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Trivia History

History of Prior Trivia Questions

Date		Question(s)		Answer(s)

29 July 2025		On 4 August 1950 (75 years ago) an event happened associated with a popular television show from the 70's . <Show Picture>
		Beginner Questions
		What was the name of the show?	MASH
		The name is an acronym, what did the acronym stand for?	Mobile Army Surgery Hospital
		What happened on this date that was relevant to this show?	The first medical evacuation by helicopter from a MASH team took place when a Sikorsky S-51 "Dragonfly" flew out a casualty from a fire fight along the Pusan Perimiter.
		Advanced Questions
		The conflict this show was set against was what? When? and When did the show air?	Korean War, 3 years 1950-1953, 11 years for the show from 1972 to 1983
		What various helicopters were used for the same purpose as these in this conflict?	Bell H-13 Sioux, S-51 Dragonfly, OH-23 Ravens, Bell-47, Sikorsky H-5 (HO2S,H03S), H-19 Chickasaw
		What are the requirements for a licensed fixed wing pilot to add a rotary wing certification and vice versa?	Fixed wing requires additional 20 hours dual rotary and 10 solo rotary as well as written and practical tests. Rotary to Fixed requires 20 hours dual fixed and 10 hours of solo as well as cross country, day, and night flying requirements; along with written and practical tests. In practical terms and experienced fixed wing pilot can adapt to rotary wing in about 10 hours but still has to complete FAA requirements.

22 July 2025		On 27 July 1912 the first wireless message sent from an airplane to a ship took place in Annapolis, Maryland.
		Basic Questions
		Who were the pilots of the aircraft?		Lieutenant John Rodgers and Ensign Charles Maddox
		What was the aircraft and the boat?		Wright B1 Flyer, and torpedo boat USS Stringham.
		What was the message?		"We are off the water, going ahead full speed on a course for the Naval Academy"
		Advanced Questions
		Airplane communications from ground crew to an airplane and vice versa use multiple possible methods to communicate. List Five of them...		(1) Air to Ground Radio Communications, (2) Air to Ground via ATC Tower, (3) Cell Phone Communications, (4) Air to Ground Visual Signals (5) Ground to Air Body Signals, (6) Ground to Air Paulin (Tarp) Signals, (7) Ground to Air Ground Markings
		If a Radio is out and an aircraft needs to send Yes, No, or Understood; how does CAP indicate they should do that?		Yes - Up and Down Pitch. No - Left and Right Yaw. Understood - Right and Left Bank
		If you are on the ground and need to indicate a location is not safe to land without a radio demonstrate two of three ways CAP indicates to signal that.		(1) Wave both arms across the face (2) Fold Paulin with two opposite corners meeting in middle and other corners fully extended. (3) Form a large triangle with ground objects visible from the air

15 July 2025		The week of 15 July-22 July coincides with the birth date, as well as a record breaking flight on 16 July 1957 (68 years ago) by the same individual who wore the above on his ribbon bar... <View Ribbon Bar>
		Basic Questions
		Who was he, and when and where was he born?	18 July 1921 John H. Glenn, Jr., the first American to orbit the earth, was born in Cambridge, Ohio.
		What was the record, the time associated, the tasks accomplished, and the award recieved?	Transcontinental air speed record, flying an F8U-1 “Crusader” from NAS Los Alamitos, California to NAS New York — Floyd Bennett Field, in 3 hours, 23 minutes, and 8.4 seconds. Also provided both the first transcontinental flight to average supersonic speed, and the first continuous transcontinental panoramic photograph of the United States. Glenn was awarded his fifth Distinguished Flying Cross for the mission.
		From Top to bottom and left to right what are the first four rows of insignia?	Naval Aviator Astronaught Insignia, Distinguished Flying Cross w 3 gold stars and one bronze cluster, Air Medal with one silver and 2 gold stars and 2 silver clusters, Nevy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and NASA Distinguished Service Medal
		Advanced Questions
		CAP Utilizes multiple aircraft photographic technologies on their aircraft which they integrate with FEMA systems as needed. What systems are used and what FEMA system are they integrated to?	Digital Cameras, FLIR, ARCHER, Fixed Wing and Multi-Rotor Drones; integrating to GIS and providing real time streaming to FEMA
		Two of these systems are represented by a four and a six digit acronym. What are these two systems and what exactly do they do?	FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) Cameras enabling optical and heat-sensing (infrared) imaging; and ARCHER (Airborne Real-Time Cuing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance) Analyzes 52 spectral bands to isolate specific materials , terrain changes, and other anomolies for search and rescue.
		Integrating the technology into FEMA systems requires a specific specialty track available to cadets and seniors. This track is not in a SQTR and CAP indicates to follow FEMAs training. TX has one specialist and is one of how many total wings that have specialists in this area? What is the FEMA course for this training?	8 wings (VA, MD, PA, NATCAP, PR, GA, TX, and NJ); IS-922.A: Applications of GIS for Emergency Management

8 July 2025		On 14 July 1914 (111 years ago) Dr. Robert H Goddard was granted a patent for his liquid fuel rocket engine. Dr Goddard is a rocketry pioneer cadets are required to be familiar with for the Rocketry Badge. Todays trivial will come from that required knowledge.
		Basic Questions
		Who authored the first true scientifically based proposal for space exploration and what was it called?	Konstatin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky, "The Exploration of the World Space with Jet Propulsion Instruments"
		Who introduced the concept of multi-stage rockets and what was the name of the work he wrote to do so in 1923?	Hermann Oberth, "The Rocket into Planetary Space"
		Who worked for the US Army on "Project Paperclip" and would later become one of the first NASA Scientists. What was Project Paperclip and where was it centered?	Werner von Braun, Ballistic missile research project for the army in Fort Bliss, TX.
		Advanced Questions
		What is Newton's 1st Law of Motion, and give an example with regards to rocketry?	A body in a state of rest and a body in motion tend to remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by some outside force.
		What is Newton's 2nd Law of Motion, and give an example with regards to rocketry?	The rate of change in the momentum of a body is proportional to the force acting upon the body and is in the direction of that force
		What is Newton's 3rd Law of Motion, and give an example with regards to rocketry?	For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

1 July 2025		On 7 July 1981 (44 years ago) the aircraft shown in the middle made a record breaking flight. <View Image>
		Basic Questions
		What was the name of the aircraft, and what was the record?	Solar Challenger - First 100% solar powered manned flight across the english channel.
		What was the name of the aircraft on the left and what was it's record in 2005?	Solong - High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Record with a 100% solar powered flight for 48hrs and 16min.
		What was the name of the aircraft on the right and what was it's record in 2016?	Solar Impulse 2 - First manned flight around the world in a 100% Solar powered aircraft. Advanced
		Advanced Questions
		As can be seen in the photos above, all three of these aircraft used large dark sheets on the wings of their aircraft. These sheets are a technology invented by three men in 1954. What is the technology, who were the men and who did they work for?	Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson working for Bell Laboratories invented the first silicon photovoltaic cell.
		What was the efficiency of that first invention, what is the peak efficiency for that technology today, and what does "efficiency" in this regard refer to?	4% originally, now up to 31.6%. Efficiency refers to the percentage of teh sunlight turned to power vs the percentage lost to heat or reflection.
		To what degree does DFW Airport leverage this technology?	DFW was the first and still one of the only carbon neutral major airports in the World. It purchases all it's power from ERCOT green sources, of which on average that amounts to 5% per year being solar.

24 June 2025		On 30 June 1911 (114 years ago) the aircraft shown here was first tested. <View Image>
		Basic Questions
		What is this aircraft?	The Curtiss A-1 Triad
		What do the elements of this aircraft name represent?	Curtiss: Glenn-Curtiss Aircraft; A-1 indicates Aeroplane and 1 for the first aircraft acquisition by the Navy ;Triad indicates it was designed to operate on land, air, and sea.
		How many of this aircraft were manufactured and what countries purchased versions of it?	14 Aircraft with purchases made by Greate Britain, Germany, Russia, and Japan
		Advanced Questions
		What happened to this initial aircraft, when, and what was the flight history for this aircraft?	The first aircraft was damaged beyond repair in a crash on 6 Oct 1912 after 285 successful flights.
		What was the maximum speed, engine horsepower, wingspan, and service ceiling of this aircraft?	60 mph, 75hp Curtiss V-8 engine, 37ft wingspan, and 5000ft ceiling.
		When speaking of a service ceiling what are the factors that create/make up a service ceiling for an aircraft, how does temperature impact a service ceiling and why?	Primarily the main factor is air density. The higher in the atmosphere the thinner the air is, meaning greater separation between air molecules. As the air thins the wings and propellor produce less left and thrust due to the thinner air density and the engine has less air to mix with fuel to form compression for engine power. As temperature increases the atmosphere thins lowering the service ceiling.

17 June 2025		History is being made. On Friday, June 13th, Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, a country who's primary military and religious ideology is represented by the phrase "Death to Israel". This has significant current event as well as historical background which this weeks questions will explore.
		Beginner Questions
		Israel is roughly the size of what US State, compared to Iran which is roughly what size in comparison to the lower 48 states of the US?	Israel is roughly the size of New Jersey. Iran on it's own is about 30% of the size of the lower 48, or if you include it's proxy states in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza about 50% of the size of the lower 48.
		How does the death toll in Israel compare to Iran?	Roughly 1 to 10. For every 1 Israeli (primarily civilians) there have been 10 Iranians lost (primarily govt, and military leaders as well as civilian employees of nuclear facilities). Current numbers at time of answer are more than 30 to 1 with death toll in Israel at 24 and Iran at 865 due to continued destruction of military and media sites.
		How does the precision of Iran vs Israel attacks compare?	Iran is lobbing missiles into the heart of densely populated urban centers in Israel, whereas Iran is taking out leaders with missiles that destroy a single apartment in a complex but leave the rest untouched, or taking out nuclear and supporting infrastructure sites. They took out Iran's only aerial refueling tanker with an air to ground missile from over 200 miles away.
		Advanced Questions
		Prior to 1979 Iran had a monarchy with a 'Shaw' (king) that in many ways mirrored western civilization similar to Europe and Israel. They were allies with Israel but now have a primary military and cultural objective of Destroying Israel. What happened?	Those who did not choose to work and engage in the capitalist system purpotedly felt left behind. They began rioting. They joined with religious extremists to overthrow the government putting the current Islamic Extremist government into power.
		Shortly after 2000 a series of events took place that shifted Iran to becoming a dominant power and terrorism sponsor in the middle east and throughout the world. What were those events and how did it create this balance shift?	Islam is comprised of two primarily opposing forces. Those are Sunni and Shia. In 2001 the 9-11 attacks took place and the war on terror began. This overthrew Iran's neighbor, Iraq who was primarily Sunni. This allowed the Shia population to grow unchecked without the balancing Sunni power on their border. Iran continued to grow and influence proxy states around the middle east.
		The current war is a culmination of conflicts that began in the last 5 years. What were those conflicts and what were the significant factors that made the Israeli attack on Iran necessary at this time?	In October of 2023 Hamas, a proxy state for Iran, attacked Israel from the Gaza strip. Israel essentially all but destroyed Hamas within the Gaza strip. When Hezbollah in Lebanon, another Iranian proxy group, began attacks trying to capitalize on Israel being preoccupied with Hamas; Israel took out 90% of Hezbollah in a series of the most targeted attacks in military history. Neighboring Syria, also an Iran proxy state, seeing the weaknesses in Iran's extension of power to these other states rebelled and overthrew their leader. Most recently with their ability to assert power in the middle east severly crippled Iran began a process of increasing their ballistic missile production form the current 3000 missiles to an estimated 100,000 missiles by the end of the year. In parallel with this move they have declared they will not stop their nuclear enrichment and already have near weapons grade uranium with only a matter of days left until it is refined to weapons grade. These two factors represent an existential threat to Israel.

10 Jun 2025		On June 11 1931 (94 years ago) the aircraft shown here first entered service with the British airline, Imperial Airways. <View Image>
		Basic Questions
		What was this aircraft?	The Handley-Page HP42
		How did it compare to other airline aircraft at the time?	This was the largest and most luxurious airliner at the time
		How many passengers could it carry at most?	Up to 40 Passengers
		Advanced Questions
		This aircraft had both an E and W model. What did this signify and what were the differences?	The E model made flights typically to India and Africa and as such had larger baggage area with a seating capacity of only 18 passengers, while the W model was used for European routes and had a smaller baggage compartment supporting 40 passengers.
		This aircraft had a unique wing design. What was that design and why?	The lower wing of the biplane set atop the fuselage and inclined downward to the engine location before inclining back upwards to the wing tip. This was to increase passenger capacity and avoid wing spars splitting the fuselage.
		While this aircraft had a very high safety record, with no fatalities during a fleet mileage of 2.3 million by fall 1939, one was lost over the Gulf of Oman on 1 Mar 1940. In this accident Capt Harold Whistler was lost. Who was he and why was he significant?	Capt Alfred Harold Whistler was the first British flying 'ACE'. During WWI he totaled 23 victories in a Sopwith Camel downing 1 balloon, 13 aircraft destroyed, and 9 going down out of control). He recieved the Distinguished Flying Cross, was appointed a Companition of the Distinguished Service Order, and two additional bars to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

3 June 2025		On June 4-7, 1942 a battle was fought that would come to be known as the most decisive battle of WWII in the Pacific theatre.
		Basic Questions
		What was this battle?	The battle of Midway Island
		Why was the location of strategic significance?	Midway Island was the midpoint between the US Mainland and Asia
		What was Japan's objective?	To take the base and use it as a staging ground to take Pearl Harbor.
		Advanced Questions
		The US knew about the attack ahead of time. How?	In early 1942 Naval Cryptanalysts broke the Japanese communication code. They actually sent false reports about Midway which the resultant Japanese coded messages confirmed the target and they were able to get the exact time and battle orders decoded.
		How great were the losses on each side, Ships, Aircraft, and Personnel?	Japan lost all four of their aircraft carriers (Akagi, Soryu, Kaga, and Hiryu), and one Heavy Cruiser. They lost 248 aircraft and over 3000 personnel. The US lost One Aircraft Carrier (The USS Yorktown) and one destroyer. They lost 140 aircraft and 307 personnel.
		Why was this such a decisive victory in the Pacific?	Critical Thinking...The Japanese sent all of their best carriers, aircraft, and pilots with the intent of a repeat of Pearl Harbor. This loss crippled their Naval capability for the remainder of the war. Additionally these were the same ships and personnel that attacked Pearl Harbor so the morale boost it gave to the US was almost palpable.

29 May 2025		Memorial Day: In recognition of memorial day, this weeks trivia will be a CAP Memorial
		Basic questions are re a CAP Memorial erected 1 Dec 1992
		What cemetary can this memorial be found at?	Arlingtion National Cemetary
		Where within this cemetery can the memorial be found?	Section 33 off Roosevelt Rd (38deg52.846m N 77deg 4.173m W)
		What does the Inscription on the memorial say?	"Dedicated to the memory of Civil Air Patrol members who gave their lives in service to this nation that others might live."
		Advanced Questions NOTE: These are all with regards to CAP
		Who was Charles E Shelfus and what happened to him?	He was a 19 year old observer on a sub spotting mission out of Rehoboth, DE during WWII. The plane went down and he was lost at sea. His pilot was found (1st Lt Henry Cross) near death from the frigid cold and rescued. In the rescue from the prior question, the rescue craft was a waterboat that had to land in rough seas, collapsing the pontoon. The Observer in that flight (Eddie Edwards) got out and clung to the wing to balance the aircraft for the flight back to land and was the first CAP recipient of the Medal of Honor for that rescue. Edwards was also the first CAP member to call in a spotted sub during WWII.
		Who was Eddie Edwards and what happened to him?	In the rescue from the prior question, the rescue craft was a waterboat that had to land in rough seas, collapsing the pontoon. The Observer in that flight (Eddie Edwards) got out and clung to the wing to balance the aircraft for the flight back to land, nearly freezing to death, and was the first CAP recipient of the Medal of Honor for that rescue. Edwards was also the first CAP member to call in a spotted sub during WWII.
		Who was Elsie S. Ott and what happened to her?	The first woman known to have died in service to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was 1st Lt. Elsie S. Ott. On February 22, 1943, she was killed when her aircraft crashed off the coast of New Jersey during a CAP anti-submarine patrol mission. Ott was serving as a radio operator and observer on the mission. Her sacrifice marked her as the first female member of the Civil Air Patrol to die in the line of duty.

22 May 2025		On 20 May 2951 (74 years ago) a jet pilot shot down another jet to become the world's first jet "Ace" pilot.
		Basic Questions
		Who was the pilot, what country did they fly for, and what was their nationality?	Capt James Jabara, USAF - US Citizen/Lebanese Immigrant
		What was the jet flown, and what was the jet shot down?	North American F-86 Saber shot down Mikoyan-Gurevish (MiG)-15
		How many aircraft must be shotdown to achieve this title?	5
		Advanced Questions
		What was the situation surrounding the kill on this date, and how was it confirmed, despite a denial by the opposing force?	Capt Jabara was temporarily assigned to a sister squadron to help get his fifth kill/ace status. When the MiGs appeared he jettisoned his fuel tanks for maneuverability in combat yet on failed to eject. With the hung tank he maneuvered the combat into a turning combat and positioned behind the MiG to shoot it down. Despite difficulty maneuvering he followed the aircraft down to capture the kill on his gun camera then climbed back up to take out another jet before two migs teamed up on him requiring assistance from other F-86s to escape. After that he had to return to ship low on fuel. Despite recieving awards he was also reprimanded for not abandoning combat when he had a hung tank.
		What was this pilots callsign, total kill count, awards recieved, and recognition still given to this date?	Ceegar Kid due to cigar habit. Eventually he obtained 15 kills achieving triple ace. Only one other pilot has superceded his count since then. He received the Distinguished FLying Cross with one Oak Leaf Custer and the Air Force Medal with 18 Oak Leaf Clusters during WWII, but then for his Ace status he received a second Distinguished Flying Cross. For triple ace he recieved another Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star. The US Air Force Academy bestows the Jabara Award annually upon the graduate whose accomplishments demonstrate superior performance in aerospace vehicles.
		When did this pilot die, what were the circumstances surrounding his death, and where was he buried?	He died on Nov 17, 1966 when moving to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was helping his 15 year old daughter learn to drive in one vehicle while his wife drove the other vehicle. His daughter overcorrected causing the car to roll multiple times killing both. Both he and his daughter are buried at Arlington National Cemetary.

