Blog Archives - Aero-Geek https://www.safug.org/category/blog/ A Blog about Aviation And All Related To It Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:24:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.1 https://www.safug.org/wp-content/uploads/cropped-5e0fdd834a144d97a5ef74336c15efbc-32x32.png Blog Archives - Aero-Geek https://www.safug.org/category/blog/ 32 32 Legacy Estate Planning: Professional Services for Your Confidence in the Future https://www.safug.org/legacy-estate-planning-professional-services-for-your-confidence-in-the-future/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:51:32 +0000 https://www.safug.org/?p=147 The urgency of daily matters often leads to a situation when such fundamental tasks as legacy planning fade into the background. And it’s easy to understand. In addition to the fact that the very thought […]

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The urgency of daily matters often leads to a situation when such fundamental tasks as legacy planning fade into the background. And it’s easy to understand. In addition to the fact that the very thought of the imminent departure of a person can produce a psychologically stressful situation, a lot of work must be done to plan the inheritance effectively. In addition to making inventory for all property, it is important to find out all the nuances of legislation, calculate cost-effective ways of transferring inheritance, and discuss with potential heirs their role in managing business, family affairs, etc.

To save themselves from this troublesome work, many wealthy families use the services of legacy planning. Professionals know both legal norms and psychologically effective approaches to regulating such delicate issues. They easily cope with tasks that can become a real challenge or even barrier for the person or their family. Certuity company provides comprehensive and competent legacy estate planning services that range from planning the transfer of different types of assets to preparing the next generation to take on new roles in managing family affairs.

Why Is Legacy Planning Advisable?

Do you need to worry in advance about who will inherit your property, or can this issue be left to chance? Of course, if there are people who are dear to you, think about the inheritance in advance. In the event of a person’s death in the absence of a will, the inheritance is divided between different applicants in accordance with applicable law. It may turn out that a significant part of the property will be passed to the family member who won’t be able to manage it effectively and just ruin the family business, estate, valuable collections, etc.

A good option to leave a financial legacy to your descendants is to purchase liquid real estate. It is best to buy real estate in developing states and cities. Some of the most promising cities for purchasing real estate are the cities of Austin and San Antonio in Texas. In order to purchase the right property in San Antonio, it is recommended to use the services of Real Estate Agents from the RSA company.

Tasks Performed During Legacy Planning

Thinking carefully about the disposition of property in the event of a person’s death and appointing heirs and beneficiaries is a multi-step process.

StageTasks to SolveMain Challenges
Goal-settingIdentifying financial and non-financial goals and priorities;
Determining values and considering how they can be reinforced by allocating existing assets.
Harmonization of personal and family values and priorities.
InventoryMaking a list of all bequeathed property;
Analysis of existing property, its valuation.
Determining the exact value of each item;
Payment of debts to neutralize or reduce liabilities.
Designating heirsDevelopment of a plan for the distribution of assets between heirs and beneficiaries.Certain assets that have a high value at the time of inventory may depreciate over time. As a result, the distribution of assets between heirs will need rebalancing.
Strategic analysisFinding out all the legal nuances to choose the best way to transfer an inheritance with the minimum taxes.The most suitable tax-saving strategies may become obsolete over time in case of changes in legislation. 
Creation of a will/trustLegal formalization of the will.The need to update documents if the number of beneficiaries decreases or increases due to such factors as the death of relatives, birth, marriage, divorce, etc.
Notification of one’s willConversations with heirs and preparing them for future tasks.Possible conflicts between heirs;
The unwillingness of a designated person to accept certain responsibilities, such as running a business, estate management, etc.;The young age of some heirs for the performance of certain duties and the need to appoint a guardian.

Philanthropic Projects to Enhance Community Well-Being

An important component of legacy planning is philanthropic projects. They express gratitude to a particular community, social group, or society as a whole. Philanthropy performs a humanitarian mission and helps to strengthen the reputation of the family and inscribe the name of a departed person into the history of the region or country. Philanthropic projects can take a wide variety of forms:

  • Transfer of a personal collection of paintings to an art gallery;
  • Donating a personal library to the university where the person studied;
  • Allocation of one of the estates to the ownership of the local community for public needs, etc.

For example, researchers estimate that about 34% of all forest land in the United States is privately owned. The communities are interested in ensuring that these lands are not divided among the heirs, but are transferred to communal ownership. Such a gift would be a wonderful memory of the departing person.

