I though this was supposed to be an AVIATION forum.

Starting a thread like this in here and expecting it to run its course without interference must be the epitome of optimism.

Great 🙂

I flew with a toddler in the right-hand seat not long ago. He was quite eager until I levelled off for a cruise, at which point he fell fast asleep for the rest of the flight.

the French (DHC) Beaver

Sorry, but this couldn’t pass my guttermind unnoticed. 🙂

I admit it’s not a very good picture but there is a little story about it.
Back in 1980 our battery was assigned to act as a target during a FAC training. This A-10was one of the many who flew over, but it was low, very low! After the simulated attack it pulled up and I was able to shoot this picture. Shot with a Practica 35 mm with an 400mm lens. On negative film. This is the scan of the negative film. The film was developed at that time in specialized factories (no one hour services back then) and got lost there. Only after a month or so it was “found” again but as you can see it was damaged all over. Someone obviously had great interest in my pictures.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]227743[/ATTACH]

Any ringing in the ears after that pass? :p

AD or artillery?

Well, don’t ask the Japanese whether the Minke are at sustainable levels since they have been researching for years whilst claiming that very thing since before the moratorium; the only problem from that angle is that they are rather unreliable where their interests are concerned, hence the repeated claim that there are sustainable levels.

I don’t know much about Japan in this case. I should clarify that I’m trying to see this from a European perspective, focusing on whaling in the Atlantic.

Its not ‘disneyfication’ – I can’t think of a cuddly, lovable whale-like personification other than one on Sponge Bob (a whiny teenager-like female who, if I recall rightly, is not very lovable). Maybe you can think of something better?

I was thinking more along the lines of “disneyfication” of animals in general. This might be OT, but I’m not sure it’s wise to culturally condition children that way. At least it’s important to address the facts of nature (and the processed ham on the sandwich), but then again it might not be a big deal for all I know. I wonder if some developmental traits in Western societies such as urbanization and less (?) direct involvement with primary industries can contribute to alienate parts of the population from methods used to kill animals for food. Seeing as how many people enjoy eating animals, I also wonder if this logically shouldn’t set the stage for some types of internal conflicts (psychologically speaking). Assigning different values to different species also comes to mind.

‘Disneyfication’ does not enter into the mind when seeing images of a whale ‘cow’ (female, mother) and its ‘calf’ being hauled aboard a whaling ship; the calf stayed with its mother after she was fatally injured or killed and so was killed by the whalers for…research purposes.

I’m not familiar with whaling regulations. I don’t think the process of killing animals per se is any more nice than you do. I like fishing and will probably take up gamebird hunting some day, owing mainly to the fact that I enjoy the general nature / hunting experience and getting food straight from the wild. The act of killing in itself does not appeal to me, but I see it as a (brutal) part of life.

Cows, sheep, pigs, etc, are all bred to be eaten – it is a fact of life; whales are wild creatures

I think hunting wild animals for food is more natural in itself than taking whatever comes out of the abattoirs. Speaking of farm animals – what about their quality of life? Stress levels in the moments before they’re slaughtered? Medication? Meat quality?

Shooting an unknowing elk which has lived a good and healthy life in the wild doesn’t seem that bad to me compared to the abattoir.

we have no way of knowing if they are on the verge of extinction if we (or rather the Japanese) don’t track them but kill them for research. If, next year, none are found due to over research this year… what do we do?

You don’t think the various populations are being monitored?

Again, I know little about the Japanese activities. Logic tells me they don’t intend to do away with the very foundation of whaling (or hunting or fishing) in general: Always making sure to maintain a strong and sustainable population of whatever species you’re after. I trust that e.g. Norwegian authorities know their stuff regarding minke whales in the Atlantic.

Look, I’m quite fond of whales and animals in general. General animal welfare and conservation of wild species means a lot to me. I also believe in the responsible and sustainable harvesting of what nature has to offer. I don’t have a complete oversight, but I’m more worried about some other species (e.g. Amur Leopard, Mountain Gorilla) than the minke whale at the moment. Perhaps the resources being used to try and keep some minke whales from getting killed could benefit more serious conservation efforts elsewhere. I just fail to see the logic here.

We went out on a Pilot Whale watching trip when we were in Tenerife a few years ago. As you say, a memorable experience.

I also tasted some smoked whale meat in Bergen. Not as nice as the roast reindeer.

I’ve had the pleasure of watching whales when flying – very memorable. I’d even like to try freediving among them.

Tip: If you ever get the chance, consider trying some grilled and properly marinated minke meat with a fitting sauce.

Some of these tech questions have been briefly addressed by some seemingly knowledgeable people over at PPRuNe. Issues such as general lag in aviation, testing requirements, airline industry opposition (due to increased costs etc.), increased complexity, introduction of possible threats (i.e. batteries) and so on have been raised.

If e.g. ICAO decides to pursue this further, perhaps a broad approach including relevant experts and stakeholders who can examine and discuss different aspects of this could be something.

Aircraft attitude and direction / flight path don’t necessarily explain much in themselves. The angle of attack is key, regardless of attitude and direction. The effects on the boundary layer (turbulence, separation, vortices) and wake turbulence can probably explain a few things. The wake air gets quite “messy” at the critical AoA.

Night flying, Lightnings by moon-light, take your choice.

CGI?