13 May 2025		In honor of Mother's day we are going to talk about women this week. On On 18 May, 1953 and 1966 (72 and 59 years ago), the two women pictured here set world records. <View Image>
		Questions w regards to Image A
		What was the name of the woman?		Jacqueline Cochran
		What was the record she set?		First woman to fly faster than the speed of sound. 652mph
		What was her aircraft?		North American F-86 "Sabre"
		Questions w regards to Image B
		What was the name of the woman?		Sheila Scott
		What was the record she set?		First solo round the world by a woman. 29,000 miles
		What was her aircraft?		Piper Comanch "Myth Too"

6 May 2025		On 11 May, 1927 (98 years ago) this famous airplane and it's pilot landed in St. Louis, MO after a record non-stop overnight flight from San Diego. <View Image>
		Basic Questions
		What was the name of the aircraft?		Spirit of St Louis
		What was the name of the pilot?		Charles Lindbergh
		How long did this record flight take?		14hrs 25min
		Advanced Questions
		The most famous flight of this aircraft and pilot took place when and from and to where?		7:52am May 20, 1927 from Roosevelt Field in NY to 10:22pm May 21, 1927 in Bourget Field in France.
		This aircraft had what engine, and where can the aircraft be found today, what about the engine?		Wright Whirlwind J-5C engine, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Engine is still in the aircraft.
		An Academy Award winning movie about this aircraft and it's pilot were made in 1957. What was the name of the movie, the director, and the actor who played the role of the pilot?		The Spirit of St Louis, Billy Wilder, and James Stewart

22 Apr 2025		On 27 April 1839 an American aviator (balloonist) introduced "the balloon ripping panel" which was a section that the pilot can pull open for quick emptying of the balloon after landing to prevent it from being dragged along the ground.
		Basic Questions
		What was the name of the aviator?		John Wise
		What mechanism was used to produce the lift in his balloons (HINT: It wasn't a giant spring)?		Hydrogen Gas
		What ultimately happened to this aviator and his balloon?		He was testing flying in the jet stream (which he discovered) and went missing over the great lakes. Neither he or his balloon were ever seen again, however, his passenger's body was found in Lake Michigan.
		Advanced Questions... As we approach our annual balloon festival service, consider the following about modern balloons...
		A hot air balloon has 5 major parts, one of which is a derivitive of the question above. What are they?		The Parachute/Vent, the envelope, The Flame Proof Skirt, The Burners, and the Basket
		If you want to help crew a balloon at the upcoming event, what equipment will you need and what roles might you have?		Weather specific clothing, Reflective Safety Gear, Hydration, and Gloves; You could be a passenger, you will most likely help with unpacking and inflating the balloon and or use a radio. Finally you will get to help with the deflation and packing up of the balloon.
		If you want to become a balloon pilot, what is required?		16 years old (can get student license at 14), 1 controlled ascent to 2000 ft agl, 2 flights of 60 min duration, 1 solo flight, FAA written Test, FAA oral and practical test by FAA Examiner

15 Apr 2025		On 21 April 1914 (111 years ago) , the first news movie shot from the air was filmed.
		Basic Questions
		Who shot the film?		B.C. Hucks
		What company was he working for?		Warwick Bioscope Chronicle Film
		Where and what did he film?		He was 400 ft above the royal yacht with King George crossing the English Channel from Dover England to Calais France
		Advanced Questions
		Aerial Photography has come a long way since then. CAP has a role where members can use this skill. What is this roll called and what is it's abbreviation?		Airborne Photographer (AP)
		What are the pre-Requisites for training for this position, and which one is a pre-requisite for any Emergency Service Role?		GES, Mission Scanner, Age 18... GES is required for all EServices
		For the one that is required for all EServices, how do you find the training material and obtain the qualification?		Training Material is CAPR 60-3, and CAPR 173-3 (Soon to include CAPR 60-6) found on GoCivilAirPatrol.gov. Then you take a 25 question test through EServices on absorb and must obtain a score of 72% or above.

8 Apr 2025		In the answer given two weeks ago we referenced the new F-47 and it's earlier prop driven predecesser the F-47 originally known as the P-47. This aircraft was first flown in combat over western Europe on 8 April, 1943 (82 years ago). This week's questions are all about the prior F-47/P-47.
		Basic Questions
		This aircraft was given what name (ie such as spitfire, globemaster, avenger, etc), and what more MARVELous nickname was it given by the pilots that flew it??		Thunderbolt, Juggernaut (or Jug)
		This aircraft was originally designed after a smaller lighter airgraft but had to be beefed up for the European Theatre. What was the smaller aircraft?		The P-43 Lancer
		Years after it was retired another aircraft was given the same name from question 1, in honor of the P-47, and would prove almost as durable and versatile as it was a jet version inspired by the P-47. What aircraft was this?		The A-10 Thunderbolt II
		Advanced Questions
		This aircraft had a powerful engine it shared with the Vought Corsair and Grumman Hellcat. What was the engine, it's Cylinder count, and horsepower. With this engine it had what top speed, altitude, and range?		18 Cylinder/2600 HP Pratt&Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp Engine. 440mph (700kmh), 40,000ft (12,000 m), 800mile (1300km) range.
		The weaponry made this aircraft very powerful. When fully loaded it could deliver about 1/2 the payload of a much larger bomber, and with certain equipment it had firepower equal to 105mm Howitzers. What caliber were it's guns and how many rounds? What was the larger plane? What equipment gave it Howitzer firepower?		.50 caliber machine guns/3400 rounds; B-17 Flying Fortress; and 4.5 inch M8 rockets.
		This aircraft was referred to as a tank in the air by many. In fact WWII Aces preferred it. What was the percentage of these aircraft lost in action? And name the top three American Aces that flew it with their number of kills?		0.7% loss rate. Francis “Gabby” Gabreski (28 kills), Robert S. Johnson (27 kills) and David C. Schilling (22.5 kills)

1 Apr 2025		On 4 April 1947 (78 years ago) the organization that uses this symbol officially came into being. <view image>
		Basic Questions
		What is this organization?		The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
		Where was it officially created at?		Montreal, Canada
		How many signatories were involved in it's founding documents?		52 different states
		Advanced Questions
		We indicate it came into being on 4 April 1947, however, the groundwork and founding documents were put together at an earlier time and different location. Where and when was this?		At the Convention on International Civil Authority known as The Chicago Convention on 7 Dec 1944.
		The initial meeting was held at a difficult time for the attendees to get to it. Why was it difficult, how many were invited, and how many made it? How many member states does this Organization currently have?		This was during the middle of World War II making travel very dangerous for world leaders. 55 were invited, 54 made it, and only 52 signed. Today the ICAO has 193 member states.
		The image used above can be found where? What is it made of, who created it, and when was it presented?		Large bronze crest of ICAO donated in 1975 by the former USSR and mounted on the wall behind the raised podium in the Assembly Hall.

25 Mar 2025		This past week the US unveiled it's first sixth generation fighter, shown <here>. <view image>
		Basic Questions
		Who made the announcement?		Pres Donald Trump, Def Secretary Pete Hegseth, USAF Chief of Staff Gen David Allvin
		What is the name of this aircraft?		F-47
		Who designed and built the aircraft and who was their primary competitor?		Boeing Aerospace won vs Lockheed Martin
		Advanced Questions
		The answer to the second question is referred to as an MDS. What is an MDS, why was this one chosen, and what other aircraft and a similar MDS previously?		Mission Design Series, 47 chosen to represent Trumps Presidency, but also was used on P47 Thunderbold in WWII
		Some of the important features of this aircraft include Stealth, Speed, and CCA. What do each of these mean and specifically with reference to this aircraft?		Stealth refers to inability to detect which in this case will be virtually invisible to early detection systems but also to trackings systems for missile lock in close combat; Speed generally refers to speed within the air which is different then ground speed. In this case it will be trans-sonic meaning it will travel faster than the speed of sound reportedly over Mach 2, but if that is public will probably be hyper sonic which is 5x the speed of sound; CCA is Collaborateive Combat Aircraft. In current fifth generation fighters the flight leader can use that functionality to see through the helmet of anyone else in the flight group to coordinate and make decisions. In this case the plane will be accompanied by a fleet of armed drones greatley increasing it's potential firepower and versatility while lightening it's load for greater mobility.
		This is referred to as a sixth generation aircraft. What are the characeristics and an example of the other 5 generations?		Gen 1 (1940s-1950s) - Basic avionics with no radar or countermeasures. No guided bombs or rockes. F-86/Mig-15/Mig-17 Gen 2 (1950s-1960s) - Avionics inc radar, and radar warnings, Rudimentary guidance on weapons. Some Supersonic. F-104/F5/Mig-19/Mig-21 Gen 3 (1960s-1970) - Avionics Suites and radio guided weapons systems. Off-bore-site targeting introduced. Aerial combat went beyond visual range. No longer necessary to visually acquire opponents. Mig23, F4, Mirage III with missiles like AIM7 Sparrow and AA7 Apex Gen 4 (1970-1980s) - Heads up displays, Fly-by-wire fighters, multirole air to air AND air to ground blurring the distinction between air combat and ground strikes. Mig27, Su27, FA-18, F15, F16, Mirage 2000 Gen 4.5 (1980s-1990s) - This 1/2 generation represents modifying aircraft capability rather than building new aircraft. These included stealth, radar absorbant materials, thrust vector engines, increased weapon capacity. Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar added. FA-18 E/F Super Hornet, and other aircraft such as Eagle and Flanker Gen 5 (2005-2025) - Nose to Tail stealth by design, multi-spectral sensor covering entire aircraft allowing pilot to 'look through' the aircraft, native networking to other aircraft, software driven combat functionality. 100 times the number of parameters used to identify threats over the Gen 4. F-22/F-34/ Sukhoi PAK FA/ Chengdu J20

11 Mar 2025		On 17 Sept 2024, during our meeting, a partial lunar eclipse took place. This week we will revisit this astronomical phenomenon as we have a total lunar eclipse taking place.
		Basic Questions
		When will this lunar eclipse take place?		Friday March 13th at 10:57pm through Fri March 15th at 5:00am with Totality from 1:26am to 2:31 am.
		A lunar eclipse causes a phenomenon sometimes called a red moon. What causes this?		The shorter wavelengths of light are refracted by the earh while the longer red and orange ones tend to bend around the earth and still illuminate the moon.
		A lunar eclipse takes place when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are pefectly aligned. This phenomenon has an official term. What is that term and what is it's definition?		Syzygy - a straight-line configuration of three or more bodies in a gravitational system.
		Advanced Questions
		The lunar eclipse is anticipated to be seen by how many people in a total of how many countries?		Anticipated 1.36 billion people from 17 nations in Western Europe and Africa as well as all 35 countries in the Americas. (Total of 52, 53 if you count TX as it's own)
		The next total lunar eclipse will be on September 7. How will that one differ from this one?		It is on the exact opposite side of the earth when it occurs meaning the other half of the globe will have visibility of the eclipse but we will not see it at all.
		In January of 1972 several dozen people were injured during a lunar eclipse in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. What was the cause of their injuries?		The soldiers, both in the streets and at guard posts, fired their weapons, trying to prevent the moon from being eaten by a mythical monster frog called Reahou. According to an ancient Cambodian legend, the giant frog wants to eat the moon and must be stopped. I guess we can call this a ribbeting occurrence!

4 Mar 2025		This past week NASA returned to the moon once again, but this time piggybacking their work on a non-government piece of equipment.
		Basic Questions
		Who built the launch aircraft, where is the company located, and what was the name of the launch vehicle?		Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) of Cameron County TX built the Falcon 9 Block 5 reusable medium lift launch vehicle
		Who built the lander, where is the company located and what was the name of the landing vehicle?		Firefly Aerospace, of Austin TX built the Blue Ghost Landing Vehicle.
		When did the vehicle land on the moon?		March 2, 2025 at 8:34 UTC (2:34 CST)
		Advanced Questions
		The original set of lunar missions ended August 18 of 1976. What countries were involved and how many landings for each?		USSR (8 all unmanned); USA (5 unmanned, 6 manned)
		Lunar missions began again in 2013. What countries and how many landings for each since then?		China (4), India (1), Japan (1), USA (2)
		What else was launched with the equipment that landed on the moon, where is it now, and why?		Resilience Lunar Lander from Japan. Second attempt as first one crashed. It is inbetween Earth and the Moon having done an initial pass in February and going back for actual landing originally scheduled May but currently looks like end of June.

25 Feb 2025		3 March 1911 (114 years ago) using the aircraft shown <here> a new US cross-country flight record was set. <See Image>
		Basic Questions
		The flight record was set on a flight from where to where?		Laredo, TX to Eagle Pass, TX.
		How far was the flight and how long did it take?		106 miles in 2hrs and 10 minutes
		What is this aircraft (Note the wheels and seats)?		Wright Flyer "Type B"
		Advanced Questions
		Name the owner, pilot, and navigator for this plane flight?		Owner: Robert F Collier, Pilot: Phillip Parmelee, Navigator: Benjamin D Foulois
		If making that flight today, using the major airports at those locations, what would the ICAO Code for the airports be and what is an ICAO Code?		KLRD for Laredo International; K5T9 - Maverick County Memorial at Eagle Pass; ICAO is International Civil Aviation Organization which is an agency of the UN that establishes and coordinates Aviation standards and coding worldwide.
		Flying that route today, what would be the minimum altitude you could fly that route and why? However you cannot fly a direct route, and why is that?		2,200 because It is largely rural with the highpoint according to the sectional being 1,700 feet. There are three military Operations Areas (Crystal MOA, Crystal North MOA, and Laughlin 3 High & Low MOA) in the flight path.

11 Feb 2025		On 14 Feb 1942 (83 years ago) the military plane shown here first flew. <see picture>
		Basic Questions
		What is the aircraft?		Douglas C-54 Skymaster
		This plane was a modified civilian aircraft. What was the civilian aircraft?		Douglas DC-4
		This was the first aircraft to be designated for US Presidential use. For what President?		FDR
		Advanced Questions
		The aircraft could seat far fewer people than the civilian version. What could each seat, and why the difference?		26 vs 50 due to extra fuel tanks added to meet US Military range requirements
		During World War II this aircraft completed a specific feat 79,632 times with only 3 failures, one of which was an intentional test failure. What was that feat?		Trans-oceanic flight
		How many of these planes were produced, and where?		1,170. 515 in Santa Monica, CA and 655 near Chicago (Cook County) at the site of modern day O'Hare International Airport.

4 Feb 2025		On 4 Feb 1949 (76 years ago) the CAA authorized the full use of GCA.
		Basic Questions
		What was the CAA and what is the current equivelant?		Civilian Aviation Authority currently known as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
		What was the GCA and what is the current equivelant?		Ground Control Approach known now as Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)
		Under what conditions was GCA to be utilized?		Poor Visibility caused by fog or bad weather.
		Advanced Questions
		When entering our airport during the day how can you tell if the current version of this should be used?		The beacon is lit and operating
		Is there any special training or requirement for using this service and if so what?		Instrument Rating on Pilot License
		Where can you find instructions for using this system at an airport you are unfamiliar with?		Published instrument approach procedures commonly known as approach plates. You can also find ILS information in the Airport/Facility Directory and NOTAMS for daily updates.

28 Jan 2025		31 January 1961 (64 Years Ago) The first hominid to go into space, also the first crewed space mission launched from Launchpad LC-5 at Cape Canaveral.
		Basic Questions
		What is a hominid and exactly what type of creature was launched?		Hominid is an ape, specifically this was a Chimpanzee
		How many of these creatures were brought to train for the mission and when?		6 chimpanzees were moved to Cape Canaveral to train 1/20/1961
		Who were the final creatures selected and why?		Male Chimp Ham for most energy alertness, and aptitude; and Female Chimp Minnie for Aptitude
		Advanced Questions
		Name three unexpected incidents that took place during the mission?		(1) hot inverter and other issues delayed launch, (2) flight path angle too high (3) Liquid Oxygen Depletion caused a pressure sensor to fire abort system and send Mayday (4) Aircraft went 1000 ft/s faster than anticipated and abort jettisoned retro-rockets that could have slowed it. (5) Overshot the planned landing area by 130 miles (6) Cabin pressure failure dropped from 5.5 lb/in to 1 lb/in due to snorkel valve failure (7) 0g was 6.6 minutes instead of 4.9 allowing for plenty of observation of unexpected floating dust and debris (8) Heat Shield punched holes in bulkhead and damaged landing bag (9) Lander was partially submerged and took on 800lbs of seawater before recovery (Don't worry, Ham was safe in his suit and returned successfully, eventually dying of old age in Jan 1983, and being interred at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo.
		Name three more unexpected incidents that took place during the mission?
		Due to the incidents what measures did NASA take with the space program?		The launch system was deemed not ready for human passengers and human launch was delayed until the development of the Mercury-Redstone BD booster.