Proactive Approach to Legacy Planning with Certuity

Legacy planning services are part of the wealth management comprehensive approach. Certuity has a nearly 20-year history of successfully providing family office services, investment consulting, and legacy planning. Thanks to its outstanding services, the company has gained national popularity among high and ultra-high net-worth families. Legacy planning is especially required by wealthy families because a well-thought-out legacy strategy leads to positive results in many respects:

  • The smooth running of existing business or investment projects;
  • Effective implementation of philanthropic projects;
  • Significant tax savings on inheritance;
  • Respect and understanding among the heirs.

Often, when drawing up a legacy plan, the company’s clients think about increasing their wealth to provide their loved ones with maximum capital after their departure. For these purposes, Certuity company offers the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) https://certuity.com/ocio/ service, which allows the most efficient deployment of investments for profit growth.

The proactive approach that the company adheres to encourages a person to have positive thoughts and constructive actions, even in the face of such a challenge as a possible death. Concentrating on caring for loved ones and desiring to secure their future, many people get a new impetus for life, new perspectives, and the intention to realize them. By planning their legacy, clients get ascertained that all their wealth would be distributed among the heirs most efficiently. This brings harmony, peace, and confidence both to a person who is planning a legacy and the whole family.

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How Do They Cook on an Airplane? https://www.safug.org/how-do-they-cook-on-an-airplane/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:39:09 +0000 https://www.safug.org/?p=138 When we step onto an airplane, we often anticipate the in-flight meals that will accompany our journey. But have you ever wondered how these meals are prepared at thousands of feet above the ground? Cooking […]

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When we step onto an airplane, we often anticipate the in-flight meals that will accompany our journey. But have you ever wondered how these meals are prepared at thousands of feet above the ground?

Cooking on an airplane is no ordinary task; it involves overcoming unique challenges to ensure a safe and satisfying dining experience for passengers. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of in-flight cooking and explore the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into preparing meals on an airplane.

Food Preparation on the Ground

Before the plane takes off, meticulous planning and preparation occur on the ground. Meal planning and menu development take place in collaboration with culinary experts and airline caterers. Careful consideration is given to factors such as taste, nutrition, and presentation. Ingredient selection and sourcing are also vital to ensure the availability of fresh and high-quality products.

In dedicated catering facilities, meals are prepared adhering to strict safety and hygiene regulations. Chefs employ specialized cooking techniques and equipment to create delicious and visually appealing dishes. Once cooked, the meals are packaged and stored appropriately to maintain their quality and freshness.

Onboard Kitchen Facilities

The onboard kitchen, known as the galley, poses its own set of challenges. The galley is designed with limited space and equipped with compact appliances tailored for aviation use. A modern trend in the airplane galley is hydroponic systems that allow to have fresh herbs directly on board.

The safety of passengers and crew members is paramount, so the galley is designed to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations during the flight.

In-Flight Cooking Process

When it’s time for meal service, the crew springs into action. Meal assembly and final preparation are carried out using the pre-prepared ingredients from the catering facility. Heating methods and equipment like ovens and steamers are used to warm the meals onboard.

However, cooking at high altitudes presents unique challenges. The reduced air pressure and humidity affect the cooking process, leading to adjustments in cooking times and temperatures. Chefs must adapt their techniques to achieve the desired results in this distinctive environment.

Ensuring food safety and quality is of utmost importance during in-flight cooking. Strict protocols are followed to handle and reheat food, and temperature monitoring is carried out regularly to prevent any compromise in taste or safety.

Special Dietary Requirements

Airline companies recognize the diverse dietary needs of passengers and make efforts to cater to special requirements. From vegetarian and vegan meals to gluten-free and kosher options, the galley prepares specialized meals to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions.

Collaboration with Cabin Crew

The successful execution of in-flight cooking relies on seamless communication and coordination between the galley and the cabin crew. The kitchen staff works closely with the cabin crew to ensure that meals are served efficiently and promptly to passengers. Furthermore, proper handling of food waste and cleaning protocols are followed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene onboard.

Future Innovations in Airplane Cooking

Advancements in technology and a growing focus on passenger experience are driving innovations in airplane cooking. Galley designs and equipment are being improved to maximize efficiency and optimize space utilization. Additionally, technology is being harnessed to enhance the meal preparation process, leading to more streamlined operations and increased culinary possibilities.

Do they cook first class meals on the plane?

Yes, first-class meals on airplanes are often cooked onboard in dedicated kitchen facilities within the galley. Airlines prioritize providing a premium dining experience to their first-class passengers, and preparing meals onboard allows for greater flexibility and customization.

In these onboard kitchens, skilled chefs work with a range of cooking equipment to prepare high-quality meals. The galley facilities in first-class cabins are typically more extensive and well-equipped compared to those in economy or business class. This allows for more elaborate cooking techniques and the use of fresh ingredients to create gourmet dishes.

