what you have learnt with a mini quiz at the end of the lesson.

Contact us to know more about practicing Aviation English for Flight Attendants for specific situations.

Topics for English for Flight Attendants

– The Romance of Aviation

– Parts Inside the Aircraft

– The Story of a Flight Attendant

– Parts of the Aircraft

– Stress Management

– Air Rage – Causes and Prevention

– Jet Lag

– Countries and Cultures

– Flight Attendant Interviews

– Packing

– Cabin Crew Procedures

– Religion and Cultural Sensitivities

– Health Problems on Board

www.globalaviationenglish.com

Preparação para Entrevistas

English for Aviation Business Executives

Aviation Business Executives are communicating more frequently in English. Negotiations are common with foreigners, mergers and alliances occuring frequently.

Use this site to study, improve and maintain your level of Business English, specifically for the Aviation Business Professional.

With this site you can practice your reading, listening, grammar and speaking skills.

Contact us to know more about our courses.

Aviation Business English Topics found on this Aviation English Blog Tutorial site:

– Green Airlines (Environmentally Friendlyt Airlines)

– Interesting Airline Brands

– Airline Customer Service

– Low cost v Conventional Airlines

– Airlines Alliances

– Competition

*To study more Aviation Business English please contact us. Skype: inglesaviacao

www.globalaviationenglish.com

Interesting Airline Brands

Interesting Airline Brands

According to a survey conducted, Virgin Atlantic emerged as the best airline brand for 2009, with British Airways tailing closely. Some of the other names that came on top in various categories include brands like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, EasyJet, Qatar Airways, BMI and Swiss International. These brands have been assessed on different criteria like reliability, quality and distinction.

What adds to the overall rating of airline brands is the service that it offers its customers. This is something that can be achieved by good cabin and ground staff, choice of food, variety of entertainment on board, large number of destinations and high flight frequencies, among other services.

… Continue Reading