Aero Linx: The Airship Association The Airship Association believes that Lighter than Air Vehicles (LTAV) have the potential to provide viable and cost-effective aerospace platforms for a number of applications which are currently undertaken by a variety of more conventional forms of transport. LTAVs should not be considered a replacement for conventional aircraft or ships, but complementary; part of a comprehensive transport network which reduces the economic cost of transport in certain areas.

Walker Circulation A deep east-west overturning in the atmosphere normally confined to within about 20 degrees latitude of the equator extending from low-levels to near the tropopause. One side of the Walker Circulation is associated with rising motion, clouds, and rain while the opposite side with sinking motion, generally fair weather and little or no rain. This circulation is large in spatial extend normally extending anywhere from way around the world or completely around the world (thus either 1 or 2 upward and 1 or 2 downward branches to the circulation).

"One hundred combat sorties after an 11 or 12 year campaign isn't totally unusual. What's unique for me is that my first combat sortie didn't start until I was well into my career nearly 10 years ago in 2004 -- at age 45. To have my last one here at age 55, for me it's a milestone. I can take that and put it away and maybe tell my grandkids about it someday, that's why it's unique." Source: After 32 years of service, both on active duty and in the Air National Guard, a pilot stationed at Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan recently flew his 100th combat sortie in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Although it isn't uncommon for a pilot to reach 100 combat sorties, Lt. Col. Thomas Blake said the timing is what makes this milestone