While some elements of the first-class meals may be pre-prepared or partially cooked on the ground, the final assembly and finishing touches are completed onboard. This ensures that the meals are served at their peak freshness and flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience for first-class passengers.

The ability to cook meals onboard also offers the advantage of adapting to passenger preferences and dietary requirements more efficiently. Chefs can customize dishes or make modifications based on individual requests or special dietary needs.

Overall, cooking first-class meals onboard allows airlines to provide an elevated culinary experience that aligns with the luxury and exclusivity associated with premium cabin travel.

Conclusion

Cooking on an airplane is a complex and intricate process that requires careful planning, skillful execution, and the ability to adapt to unique circumstances. From the ground to the galley, a dedicated team of professionals ensures that passengers can enjoy satisfying meals during their flight. So, the next time you savor a meal on an airplane, appreciate the culinary feats achieved at high altitudes. Bon appétit!

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10 Different Types of Clouds in Aviation https://www.safug.org/10-different-types-of-clouds-in-aviation/ Sun, 07 Aug 2022 13:16:57 +0000 https://www.safug.org/?p=44 There are more than a hundred different types of clouds. Luckily, they aren’t hard to learn because they are categorized in a very logical order. Once you learn a few basic definitions, you’ll be identifying […]

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There are more than a hundred different types of clouds. Luckily, they aren’t hard to learn because they are categorized in a very logical order. Once you learn a few basic definitions, you’ll be identifying every cloud in the sky with no problems.

Clouds are classified based on their physical characteristics, and further on where they lie in the atmosphere. Meteorologists use Latin terms to describe clouds and their features. Here’s a look at ten of those terms and their meanings.

Cloud Types by Characteristics

There are various types of cloud formations. These are generally representatives of how the cloud looks, or by other apparent characteristics. There are many more Latin words used to describe cloud formations with great specificity; these are just a few of the most common.

1. Cumulus Clouds

One of the most common cloud terms you’ll hear in aviation, cumulus clouds are puffy white clouds. On a nice summer day, you may see small, pretty white clouds that look like cotton balls. Those are classic cumulus clouds.

The atmosphere must provide some lift to make a cumulus cloud. This gives the clouds that puffy look, which grows upwards as the air currents rise. If the atmosphere is unstable and the cloud gets very tall, these clouds can get many thousands of feet tall. 

The atmospheric lift, or convection, that makes cumulus clouds rise also means turbulence for pilots. While flying through a layer of summertime puffy cumulus may result in only a few minor bumps along the way, the turbulence inside a very tall towering cumulus can be severe.

2. Stratus Clouds

Stratus clouds are the opposite of cumulus clouds; instead of being puffy, they are stratified or layered. Imagine a grey, rainy English day with a solid overcast layer of grey clouds. These are classic stratus clouds.

Unlike cumulus clouds, stratus clouds indicate that the atmosphere is stable and that there is very little lifting force or convection present. Pilots expect the ride to be nice and smooth inside stratus cloud layers.

In some cases, stratus clouds are thick and grey, completely blocking out the sun. But sometimes, when they are at high levels in the atmosphere like cirrostratus clouds are, they may be translucent and allow you to see the sun through them. These types of clouds are usually responsible for sun haloes and sundogs.

3. Stratocumulus Clouds

It is possible to combine both of these types of clouds into one. A stratocumulus cloud is one that covers a large area but is made up of puffy clouds. They are thick and conjoined, but you can probably see bits of sky through some gaps. 

Stratocumulus clouds often allow rays of sunlight to shine through. According to the University of Massachusetts Cloud Atlas, this is sometimes called “Jesus’ rays,” but the proper name for the phenomenon is crepuscular rays.

4. Nimbus Clouds

If a cloud is raining, it is described as “nimbo-“ or “-nimbus.” For example, a cumulus cloud with rain is known as a cumulonimbus. This is the proper name for the type of cloud that makes a thunderstorm.

And that flat cloud from the rainy English day? That’s a nimbostratus cloud.

5. Lenticular Clouds

Lenticular, or lens-shaped, clouds form under a very particular set of circumstances that are of interest to pilots. The standing lenticular cloud is a stationary cloud that forms on top of mountains. When strong winds hit the mountain, they are forced upward by the terrain. The air cools and creates a cloud that caps the ridge.

Beautiful lenticular clouds look very peaceful, but to pilots, they indicate strong wind and turbulence. Pilots know to avoid flying in these areas.

6. Mammatus Clouds

Cumulonimbus clouds, or thunderstorms, are places of violent upheaval in the atmosphere. Vertical wind shear can be thousands of feet per minute–something all pilots want to avoid. Thunderstorms spawn tornadoes, microbursts, hail, and lightning. 

