Why are helicopters more often affected by lateral imbalance than airplanes?
Helicopters are more often affected by lateral imbalance than airplanes. If a helicopter is loaded with heavy occupants and fuel on the same side, it could be out of balance enough to make it unsafe to fly. Fuel in the tanks of a swept-wing airplane affects both lateral and longitudinal balance.
Can a chopper Glide?
Helicopters can glide in case of an emergency (engine failure) albeit in a manner much different than fixed-wing airplanes. Though helicopters do not have any fixed wings, their rotor blades can act like rotating wings, making sure sufficient lift is available for the helicopter to glide till safe landing.
Why do pilots sit in left seat?
After World War I, most aircraft had left-turned rotary engines since they followed the engine torque. It was also easier to turn left than to turn right. This lets the captain pilot control the aircraft in order to prevent a collision. Thus, the captain pilots are seated on the left side of the cockpit.
Why do helicopter captains sit on the right?
Most helicopters these days have a collective for each seat, located on the left, so the pilot wants to use the hand in the middle of the cockpit to work the radios and things. Hence, they sit on the right side, which places the collective hand in the middle of the cockpit.
What kind of engine does a McDonnell Douglas MD 80 have?
The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 is a series of single-aisle airliners developed by McDonnell Douglas from the earlier DC-9 . Stretched, heavier, and with higher bypass Pratt & Whitney JT8D -200 engines, the DC-9 Series 80 was launched in October 1977.
What is the difference between the MD-80 and MD-90?
Introduced in 1995, the MD-90 is a further stretch powered by IAE V2500 high-bypass turbofans, while the shorter MD-95, the later Boeing 717, was powered by Rolls-Royce BR715 engines. MD-80 production ended in 1999 after 1,191 were built. This section needs additional citations for verification.
How much fuel does a MD-80 use per hour?
Due to the use of the aging JT8D engines, the MD-80 is not fuel efficient compared to the A320 or newer 737 models; it burns 1,050 US gal (4,000 l) of jet fuel per hour on a typical flight, while the larger Boeing 737-800 burns 850 US gal (3,200 l) per hour (19\% reduction).
When did the first MD-80 make its first flight?
The first MD-80, DC-9 line number 909, made its first flight on October 18, 1979. Although two aircraft were substantially damaged in accidents, test flying was completed on August 25, 1980, when the first variant of MD-80, the JT8D-209-powered MD-81 (or DC-9-81), was certified under an amendment to the FAA type certificate for the DC-9.