21 Jan 2025		On 24 January 1946 (79 Years Ago), the individual pictured <here> both while at West Point, as well as later in his career was named Chief of the United States Army Air Forces. <See Image>
		Basic Questions
		Who was this man?		Carl Spaatz
		In what two ways is this man associated with CAP (Association and Years)? Association 1?		First Chairman of the National Board (1948-1959).
		Association 2?		Honored with the highest achievement named after him in 1964.
		Advanced Questions
		In 1944 this man advocated for bombing targets with his direct superior officer General Dwight Eisenhower, which was granted and led Eisenhower to say that he was on of the two officers who contributed most to the victory in Europe. What was the target?		The Spaatz Oil Plan - take out oil industry centers throughout Germany.
		After the National Security Act of 1947, and Executive Order 9877, This man was appointed to a new position. What was the significance of those documents and what was the new position?		They established the new United States Air Force and appointed Spaatz to the position of the first Chief of Staff.
		If you wish to pay your respects to this great leader where would you find him interred? What did he die from, and what doe it say on the grave marker?		Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs. He died of congestive heart failure associated with old age. The stone reads CARL ANDREW SPAATZ GENERAL USAF CHIEF OF STAFF USAF SEP 1947 JUN 1948 JUN 28 1891 JUL 14 1974

14 Jan 2025		Safety Down Day: The FAA requires a Passenger Safety Briefing before each flight. Yes, that obnoxious briefing by the Stewardesses at the beginning of a commercial flight actually comes from an FAA regulation that applies to private pilots as well. The contents of that briefing are specifically laid out in regulations and represented by the acronym SAFETY as shown on the <attached image>. Safety is equally important for all of us and in that spirit their are not basic vs advanced questions this week. There are 6 letters in Safety and 6 associated answers. What do each of the letters in the Safety Acronym Represent? <View Image>
		S?		Seat belts... Seat belts fastened for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Shoulder harnesses fastened for takeoff and landing. Seat position adjusted and locked in place.
		A?		Air Vents... Air vent location and operation. All environmental controls discussed. Action in case of passenger discomfort.
		F?		Fire Extinguisher... Location and Operations
		E?		Exit doors... How to secure and open doors. Emergency Evacuation Plan, and Emergency Survival Kit location and contents.
		T?		Traffic... Traffic scanning, spotting, and notification of Pilot. Talking and the "sterile cockpit" expectations.
		Y?		Your Questions... Encourage passengers to speak up with any questions.

10 Dec 2024		December, 2024... At the beginning of the year, Space X published a goal of exceeding 135 space launches this year. As of last month they had reduced the turnaround time between launches to 2.3 days and are on target to have 136 launches in 2024. This is significant because in the entire lifespan of the Space Shuttle Program there were 135 space launches and Space X is exceeding that in a single year at 1% of the cost per launch without adjusting for inflation. As we approach the end of the year our trivia will be a bit different. Space X would likely have not accomplished this without the goal that they published for accountability. The Winter holidays are an excellent time to review where you are and set goals for the coming year. We usually call them resolutions. With that in mind consider the following questions.
		Who said "I don't care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there, you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants."?		Zig Ziglar
		A common acronym for goal setting is to set SMART goals. For the rest of the answers indicate what a letter of this acronym is and what it means in the context of goal setting...
		S?		Specific - Specific goals have a desired outcome that is clearly understood. This might be a GPA in school, a rank in CAP, a score on your SAT, or a number of personal projects completed. No matter what it is, the goal should be clearly articulated so that it is clear and you can share it with an accountability partner. Define what will be accomplished and the actions to be taken to accomplish the goal.
		M?		Measurable - These are the numbers used with the goal. You need to have a quantifiable objective so that you can track progress. Define what data will be used to measure the goal and set a method for collection. Doing good on CAP advancement is not the same as ranking up 4 times during the year. Similarly getting good grades is not the same as no more than one C and over 50% of grades are A's on grade reports.
		A?		Achievable - Goals need to be realistic to maintain the enthusiasm to try to achieve them. Setting lofty goals is good, but you may want to break them down into smaller, bite-sized chunks. If the goal is not doable, you may need to first ramp up resources to give yourself a shot at success. Ramping up resources would likely be its own S.M.A.R.T. goal. For example grades may relate to a certain number of hours each week studying, or finding a peer that you understand as a tutor. CAP may include speaking with your leadership and getting a mentor to assist.
		R?		Goals should be aligned with your values and the missions of the organization. Don’t set goals just as an exercise for something to do. One way to determine if the goal is relevant is to define the key benefit to it's associated purpose. Building a 1/4 size model of a water tower would not likely be a relevant goal for CAP, but it might be for an engineering class.
		T?		Goals should have a deadline. A goal without a deadline doesn’t do much. How can you identify success or failure? This is why S.M.A.R.T. goals set a final date. This doesn’t mean that all the work is done, but it means that you can evaluate the success of the endeavor and set new goals. For New Years resolutions that may be one year out, whereas an end of year GPA likley would be the end of the school year.

		In December of 1814 delegates met to bring an end to the War of 1812. This was the first attack on the US Home Soil by another country. The second would take place many years later and the memorial pictured here stands in remembrance of that infamous day. <See Picture>
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		When, date and time, did the second attack by a foreign country on us soil take place?		Dec 7th, 1941 7:48am
		Where did this attack take place (base name, and land mass)?		Pearl Harbor on Oahu
		What is the memorial in the image called and how many men does it represent?		The USS Arizona Memorial representing the 2300 lives lost during the attack and the 1,177 specifically on the Arizona.
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		The enemy commander indicated "I fear all we have done..." Finish the quote and indicate who the enemy commander was.		"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve" Admiral Yamamoto
		What battleships were at the site at the time, and what ships were sunk (not just battleships)?		Battleships were USS Arizona, USS Pennsylvania, USS Nevada, USS Oklahoma, USS Tennessee, USS Maryland, USS Utah, USS West Virginia, and USS California. Sunk were USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS Oglala, USS California, USS West Virginia, and the USS Utah. (Also 4 Japanese mini-subs)
		Radar was available at the time, and detected the attack. Why was a warning not issued?		The radar technicians had never seen such a large signal and alerted the officer who assumed it was an incoming scheduled flight of B-17s from the mainland.

19 Nov 2024		On 22 November 1961 (63 years ago) the US Navy claimed a world speed record using the plane shown here. The USAF would accept it's first two fighters of this type two years later this week on 20 Nov 1963. <View Image>
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What is this aircraft?		The McDonnell F4(H) "Phantom II"
		What was the speed record and how does that compare to the speed of sound?		1,606.342 mph/Mach 2.09 (Sound is 767mph)
		This aircraft would hold the speed record for US Military aircraft until superceded by what?		The Lockheed YF-12A which would become the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		Some planes have miniature wings up front known as canards, others have small wings at the tail. In either case these are referred to as horizontal stabilizers. These stabilizers usually have a portion of that wing that is maneuverable by pulling back or pushing forward on the control stick. What is this portion of the wing called?		Elevator
		Some aircraft, such as the Piper Cherokee, the F4 Phantom, the F-15, and F-18 have a horizontal stabilizer where the entire surface moves, not just a portion of it. What is this called?		Stabilator
		Why did the F4, and do current military fighters use this type of horizontal stabilizer?		The aircraft is buffeted tremendously as it approaches the speed of sound. This is far worse when the horizontal stabilizer is fixed. By making it a stabilator the buffeting is minimized significantly and the transition to supersonic is much easier on the aircraft and pilots.

12 Nov 2024		On 17 Nov 1962 (62 years ago) the airport seen here was initially dedicated. <See Image>
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What is the airport, and where is it located?		Dulles International Airport (Washington Dulles International as of 1984) Located in Chantilly, VA, now Dulles, VA
		Who dedicated this airport?		Pres. John F. Kennedy
		Who selected the site for this airport, and on what date?		Pres. Dwight D Eisenhower, January 15, 1958 (1958 is a sufficient answer for Beginner)
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		What airlines flew out of this airport when it opened?		American, Braniff, Delta, Eastern, TWA, and Northwest Orient
		The chart for this airport has as it's first radio frequency ATIS. What does ATIS stand for and what is it?		Automated Terminal Information Service - A continuous broadcast of recorded information in busy terminal areas containing essential information such as weather, active runways, available approaches, important NOTAMs, etc.
		At Sulphur Springs we do not have ATIS, what do we have instead? What is the difference?		Automated Weather Observing System v3 (AWOS-3). An automated weather reporting system providing altimeter, visibility, wind data, teperature, dewpoint, density altitude, visibility, and cloud ceiling data. It is fully automated/computerized while ATIS is physically recorded by a person and more specific to the busy terminal area

5 Nov 2024		5 November - ELECTION DAY! This week is election day, so demonstrate your knowlege of our political system and leadership with the following questions.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		Who are the candidates and their running mates for the two main parties in the presidential election?		Donald J Trump and JD Vance for Republicans, and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for the Democratic Party
		What are the two main parties in the United States, when were they founded and who were their first elected presidents?		Republican, 1854, Abraham Lincoln; Democrat, 1828, Andrew Jackson
		Here at the Sulphur Springs Squadron, who are our Senators and Representative? (These are the ones who can recommend academy appointments)		Sen. John Cornyn; Sen. Ted Cruz; Rep. Pat Fallon.
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		What is the current chain of Command from Cadet Commander through US President		Cadet Commander: C/Capt Micah Rychlik Dep Cmdr of Cadets: Capt Liza Smith Sqdrn Commander: Capt Eric Pearson Group Commander: Peter Morford Wing Commander: Col Don Gulliksen Region Commander: Col David Roberts National Commander: Maj Gen Regena Aye CAP-USAF Commander: Col. Aaron D Reid Air Force Chief of Staff: Gen Charles Brown Jr Secretary of the Air Force: Honorable Frank Kendal III Secretary of Defense: Honorable Lloyd Austin President of the United States: President Joe Biden
		Without referencing your notes, recite the list of presidents since the Civil Air Patrol was founded Dec 9, 1941.		Franklin D Roosevelt Harry S Truman Dwight D Eisenhower John F Kennedy Lyndon B Johnson Richard Nixon Gerald Ford James 'Jimmy' Carter Ronald Reagan George H.W. Bush William J Clinton George W Bush Barack Obama Donald J Trump Joe Biden
		When was the electoral college set up, what is it, and why is it important?		The Electoral college was setup by the constitution. It allocates 'electors' from each state based on the states populations as determined by census, and the electors vote based on that state's winner, or in some cases their region of that state's winner. This ensures that (1) there are 51 separate elections, not a single national one so any manipulation or corruption in the election is isolated to that state's election and not the national; and (2) a presidential candidate would need to court the vote in a broad base of states to win an election whereas a popular vote would be decided by approximately 15 different cities completely ignoring the rest of the United States.

29 Oct 2024		This week is halloween. Halloween has been celebrated not just on earth but also in space. While they don't get trick or treaters, they have made jack-o-lanterns from oranges, and as can be seen <here>. They also dress up.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions - <See Image Here>
		Who is the astronaut on the left?		Flight Engineer Nicole P Stott (NASA)
		Who is the astronaut in the middle?		Luca S. Parmitano (Italy)
		Who is the astronaut on the right?		Scott J. Kelly (NASA)
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions - <See Image Here>*
		What is the expedition and who are the people on the left?		Expedition 53/Cmdr Randolph J Bresnik (Minion/NASA), Flight Engineer Aleksandr Misurkin (Knight/Russia), Flight Engineer Mark T Vande Hei (Wolverine/NASA), Flight Engineer Joseph M Acaba (Jack-O-Lantern/NASA), Sergei Ryanzanskiy (Monkey/Russia), Paolo A Nespoli (Spiderman/Europe)
		What is the expedition and who are the people in the middle?		Expedition 57/ Sergei Prokopiev (Russia), Cmdr Alexander Gerst (Europe), Serena M Aunon-Chancellor (NASA)
		What is the expedition and who are the people on the right?		Expedition 61/ Christina H Koch (Red Glasses/NASA), Luca S Parmitano (Striped Pirate/Europe), Andrew R Morgan (Monkey/NASA), Jessica U Meir (Pirate Wench/NASA)

22 Oct 2024		On 23 Oct 1909 (115 years ago) three Army Lieutenants recieved their first flying lessons in Signal Corps Airplane One, as seen in the <image here>.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What were their names?		Lts Benjamin D Foulois, Frederic E Humphreys, and Frank P Lahm
		How long was the flight training received?		About 1 hour of in person instructions
		In the image, what is the pyramid looking object behind the plane?		A counterweight based catapult for launching the plane.
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		One of the three individuals would be the sole Army aviator for some time and later head the Materials Division at Wright Field before becoming Air Corps Chief. Who was this?		Lt Benjamind D Foulois
		How many hours does a current entry level pilot license require for flight training (excluding ground school), and what does it typically take (3 types, according to AOPA)?		Private Pilot 40/70; Recreational Pilot 30/44; Sports Pilot 20/33;
		Flight training to get started flying was the prior question. What pilot licenses are required to actually make an income flying aircraft, what kind of income can be earned, and how much flight training do they require?		Commercial Pilot License/250 hrs/skydiving, photography, freight; Airline Transport Pilot ATP/1500 hrs/passenger transport

15 Oct 2024		A few weeks ago we had a trivia question addressing Sputnik from 1957. Sputnik was a shock to many in the US as it showed the Soviet Union was apparantly ahead of us in the space race. A Similar shock was experienced 18 years later on 20 Oct 1975 (49 years ago).
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What was the name of the spacecraft and what country operated it?		Venera 9, from the Soviet Union.
		On the 20th this became the first spacecraft to do what?		Enter orbit around Venus
		When did this spacecraft launch from Earth?		June 8, 1975 0238 UTC
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		What does the name of this spacecraft mean in English?		Venus 9
		On the 22nd of October a number of atmospheric readings were taken. What elements were found in the atmosphere, and how were these taken?		A lander was sent to the surface which found hydrochloric acid, hydrofuoric acid, bromine, and iodine in the atmosphere. Clouds 25mi thick with bases at 22mi and temperature of 905F
		This craft experienced an equipment malfunction also experienced by its successor. What was this malfunction and how did it effect the mission?		A camera lens failed to come off preventing 360 degree imaging.

8 Oct 2024		On 7 Oct 1969 (55 years ago), an aircraft like the one shown here was making an emergency landing at Tinker AFB. It ultimately did not make it and crashed into three homes in the Glenwood suburb of Midwest City, OK.. <view image>
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What is the aircraft?		F100 Super Sabre
		How many were onboard and what happened to them?		2, Pilot safely ejected, Co-Pilot died in crash.
		Where was this aircraft operating from/operated by?		Kansas Air National Guard
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		This even followed a near miss accident the prior year and another 7 years prior that killed two children. The result was a call to shutdown Tinker AFB. How was this averted?		The air force bought all of the land in the Glenwood suburb and removed all structures.
		While accidents are not frequent similar calls to shutdown general aviation airports are not uncommon. What are the reasons, and how do the airports and FAA try to avoid these calls?		Typically airports are built outside a community but it grows to surround and encompass the airport. The FAA and airports will direct traffic patterns to go over less populated areas (left vs right pattern) as well as direct ILS approaches to minimize overflight of populated areas.
		Where can a pilot find information about unique measures being taken at a particular airport?		If they are temporary they will be listed in NOTAM's. If they are permanent they will be found in the FAA Chart Supplement for the region.

1 Oct 2024		After the end of World War II the world found itself divided into two primary philosophical and economic models. The first was communist/socialist with the leading entity being the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and their allies known as the Warsaw Pact. The other was Democracy/Capitalism with the leading entity being the United States and it's allies known as NATO. On 4 October, 1957 (67 years ago) a signifcant accomplishment in competition between these two took place.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What was the event, and the equipment associated?		First man made satellite sent into orbit... Sputnik I
		What powered this equipment, and how long did it last?		Three silver-zinc batteries that lasted for 22 days (last transmission detected)
		What significant 20th Century "Competition" did this mark the significant start of?		The Space Race
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		The other side would reach this milestone when and with what?		Explorer I, on 31 Jan 1958 (approx 4 months later)
		What powered this equipment, and how long did it last?		Nickel-Cadmium batteries - 113 days (last transmission detected) 31 Jan - 23 May
		What major scientific discover did the second piece of equipment discover? Explain what it is...		The Van Allen Radiation Belt - High Energy radiaton belts trapped by the Earth's magnetosphere which protect the earth from solar storms and cosmic rays.

