Powerback or Pushback for an aircraft?

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Let us discuss what is a power back and pushback method? To move the aircraft from the apron (parked position) to the take-off position, two methods can be used as shown in the figure below. Pushback method uses industrial tractor and/or tugs, whereas the powerback method uses reverse thrust by engine's to push the aircraft away from an airport apron meantime the pilot can start the engines to move forward to the runway. Mostly, the pushback method is used in airports to move the aircraft from the taxi position. Because the powerback is not safe for the aircraft those who have lower mounted engine's as shown in the figure. As per the Aviation rules, there are various risks accounted in the powerback method such as aircraft collision with the surroundings, damaging the engine, a risk to ground staff and the pilot cannot see the tail of an aircraft. Foreign Object Debris provided this due to which this method is not used in common. In addition, the air sucked (vortex of air) by the engines might intake the gravels, metal pieces or any hard object which might damage the engines. Powerback method is used for Boeing Globemaster, Jet MD80, DC9 and Turboprop aircraft's because they have high mounted engines and requires a ground staff to give the directions; however, it is a faster process. Also, it reduces the ground equipment in the airport which are present on the working floor. It is recommended that while performing the powerback method shutdown the airconditioning system because the air sucked by the engines can go into the passenger cabins.

In conclusion, the pushback method saves fuel and is safe.

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Role of a Mechanical Engineer in the New Era...

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Let us discuss what are the roles of a Mechanical Engineer in the current period. Nowadays, the industries are shifting towards automation, leading to optimizing machining time, reduction in human error and higher efficiency. Due to the current trends, most of the leading job opportunities in the industries are also changing their trend to meet the present scenario. Currently, automation is a critical/key topic in every industry as much of the research for the same topics is ongoing. Therefore, considering these factors in this era, current jobs in the industry are:   

1. Instrumentation Engineer

2. Powertrain Engineer 

3. Design Engineer

4. R&D Engineer

All of these are the current jobs opportunities in the industries as every industry is looking for a candidate who is aware of the current technological updates. These jobs are highly skilful which needs an adequate technical background. Transformation of industries leads to new roles in the world.

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Analysis of the Air India Express IX-1344 Dubai to Kerala Crash.

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"Because of this incident didn't publish the regular blog."

I am immensely saddened to hear this unfortunate crash of the "Vande Bharat Mission Flight from Dubai to Kerala". My heartfelt condolences to the family's those who lost their loved one's #RIP. Vande Bharat Mission intends to evacuate the Indians who had been stranded aboard due to COVID-19.  

Let us discuss what could have been a reason behind the crash? The analysis provided here was made according to the available information on the internet and other resources. This will be my opinion based on the information and data don't quote.

"No one can explain the actual reason, the Pilot and Co-Pilot were the one from whom we could. Unfortunately, they are no more with us."

Begining this blog with who commanded the Air India Express Flight from Dubai to Kerala were Pilot Ex-Wing Commander Deepak Vasant Sathe (Captain) and Co-Pilot Akhilesh Kumar.  

Captain Deepak Vasant Sathe was from 58th course of the National Defence Academy, Pune. He was from "Juliet Squadron" and had been awarded the 58 NDA, President Gold Medal. Also won the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. He worked as a test pilot for the Air force and was accomplished fighter pilot. A test pilot is the one who evaluates the aircraft performance, conducts various tests, performs experiments on the aircraft, solve the related problems, research on aircraft and possess excellent knowledge on it. From this, one can definitely say that the cockpit was under the supervision of a great pilot with his co-pilot. The Pilot was exceptionally well qualified, so deciding to land was not inappropriate; thus, it is out of the question.

 

Although I saw in media and social networks, people are criticising the Pilot and co-pilot about there decision of landing. First of all, the person who is saying in this matter should be ashamed of what they are trending/speaking. How can you question such an experienced pilot work" We should be grateful for what they are/were doing during this Pandemic COVID-9 helping people to come back to there own country by risking their own life. Therefore, don't speak without knowing anything they would not have done it intentionally. 

"It was a black day."

  

Don't talk rubbish and then spread it. I got extremely disturbed/saddened by seeing all this in the news and other media. "Be human think before you talk don't talk nonsense." We should salute their sacrifice in this current situation while saving passengers on board. It could have been more worst than this might have caught fire or crashed. How can we even think about questioning their profession?  

In 2010, a flight from Dubai to Mangaluru Airport went off the runway and fell into a valley 100 meters resulting in the death of 158 people. Because the airport has tabletop runway means the runway is on the hill or the end of the runway is unbounded (i.e., it is next to the gorge, valley, cliff). Today's incident also resembles this case happened in 2010; however, the reason is still uncertain. 