Cumulonimbus mammatus clouds are an indication of a severe thunderstorm capable of hazards like these. “Mammatus” describes the wavy, pouchy look on the bottom of the cloud. These clouds are dark and foreboding, and their uneven underside is a visual indication of the turbulence in the atmosphere.

Groups of Clouds

In addition to how a cloud looks, clouds are groups by how high they are in the atmosphere. These groups are sometimes called the “Families of Clouds.”

7. Cirrus (High Clouds)

Clouds located high in the atmosphere are commonly called cirrus clouds. They are made of ice crystals and often have a wispy look to them. If they fit another description, they will be described with the prefix “cirro-,” for example, cirrocumulus. These clouds look like fish scales, and sailors call them “mackerel scales.”

Cirrus clouds are a type of cloud unto themselves. They have a specific look due to the ice crystals spreading in the upper-level winds. They are commonly called “mares’ tails.”

High clouds can provide clues about what is going on in the upper atmosphere. For generations, sailors have used these clouds to get an idea of the weather that is coming. An old proverb says, “Mares’ tails and mackerel scales make lofty ships carry low sails.” That means that when both clouds are seen together, storms are on the way.

Technically, jet contrails are a type of cirrus cloud. But they are generally not considered clouds since they are human-made.

8. Alto (Middle Clouds)

In the middle levels of the atmosphere, you will find the “alto-“ clouds. These clouds lay between 6,500 and 20,000 feet above the ground.

9. Low Clouds

Clouds near the earth’s surface are commonly referred to by only their characteristic features, like cumulus, stratus, or stratocumulus. There’s no word precisely for “low cloud,” but if the cloud touches the ground, it is fog. 

10. Clouds with Extensive Vertical Development

Many clouds grow and build as the air rises in an unstable atmosphere. These clouds span the other three categories, beginning near the surface and growing up until they are surrounded by high clouds.

This family of clouds will always be made up of cumulus clouds since these are the types of cloud that grows upward. The two main clouds with vertical development are towering cumulus clouds and cumulonimbus clouds.

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General Aviation vs. Commercial AviationGeneral Aviation vs. Commercial Aviation https://www.safug.org/general-aviation-vs-commercial-aviation/ Thu, 04 Aug 2022 13:13:16 +0000 https://www.safug.org/?p=46 Some people think of commercial aviation as operations for hire and general aviation as everything else, but this isn’t entirely true. Many businesses are operating in general aviation, and many commercial operations are performed. The […]

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Some people think of commercial aviation as operations for hire and general aviation as everything else, but this isn’t entirely true. Many businesses are operating in general aviation, and many commercial operations are performed. The difference is in the definition of the word “commercial.”

Most people define commercial to mean something that has to do with business—the transaction of money for a service or product. In aviation, though, commercial is a word used to reference the airlines. Commercial airlines are those that offer their product to the general public by selling tickets on their planes. Commercial airlines are technically called scheduled air carriers. 

The word commercial appears in other places in aviation too. Pilots who are paid for their work, like crop dusters or flight instructors, need to have their commercial pilot licenses. They are technically flying a commercial operation when they go flying. But the public isn’t involved in this. That difference, of whether the public can fly on the flight, makes a flight a commercial operation.

Is General Aviation Safe?

Like all aspects of aviation, general aviation has an outstanding safety record. There are risks involved in any sort of flying, and general aviation is no different. Given the sheer number of flight operations that occur every day, the tiny fraction of accidents is very impressive. 

But, flying is inherently dangerous. Flying is statistically more dangerous than driving. In an aircraft, most accidents can be headed off by sound judgment and good decision-making skills.

In 2018, 97 percent of all aviation fatalities occurred in the general aviation sectors. Since GA encompasses so many different operations and the airlines have such an excellent safety record, that is not surprising.

Why is General Aviation Important?

General aviation is something that few people have contact with. As such, many people fail to see its value to their communities. General aviation airports are economic engines for the areas they serve. The FBOs and other businesses employ many local workers, as do the airport authorities or government entities that oversee field operations.

Many communities are only served by GA airports. These fields provide medical evacuation and emergency relief flights. They also allow locals to travel via air, using charter companies or private flights, even if there is no commercial service to their airport. An airport is vital for business, and having a nearby GA airport can lure new businesses to set up shop in town.

Additionally, planes are always flying in and out. Visiting pilots and passengers rent cars, stay in hotels, and dine out. Most airports receive mail or cargo flights.

According to the NBAA, there are more than 5,000 public-use airports in the US, but fewer than 500 see airline service. They estimate that all the goods and services that make up GA, when combines, add more than $150 billion and 7.6 million jobs to the US economy.

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