24 Sep 2024		On 24 September, 1929 (95 years ago), the NY-2 Husky aircraft shown in the image made the first "Blind" takeoff, flight, and Landing. <View Image> NOTE: Notice the rounded bulb area behind the pilot in the picture. The apparent pilot is the safety officer. Under that dome with 0% external visibility is where Dolittle sat.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		Who was the Pilot?		Lt James Doolittle
		What organization did pilot form and become the first President of?		Air Force Association/Air and Space Force Association
		Where did the flight take place? How long did it take?		Guggenheim's Full Flight Laboratory/Mitchell Field (Long Island, NY) for 20 miles/15 minutes
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		There are two classes of flight having to do with visibility in modern aviation. What are these, what would this flight have been, and what is the definition of that type?		VFR and IFR. IFR is defined as "Rules and regulations established by the FAA to govern flight under conditions in which flight by outside visual reference is not safe. IFR flight depends upon flying by reference to instruments in the flight deck, and navigation is accomplished by reference to electronic signals."
		What specific additional training is needed for a private pilot to be certified in this additional type of flight, and where can they be found?		14 CFR 61.65 (1) Already have a private pilot certificate, (2) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. (3) Complete and log ground training with an authorized instructor (4) Have a logbook endorsement for the knowledge test (5) Receive and log required training in an aircraft, or simulator including: (a) 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command (b) 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, w/ 15 hours from an instructor (c) 3 hours of instrument flight training within two calendar months before the check ride (d) A cross country flight of 250 nautical miles, that includes (i) an instrument approach at each airport, (ii) and three different kinds of approaches (for example, VOR, ILS, GPS) (6) Receive a logbook endorsement to take the required practical test; (7) Pass the knowledge test (8) Pass the required practical test.
		What instruments are required for this type of flight and where can that information be found?		14 CFR 91.205 (d) Instrument flight rules. For IFR flight, the following instruments and equipment are required: (1) Instruments and equipment specified in para(b)/for night flight also see paragraph (2) Two-way radio communication and navigation equipment suitable for the route to be flown. (3) Gyroscopic rate-of-turn indicator, except on the following aircraft: (i) Airplanes with a third attitude instrument system usable through flight attitudes of 360 degrees of pitch and roll (ii) Rotorcraft with a third attitude instrument system usable through flight attitudes of ±80 degrees of pitch and ±120 degrees of roll (4) Slip-skid indicator. (5) Sensitive altimeter adjustable for barometric pressure. (6) A clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds (7) Generator or alternator of adequate capacity. (8) Gyroscopic pitch and bank indicator (artificial horizon). (9) Gyroscopic direction indicator (directional gyro or equivalent)

17 Sep 2024		On 17 September 2024 19:41 CST during our meeting, a partial lunar eclipse began. The beginning of the dimming of the moon took place at 19:41 with it peaking at 21:44 and ending at 23:47.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		The partial dimming is caused by indirect shadowing and is known as what type of a Lunar eclipse?		Penumbral
		A lunar eclipse causes a phenomenon sometimes called a red moon. What causes this?		The shorter wavelengths of light are refracted by the earh while the longer red and orange ones tend to bend around the earth and still illuminate the moon.
		A lunar eclipse takes place when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are pefectly aligned. This phenomenon has an official term. What is that term and what is it's definition?		Syzygy - a straight-line configuration of three or more bodies in a gravitational system.
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		Explain what the difference is between the moon phases and a lunar eclipse with regards to both our view and the astronomical dynamics?		The moon rotates around the earth every 28 days with the same side consistently facing the sun. The portion of that illuminated region visible from the earth causes the phases of the moon as we see them, whereas when the moon is opposite the earth from the sun causing a full moon but then the earth's shadow passes in front of the moon, that causes a lunar eclipse by the earth's shadow blocking out the moon. In other words the moons shadow of itself causes phases of the moon but the earth's shadow causes an eclipse.
		The longest a solar eclipse can last is significantly shorter than a lunar eclipse. What are those lengths and when will the next longest eclipse of each type occur?		Solar Eclipse 7min 31sec with the next one on Jul 16, 2186 (Jun 15, 743BC)/Lunar Eclipse 106min 35 seconds Aug 19, 4753 (Aug 13, 1859)
		During a lunar eclipse, thermal shocks can hit the moon. This is caused by dramatic temperature shifts between what two temperatures (in Fahrenheit). How do we know this?		Measurements from the Apollo module science equipment still on the moon showed variations from 168.3F to -153F (Range of 321.3 degrees in minutes)

10 Sep 2024		The Civil Air Patrol has many times been called on to help with reconnaissance and support following natural disasters such as hurricanes. On 13 September 2004 (20 years ago), 63 F15 Strike Eagles flew into Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City to escape one such storm system.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What was the name of the storm system?		Ivan
		How many people in the US died from this storm?		25
		How much damage did this storm cause in 2004 dollars, and in 2024 dollars?		$25 billion/41.75 billion (Actual 157.7 billion based on gold prices)
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		When the storm initially hit the US, where, and at what strength did it hit. It also spawned tornadoes... how many?		Alabama, Category 4 with 130mph winds, 120 tornadoes
		What do the various Hurricane Strength Values indicate?		1 Minimal Damage Winds 79-95mph/119-153kmh/64-82kn 2 Moderate Damage Winds 96-110 mph/154-177 kmh/83-95kn 3 Extensive Damage Winds 111-129mph/178-208kmh/96-112kn 4 Extreme Damage Winds 130-156mph/209-251kmh/113-136kn 5 Catastrophic Damage Winds >157mph/>252kmh/>137kn
		What airbase did these 63 aircraft come from, and what were 4 others of the 9 total bases that were evacuated?		Tyndall AFB/Eglin AFB, Duke Field, Fort Rucker, Hurlburt Field, Keesler AFB, Maxwell AFB, Moody AFB, NAS Joint Reserve Base New Orleans

3 Sep 2024		On 29 August 1924 (100 years ago) A pilot and their engineer joined the Caterpillar Club as members 7 and 8. That club today is estimated to have over 100,000 members.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What is the Caterpillar Club?		An informal association of people who have successfully used a parachute to bail out of a disabled aircraft.
		Who were the two individuals on this date?		Lt L L Koontz, and Pvt Walter Goggin
		What made this particular event a first for the club?		First time for both a pilot AND passeger
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		The caterpillar club gets the name from what, and what is one additional metaphor used for the name?		Used in reference to the silk threads used in original parachutes, but metaphorically also for caterpillars leaving their cacoons (airplanes), or lowering themselves to the ground on silk threads.
		How was the club formed?		After a successful jump, two reporters from the Dayton Herald suggested an association or club should be formed so Leslie Irvin took the suggestion and created the club.
		The Switlick Company in New Jersey did something unique for the club. Also the Pioneer company in Skokie, Ill did something for those indirectly associated with club members. What were these actions?		Switlik Parachute Company issued Silver and Gold Pins, while Pioneer Parachute Company issued plaques to those who packed the parachutes used by new members of the club.

20 Aug 2024		On 23 Aug 1954 (70 years ago) the US Air Force Academy was founded. Also, in that year on this date an aircraft still in use today first flew under tail number 53-3397.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What is this aircraft commonly known as?		C-130 Hercules (YC-130)
		Where did it fly from and to?		Burbank, CA to Edwards AFB
		Who were the pilots?		Stan Beltz, Roy Wimmer
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		This aircraft boasted a new propulsion technology for the Air Force. What was it and how does it work?		Turboprops, which use the compact design of a jet engine but send the power to a prop instead of expelling gas for thrust.
		The air force did not have any engines of this type. Why and where did they get the technology?		The air force had so focused on high speed long distance jet engines that they ignored the turboprop. The Navy who needed shorter takeoff and landing distances had developed the technology.
		What made the air force look to this technology, and how did the Lockheed Skunk Works receive the new aircraft?		The Korean war made it obvious that the long runways needed for jets of the era were not available and shorter takeoff and landing options were necessitated. The skunk works had been so focused on sleek jet designs they thought the bulky aircraft was a complete waste of time to consider or invest in.

13 Aug 2024		17 August 1974 (50 years ago) the first formal test of the Compass Cope R took place at Edwards AFB.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What was the Compass Cope R and what was it's technical designation?		A drone (RPV) aircraft/ Ryan YQM-98A
		What was the mission of this vehicle?		Aerial Reonnaissance primary/Communications Relay Secondary
		What was the conflict this vehicle was designed to support?		VietNam war
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		Who built the Compass Cope R, and who were they in competition with?		Teladyne Ryan Aeronautical competing with Boeing
		What were the 4 primary requirements of the vehicle?		a) Take off and land on a runway on it's own without manual piloting b) Be controlled aerially/remotely for 24 hours at a time c) Carry a 750lb payload at 70,000 feet d) Actively provide voice and video relay to allied forces.
		This vehicle was developed as part of what program? The program was ultimately scrapped in 1977, but why?		The program was the Compass Cope Program, replacing the prior Compass Dwell program. It was scrapped when the US chose to redirect financing to the upgrading of the U-2 spy plane to the U-2R.

6 Aug 2024		On 13 August 1824 (200 years ago) the he first aerial ascent by a Native American took place.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		Who was the Native American and his role in the flight?		Chief Waschisabe was a passenger
		Where did the flight take place?		Montjean, France
		What was the name of the craft?		Flotilla
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		Who manufactured the aircraft?		Dupuis-Delcourt
		What unique design characteristics contributed to it's name?		It was one large balloon surrounded by four smaller balloons all suspending an elongated carrier basket that resembled a small boat
		What book was written by the manufacturer to document their discoveries?		D'Aerostation ou guide pur servir a l'histoire et a la pratique (Conquest of the Skies: A History of Ballooning)

30 Jul 2024		On 30 Jul 1935 (89 Years Ago), the first instrument landing on a watercraft took place.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		Who was the pilot?		Lieutenant Frank Akers of the United States Navy
		What was the aircraft?		Berliner-Joyce OJ-2 biplane
		What was the watercraft and how large was it?		The USS Langley
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		What were the details or requirements of the mission?		To fly from San Diego to a point 150 miles out to sea and locate, then land on the USS Langley using only his electronic instruments.
		Was their any kind of special recognition or award for this dangerous mission?		He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
		As a result of this and other risks the pilot took, he became a temporary commander in 1943, made permanent in 1949 of what posting? What was the highest rank he achieved?		Captain/Commanding officer of the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier and would eventually become a Rear Admiral.

23 Jul 2024		On 25 Jul 1953 (71 Years Ago), the USAF initiative known as FICON was announced as viable and proven.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What did FICON stand for and what was the initiative?		Fighter Conveyer, Airborn deployment and recovery of aircraft.
		What aircraft were involved with this initiative?		GRB-36D Peacemaker, and RF-84F Thunderflash (Later RF-84K)
		What was the purpose or reason for this initiative?		To deploy fighters as needed to protect the B-36 during bombing or reconnaisance missions.
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		When was the program cancelled, and why?		1956, as the advent of fighter aerial refueling made it unneccessary
		FICON was not the first attempt to meet this need. 5 years prior another similar program was attempted using what other aircraft, and what made it distinctive?		The XF-85 Goblin was a small and stubby aircraft only 14ft long, 8 ft high.
		The larger of the aircraft in this program had what payload capacity and what armaments?		16 20mm cannons in 8 turrets and a payload capability of 86,000 pounds of conventional or nuclear bombs.

16 Jul 2024		On 16 Jul 1969 (55 Years Ago) a mission was initiated with significant scientific and military potential.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What was the purpose of this mission?		Landing a human on the moon
		What time did it begin?		9:32am EDT on 16 July
		How long did it take to arrive at the destination?		76 hours/ 240,000 miles
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		What world famous quote was made, and by whom at the destination?		"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." -- Neil Armstrong
		Who were the full crew and what were their jobs?		Neil Armstrong, Commander; Buzz Aldrin, Lunar Module Pilot; Michael Collins, Command Module Pilot
		How many other missions of this type would also be performed by the United States, and what other power is attempting to do so now?		5 Additional Lunar Landings. China is attempting a lunar landing and base placement at the south pole of the moon as soon as they can, while the us is attempting to beat them there to claim the strategic location.

9 Jul 2024		On 15 Jul 1975 (49 Years Ago) the first international manned space flight with capsules from both the USA and USSR began.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What were the two craft involved and their launch vehicles?		Soyuz 29 on a Soyuz 11A511 by OKB-01; and Apollo 19 on a Saturn 1B
		When did these aircraft launch?		Soyuz at 8:20am EDT July 15; Apollo at 15:50 EDT July 15
		When the capsules came together, Astronaught and Cosmonaut shook hands. What were their names?		Astronaut Thomas P Stafford and Cosmonaut Alesei A Leonov
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		How long did it take after the launches before they docked, and why?		2 days in order to make orbital adjustments to bring into orbital and speed alignment for docking without damaging vehicles.
		What process was used to create a docking method that would work for both parties?		Both used a special docking module jointly developed to adapt the individua craft to a unique mutually compatible docking design. This was created in a joint effort between NASA and the Soviet Academy of Sciences.
		The craft, when finished, initially separated and then rejoined before final separation. What times were the separations, and why two times?		The first separation was for the apollo to move just far enough to completely block the sun allowing the soviets to get the first photograph of the sun's corona from space. They then redocked until the mission was complete. The first undocking was at 19 July 08:02 with the final at 11:26 on the same day.

2 Jul 2024		On 6 Jul 1919 (105 Years Ago) the first person to arrive in the United States by air from Europe occurred.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		Who was this person and their aircraft?		Englishman Flt Lt J.E.M. Pritchard after he parachuted down to give groundcrew instructions, on the airship R.34
		Where did it depart from and arrive at?		Departed from East Fortune, Scotland on July 2 and landed at Mineola, Long Island
		How long did the flight take?		4.5 days (108 hrs) leaving on July 2nd and Arriving July 6
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		The aircraft was part of what class of british aircraft, and how was it engineered/designed?		The R.33 class was engineered by a detailed analysis of a downed WWI german airship
		The flight referred to here had two stowaways on board. Who were they?		William Ballantyne (scheduled to stay behind for weight), and the airships mascot, a small tabby kitten named Wopsie
		The craft was not designed for passengers. What accomodations were made for this?		Suspending hammocks along the keel walkway, and welding a plate to the exhaust pipe for cooking

25 Jun 2024		On 30 Jun 1901 (123 Years Ago), a manned high altitude balloon record credited with aiding in the discovery of the Stratosphere was launched to 35,435ft.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What country did this flight take place in?		Germany
		What were the names of the balloon and the pilots?		Balloon: Prussia; Pilots Arthur Berson and Reinhard Suring
		How did they plan on breathing at that altitude, and how well did it work?		Oxygen Cylinders with handheld mouthpieces that did not work well as both passed out multiple times
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		A high altitude balloon record was used and credited with the first mail delivered from Space. Who flew the flight, when did they fly it, and how high did they go? How long did their record stand?		Nicholas Piantanida on Feb 2 1966; Rose to 123,400ft. Stood for 46 yrs, 8 months, 12 days
		Who holds the current record, at what altitude, date, and what process was used to descend?		Alan Eustace, VP of Google. 135,906 ft on 24 Oct 2014. Descended with a record setting skydiving/parachute jump
		These have been manned high altitude balloon jumps, but the CAP High Altitude Balloon Challenge is unmanned. This year is it's fourth year. For each of the prior three, what altitudes were obtained, and what were the winning experiments?		2021: 103,057 Integrity of Artificial Skin 2022: 99,962 Accuracy of Glucose Strips 2023: 100,319 Cold Welding in Low Orbit

18 June 2024		You are likely aware that Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. As with many tasks it took work and prior accomplishments to get there. On 17-18 June, 1928 (96 Years ago) she became the first woman to cross the Atlantic by Air.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What was the name of the Aircraft?		The Friendship
		Where did they travel from and to?		Labrador, Canada to Burry Port, Wales
		How long did the flight take?		20hrs and 40 min
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		What did the Jell-O Corporation and Ford Motor Company have to do with this flight?		Originally Richard Byrd had the plane for his Anarctic expedition, but because Ford was a major sponsor he decided to sell the Fokker aircraft and purchase a Ford Trimotor. The Fokker aircraft was purchased by Jell-O Corporation heir who then leased it out to Amy Phipps.
		Who was Amy Phipps and how was she associated with the flight?		Social Elite multi-billionairess, and wife of a prominent British politician who leased the aircraft and named it, wanting to be the first woman to cross the atlantic by air, however she was overruled by her family who said she would have to pick another "American girl of the right type" for the flight. She hand picked the entire crew.
		Who were the crew and what were their roles in the flight?		Wilmer Lower Stultz was the Pilot, Louis Edward Gordon was the mechanic, and after being refused the flight by her family, Amy Phipps chose Amelia Earhart as flight commander given complete and total authority over all operations.

4 Jun 2024		It's Graduation Season!!! This month, many years ago the first class for the United States Air Force Academy graduated.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What was the date of the first USAFA Graduation?		3 Jun 1959
		How many Students were in the first class and how many graduated?		207 with only 1 medically disqualified for commissioning
		What was the highest office one of these graduates rose to within the USAF?		Vice chief of staff of AF (Gen Michael P.C. Carns)
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		There are numerous individuals associated with or previously associated with our unit that are Academy Graduates. Who are they and what are their graduating years?		Gen Mike McClendon 1975, C/Lt Col Patrick Pierce 2018, C/Col Skylar Henry 2026, C/Col Carmen Ashburn 2027
		What is the current USAF Annual admission count and what was this year's graduating class count?		Approx 1000. 1113 in 2023./1164 admitted w 974 graduating (83.7%)
		What are the requirements to get into the USAFA?		Between 17 and 23 years old US Citizen Unmarried w no dependants Good Moral Character SAT 4830/ACT 0530 Physical Fitness Composite Score in the following (Entrance averages shown) Basketball Throw (69'/42'), Pull Ups (12/2), Shuttle Run (8.1sec/9.4sec), Crunches (81/78), Push Ups (62/41), and Mile Run (6:29/7:30) Teacher's Evaluation / Writing Sample / Letters of Recommendation / Background Check / Drug and Alcohol Abuse Certificate High Extra-Curricular Composite Score Medical Exam (Sight, Hearing, Height and Weight, Ability to meet grooming standards Active Duty Commitment

14 May 2024		On 17 May 1989 (43 Years Ago) Jeannette Ridlon Piccard died at age 86 of cancer.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What significant aviation feat did she accomplish at age 39?		First woman to fly to the stratosphere
		What was the date of this achievement?		23 Oct 1934
		What record did she set, and for how long did it last?		Women's high altitude record, lasted 29 years until Valentina Tereshkova in 1963
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		During an earlier flight in 1933 Henry Ford, and Orville Wright were present. Her son Don made a statement on what he remembered that day, what was it?		He indicated he distinctly remembered Orville because "I was a little kid and he [paid] attention to me"
		What are the different layers of the atmosphere, and what altitudes do they represent?		Troposphere 0-12km, Stratosphere 12-50km, Mesosphere 50-80km, Thermosphere 80-700km, Exosphere 700-10000km
		While she worked as a consultant to NASA for many years, after the moon landing her interests shifted. In 1974 she became the first woman to achieve what status in her new area of interest?		Became the first woman ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church, Part of the "Philadelphia Eleven" she was the first ordained as she was the oldest.

