Category Back Stories
Back Story QF32 p 180 Nervous Fliers
Although many travelers hide their emotions, it is estimated that up to 25% of passengers are in fact nervous flyers. Doc Holiday quizzes Captain de Crespigny about this subject and how some of us can reduce our fear of flying and resume exciting and efficient lifestyles. Linda Emery I have just finished reading QF32 – a wonderful […]
Photos – Mentors, Friends & Legends (not in the QF32 book) – John Bartels
John Bartels (QF32 page 27) John – the Captain of QF30 that suffered an explosion of the oxygen cylinder on 25 July 2008. John and his technical crew were faced with about 30 checklists to complete. He diverted to and made a successful emergency landing at Manila airport. How did he manage this unprecedented event? […]
Slingshot Effect (QF32 p 346)
Editor’s Note I am pleased that this topic has generated much discussion in the pilot community. Few readers understand if and why the Slingshot Effect exists which makes this topic is even more interesting. Question QF32 reader John Reid asks: “The QF32’s appendix includes A380 specifications. There is a statement […]
Back Story QF32 Page 045 – Why we need to pay attention to the pre-takeoff safety briefing
This excellent article in the Sydney Morning Herald explains why we should all pay attention to the airline pre-takeoff safety briefings. The briefings are not for entertainment: Federal aviation regulations require that passengers be briefed before every flight. You chance of surviving an accident increases if you follow the instructions. Think about David Cassebohm (QF32 […]
Welcome to the Big Jets Book discussion
I am writing a book about big jets My definition of the big jets are those bigger than the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Large corporate jets (Gulfstream and Cessna) are also included. For aspiring aviators who are pursuing a career flying Big Jets and for commercial aviation pilots, The Big Jets book provides an […]
Back Story QF32 p 016 & photos opposite p 135 – – Automation, Mechatronics
Alexander is studying Mechatronics Engineering (computers, electronics, mechanical) at a university in Sydney, Australia. Alex has a passion for things that work and fly. He is fortunate to be entering the workplace when the world is being transformed in a remarkable environment of discovery and innovation. In particular, robots are enabling improved capabilities and efficiencies […]
Back-story QF32 p 045 – David Cassebohm – Sabre Legend
David Cassebohm climbing into his Sabre fighter in April 1968 at RAAF Base Butterworth – his first flight after his accident of 19 March 1968 (that is described at QF32 page 45).
Back-story QF32 p 340 – Chinese Symbol for the word ‘CRISIS’
I received the following correspondence from Dr Derwyn and Carolyn Jones – passengers on QF32. In the spirit of the “glass being half full, not half empty”, I echo their thoughts and share them below: “When written in Chinese the word ‘crisis’ is composed of 2 characters. One represents ‘danger’ and the other represents ‘opportunity’. […]
Back-story QF32 p 141 – Michael von Reth
Introduction (by Richard de Crespigny) – 31 July 2012 Michael is a humble and self effacing man who shies away from being held up for accolades. A man I hold in the greatest of respect (Susan Rice, Cabin Safety Specialist, CASA) It is rare that I find myself in absolute awe in the presence of […]
Back-story QF32 p 009 – War Stories – from School!
Having been free of world war for over 66 years, it’s understandable why some of the younger generations have sometimes taken our peaceful existence and secure lifestyle for granted. But back in 1945 the world was a very different place and even the life of a school boy was exciting. Here is a story […]
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