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If you haven’t noticed yet, a lot of the things I post about are things I am actively learning. Usually something I encounter while flying somewhere and I think, “Wow, I wonder what that is?” or “Cool, I never knew that” Take for instance, today’s post about EMAS.

I ran into EMAS (not litterally) while flying into JFK. If you look at a approach plate for JFK and the end of runway 4 R, you will notice a large diagonal pad entitled EMAS. A little more searching in your chart Glossary will tell you that EMAS is a “Engineered Materials Arresting System.” I generally knew that EMAS is collapsible concrete meant to help stop a aircraft but like always, I needed to learn more.

A little time on Google and I found a website for the manufacturer of that concrete, ESCO. ESCO, which stands for Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation, has been engineering and manufacturing arrestor beds for military applications for a long time, it is only recently (the 90s) that they have begun to assist the civilian world in manufacturing beds that comply with all the requirements for a overrun area for a part 139 airport. Turns out that EMAS is “is consisted of a bed of cellular cement material manufactured in the form of engineered block components that are strategically placed at the overrun end of a runway.”

ESCO’s website has a lot of really neat information about EMAS areas. In fact, they have a pretty nice video explaining EMAS. The only problem is the video is like 8 minutes long so I cut it down to just the good stuff which is about 1:48 or so. If you want to see the rest of the video you can visit ESCO’s website.

I recently had a privilege to fly a Beechcraft Baron, a multi-engine piston aircraft made by Beechcraft (Hawker). That flight came as a result of the corporate jet I usually fly being in for some routine maintenance. After the flight, a friend said to me, “What did you think?” (comparing the two very different types of airplanes) and as I struggled to answer him, I thought of an analogy that I think pretty accurately describes at least my feelings regarding the comparison.

The analogy I came up with was that of comparing digital music (CDs or MP3’s) to flying a jet aircraft and comparing vinyl records, or LPs, to flying a piston aircraft.

Most audiophiles will tell you that when it comes to richness and fullness of sound, nothing comes close to the fidelity of vinyl records. There is just a hidden quality with analog music that you can’t find with any digital music medium (especially when played through a good tube amp!). I kind of think the same about flying a piston aircraft, especially something like the Baron. Being able to feel the hum of the motor through the seats, seeing the analog gauges move directly in correlation with the engine controls and syncing the props perfectly by ear….I don’t know, there is something there that is missing when you fly a highly computerized jet aircraft.

Then again, how many people own LPs anymore right? (I do, but that is a different website entirely) Digital music is more reliable, more efficient, portable, modern and you can say similar things for a jet aircraft. Jet aircraft typically see the first wave of technology, cutting edge, efficiency…modern. There is something to be said for the reliability of the jet engine (the rest of the airplane…eh).

Which one is better? I can’t say. If I had to chose to fly around the world in a piston or jet, that choice would be easy (jet). I also wouldn’t take my turntable to the gym which I can with an iPod. But if could choose an airplane when flying my wife to lunch somewhere or taking my friend fishing, well, the choice would be easy.

I guess when it comes down to it…I’m just lucky to fly at all.

In whichever airplane you choose…Fly safe.

I have recently added a blog feature to the site.  This is so I can share flying tips and tricks with you and you can respond with your ideas and thoughts.

As always, this site still has a great forum that I hope you check out and register.  What is better than talking about aviation?

Hopefully soon you’ll see some other additions to the site. Features such as:

• A FAQ section of the site
•  Flying terms and glossary

Be sure to check back soon, as we add these features.

Thanks for stopping by and look forward to seeing your questions soon.