7 May 2024		On 7 May 1949 (75 Years Ago) date Henry 'Hap' Arnold was given a significant promotion..
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What Rank was he promoted to?		5 Star General
		Who signed the promotion?		Pres Harry S Truman
		How many others have achieved this rank in the US Air Force?		0
		*Advanced/Leadership Level Questions*
		In 1911, then Lt Arnold, was a student pilot. Where did he study and what was his license number?		Wright Flying School in Dayton, OH/#29
		Hap Arnold graduated from West Point but had few options in the Army. Why was that and what changed the situation?		Average Grades and a history of pranks left him without options. Applying himself and excelling at a remote assignment in the phillipines impressed his CO so much that they recommended him for the new aviation program just established.
		How many lessons did Hap complete and how much flight time to get his license? How does that compare to the number of hours required by a student pilot today?		28 lessons and 228 minutes flight time. 228 minutes is 3hrs and 48min. 40 hours is required today.

23 April 2024		On 25 April, 1972 (52 years ago) a straight-line soaring record that would stand for 30 years was set in a Schleicher ASK-12, the immediate predecessor to our ASK-21.
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		What was the distance traveled?		1461 Km / 907 miles
		Who was the pilot?		Hans Werner Grosse
		Where was the flight from and to?		Lübeck (Elev 55) to Biarriz (Elev 245) NOTE: Released at 2,700ft, max altitude reached 7,500ft
		Advanced/Leadership Level Questions
		The next generation of glider, the ASK-21 was the first of the all composite gliders marking the end of the wood/plywood/steel construction gliders. With regards to our ASK-21...
		What is the maximum lift over drag speed?		51 kts
		What is the glide ratio, and what does it mean?		32:1 32 feet forward for every 1 foot sink
		When transporting the glider in the trailer what weight capacity does the towing vehicle require?		3300lb

16 Apr 2024		Just over a week ago we reenacted the first circumnavigation of the globe, 100 years after it took place. On March 19, 1974 (50 years ago) the first solo circumnavigation of the globe by a woman took place.
		Basic Cadet Level Questions
		Who was the woman?		Geraldine "Jerrie" Mock, aka The Flying Housewife
		What was her aircraft?		1953 Cessna 180
		Her route followed that of another aviator that failed in her attempt to circumnavigate the glove. Who was it?		Amelia Earhart
		Advanced Leadership Level Questions
		She named her aircraft what, and why? She called it by a different name which was?		The Spirit of Columbus after the town she and her husband met and attended college, but nicknamed it Charlie.
		How did she finance her flight, and how did that impact her departure date?		She reached out to the Columbus Dispatch Newspaper for a $10,000 loan, $65,000 in today's dollars; conditional on their getting exclusive rights to the story. Three months before the scheduled flight another female aviator planned on performing the flight, worried about it impacting her loan she left two weeks earlier than planned
		The aircraft she had was stock, with the exception of some newer instruments, and replacing passenger seating with fuel tanks. Presuming her weight was approximately 150 lbs, how much additional fuel could she carry, and for what total range would the aircraft fly?		125 gallons for approximately 180 total gallons and a range of approximately 1825 nautical miles.

9 April 2024		On 6-7 April 2024 we had a few different missions all of which were successful. One of those was a training on cross country planning and reenactment of the flight referenced by last weeks questions. This weeks questions are with reference to that training and activity...
		Basic/Cadet Level Questions
		There are many types of tools to assist with mathematics over the years such as abacus, calculators, pc's, etc. What type of tool is the E6B?		(Circular) Slide Rule
		On this past weekends activity the cadets doing long distance flights used one of three different aircraft for their legs. What were those aircraft?		C-172 CAP Plane, Cirrus SR22, and Tiger Moth Biplane
		What is Zulu Time, why is it important to aviation, and how do you convert our time to zulu?		Coordinated Universal Time. It is used as a standard coordinated time for anywhere on the globe regardless of time zone. Add 5 hours to the current local time.
		Advanced/Leadership Level Questions
		When flying east of Mineola/Wisener (3F9) airport what altitude would you need to fly at and why?		1302 MSL, Tower at altitude of 802 present. Must fly at least 500 feet over in rural (1000 ft over in urban)
		In the E6B, the outer wheel is primarily used for two different types of calculations. Those are?		Distance, Fuel
		On a chart used for the FAA testing, what airport is located at 32 deg 45min N 97 deg 41 min W?		Parker County Airport (KWEA)

2 April 2024		On 6 April 1924 (100 years ago) the first successful circumnavigation of the globe by aircraft took place. You can see on the image the route taken to leave the US, as their next stop was Kamchatka, Russia. This was also the first aviation crossing of the Pacific Ocean. <view image>
		Cadet Level Questions
		How many aircraft departed and what were their names?		4, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, New Orleans
		How many crew were in each aircraft?		2, A pilot and a mechanic
		How many aircraft completed the flight and what were their names?		Chicago, Boston II, and New Orleans
		NCO/Leadership Level Questions
		What other nations attempted a similar circumnavigation that year and how many succeeded?		Argentina, France, Great Britain, and Italy. Only the US Succeeded.
		Who was the flight commander at departure, who was the flight commander at arrival? Why did the initial flight commander not complete?		Began with Maj Frederick Martin, ended with Lt. Lowell Smith. Lt. Smith had been in command for over a month by the time Martin got back to the US. He could have taken the prototype aircraft (later used as Boston II) but stated it would be unfair to rejoin after having missed a month of the flight (stolen valor), and did not want to take away the opportunity from Lt Lowell who had proven a good interim commander.
		While in Japan the country was recovering from a major earthquake making clean drinking water scarce. What did they drink instead and what was the crew's take on that drink?		They had to drink beer. The crew thoroughly appreciated this due to prohibition back in the US being in place.

Mar Womens History		In recognition of Women's Month, consider the following... At the end of WWII, in 1948, Pres Harry Truman signed into law an act that formalized women being allowed in the military but capped their numbers at 2% of total force and prohibited combat service. <View Image>
		Cadet Level Questions
		What was this law called?		Women's Armed Services Integration Act
		The Joint Chiefs recommending lifting all bans on Women in 2013. Sec of Defense Ashton Carter did so in what year?		2015
		Across ALL branches of the military, which branch has the highest percentage of women?		United States Air Force
		NCO/Leadership Level Questions
		There are three images associated with this trivia question. Who are these individuals and why are they significant?		Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley - Revolutionary War Heroine that served in the Battle of Monmouth
				Dr. Mary Edwards Walker - Surgeon and Civil War POW. Oly woman to have earned teh Medal of Honor
				??? Source is Incorrect ???

19 Mar 2024		On this date in 1989 (35 years ago) a unique aircraft shown here made it's first flight... <See Image>
		Cadet Level Questions
		What is this aircraft?		V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor Aircraft
		Where did that flight take place?		Arlington, TX
		Who were the pilots?		Dorman Canon, and Dick Balzer
		NCO/Leadership Level Questions
		There are three variants of this aircraft. What are they, and where are they each assembled at?		All three are manufactured in Amarillo, TX MV-22B (Marines), CV-22B (Air Force), CMV-22B (Navy)
		Name two prior examples of attempts at tilt-rotor or convertiplane aircraft?		Lehberger Flying Machine	AgustaWestland AW609
				AgustaWestland Project Zero	American Dynamics AD-150
				Bell XV-3	Vell XV-15
				Bell Eagle Eye	Bell V-280 Valor
				Curtiss-Wright X-19	Focke-Achgelis FA 269
				IAI Panther	Transcendental Model 1-G
		Where and when was the picture above taken?		Eglin Range, FL, May 21, 2014

12 Mar 2024		On 16 Mar 1949 (75 years ago) the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation delivered the first production model of a new track-style landing gear. <see image>
		Cadet Level Questions
		What type of aircraft was this gear installed on?		It was equipped on a C-82 Packet aircraft.
		Where was it delivered to?		314th Troop Carrier Wing at Smyrna, TN
		Why was this type of tread being considered for aircraft?		To allow all terrain landing and reduce or eliminate the cost for runways. Officially, Military Requirement A-1-1 called for “a new type airplane landing gear effecting maximum practicable weight distribution”
		NCO/Leadership Level Questions
		What aircraft were these gear styles tried with (11-12)?		A-20 Havoc, C-82 Packet, P-40 Warhawk, B-29 Superfortress, B-36 Peacemaker, B-50 Superfortress, B-17 Flying Fortress, Waco CG-4A Hadrian, C-47 Skytrain, C-119B Flying Boxcar, C122 Avitruc, RB-49 Flying Wing (proposed)
		Who manufactured the gear for these trials?		Goodyear, Firestone
		What were the issues encountered that caused the idea to be scrapped?		Weight Restrictions, Interfered with Gunnery, Mud and Sand clogged and de-belted gear, Skis worked more effectively on snow, Large bombers which were the original intended use were so heavy the treads disintegrated on landing.

5 Mar 2024		On 10 Mar 1977 (47 years ago), the women pictured here began an undergraduate Navigator Training Class <Show Image>
		Cadet Level Questions
		In 1975 this program was announced by what Air Force Chief of Staff?		Gen David C. Jones
		What prompted opening up this program to women at this time?		Draft had been eliminated and USAF had staffing difficulties
		Where was the training class held?		Mather AFB (Near Sacramento, CA)
		NCO/Leadership Level Questions
		The program allowed for 28 women, how many entered the program on this date, what were their names, how many were in their graduating class, who were they and why the difference?		6 entered (Capt Elizabeth Koch, 2nd Lt Ramona Roybal, 1st Lt Mary Kay Higgins, 2d Lt Forence Fowler, Capt Margaret Stanek, and Capt Betty Jo Payne, Capt Stanek suffered injury in parasail training and graduated later. Marine Aerial Navigation School (MANS) moved from Corpus Christ, TX to Mather in 1976 and Stephanie Oram was one of two naval officers who joined the class, one who was removed from the program when she became pregnant.
		We already know where the class was held, but what was their classroom, and how many students could be facilitated?		Boeing 737, classified as T-43 Trainers, known as Gators. They were used for undergraduate training and could support 12 students at a time.
		What ranks did the Air Force trainees that entered the program on 10 Mar 1977 attain?		Mary Kay Higgins went on to become a pilot and retired as a Colonel. The other five all retired as Lieutenant Colonel.

27 Feb 2024		On 28 Feb 1934 (90 years ago), a relative of Laura Ingalls Wilder, of Little House on the Prairie fame, departed on a flight that would place her in the history books setting 5 significant records.
		Cadet Level Questions
		Name three of the records that she set on the flight...		Longest solo flight by a woman (17,000 miles)
				First solo flight by a woman from North to South America
				First solo flight around South America by man or woman
				First complete flight by a land plane around South America by a man or woman
				First American woman to fly the Andes solo
		NCO/Leadership Level Questions
		What was her name and what was her association to Laura Ingalls Wilder?		Laura Houghtaling Ingalls, a distant cousin, and friend of Wilder's daugher Rose Wilder Lane.
		For her famous flight what was her aircraft, route, and stops?		Lockheed Air Express N Beach Airport, Jackson Hghts NY - Miami, FL Miami, FL - Havana, Cuba Havana, Cuba-Merida, Yucatan-France Field Cristobal, Panama France Field - Talara, Peru - Santiago, Chile Santiago,Chile-Over Andes(18,000ft)-Mendoza, Argentina Mendoza - Trinidad - Tobago Tobago - Miami Fl Miami - Camden, NJ (lunchbreak) Camden, NJ - Floyd Bennet Field, NY
		What CAP achievement potentially would have been named for her, except for certain equipment and behavioural issues that interfered? What were those issues?		Amelia Earhart Award - Lockheed designed an aircraft specifically for the transatlantic flight and chose Ingalls, however the planes 650 gallon fuel system experienced major leaks during a transcontinental test flight and the delays took so long Earhart completed the flight. - Behaviourally, however she would potentially have been disqualified for ... - Violating White House controlled airspace dropping anti-involvment literature in DC - Arrested as an unlicensed Nazi Agent to serve up to 2 years in federal prison. Served 20 months.

20 Feb 2024		On 22 Feb 1978 (46 years ago) The US Air Force launched a special Satellite that would become the first of many that are used throughout the World Today both for military and civilian applications.
		Cadet Level Questions
		What was this satellite called?		Navstar 1
		What is the service/technology used today that it provided?		GPS (Global Positioning System)
		How many satellites does the US currentely have providing this service?		24
		NCO/Leadership Level Questions
		What satellite was launched in 1957 that paved the way for this satellite, and what phenomenon did so?		Sputnik. Scientists observed frequency changes as it moved closer or further away which became known as the Doppler Effect.
		Through the 90's and 2000's one of the fastest growing hobbies/sports was based on this technology. What was it and how did it start?		Geocaching, which began when Dave Ulmer on May 3, 2005 hid a stash in the forest near Beavercreek, OR to test viability of the system and posted on the internet. It was found by two individuals 3 days later.
		Which section of the FAR/AIM covers this technology for the Private Pilot required knowledge and what is the system description found there?		AIM 1-1-17 Global Positioning System (GPS). 1. System Description. The Global Positioning System is a space-based radio navigation system used to determine pricese position anywhere in teh world. The 24 statelline constellation is designed to ensure at least five satellites are always visible to a user worldwide. A minimum of four satellites is necessary for receivers to establish an accurate three-dimenstional position. The receiver uses data from satellites above the mask angle. The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for operating the GPS satellite constellation and monitors the GPS satellites to ensure proper operation. Each satellite's orbital parameters are sent to each satellite for broadcast as part of the data message embedded in the GPS signal. The GPS coordinate system is the Cartesian earth-centered, earth-fixed coordinats as specified int the World Geodetic System 1984.

6 Feb 2024		February is Black History Month. Last week we discussed the F-16's 50th Birthday. February is also Black History month. As a result we will discuss the first African American Female Figher pilot (flew the F-16), and former CAP cadet (where she learned to fly). She was raised at a time when there were no female fighter pilots yet from 4th grade she wanted to be a pilot. She was repeatedly told to have a backup plan by her father and others.
		Cadet Level Questions
		What was her name?		Shawna Rochelle (Ng-A-Qui) Kimbrell
		What CAP Wing was she in?		Colorado Wing (Parker Composite Squadron)
		What school did she go to for undergraduate studies?		United States Air Force Academy
		NCO/Leadership Level Questions
		Where was her first assignment, and where and for what operations was she deployed to while there?		Misawa AFB in Misawa Japan, deployed to Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch enforcing no fly zones over Iraq (170 combat hours)
		She also served in Korea, Italy, Georgia, and Nevada at what bases, before transitioning to reserve and flying what?		Kunsan, Aviano, Fort Stewart, Nellis AFB; As a reservist flew MQ-9s Reapers
		What was her 'backup plan' and what was she quoted as saying about it in 2012?		No backup plan. "I think sometimes you lull yourself into thinking 'OK, I have that plan.' If you don't have [a back-up plan], you push through." (Air Force News - Career Highlight)

30 Jan 2024		On 2 February 1974 (50 years ago) The (Y)F-16 took it's official first flight out of Edwards AFB reaching an altitude of 30,000 feet. In the 50 years since this aircraft has become one of the most versatile and in-demand fighters around the world, despite the $80 million price tag. It has flown in many operations for the US. For each of them listed below, when were they, where were they, and what was the primary purpose of the operation? <Click Here to See Image>
		Operation DESERT STORM		1990/1991; Iraq/Kuwait; Destory Iraq's Military Capability following an invasion of Kuwait
		Operation ALLIED FORCE		1999 (78 days); Kosovo; Put an end to ethnic cleansing against those of Albanian descent.
		Operation NOBLE EAGLE		9/11/2001-2007 when transitioned to permanent defense;US Homeland; Defend against Terrorist attacks in US
		Operation ENDURING FREEDOM		2001-2014-2021;Afghanistan/Worldwide;Destroy terrorist centers in Afghanistan and around the globe
		Operation IRAQI FREEDOM?		2003-2011;Iraq; US Invasion of Iraq to depose dictator Saddam Hussein who was also aiding and harboring terrorists
		Who is Lockheed Martin's current order backlog on the F16?		135

23 Jan 2024		On 27 Jan 1911 (113 years ago), the award pictured here was first awarded and has continued to be annually ever since. <see picture>
		What is this award?		The Mackay Trophy
		Who established it?		Clarence H Mackay
		What is it awarded for?		The most meritorious flight of the year by an Air Force person, persons, or organization
		Who won the first award in 1912?		Henry "Hap" Arnold
		What did he win it for?		An exceptionally long reconnaisance flight over VA. 40 miles in a Wright Model C, the same year he also set an altitude record over 4000 ft in that aircraft.
		Who won the trophy this year?		Maj Stephen Keck (F15 Pilot who dynamically reacted to real time changes in the mission both in air and on ground ensuring successful apprehension of terrorist leader)

9 Jan 2024		On the 12 January, 1935 (89 years ago), the first solo flight between Hawaii and the continental US took place...
		Who was the pilot?		Amelia Earhart
		What was the aircraft?		Lockheed Vega
		Where did they depart from and arrive at?		Oahu, Honolulu to Oakland, California
		How long did the flight take?		18hrs 15min
		How far did they travel?		2,408 miles
		What was the intended destination and why?		Salt Lake City, UT to break the female long distance record Unable to continue there due to adverse weather conditions.