The flight Boeing 737-8HG Registration No. VT-AXH which was an evacuation flight on the Vande Bharat Mission from Dubai to Kerala. The actual landing time (local) was around 7:30 pm at Kozhikode airport. The flight was carrying 191 passengers, excluding the crew members. As per the reports, the weather condition was not good and there was a thunderstorm with heavy rain. According to ATC (Air traffic controller), the visibility was 2000 meter which is sufficient visibility range for a pilot to land safely. In figure 1, the red enclosed circle demonstrates there was high tailwind around 12 knots which is exceptionally high. The airport runway length is 9383 feet which is the optimum length as per DGCA; however, a runway length of around 7000 feet is a short runway. Therefore, the runway length was not a problem behind it; however, the airport has a tabletop runway. Landing in these extreme weather condition with a tabletop runway would have been a challenge for the captain. Due to the excursion of the runway, the aircraft fells into the ditch of 30-35 feet due to which the breakdown of the fuselage occurs and the cockpit directly hits on the ground and pilots died. Since it was raining the runway was wet and the braking action weakens because of low friction leading to Aquaplaning.

Aquaplaning is a phenomenon when the tires come in contact with water surface and losses the grip over the contact surface due to low friction and the tire skids as wheels are locked due to the applied brake pressure. 

Figure 2, depicts the approach path of landing, firstly, the ATC gave clearance to the captain to land on "Runway 28" and the captain says Roger and approaches to land. In figure 2, the "overhead" is the point when the captain approach to landing that is the point after the aircraft starts to descend. As per regulations of the specific runway, the captain should maintain an altitude of 3100 feet and speed 140 knots; however, their approach was stable and was at 166 knots at 3275 altitude which is acceptable and normal landing can be performed, but the captain saw due to the high wind, turbulence and thunderstorms (cloudly weather) they cannot land on the specific runway. Hence, they go around by turning left (after the overhead point) and again try to land on the other "Runway 10". During the second approach, there was a tailwind which means there is a wind in the same direction of landing (wind is flowing from tail to nose) the condition was dangerous. The captain approached to land on "Runway 10" regulations says to maintain 140 knots at 2200 altitude for the specific runway; however, they were at 179 knots at 2250 feet (not a stable approach) + the tailwind + wet runway (Aquaplaning) + not 100% braking pressure. Due to all of these factors, the aircraft crossed the runway and fell into the ditch of around 30-35 feet by crossing the boundaries. As the aircraft proceeded to the ditch, it split into two pieces due to the impact on the aircraft. 

Figure 3, illustrates the altitude and speed of an aircraft on the whole trip and it can be observed that the speed in the second approach was higher than the first approach. As stated above, the speed was higher than recommended this could be one of the reasons due to failure. Now the question arises why did the captain decide to land on "Runway 10" when there was a tailwind because there were turbulence and thunderstorms on the other runway with much turbulence. 

Figure 4 shows the endpoint of "Runway 10" at Kozhikode airport. 

Figure 1: Aviation Meter Radar

     

Figure 2: Landing Scenario

Figure 3: Speed vs Altitude.

Figure 4: Landing Runway 10

This was my analysis based on the information and data I read. The investigation team can only give a clear picture of the crash.     

Miserable crash I hope the families get enough strength towards the loss of their loved ones. #RIP Somber moment. 

For more information, stay in touch with the website mentioned and/or authentic media reports.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_India_Express_Flight_1344

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6 Month Strategy for GATE 2021?

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Let us discuss how to prepare for GATE in a short period of time starting from August-January. In some previous blogs, we have discussed how to approach GATE preparation, how to revise effectively and other related details. 

This blog would be more focused on the six-month strategy towards the preparation of the exam. In the following steps, have mentioned some milestones towards the GATE:

1. Make a mind map for the preparation this account subject-wise preparation schedule. The mind map is a long term goal and will direct you to lead/follow the goal. This step can also be used as a motivation and dedication to the exam.

2. Preparation to be followed in this step:

a. Syllabus preparation.

b. Revision.

c. Old GATE papers.

d. Test series

Subject wise preparation should be done based on the above steps because it will help you to boost your confidence step by step. After you are done with one subject or more, do parallel revision which means you are still in touch with the concepts. Revision should always be done in continuation the gap in revision will lead to failing the concepts.

3. Start the preparation with Major subjects such as TOM, SOM, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, HMT, Maths. Because these subjects have more weightage in the exam, other subjects can be done after these. 

