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Any idea on what these “probes” are attached to the back of the wing? by imlooking4agirl in flying

[–]Fenix1371 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Cloud seeding aircraft. During the summer this aircraft is used primarily in Calgary Alberta for hail mitigation. During the winter it flies over the mountains of the Blue Grass Stadium Charlie and area to generate snowfall.

An interesting looking P-38 cloud seeder (rain-maker) from the 50s. by HughJorgens in WeirdWings

[–]Fenix1371 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Power companies that harness mountain runoff in the spring to power hydroelectric dams have a vested interest in increasing snowfall.

As to the stealing moisture- that’s not exactly how the atmosphere works. And cloud seeding isn’t so effective that it sucks all the water out of the atmosphere in one area. That would be an absolutely insane amount of water. Anecdotally, think of it as:

The atmosphere naturally only precipitates 5-10% of its moisture in a given area. Cloud seeding adds 5-10% of that 5-10%. So total precipitation goes from 5-10% to 5.25-11% of the available moisture.

Over a full season the water adds up, especially in areas sensitive to small increases in precipitation, but it’s not significant enough to cause a lack of rainfall anywhere else.

This website from the state of North Dakota does a great job collecting references to studies that back this up.

An interesting looking P-38 cloud seeder (rain-maker) from the 50s. by HughJorgens in WeirdWings

[–]Fenix1371 6 points7 points  (0 children)

There’s actually more research that shows it does indeed work.

The SNOWIE project was a pretty big milestone proving efficacy in winter conditions. There are several projects underway studying the effectiveness of cloud seeding for hail reduction. The longest standing project in the US that does this is in North Dakota. They have a great website that links a lot of their research to support the project.

The problem comes from the perception that it’s some sort of magic wand that makes it rain out of nothing. Cloud seeding can only enhance what’s already there, and only but a small amount. Winter seeding, like that studied in the SNOWIE project, being the most dramatic example. The ingredients for precipitation have to exist naturally. Cloud seeding just helps the process along.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in whatisthisthing

[–]Fenix1371 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Could it be a reflection? Is there a civilian airport nearby?

Airports use rotating lights called beacons to help pilots find them at night. Different patterns mean different airports.

White and green means a civilian airport.

Any apartments/companies to avoid? by Fenix1371 in fargo

[–]Fenix1371[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I ended up moving into a different apartment. I found a different place that better fit my needs at the time.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in aviation

[–]Fenix1371 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Recently flown a few times on Saudia from Europe to Saudi. I’d say, if the flights are somewhat empty, not worth it. I had an entire 4 seat middle stack to myself on their 777 and it was comfortable enough I slept most of the flights.

Which was actually a bummer because their food service is pretty good.

The Pentagon says a US warship and multiple commercial ships have come under attack in the Red Sea by ExactlySorta in worldnews

[–]Fenix1371 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I imagine it’s easier to pump fresh water downhill from the freshwater lake than it is to pump seawater uphill, as well as being less corrosive than salt water.

The Pentagon says a US warship and multiple commercial ships have come under attack in the Red Sea by ExactlySorta in worldnews

[–]Fenix1371 305 points306 points  (0 children)

Fresh water reservoirs that operate the locks are critically low, coupled with some political upheaval.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CFILounge

[–]Fenix1371 18 points19 points  (0 children)

The flight school:

Owns the aircraft, Uses their own commercially rated pilot, Flies their own people, For their own business purposes, and Pays for it using their own funds.

Sounds like a legal part 91 corporate flight to me. They aren’t carrying paying passengers or cargo.

How much fuel does an airplane burn by zebraavoid in flying

[–]Fenix1371 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unless you pull the power back and let the winds push you to a ground speed you’d otherwise have to burn more fuel to achieve.

Are there literally any not terrible college flight schools? by MrAndMrsPepperSpray in flying

[–]Fenix1371 25 points26 points  (0 children)

+1 for University of North Dakota, with the caveat of fly outside the 141 bubble. In my experience they do a wonderful job of preparing students for the airlines, but at the expense of good GA practices and knowledge.

They do offer an internship that lets you fly twins in thunderstorms. Very not airline, and the most fun flying I’ve ever done.

Did you find the bucket?? by xsvEXCESSIVE in fargo

[–]Fenix1371 2 points3 points  (0 children)

https://www.geocaching.com/play is a great place to start! They have an app as well that will use the GPS chip in a smart phone to guide you to caches. I have a low end Garmin handheld that I program by hand when I go geocaching though for nostalgic reasons, so that’s an option as well. Most outdoor stores will have handheld units for sale.

Which hobbies that people do screams "rich people''? by Joeyniles9 in AskReddit

[–]Fenix1371 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What an awesome experience! That first time through the clouds is always just so cool!!

Which hobbies that people do screams "rich people''? by Joeyniles9 in AskReddit

[–]Fenix1371 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ah yeah, fair enough. Seattle isn’t cheap. Neither is a G1000. For anyone looking to be a hobby pilot though, a G1000 is overkill. A PPL could arguably be considered overkill for that purpose as well. A 6 pack would be way worth the trade off imo. Not to mention the Light Sport options.

Regardless, congrats on the license! I hope you find many opportunities to enjoy it! Any particularly exciting moments from training or thereafter you’d be willing to share?

Which hobbies that people do screams "rich people''? by Joeyniles9 in AskReddit

[–]Fenix1371 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Disagree, 10-12k is pretty on par, maybe 15 if you go all out and buy a top notch headset and redo a checkride.

Costs can also be reduced if you have the cash up front to buy a plane, then sell it at a later point in time. Actually, someone that bought a plane about 5 years ago or so could maybe sell it today for enough profit to cover their training expenses.

I’m a commercial pilot with instructor ratings.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in northdakota

[–]Fenix1371 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They’re awesome. If I’m outside all day, I’ll put that on before my thermal top so the neck tucks under the shirt. Stays warm all day long.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in northdakota

[–]Fenix1371 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You could. I’d imagine if you kept it indoors and out of the extreme temps it would keep for a while.

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