19 Dec 2023		On the 24th of December, Santa Clause will travel the world. NORAD tracks all objects entering US and Canadian Air Space and will be tracking and escorting Santa as they do every year. The Air Force takes this job seriously. They also share his location with over 14million individuals around the world every year through their program called NORAD Santa. With regards to NORAD Santa...
		What does NORAD stand for?		North American Aerospace Defense Command
		What year did the program start?		1955
		What happened that initiated this program?		A young girl dialing a number to talk to Santa from the paper, misdialed and called the unlisted Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center
		What is the Phone Number for NORAD Santa?		1-877-HI-NORAD (446-6723)
		What is the App for NORAD Santa?		NORAD tracks Santa
		What is the website for NORAD Santa?		https://www.noradsanta.org/en/

12 Dec 2023		On the 17 December, 1903 (120 years ago), Something happened...
		Who?		Orville Wright
				Wilbur Wright
		What?		First manned controlled sustained powered flight
		With What?		Wright Flyer, Made of Spruce, Ash, and White cotton Muslin fabric
		When?		10:35 AM - Lasting 12 Seconds
		Where?		Kill Devil Hill, Four miles south of Kitty Hawk, NC

5 Dec 2023		On 10 Dec 1986 (37 years ago), four F-15s with the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing were returning to Eglin AFB following a successful training exercise when they ntticed a phenomenon in the Gulf of Mexico about 30 miles south of Destin, FL.
		What was the phenomenon that they saw?		a plume of smoke
		When they investigated whas was the cause of the phenomenon?		A ship on fire
		What wss the Geco Alpha?		a 300 foot long Norwegian seismographic research vessel
		What additional aircraft was dispatched, and for what purpose?		An HC-130 (Search and Rescue version of Hercules) that dropped lifesaving supplies
		Helicopters were sent and retrieved how many people?		19 of the 34 man crew
		What happened to those individuals?		Taken to Eglin AFB, treated for injuries, and returned to the vessel after the coast guard assisted in putting out the fire and saving the ship.

28 Nov 2023		On 1 December, 2958 (65 Years ago) the Strategic Air Command activated the 4135th Strategic Wing at Eglin AFB, bringing in 15 B-52s that were testing GAM-77 and GAM-72 missiles.
		Where is Eglin, AFB?		Western Floriday Panhandle
		How much did it cost (in 1958 dollars) to build the facility?		$4,800,325 ($51,104,526 today)
		What did the GAM-77 get renamed to, and what was it's nickname?		AGM-27 Hound Dog
		What was the GAM-77?		Supersonic Air to Ground Thermonuclear Missile
		What did the GAM-72 get renamed to, and what was it's nickname?		ADM-20 Quail
		What was the GAM-72?		A decoy missile to confuse enemy air defenses.

21 Nov 2023		On the 22nd of November, 1963 (60 years ago), while in a motorcade through Dallas, John F Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States was assassinated. With regards to this event...
		How many US Presidents were assassinated?		4
		Who was accused of killing him?		Lee Harvey Oswald
		What happened to the alleged assassin?		He was shot by Jack Ruby
		At what time did the assassination take place?		12:30pm
		Lyndon B Johnson became the 36th President. Who swore him in and where?		Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes, On Air Force One at Love Field
		What was the License plate of JFK's Limousine?		GG 300

14 Nov 2023		On 19 November, 1957 (66 years ago), Maj General Donald Keirn was selected to lead a new project for the DOD called ANP.
		What does ANP stand for?		Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion
		Who was the objective of this project?		To create a nuclear powered aircraft by the mid 1960's increasing the range and loiter time of aircraft.
		How was this to be accomplished?		An onboard reactor would heat the air in the turbines, replacing the need for jet fuel to do the same.
		What companies built experimental engines for this?		General Electric (GE) and Pratt & Whitney (PW)
		What company flew demo flights for this project?		Convair performed demonstration flights of an active nuclear reactor.
		When and why was the project scrapped?		Kennedy cancelled it in 1961 due to the ICBM fleet becoming operational.

7 Nov 2023		On 9 November, 1932 (91 years ago) the first seaplane flight around the world was completed.
		What country was credited with this accomplishment?		Germany
		Who was the pilot?		Wolfgang von Gronau
		How many were in the aircraft's crew?		3
		What model of aircraft was used?		Dornier Wal
		What was the name of the aircraft?		"Grönland Wal" (Greenland Whale)
		How long did the flight take?		111 days

31 Oct 2023		In light of our meeting being on Halloween, this week's question is regarding the "Devil's Triangle". The region of the earth found in a triangle shape between Puerto Rico, the tip of Florida, and the island of Bermuda is known as 'The Devils Triangle'. Here many aircraft, ships, and individuals have disappeared. Is it UFO's, the Lost City of Atlantis, Methane Gas Expulsions from the Sea Floor, or something else? All of these are existing theories. 10 different incidents have caused aircraft to disappear here. Provide an incident with some details for each answer to this weeks trivia...
		1945: December 5, Flight 19 (five TBF Avengers) lost with 14 airmen, and later the same day PBM Mariner BuNo 59225 lost with 13 airmen while searching for Flight 19.
		1947: July 3, a Douglas C-54 crashed off the Florida coast after the pilot lost control in turbulence.
		1948: January 30, Avro Tudor G-AHNP Star Tiger lost with six crew and 27 passengers, en route from Santa Maria Airport in the Azores to Kindley Field, Bermuda.
		1948: December 28, Douglas DC-3 NC16002 lost with three crew and 36 passengers, en route from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami, Florida.
		1949: January 17, Avro Tudor G-AGRE Star Ariel lost with seven crew and 13 passengers, en route from Kindley Field, Bermuda, to Kingston Airport, Jamaica.
		1965: June 9, A USAF C-119 Flying Boxcar of the 440th Troop Carrier Wing missing between Florida and Grand Turk Island[6] The last call from the plane came from a point just north of Crooked Island, Bahamas, and 177 miles from Grand Turk Island. On July 18, 1965 debris from the plane was found on the beach of Gold Rock Cay just off the northeastern shore of Acklins Island.
		1965: December 6, Private ERCO Ercoupe F01[8] lost with pilot and one passenger, en route from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahamas Island.
		2005: June 20, A Piper PA-23 disappeared between Treasure Cay Island, Bahamas and Fort Pierce, Florida. There were three people on board.
		2017: February 23, The Turkish Airlines flight TK183 (an Airbus A330-200) was forced to change its direction from Havana, Cuba to Washington Dulles airport after some mechanical and electrical problems occurred over the triangle.
		2017: May 15, A private MU-2B aircraft was at 24,000 feet when it vanished from radar and radio contact with air traffic controllers in Miami. Plane wreckage was found later.

17 Oct 2023		On 20th of October, 1999 the aircraft shown here as it approaches Edwards AFB to land, completed a history making record flight during it's demonstration phase of development. <See Picture>
		What was this aircraft?		Northrop-Grumman's RQ-4A Global Hawk (Air Vehicle No. 1)
		How large is this aircraft? Length, Wingspan?		47ft 7in Long, 130ft 11in Wingspan (C-172 27ft 2in long, 36ft Wingspan)
		What were it's firsts (for a military drone)?		Flight Length of 24.8 hour Flight (CA to Alaska)
				First Flight Over Water
				First Flight Outside of Continental US
				Near-Real-Time Image transfer (over NAS Fallon)

10 Oct 2023		On 15 October 1783 (240 years ago) what is looked to as the first manned flight took place in this balloon... <See Image>
		What was this balloon called?		The Montgolfier Balloon
		Where was it launched from?		The yar of the Reveillon workshop in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Suburb of Paris, France
		Who was in the balloon?		Jean Pilatre de Rozier
		How high did it fly?		84 Ft
		Why was it unable to fly any higher?		That was the length of the tether rope
		The King would not permit human testing until successful animal testing. What animal(s) were used?		A sheep, a duck, and a rooster

3 Oct 2023		On 3 October 1947 (77 years ago), work began on a VC-54C, that had been known as "The Sacred Cow". It was also the sight of a significant document signing that year.
		This aircraft would be known to us by what callsign?		Air Force One
		What VIP's used this aircraft?		Franklin D Roosevelt, and Harry S Truman
		What was the significant document?		National Security Act of 1947
		What did that document do that is significant to us?		Established the US Air Force as its own military branch
		This aircraft continued in service until what year?		1961
		Where can this aircraft be found now?		National Museum of the USAF

26 Sep 2023		On 1 October 1947 (77 years ago), the prototype XF-86, <shown here>, first flew at Muroc (Edwards) AFB.
		What did this aircraft become known as?		F-86 Sabre
		The aircraft failed to meet the design requirement of 600 mph. What was done to correct it?		It was the first US aircraft to implement swept wings gaining it a 70mph boost.
		Where did the idea for this correction come from?		German aeronautical records confiscated after WWII
		Which war was this aircraft primarily used in?		Korean War
		When was the last aircraft of this type produced?		1956
		Roughly how many of this aircraft and it's variants were made?		6000

19 Sep 2023		On 23 September 1949 (74 years ago), every newspaper in the country ran the same front-page story after President Truman made a stunning announcement: The Soviet Union had detonated an atomic bomb. This surprised not only the US People, but also the Soviet leadership as they didn't know we had the capability to detect it. This event marked the beginning of the cold war's nuclear arms race.
		How was the US aware of the atomic bomb test?		We had learned to detect and recognize radioactive isotypes in the atmosphere
		What was the cold war?		A battle between major world powers that was fought in proxy wars with smaller ally countries, economics, and politics rather than full armed conflict.
		What were the predominant differences between the sides?		Communism/Socialism vs Democracy/Liberty
		The boundary between the sides had a name implying impenetrability what was that boundary called?		The Iron Curtain
		Cuba was to USSR as _____________ is to the USA?		Israel
		What does M.A.D. stand for in reference to nuclear arms?		Mutally Assured Destruction - The philosophy that noone would start a nuclear war because the consequences would destroy them as well.

12 Sep 2023		On 18 Sep, 1977 (46 years ago) the Voyager 1 Spacecraft despite not being the first voyager to launch transmitted a photo back to the earth that was the first of it's kind. One of many firsts for the Voyager 1.
		What was this first performed by the Voyager 1?		Photograph of both the earth and moon in the same photo.
		Why was the Voyager 1 named the Voyager 1 when it launched second?		It's trajectory would take it further faster in the solar system while 2 would be slower and more detailed.
		Voyager I was the first manmade craft to reach the Jupiter system, on what date?		5 Mar 1979
		Voyager I was the first manmade craft to reach the Saturn system, on what date?		12 November 1980
		Voyager I was the first manmade craft to cross the heliopause. What is the heliopause and when was this?		25 August 2012; The edge of the solar system where the sun's solar winds are balanced by interstellar forces.
		In Star Trek, the motion picture, the antagonist was the Voyager 6 craft. How many voyagers were there?		2, the project was cancelled due to costs

5 Sep 2023		11 Sep 2001 (22 years ago) on this date one of the most significant terrorist attacks on the US took place. Terrorists had many times hijacked aircraft in the past but this time their tactics were different.
		How many aircraft were involved?		4 passenger airlines
		What happened in New York?		Planes were flown into the two tallest buildings in the world, the World Trade Center Towers.
		What happened in our nations capital?		A plane was flown into the Pentagon building
		What happened in Pennsylvania?		A plane was heading for the capitol but passengers revolted and it crashed in an empty field.
		Rather than using guns, as in the past, what weapons were used?		Box Knives
		All flights in the US were grounded. The first non military aircraft up after the event has a unique tie to our unit. What is that connection?		The first plan up was a CAP plane to survey the damage. That very same aircraft was assigned to our unit commander's former unit.

22 Aug 2023		On 27 August, 1939 (84 years ago) The german aircraft shown here first flew... <show picture>
		What is this aircraft?		Heinkel HE 178 v1
		Who was the pilot?		Erich Warsitz
		How long was the flight?		6 minutes
		What made this aircraft unique?		The first jet engine (turbojet)
		What restriction led decision makers to be unimpressed with it?		It's max speed was 372 mph, 100mph slower than fastest prop aircraft
		What happened to this aircraft?		Put in a museum and destroyed during allied air raid in 1943

15 Aug 2023		On 17 August, 1993 (30 years ago) a large number of these aircraft, seen here flying over Texas, were destroyed beginning on this date. <see image>
		What is this aircraft?		B-52 Stratofortress
		How many are actively still in service?		72
		How many were destroyed, and why?		365 due to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties of 1991 and 1993 with the Soviet Union.
		How were they destroyed?		Stripped of parts then cut in pieces by a 13,000 lb steel guillotine dropped from a 120 ft tall crane.
		After destruction they were left sitting out in the sun for 90 days. Why?		So the soviet satellites could get confirmation of the destruction
		After 90 days, what happened to them?		Metal pieces were sold for scrap

8 Aug 2023		On 12 August, 1977 (46 years ago) the space shuttle Enterprise took it's first free flight and landing at Edwards AFB.
		How did it get up to altitude?		Piggybacked on the back of a custom Boeing 747-100
		What height did it go to?		24,100 ft
		Who were the Pilots?		Fitz Fulton and Tom McMurty
		Who were the flight engineers?		Vic Horton and Skip Guidry
		How long did the flight last?		5 minutes 21 seconds/53 minutes from takeoff
		How fast was the shuttle when it landed and how far did it travel down the runway?		2 miles/185 mph

1 Aug 2023		On 4 August, 1955 (68 years ago) the aircraft shown here, manufactured by Lockheed, flew for the first time. <See Image>
		What was the aircraft and it's nickname?		U-2, The Dragonlady
		What is the ceiling altitude of this aircraft?		80,000 ft
		How fast can it ascend from sea level to 60,000 ft?		12m 30 sec (9000 ft/min)
		This aircraft uses a special type of fuel. What is it and why?		JPTS, Normal fuel would freeze at the altitudes it flies
		Two of these aircraft crashed. What happened with each?		On a flight over Russia two SAMs were launched. One hit an interceptor aircraft, but the other blew up behind the U2 causing enough damage to bring it down.
				As the aircraft took off from Florida, the oxygen system failed causing the pilot to pass out. 3000 miles later the plane crashed in Bolivia.

