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The perfect storm for a pilot shortage: Part III
Mark Huber Transportation Technology & AutomotiveThe declining number of retired military pilots entering civil aviation, coupled with the potentially-crippling proposed limits on the use of Veterans Administration educational benefits for civil flight training, promises to place more pressure than ever on civilian-track students to fill an emerging pilot shortage, including for helicopter EMS. But given the high cost of helicopter training — up to $300,000 — and a lack of affordable student loans to finance it, will enough young men and women choose helicopter flying as a career?
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Scientists develop new applications for carbon nanotubes
Alan Kelsky EngineeringNanotechnology is great, and every day researchers are discovering new ways to use it in manufacturing. One of the leading frontiers in nanotechnology is the use of carbon nanotubes — superthin sheets of carbon rolled into a tube that demonstrate amazing physical properties.
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Gaining perspective: Using data and video to become a better driver
Michael Gerowitz Transportation Technology & AutomotiveQuick check. Raise your hand if this applies to you. How many out there record their tracking days to post online so you can show off to your co-workers and buddies? Ah, I see a lot of hands up. Now keep them up if you the next questions apply as well: How many turn the camera away from the track and focus it on you? Lots of hands going down. How many use a data collection system to review and understand how they are driving? Hey — where'd the hands go?
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The perfect storm for a pilot shortage: Part II
Mark Huber Transportation Technology & AutomotiveThe U.S. civil aviation industry has long relied on the military to train a good share of its pilots — directly or indirectly — going back to the days just after World War II. With the military's shrinking size, it's understandable that the number of pilots with military training entering the civilian workforce is shrinking.
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New commissioner addresses Chicago O’Hare’s future
Matt Falcus Transportation Technology & AutomotiveGinger S. Evans, incoming commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, addressed an audience of civic and government leaders June 25 at the City Club of Chicago to discuss the importance of the city's airports to its economy and future growth. She talked about the challenges ahead — particularly at O'Hare, which is in need of expansion and streamlining if it is to remain competitive as a leading world hub.
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Automotive lightweighting drives plastics applications
Don Rosato EngineeringEvery car model that is launched in the coming years is expected to include lightweighting measures. Mazda, for example, has set a goal to reduce the curb weight of all its new model cars by 15 percent (up to 220 pounds per car), through material replacement and engineering, redesigning features and shrinking parts dimensions. The company is also planning to improve its global corporate fuel economy average by 30 percent by this year.
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Reader Sound-Off: Why can’t Amtrak get it right in the South?
Ryan Clark Transportation Technology & AutomotiveOne of passenger rail’s lasting downers following Hurricane Katrina is the loss of Amtrak service from New Orleans to areas east, along the Gulf Coast. Many remain unaware of this, but these areas still lack connection by passenger rail. Those who are aware find themselves in a state of disbelief. Recently, citizens and politicians in New Orleans and Orlando, Florida, have expressed desire for the return of that portion of Amtrak's Sunset Limited route. CSX Railroad agrees, and so does Amtrak. Why has nothing come to fruition?
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Risky driving behavior in a vintage 911
Noelle Talmon Recreation & LeisureThere is a certain protocol when it comes to driving a vintage car. One of the rules is: "Thou shall not drive a dirty classic car." Yet, I found myself doing just that this spring after waking my 1976 Porsche 911S from its winter hibernation. It's risky to drive a dusty, pollen-covered vintage Porsche because it’s such an attention-getter. No one wants to be extolling the great virtues of one’s vehicle to a bystander if it clearly needs more love from its owner.
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Does your department have an Accident Review Committee?
Frank R. Myers Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityDepending on your department's accident rate, an Accident Review Committee may not be a bad idea. There are many potential benefits. The idea of an ARC is to modify driver behavior without taking disciplinary action. The remediation process and post-accident documentation should not be placed in an employee’s personnel folder. Rather, records should be maintained by the designated driver training person in your department.
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Richmond Porsche Meet recap: Now a Shenandoah Region tradition
Sydney Scrogham Transportation Technology & AutomotiveIf you've ever wanted to experience a different version of the Porsche Parade's Concours, you’ll have to mark the 20th annual Richmond Porsche Meet on your calendar for 2016. Early in June, the 19th annual Richmond Porsche Meet took place and was loaded with events for the whole family. One of the Richmond Porsche Meet’s event highlights is the tops-only Concours. Porsche owners looking to try competing in the Parade’s Concours had a great opportunity to experience judging at this smaller event. But that’s not all there was to experience at the Richmond Porsche Meet.
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