Aero-Linx!

Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough, if educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows us to check out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not that bad a gig. On any given day, we may check dozens (and often hundreds) of different sources for story ideas, and facts confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business, much of this is done on the Internet.

The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat sites, info resources, and organizations we've discovered to ourselves... so we decided to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the sites that WE check out -- when we need added perspective, a new spin on a day's topic... or just want to escape into cyber-aero-space for awhile.

Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via Aero-Linx. Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always welcome, as well.

Aero Linx: Turbo and Supercharging Aircraft Engines

"Due to the reduction in air density by gaining altitude, lower air pressure or higher ambient temperatures an aircraft engine loses some of its rated power. At about 10000 ft the air pressure has dropped 25%. Thus the engine gets 25% less air per intake stroke and therefore is reduced in power output. Aircraft performance suffers in climb ratios, cruise speed and more. Even the pilot in an unpressurized cabin suffers and must be on extra oxygen when staying longer than thirty minutes above 10000 ft."

FMI: www.experimentalaircraft.info/articles/supercharging-engines.php