25 July 2023	On 28 July 1935 (88 years ago) Boeing's Model 299 first flew at the Boeing plant near Seattle, Washington. This aircraft exceeded the Army's specifications for speed, range, and load carrying capacity.
		This became the prototype for what better known aircraft?		B17 Flying Fortress
		How many of this better known aircraft were manufactured?		12,731
		In Oct 1935 the Model 299 would crash. Who was the pilot?		Maj. Ployer P. Hill
		What military installation is named after the pilot, and where is it?		Hill AFB/Ogden, UT
		What was the cause of the crash?		Failure to unlock all flight controls during complex startup
		What universally implemented tool resulted from this incident?		Preflight Checklists

18 Jul 2023		On 21 July, 1961 (62 years ago) the first US Air Force Airman went into space, although he was the second American to make that journey.
		What was his name?		Virgil I. Grissom
		What was his space capsules name?		Liberty Bell 7
		What surprising even happened on landing?		The explosive hatch fired prematurely allowing seawater in and sinking the spacecraft
		What did the media claim occurred?		Grissom panicked and jumped the gun, blowing the hatch manually
		After his initial service time he used the GI Bill for what degree where?		Mechanical Engineering degree at Purdue
		What happened to this astronaut?		Went on to command Gemini I, and Apollo I where he died in a launchpad fire in Jan 1967

11 Jul 2023		On 15 July, 1998 (25 years ago) an aircraft took it's first flight over Wichita, KS. This was the second edition of an aircraft that was originally built in WWII. It has been used by over 55 countries, and in at least 10 different conflicts. Built by Raytheon it has also been known under the nicknames Mosquito, Harvard, Yale, Wirraway, Boomerang, and Tomcat. It has also been called the pilot-maker as all three aviation tracks in the US Military use it to train their pilots.
		What is the name we know this aircraft by, and why/how did it get that name?		T6-A Texan II, Originally manufactured in Dallas, TX
		What are the three primary aircraft routes graduates from this trainer pick from?		USAF Fighter Bomber Track
				USAF Airlift-Tanker Track/Navy Maritime
				USAF or Navy Helicopter Track
		What other role is trained in this aircraft at Pensacola NAS?		Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training
		Simulators for this aircraft are used for another military aviation job, which is?		Remote Piloted Aircraft Training (RPA or UAV)

20 Jun 2023		On 20 June 1941, an organization was formed that used this emblem... <see image>
		What was the organization?		United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)
		What was it formed from?		United States Army Air Corps
		Who was it's first leader?		Henry "Hap" Arnold
		Who assisted it's first leader in the proposed restructuring document that created this organization?		Carl A. Spaatz
		How long did it exist for?		6 Years, 3 Months
		What was it replaced with?		United States Air Force

13 Jun 2023		On 12 June, 1955 (68 years ago) a pilot took off from SE of Wichita, KS in a prototype model of what would become known as the most successful airplane of all time, still being manufactured today.
		Who was the pilot?		Evil Brown 'Fritz' Feutz
		What was the destination?		Kingman, KS (48 miles away)
		What was the aircraft model?		Cessna C-172
		What was the N-Number of the aircraft?		N41678
		The aircraft was originally a prototype for what different model of aircraft?		Cessna 170C (Taildragger)
		Only one other aircraft has been in production longer. What is that aircraft?		Lockheed C130 Hercules

6 June 2023		On 5 June, 1948 (75 years ago) Northrop's No. 2 prototype YB-49 broke up over Murac AFB killing all crew.
		What was the unique characteristic of the YB-49?		It was a flying wing aircraft
		How were the Pilot and Co-Pilot of the YB-49?		Major Daniel Forbes
				Capt Glen Edwards
		Where is Muroc Field?		Mojave Desert, now renamed Edwards AFB
		When was this unique design successfully implemented?		1987 - B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber
		What is the next version of this design being released?		B-21 Raider (After Doolittle Raiders/CAP Achievement 6)

23 May 2023		On 21 May 1927 and 20 May 1932, Historic Flights were made by two different aviation pioneers.
		Who was the aviation pioneer on the first date?		Charles Lindbergh
		What was their historic accomplishment?		First to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
		What was the name and type of the aircraft?		Custom build Ryan NYP - Spirit of St Louis
		Who was the aviation pioneer on the second date?		Amelia Earhart
		What was their historic accomplishment?		First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
		What was the name and type of the aircraft?		Lockeed Vega - Little Red Bus

16 May 2023		On 18 May 2018 (5 years ago) The FAA approved a special design for Boeing Jets. The first model of which flew on 5 January 2020, almost 2 years later.
		What was the jet the special design was created for?		Boeing 777X (777-9 was the flight)
		What was the design item approved by the FAA?		Folding wingtips to accommodate terminal parking
		To what extent did this modify the jet?		22ft 8 in
		What is the passenger capacity of this jet?		426
		What is the range of this jet?		7,285 miles
		When did work start on this jet?		Nov 2013

9 May 2023		On 12 May, 1945 (78 years ago) the "B-29 Eagle Project" completed. With regards to this project and the B-29...
		What was the Eagle Project?		Modification of B29s for high altitude precision bombing in overcast skies
		There were two significant payloads delivered by the B-29 in WWII. What were the aircraft and payloads?		Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima / Enola Gay
				Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki / Bock's Car
		It dropped another significant payload in October 1947. What were the aircraft name and payload then?		Bell X1 to break the sound barrier / Fertile Mertile
		What is the standard crew of a B-29?		10
		What year did the B-29 first fly?		1942

25 Apr 2023		On 24 Apr 1990 (33 years ago) Space Shuttle Discover launched on STS-31 to deliver the Hubble Space Telescope into Orbit. Regarding the Hubble Telescope...
		How big is the Hubble Telescope?		43.5ft long, 14ft diameter. About the size of a schoolbus
		How far can it see?		13.4 Billion Light Years
		How does it turn to point at objects?		Reaction Wheels
		How many times per day does it orbit the earth?		15
		How much data storage does it have?		24 gigabits
		It observed what kind of explosion when two neutron stars collided?		Kilonova

18 Apr 2023		On 19 April 1995 (28 years ago), Airman 1st Class Cartney McRaven, who had just gotten married four days prior, went into the Federal Building in Oklahoma City to get a new Social Security Card with her new name. She never left.
		What was the name of the building?		Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building
		What happened that morning?		2nd Worst Terrorist Attack on US Soil Destroyed 1/3 of building
		What time did the event occur?		9:02 AM
		Who was responsible?		Timothy McVeigh, and Tery Nichols / Both from Michigan with proven ties to Islamic Extremist Groups
		How did they do it?		Filling the back of a Rider Truck with over 2 tons of Ammonia Nitrate Fertilizer and Fuel Oil and detonating
		Where is that building now?		The OK City National Historic Museum is in its place.

11 Apr 2023		This aircraft, known as NASA 515, is shown here making it's final landing on 21 September 2003 at 1511 PDT. It's initial flight was made on 9 April, 1967 (56 years ago). The company's president at that time stated he believes the airplan will still be being built after he was old and in a rest home. He was right, the aircraft is still in production today. <See Image>
		What type of Aircraft (Make and Model) is it?		Boeing 737
		What was the company president's name that made the quote above?		Bill Allen
		When was the 10,000th one delivered?		13 Mar 2018
		What are the external dimensions of the aircraft?		97ft long, 87ft wingspan, 37ft high
		What is it's cruising speed and range?		575mph; 1,150 miles
		When and how did NASA get the aircraft?		Gifted to NASA when all flight tests and certifications were complete on 12 June 1973

4 Apr 2023		On 4 April, 1983 (40 years ago) one of the space shuttle orbiters launched on it's maiden flight.
		Which Orbiter was it?		Challenger
		What time was the launch?		18:30
		What equipment was first used on this mission?		Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) First space walk
		How many missions did this orbiter fly?		10
		Why did it not fly more missions?		In Jan 1986, during launch a booster rocket failed and the shear forces on the shuttle caused structural failure, destroying it.
		How much time passed between it's last mission and the next shuttle launch?		32 Months

28 Mar 2023		On 27 Mar 1999 (24 years ago) an aircraft of the type in the image shown here was lost in combat. With regards to that aircraft... <See Image>
		What type of aircraft is it? (type, name, nickname)		F-117 Nighthawk "Wobbly Goblin"
		When did it officially first fly?		1981
		How long was it used?		25 years
		How many were lost in combat, total?		1
		Who was the pilot for this incident?		Lt Col Darrel Patrick "Dale" Zelko
		Where did this incident take place?		Servia via SA-3 GOA Surface to Air Missile

21 Mar 2023		The Air Force has lots of different career options and ways to make a significant difference. One of those is meteorology. On 25 Mar, 1948 (75 years ago), a weather phenomenon that had occurred a few days prior causing the damage shown in this photo from Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, reoccurred. Thanks to the weather team tasked by General Borum at the base, the second time was successfully predicted hours prior allowing the base to protect against further damage. The methods they developed then are still used today. <See Image>
		What was the weather phenomenon?		Tornado
		On what date did the event occur causing this damage?		5 days prior on 20 Mar 1948
		Who were the meteorologists that determined how to predict the event?		Capt. Robert C. Miller
				Maj Ernest J Fawbush
		At what time did they issue their prediction?		14:50
		At what time did this weather event occur?		18:00

14 Mar 2023		On 18 Mar, 1977 (46 years ago) the first group of women undergraduate students completed the Phase II Training Program in the T37-Tweet.
		How many were in the class?		10
		What company made the T37-Tweet?		Cessna
		What type of aircraft was the Tweet?		Twin Engine Jet Trainer
		How long did the USAF use the Tweet for training?		Over 52 years
		In what year did the USAF retire the T37 Tweet?		2009
		What aircraft replaced the Tweet for the USAF?		Beechcraft T-6 Texan II

7 Mar 2023		March is Women's History Month. In light of Women's History Month, consider the following trivia questions...
		Who was Rosie the Riveter?		A charicature of a woman who supposedly worked in a factory on airplanes during WWII, used to recruit women to the workforce
		Her initial reveal was by Westinghouse Electric Corporation under what headline?		"We Can Do It!"
		A famous picture of her standing in defiance on Mein Kampf was drawn by whom?		Norman Rockwell
		Who is considered to be the most credible claim to being the original Rosie?		Naomi Parker Fraley of Alameda, CA
		A song was written about her by what songwriter(s)?		Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb
		Regarding women's contributions, in WWII what % of the aircraft factory workforce were women?		65%

28 Feb 2023		Today, at Eisenhower National Airport a special ceremony was held to kick off the restoration of the first customer lear jet to be delivered. In honor of that our questions today are about the lear jet.
		Who was the founder of the company?		William (Bill) Lear
		What was the aircraft design based on?		Swiss ground-attack fighter, the FFA P-16.
		The Lear Jet project moved to Wichita KS due to slow progress at it's original location, where?		Switzerland
		How many models did the company go through before the first model sold?		22
		When was the first model sold?		October 1963
		Lear jet went throuigh multiple ownership changes. Who was the last/current owner?		Bombadier (Montreal, Quebec)
		When was the last/final Lear Jet delivered?		28 March 2022
		How many were made/sold?		3043

21 Feb 2023		On 21 Feb 1961 (62 years ago) the program represented by this memorial <see image>, found at cape Canaveral Air Force Station Complex 14, began it's final stage of training. The 7 represents the most public facing figures of this project. With regards to this project...
		What was this project?		The Mercury 7 Space Program
		Each of the 7 public facing figures made it		Alan B Shepard Jr. May 5, 11961
		into space. Who were they and when did		Virgil I. Grissom July 21, 1961
		they each go into space?		John H. Glenn, Jr Feb 20, 1962
				M. Scott Carpenter May 24, 1962
				Walter M. Schirra Oct 3, 1962
				L. Gordon Cooper Jr. May 15-16, 1963
				Donald K Slayton Jul 15, 1975
		When was the last time one went into space?		John H Glenn, Oct 29, 1998 (77 years old)

14 Feb 2023		On 14 Feb 1943 (80 years ago) an aerial battle that became known as the Saint Valentine's Massacre took place. That battle was the first recorded combat of a then new plan in the US arsenal <see image>. The battle ensued when the flight group ran into an opposing flight group.
		What was the new aircraft?		F4U Corsair
		What was their target?		Kahili (Solomon Islands)
		How many planes in the US flight group?		12 F4U's, 10 P-38s, 9 PB-4Y Liberators (31 Total)
		How many in the opposing flight group?		42 Japanese Zeros
		How many US planes were lost?		8 Aircraft (2 Corsairs)
		How many opponent planes were lost?		1 Zero
		How many did the opponent claim they shot down?		5 Bombers and 17 Fighters
		How many did the US claim they shot down?		14 Zeros and 1 Float Plane

7 Feb 2023		On 5 Feb 1958 (65 years ago), An incident occurred associated with this bomb. This incident was fairly significant earning a pilot the Distinguished Flying Cross and the bomb the name "The Tyree Bomb"... <See image>
		What kind of bomb was this?		7600lb 1.69 Megaton Thermonuclear Bomb
		What type of aircraft was carrying it?		B47 Stratojet Bomber
		What happened to the aircraft?		A midair collision causing one engine to fail and hang off wing at 45 degree angle
		What other aircraft were involved?		ANG F86 Sabre's
		What happened with the bomb?		Dropped it in 40ft of water near Tybee Island off the coast of Georgia
		Where is the bomb today?		Never found, considered irretrievably lost, presumably still off Tybee Island

24 Jan 2023		Since 24 Jan 1963 (60 years ago), hikers of a 3700 ft hill known as Elephant Mountain, just outside of Greenville have been able to run across remnants of an aircraft. Consider the picture of another aircraft of this type when looking for answers... <Click here for image>
		What type of aircraft is this?		B52 Stratofortress
		What was the Aircraft's name/Callsign?		Frosh10
		Why did it crash?		Loss of control when vertical stabilizer broke off
		Why was it flying where it was?		Low altitude practice manuevers due to fear of Russian radar
		Did anyone survive		Yes, Pilot and Navigator
		How many died		7 individuals. 6 could not get out, and one was impaled by tree parachuting down

17 Jan 2023		Many of you have heard of the Berlin Airlift. On 17 Jan, 1932 there was a precedence to this humanitarian effort, performed by B2 Bombers. <See Image>
		What was the Berlin Airlift?		US Air drops of humanitarian aid to the free portion of Berlin when the communist powers were blockading it. <details>
		What was the action performed in 1932?		Humanitarian drop of necessary supplies to a snowed in region in Arizona
		What nation was served, and why?		Navaho nation because severe weather had destroyed their livestock and they were starving and freezing.
		Who led the mission?		1st Lt. Charles Harold Howard
		What award was received for the mission?		Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year
		What was significant about this issuance of the award?		This was the first time the award was issued to a group.

10 Jan 2023		About 90 minutes west of here, in Lewisville, TX, lies an airman in the cemetery named 1st Lt Barty Ray Brooks. On 10 Jan 1956 (77 years ago), and event happened with him that went into the history books.
		What aircraft was he flying?		F100 Super Sabre
		He redirected from his original landing site, why?		When landing gear deployed they looked loose and potentially unsteerable
		Where did he redirect to?		Edwards AFB
		What happened?		He crashed and died
		Why did it happen?		The plane had no flaps, requiring a high speed landing. The pilot got too slow and the aircraft stalled.
		This event was caught on video and made into a training tape named?		The Sabre Dance


13 Dec 2022		On 13 Dec 1903, the Wright brothers conducted the first controlled powered flight. Neither of these brothers went to college or even got a high school diploma. They did receive honorary degrees. They received 11 major honors/awards. What and when were they?
		Dates and Awards...		Jan 1909 Coupe Michelin d'Aviation
				17 Jun 1909 Congressional Medal of Honor
				20 Jun 1909 Legion of Honor
				10 Feb 1910 Langley Medal
				03 Feb 1914 Collier Trophy
				27 Oct 1917 Albert Medal
				02 Jul 1926 Distinguished Flying Cross
				1 Jun 1927 Washington Award
				29 Mar 1932 Distinguished Service Medal
				8 Apr 1930 Daniel Guggenheim Medal
				Dec 1962 Aviation Hall of Fame

6 Dec 2022		On Dec 10, 1936 (86 years ago) an early transport aircraft lost it's left motor resulting in the pilot's each receiving the distinguished flying cross. <Image of AC Type>
		What happened to the engine?		It caught fire.
		How many civilian passengers on board?		5
		What happened to the civilians?		They parachuted to safety
		What did the pilots do?		Put flames out with a fire extinguisher, then turned around and landed safely
		What was the aircraft?		C-33 (aka DC-2)

15 Nov 2022		There are 7 types/categories of stars in our galaxy. Each with a letter designation. What are they, what color are each type of star, what is an example star, and what % of our galaxy is made up of this star type.
		Designation		O
		Color		Blue
		Example		10 Lacerta
		% of Galaxy		.00001 %

		Designation		B
		Color		Blue
		Example		Rigel
		% of Galaxy		.1%

		Designation		A
		Color		Blue
		Example		Sirius
		% of Galaxy		.7%

		Designation		F
		Color		Blue/White
		Example		Procyon
		% of Galaxy		2%

		Designation		G
		Color		White/Yellow
		Example		Sol (Our Sun)
		% of Galaxy		3.5%

		Designation		K
		Color		Orange/Red
		Example		Arcturus
		% of Galaxy		8%

		Designation		M
		Color		Red
		Example		Betelgeuse
		% of Galaxy		80%

8 Nov 2022		8 Nov 1969 (53 Years Ago) Apollo 12 Launched on it's mission. With regards to Apollo 12...
		What type of launch vehicle was used?		Saturn V
		What unique event happened on launch?		Lightning Strikes hit Rocket (x2)
		How long did the translunar transit take?		3.5 days
		The LM landed how close to what prior craft?		163M from Surveyor III (534 ft)
		What did Charles Conrad say when he stepped on the moon?		"Whoopee! Man, that may have been a small step for Neil, but that's a long one for me."
		Besides samples, what else was brought back from the moon?		TV Camera from Surveyor III (broken)
				Soil Scoop from Surveyor III

8 Nov 2022		29 Oct 1998 (24 Years ago)... The squeaky wheel gets the grease, or in this case funding; so having the country excited about space exploration is important. CAP AE serves that purpose. NASA tried to do so with STS-95...
		What does STS stand for?		Space Transportation System
		Who on the crew was notable and why?		John Glenn, US Senator and first US astronaut to orbit earth
				Pedro Duque, First Spaniard in Space
		What did Charles Conrad say when he stepped on the moon?		PANSAT (Naval Academy)
				Spartan201 (Solar Observatory)
		What satellites were retrieved?		Spartan201 (Rendezvous 2 days later)
		How long was the mission?		8.91 days

24 Oct 2022		On 15 Oct 2003 (19 Years ago) A third nation entered the world of manned space flight. (42 years after the first two)
		What was the nation?		China
		Who was the Astronaut?		Yang Liwei
		What was the spacecraft?		Shenzhou 5
		Where did it launch from?		Jiquan Satellite Launch Center, Gobi Desert
		How widely was the launch broadcast?		Not at all. The party feared failure.
		How long was it up?		21 hours/14 Orbits
		Where did it land?		Inner Mongolia

18 Oct 2022		On 14 Oct 1947 (75 Years ago) The first manned supersonic flight took place...
		Who was the pilot?		Chuck Yeager
		What rank was he/what rank would he attain?		Captain/Brigadier General
		What was the official aircraft name?		Bell X-1 / Model44 / USAF 46-062
		What was the nickname the pilot gave the aircraft?		Glamorous Glennis
		Where did this flight take place?		Muroc, CA
		What speed was actually attained? (Mach/KPH/MPH)		Mach 1.06 / 1126 kph / 700 mph

