Bird Nest Inspection

I was in Seychelles for 3 days and as per company procedure aircraft need to be inspected after 2 days of parking. Among item to be look for during this inspection is any bird nest especially in the hidden area mainly in the wheel well. However to my suprise, i can spot it easily this time. Right on top of the nose gear steering actuator module.

The mother bird still there when i spot her but she flew away when i want to took her photo. Besides any foreign object such as the bird nest, inspection for any leakage of fluid mainly the hydraulic and oil, structural damage as well as the tyre pressure check will be done as well. Although the inspection is not extensive, at least we can prevent any surprise especially on the day of departure with VIP waiting.

CFM Engine Using BioFuel

BBJ is using CFM56-27 engine for it propulsion system, what i want to highlight here is in June 2007, the engine manufacturer CFM International has successfully carried out an initial test of a CFM56-7B engine using an ester-type biofuel at Snecma’s Villaroche facility near Paris.

CFM56 engines are produced by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.

The biofuel used for this test is 30 % vegetable oil methyl ester blended with 70 % conventional Jet-A1 fuel. This test was designed to check the operation of a jet engine using a fuel made from biomass, without making any technical changes to the engine. With this type of biofuel, the target is a net reduction of 20 percent in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared with current fuels.

CFM is running engine tests to develop solutions based on mixtures of jet fuel and second-generation biofuels. For instance, it is currently focusing on the evaluation of alternative fuels made using biomass (offering properties closer to those of jet fuel), which also offer better environmental performance.

For alternative fuels to be used in the aviation industry, there are a number of major technology challenges that must be met, including energy density, thermal stability (avoiding coking at high temperature), use at very low temperatures (freezing) or high temperatures, lubricating effect with materials used, and the availability of mass production facilities worldwide.

Even though it is only 30% "vegetable oil" as a start, it is a major step toward greener emission from aviation industry.

Dessert For VIPs

Most of the food served onboard the aircraft is way above standard of commercial airlines, of course if compare with economy class. Even on some airline that i flew on first class, the food served not as marvelous as what been served onboard our BBJ.

This chocolate cake by Paind'or was uploaded onboard in Lebanon, surprised me that in Lebanon this luxury cake is available there.

Below is cheese cake from Riyadh itself, is it yummy?

Tips From VIP

One of the interesting part of flying with the VIP’s is, most of them very generous especially the princes and the princess. The more difficult the flight which is like long waiting time, long flight such as to United States which very tiring to the crew, most of the time will be well compensated.

I take this shot to give you some idea what I’m talking about. Before landing or sometimes after VIP disembark, cheif pilot will distribute the envelopes of tip money. It’s depend on luck as well, sometimes there is a VIP that always give good amount of tips however when he or she in a bad mood, all of the crew will be left without any envelope.

Wanna know maximum amount I received? Put your guess in the comment, I will let you know after 10 guessing.

ps: Photo taken after i finished my shopping in Boston.