4. After the above-mentioned subjects are done, start with the revision along with new subjects. Suppose you finish most of the subjects, including major subjects at the end of November, start with mock test and GATE papers subject wise. 

5. In January do the full mock test this will help you to accustom with the paper and the virtual calculator. If you attempt 4-5 full test series, this will undoubtedly help you in the main exam.

6. After mock tests, you might find the performance was not excellent do not worry just starting with revision and recap all the content so that you will be in touch with the syllabus. 

These steps will help you to adapt to the environment of the exam, boost your confidence, how to attempt question within the stipulated time and improve the accuracy. Hope you will find it helpful. 

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Why MBA after B.Tech?

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Let us discuss why people want to do MBA after B.Tech? 

MBA (Masters in Business Administration) 

First of all, an engineer is a total asset of knowledge in the field of engineering and related fields. After engineering, there are many different ways to approach your career, such as Research, Master's, MBA, Associate professor. Nevertheless, we will only discuss why MBA? In the previous blogs, we have already discussed why Masters? 

"Pursuing an MBA after engineering is a current trend in the generation. Research has proved that most of the engineering students crack the entrance exam easily compared to other departments." This is due to an engineering student study various subjects with broader context including strong aptitude and verbal skills. 

MBA is a management course which provides you to enhance your managerial skills and become a complete person with unique qualities. The course is divided into several categories like Finance, Human resource management, Marketing, Sales, Operation management, Supply chain, etc. By doing any specific course from these will brace your management skills for the same. Moreover, companies require a candidate with not only one specific quality; however, it should be multi-dimensional. In other words, the organizations are looking for a candidate who can lead the company as a leader while carrying the management skills. Hence, the candidate also requires management skills despite the technical background. Following reasons are listed:

1. An MBA course will help you to develop managerial skills, and thus, make you prepare to lead the company in management roles.

2. An engineer who wants to move up the hierarchy of the company transits from the technical role to the managerial role.

3. Engineers are flexible to convert the business into a profitable venture by there leadership qualities and entrepreneurship.

4. Engineer needs to go beyond and help the industries to create products and market them for the worth of it. 

5. It will help an engineering student to climb the corporate world with management skills.

6. An engineer can easily transit from the technical to the managerial roles. 

7. Finally, it helps the candidate to become more extrovert and develop your personality, communication skills and, etc. 

An engineer can lead the higher managerial positions with ease compared to other depts as they are technically sound with engineering depts. In addition, it also useful to do MBA after you have job experience of 2-3 years because of significant universities require a candidate with work experience. This decision is made because the ability of the person with some working experience to interact, discuss and handle a specific situation will always possess a more practical approach than a fresher candidate. In conclusion, it is an excellent option to go for if you are interested in the field of management. 

"The engineer is likely to be the manager that has to implement new practices and new technology."

 

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Why there are different lights on the aircraft?

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Let us discuss what is the function of lights on the aircraft? Why there are different lights?

Everybody who had travelled in the flight has probably seen lights on the wings, tail, nose wheel, etc. In total, there are 8 different lights on the aircraft body with corresponding meanings. 

Beginning from the front to aft: 

1 Nose wheel: This light is for the taxi and take-off light. This light helps an aircraft while taking off and taxing the plane. It is used as a signboard for the ground crew that the aircraft has received clearance to take off/land.

2. Runway lights: This light is used for lighting up the runway exits and tight turns on taxiways. 

3. Wing lights: The purpose of this light is to light up the leading edge of the wing and the area of engines. More explicitly, the pilots can check using the lights if there is damage on the wings/engine inlet and the plane can be easily visible.

4. Anti-collision light (Next to the wing in middle body bottom side): This light is used for the attention of ATC and other plane pilots that the plane is moving, This also provides the ground crew an indication that the pilot will start the engines. 

5. Landing lights (Bottom of the wing): This light is used to make the plane more visible for others that the plane is approaching the runway. It is usually switched on around 10000 feet. 

6. Position lights (On the end/side of the wing and the tail): Right sidelight is green whereas red on the left with a wide-angle of 110 degrees, in addition, a white light on the tail with 140 degrees aperture. This allows other pilots to detect/visualize the direction of an aircraft. 

7. Strobe lights ( On the wing and tail): These lights are high-intensity lights with double blinks every 2 secs. This helps the ATC and other flights to carry out the attention of the flight because might there would be another aircraft to land on the same runway. 

8. Logo lights: This light is pointed towards the company logo on the tail horizontal stabilizer. Used for advertisement and safety towards pointing the aircraft on the runway. 

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