11 Oct 2022		On 4 Oct 1957 (65 years ago) the space race was started with the launch of the first artificial satellite...
		What was the name of the satellite?		Sputnik
		How much did it weigh?		84 kg/185 lbs
		Who launched it?		Russia/USSR
		What did it do?		Studied atmosphere and relayed by radio back to earth
		How long did it function?		21 days
		How long did it remain in orbit?		3 months
		What non-artificial satellite(s) existed previously in earths orbit?		The Moon

27 Sep 2022		On 1 Oct 1985 (37 years ago) a new site for the space shuttle launches was declared operational...
		Where was this?		Vandenburg AFB/California Coast
		What facility was it built on top of/replaced?		Manned Orbital Lab Facilities
		How was viability for a shuttle tested?		Using the Enterprise Orbiter
		How much did it cost to prepare?		$5.5. Billion ($15.1 Billion 2022 dollars)
		How many times did it launch a shuttle?		0

13 Sep 2022		On 19 Sep 1980 (42 years ago) a rocket exploded in Arkansas, as seen in these photos... <Click for Before> <Click for After>
		What was the payload/name of the system?		Titan II ICBM
		What caused the issue that led to the explosion?		Technician dropped a socket which hit the fuselage
		How long did it take before it exploded?		8.5 hours
		Why did it explode?		Fumes leaked until spontaneous combustion
		The equipment was behind concrete and steel door it blew off. How heavy were they?		670 tons
		What happened to it's payload?		Warhead was catapulted 200 m (650 feet) into the air

6 Sep 2022		On 6 September 1944 the V2 Rocket first became operational...
		What was the V2?		WWII Missile system developed by the Germans.
		What did V2 stand for?		Vengeance, Model 2
		What was it's fuel?		Liquid Oxygen, and Alcohol
		How much was created for each launch?		9 tons
		How much did the rocket require?		4.96 Tons
		Why the difference?		Evaporation during transit

23 Aug 2022		On 30 August 1983 (39 Years ago) this man became the first African-American in Space. <Click Here>
		Who was he?		Guion (Guy) Bluford
		What vehicle did he go up on?		Space Shuttle Challenger
		What was the mission number?		STS-8
		Where did he go to school, and what was his degree in?		Penn State - Aeronautical Engineering
		How much total time did he spend in space?		28 Days, 16 Hours, 33 Minutes
		What was his USAF Rank?		Colonel

16 Aug 2022		For the date 19 August 1871 (151 Years ago) consider this picture and answer the questions below. <Click Here>
		Whos is the man on the left?		Orville Wright
		What is the man on the left known for?		The first controlled powered flight.
		Who is the man in the middle?		Maj. Gen. John Curry
		What is the man in the middle known for?		First National Commander of CAP
		Who is the man on the right?		Charles Lindbergh
		What is the man on the right known for?		First Nonstop Transatlantic Flight
		Which person is associated with this date, and how?		Orville Wright, It's his birthday

9 Aug 2022		On 10 August 2015 (7 Years ago), The Crew of the ISS became the first astronauts in history to do this...
		What was it?		Eating Food Grown in Space
		What was the Expedition Number?		Expedition 44
		What Specifically was Used?		Red Romaine Lettuce
		What system was used to get this Experiment Ready?		VEG-01
		How long did the process to prepare it take?		15 Months
		This experiment was in preparation for what?		Manned Mission to Mars

26 Jul 2022		On 26 July, 1947 (75 years ago), a US President signed a law which established two significant organizations to us here in CAP.
		Who was the President?		Harry S Truman
		The law was Public Law #?		235
		The document was better known as?		National Security Act of 1947
		What organizations did it establish?		Department of Defense
				United States Air Force

19 Jul 2022		Space Exploration Day is this week.
		What day is it on?		20 July
		When was it established?		1984
		Who put it in place?		Ronald Reagan
		What event is recognized by the date?		Man first walking on the moon
		When did it occur?		20 July 1969
		What time?		10:56 PM

12 July 2022		On 17 July, 1929 (93 years ago) a rocket was launched from Auburn, MA. It was 11 ft long and carried the first scientific payload.
		Who launched it?		Robert H. Goddard
		What fueled it?		Liquid Fuel (Oxygen and Petrol/Gasoline)
		How high did it go?		90ft (28m)
		What instruments did it carry?		Camera
				Thermometer
				Barometer
		Was this launch considered a success or a failure?		Failure

9 Jul 2022		43 Years ago on this date a NASA craft passed by Jupiter at the closest point any man made object has come to Jupiter. On it's route it went by four of Jupiters major moons, capturing some unique pictures.
		What was the craft?		Voyager 2
		What rocket launched it?		Titan III-E
		How much did it weigh?		1,592 lbs
		What were the moon names?		Callisto
				Ganymede
				Europa
				Io
		What were the unique pictures?		Volcanic Eruptions on Io

1 Jul 1962		On this date, 60 years ago a rocket facility was created...
		What was the facility?		John F Kennedy Space Center
		Who gave it the name?		Lyndon B. Johnson
		How was the name given?		Executive Order 11129
		What are some of the major space programs that operated there?		Apollo Program
				Skylab
				Shuttle Transport System
				Constellation
				Expendable Launch Vehicles
				Space station Processing
				Commercial Crew
				Nano-Satellites
				Artemis
				Lunar Gateway

14 June 2022		On 13 June 1983 (39 years ago) a NASA spacecraft left our solar system. This was a first for a man made object.
		What was this spacecraft?		Pioneer 10
		When was it launched?		2 Mar 1972
		What were some of it's other firsts?		First planned to leave the solar system.
				First to fly past Mars
				First to fly through the asteroid belt
				First to fly past Jupiter
				First to fly past Neptune
				First all Nuclear spacecraft
		When did we receive it's final signal?		23 January 2003
		Form how far away was that signal?		7.6 billion miles (.001 light years)

7 June 2022		On 11 June 1989 (53 years ago) there was an organization that preceded NASA working on both a space station and a reusable space plane for the US. On this date that work was cancelled.
		Who ran this space program?		United States Air Force
		What was the space station called?		MOL - Manned Orbiting Laboratory
		What was the space plane called?		Dyna-Soar
		What 2 events led to the closure of the programs		The launch of Sputnik
				The formation of NASA

31 May 2022		On 3 June 1965 (57 years ago) the fourth flight of a spacecraft series that was launched between the Mercury and Apollo spacecracft accomplished a first for the US.
		What was the spacecraft?		Gemini 4
		What did they do?		First US Spacewalk
		Who was the astronaut?		Edward H. White
		How long was this activity?		20 min
		How many of this spacecraft were there?		12 Gemini craft

24 May 2022		On 25 May 1961 (61 years ago) a US President spoke to congress requesting a large amount of money for a space related project, claiming it was an urgent national need...
		Who was the president?		John F. Kennedy
		What was the project?		First man on the moon
		Name a famous quote from the speech...
		"This nation should commit itself to achieving the goal beore the decade is out of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth."
		"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."

17 May 2022		On 17 May 1974 (48 years ago) a craft known as the SMS-1 or SMS-A was launched...
		What was the SMS-A?		The first weather satellite. NASA developed it and NOAA Operated it.
		What equipment did it have on board?		Infrared Radiometer for day/night cloudcover monitoring
				Space Environment Monitor (SEM)/proton,electron, xray, and magnetic field monitoring
				Data Collection & Transmission
		Where did it go?		Geosynchronous Orbit
		How large was it?		230 cm/7.5 ft Long x 190.5/6.2 ft Diameter
		Where did it get power from?		Exterior body was covered in solar panels for electricity
		What vehicle launched it?		Delta Rocket
		What was the mass of the vehicle?		227 kg/507 lbs
		Where did it launch from?		Cape Canaveral

3 May 2022		On 7 May 1937 (85 years ago) critical technology for modern flight was first successfully tested, earing the Collier Trophy...
		What was the Aircraft?		Lockheed XC-35
		What was the Technology?		Pressurized Cabin
		Where was it assembled?		Burbank, CA
		What was teh first production civilian aircraft with this tech?		Boeing Stratoliner
		What was the first Military production aircraft with this tech?		B-29

Members

Trivia History

History of Prior Trivia Questions

Date

Question(s)

Answer(s)

On 4 August 1950 (75 years ago) an event happened associated with a popular television show from the 70's . <Show Picture>

On 27 July 1912 the first wireless message sent from an airplane to a ship took place in Annapolis, Maryland.

The week of 15 July-22 July coincides with the birth date, as well as a record breaking flight on 16 July 1957 (68 years ago) by the same individual who wore the above on his ribbon bar... <View Ribbon Bar>

On 14 July 1914 (111 years ago) Dr. Robert H Goddard was granted a patent for his liquid fuel rocket engine. Dr Goddard is a rocketry pioneer cadets are required to be familiar with for the Rocketry Badge. Todays trivial will come from that required knowledge.

On 7 July 1981 (44 years ago) the aircraft shown in the middle made a record breaking flight. <View Image>

On 30 June 1911 (114 years ago) the aircraft shown here was first tested. <View Image>

On June 11 1931 (94 years ago) the aircraft shown here first entered service with the British airline, Imperial Airways. <View Image>

On June 4-7, 1942 a battle was fought that would come to be known as the most decisive battle of WWII in the Pacific theatre.

Memorial Day: In recognition of memorial day, this weeks trivia will be a CAP Memorial

On 20 May 2951 (74 years ago) a jet pilot shot down another jet to become the world's first jet "Ace" pilot.

In honor of Mother's day we are going to talk about women this week. On On 18 May, 1953 and 1966 (72 and 59 years ago), the two women pictured here set world records. <View Image>

On 11 May, 1927 (98 years ago) this famous airplane and it's pilot landed in St. Louis, MO after a record non-stop overnight flight from San Diego. <View Image>

On 27 April 1839 an American aviator (balloonist) introduced "the balloon ripping panel" which was a section that the pilot can pull open for quick emptying of the balloon after landing to prevent it from being dragged along the ground.

On 21 April 1914 (111 years ago) , the first news movie shot from the air was filmed.

In the answer given two weeks ago we referenced the new F-47 and it's earlier prop driven predecesser the F-47 originally known as the P-47. This aircraft was first flown in combat over western Europe on 8 April, 1943 (82 years ago). This week's questions are all about the prior F-47/P-47.

On 4 April 1947 (78 years ago) the organization that uses this symbol officially came into being. <view image>

This past week the US unveiled it's first sixth generation fighter, shown <here>. <view image>

On 17 Sept 2024, during our meeting, a partial lunar eclipse took place. This week we will revisit this astronomical phenomenon as we have a total lunar eclipse taking place.

This past week NASA returned to the moon once again, but this time piggybacking their work on a non-government piece of equipment.

3 March 1911 (114 years ago) using the aircraft shown <here> a new US cross-country flight record was set. <See Image>

On 14 Feb 1942 (83 years ago) the military plane shown here first flew. <see picture>

On 4 Feb 1949 (76 years ago) the CAA authorized the full use of GCA.

31 January 1961 (64 Years Ago) The first hominid to go into space, also the first crewed space mission launched from Launchpad LC-5 at Cape Canaveral.

On 24 January 1946 (79 Years Ago), the individual pictured <here> both while at West Point, as well as later in his career was named Chief of the United States Army Air Forces. <See Image>

CARL ANDREW SPAATZ

GENERAL USAF

CHIEF OF STAFF USAF

SEP 1947 JUN 1948

JUN 28 1891 JUL 14 1974

In December of 1814 delegates met to bring an end to the War of 1812. This was the first attack on the US Home Soil by another country. The second would take place many years later and the memorial pictured here stands in remembrance of that infamous day. <See Picture>

On 22 November 1961 (63 years ago) the US Navy claimed a world speed record using the plane shown here. The USAF would accept it's first two fighters of this type two years later this week on 20 Nov 1963. <View Image>

On 17 Nov 1962 (62 years ago) the airport seen here was initially dedicated. <See Image>

5 November - ELECTION DAY! This week is election day, so demonstrate your knowlege of our political system and leadership with the following questions.

This week is halloween. Halloween has been celebrated not just on earth but also in space. While they don't get trick or treaters, they have made jack-o-lanterns from oranges, and as can be seen <here>. They also dress up.

On 23 Oct 1909 (115 years ago) three Army Lieutenants recieved their first flying lessons in Signal Corps Airplane One, as seen in the <image here>.

A few weeks ago we had a trivia question addressing Sputnik from 1957. Sputnik was a shock to many in the US as it showed the Soviet Union was apparantly ahead of us in the space race. A Similar shock was experienced 18 years later on 20 Oct 1975 (49 years ago).

On 7 Oct 1969 (55 years ago), an aircraft like the one shown here was making an emergency landing at Tinker AFB. It ultimately did not make it and crashed into three homes in the Glenwood suburb of Midwest City, OK.. <view image>

On 17 September 2024 19:41 CST during our meeting, a partial lunar eclipse began. The beginning of the dimming of the moon took place at 19:41 with it peaking at 21:44 and ending at 23:47.

The Civil Air Patrol has many times been called on to help with reconnaissance and support following natural disasters such as hurricanes.

On 13 September 2004 (20 years ago), 63 F15 Strike Eagles flew into Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City to escape one such storm system.

On 29 August 1924 (100 years ago) A pilot and their engineer joined the Caterpillar Club as members 7 and 8. That club today is estimated to have over 100,000 members.

On 23 Aug 1954 (70 years ago) the US Air Force Academy was founded. Also, in that year on this date an aircraft still in use today first flew under tail number 53-3397.

17 August 1974 (50 years ago) the first formal test of the Compass Cope R took place at Edwards AFB.

On 13 August 1824 (200 years ago) the he first aerial ascent by a Native American took place.

On 30 Jul 1935 (89 Years Ago), the first instrument landing on a watercraft took place.

On 25 Jul 1953 (71 Years Ago), the USAF initiative known as FICON was announced as viable and proven.

On 16 Jul 1969 (55 Years Ago) a mission was initiated with significant scientific and military potential.

On 15 Jul 1975 (49 Years Ago) the first international manned space flight with capsules from both the USA and USSR began.

On 6 Jul 1919 (105 Years Ago) the first person to arrive in the United States by air from Europe occurred.

On 30 Jun 1901 (123 Years Ago), a manned high altitude balloon record credited with aiding in the discovery of the Stratosphere was launched to 35,435ft.

You are likely aware that Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. As with many tasks it took work and prior accomplishments to get there. On 17-18 June, 1928 (96 Years ago) she became the first woman to cross the Atlantic by Air.

It's Graduation Season!!! This month, many years ago the first class for the United States Air Force Academy graduated.

On 17 May 1989 (43 Years Ago) Jeannette Ridlon Piccard died at age 86 of cancer.

On 7 May 1949 (75 Years Ago) date Henry 'Hap' Arnold was given a significant promotion..

On 25 April, 1972 (52 years ago) a straight-line soaring record that would stand for 30 years was set in a Schleicher ASK-12, the immediate predecessor to our ASK-21.

Just over a week ago we reenacted the first circumnavigation of the globe, 100 years after it took place. On March 19, 1974 (50 years ago) the first solo circumnavigation of the globe by a woman took place.

On 6-7 April 2024 we had a few different missions all of which were successful. One of those was a training on cross country planning and reenactment of the flight referenced by last weeks questions. This weeks questions are with reference to that training and activity...

On 6 April 1924 (100 years ago) the first successful circumnavigation of the globe by aircraft took place. You can see on the image the route taken to leave the US, as their next stop was Kamchatka, Russia. This was also the first aviation crossing of the Pacific Ocean. <view image>

In recognition of Women's Month, consider the following... At the end of WWII, in 1948, Pres Harry Truman signed into law an act that formalized women being allowed in the military but capped their numbers at 2% of total force and prohibited combat service.

<View Image>

On this date in 1989 (35 years ago) a unique aircraft shown here made it's first flight... <See Image>

On 16 Mar 1949 (75 years ago) the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation delivered the first production model of a new track-style landing gear. <see image>

On 10 Mar 1977 (47 years ago), the women pictured here began an undergraduate Navigator Training Class <Show Image>

On 28 Feb 1934 (90 years ago), a relative of Laura Ingalls Wilder, of Little House on the Prairie fame, departed on a flight that would place her in the history books setting 5 significant records.

On 22 Feb 1978 (46 years ago) The US Air Force launched a special Satellite that would become the first of many that are used throughout the World Today both for military and civilian applications.

On 27 Jan 1911 (113 years ago), the award pictured here was first awarded and has continued to be annually ever since. <see picture>

On the 12 January, 1935 (89 years ago), the first solo flight between Hawaii and the continental US took place...

On the 17 December, 1903 (120 years ago), Something happened...

On 10 Dec 1986 (37 years ago), four F-15s with the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing were returning to Eglin AFB following a successful training exercise when they ntticed a phenomenon in the Gulf of Mexico about 30 miles south of Destin, FL.

On 1 December, 2958 (65 Years ago) the Strategic Air Command activated the 4135th Strategic Wing at Eglin AFB, bringing in 15 B-52s that were testing GAM-77 and GAM-72 missiles.

On the 22nd of November, 1963 (60 years ago), while in a motorcade through Dallas, John F Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States was assassinated. With regards to this event...

On 19 November, 1957 (66 years ago), Maj General Donald Keirn was selected to lead a new project for the DOD called ANP.

On 9 November, 1932 (91 years ago) the first seaplane flight around the world was completed.

On 20th of October, 1999 the aircraft shown here as it approaches Edwards AFB to land, completed a history making record flight during it's demonstration phase of development. <See Picture>