月: 2024年1月

What Is a Weather Sensor?

A Weather Sensor refers to various sensors used to understand meteorological conditions. The fundamental six parameters for weather observation include wind direction, wind speed, air temperature, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity.

Weather sensors are installed at airports and their surroundings, to ensure the safe operation of aircraft, and assess whether a flight is feasible. If flight operations are possible, these sensors provide data to determine how to plan the flight.

Specifically crucial for aircraft during takeoff and landing, sensors are used to measure crosswind strength, visibility, and cloud base height.

Moreover, the WEATHER-Eye Consortium, focusing on the defense against weather impacts, is developing technologies for safer takeoffs and landings of aircraft. This includes snow and ice detection technology for runways and technology to predict the risk of lightning strikes. The development involves sensors to detect snow and ice on runways and sensors to predict the risk of lightning strikes on aircraft.

Uses of Weather Sensor

Airports and aviation weather stations around the world use weather sensors installed at airports to collect essential meteorological information for aircraft operations. The gathered weather data is announced as an hourly aerodrome routine weather report.

Pilots of airlines, flight planners, and air traffic controllers at airports safely guide aircraft for takeoff and landing while referring to the aerodrome routine weather report.

This aerodrome routine weather report is published in a weather report format based on the internationally established format known as the Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR), designed for understanding by pilots worldwide.

Furthermore, data from weather sensors is utilized in forecasting the local weather around airports. This forecast is published in a weather report format known as the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), specifically designed for operational airports.

What Is a Passenger Plane?

A Passenger Plane is an aircraft designed to transport passengers.

The passenger capacity of a plane varies widely, from around 10 passengers for small planes to approximately 850 passengers for large planes. Typically, passenger planes have a cockpit at the front, followed by cabins with seats, restrooms, galleys, and below the cabins, there is a cargo compartment for transporting passengers’ luggage and airfreight.

In addition, there are ultra-large planes with a two-deck structure. The range of passenger planes can extend to over 17,000 kilometers for the longest-distance models.

Uses of Passenger Plane

Passenger planes are utilized by airlines authorized by the government to transport a large number of passengers. Scheduled flights, following flight times and routes submitted to relevant authorities, are the mainstay of airline-operated passenger planes. Additionally, there are charter flights that transport passengers gathered by travel agencies, airlines, and other organizations on a one-time basis.

Strict regulations are in place for the operation of passenger planes from a safety perspective. Compliance with instructions from ground controllers is required not only during takeoff and landing but also throughout all stages of flight. Multiple pilots, including the captain, are on duty during operations, and several flight attendants corresponding to the number of passenger seats ensure the safe transport of passengers.

Principle of Passenger Plane

When a passenger plane is in flight, four types of forces act on the aircraft: thrust, drag, lift, and gravity. If thrust exceeds drag, the plane moves forward, and if lift exceeds gravity, the aircraft becomes airborne.

1. Thrust

Thrust is generated by the propellers and engines. The engine causes the propeller to rotate, and compressed air is expelled backward.

Jet propulsion involves gases or liquids being expelled in the opposite direction. In other words, a jet engine forcefully expels gas backward, propelling the aircraft forward in reaction.

2. Lift

When an object moves through the air, vertical force is generated from the airflow in the direction of the object’s movement. In the case of a forward-moving passenger plane, lift acts upward, causing the aircraft to ascend.

Passenger planes can be designed for efficient lift generation by adjusting the size, shape, and angle of the wings. This is achieved through the wings’ structure, which extends horizontally from the fuselage, creating lower air pressure on the upper side when the aircraft is in motion. The difference in pressure causes air to be drawn toward the lower-pressure side. Wing designs vary among different passenger plane models to efficiently generate the necessary lift for flight.

Structure of Passenger Plane

Passenger planes have a structure common to general aircraft.

1. Fuselage

The fuselage of a passenger plane adopts a semi-monocoque structure composed of frames, skin, stringers, and other elements. Stringers support the skin from the inside at intervals of 15 to 25 cm, while frames provide additional support at intervals of approximately 50 to 55 cm from the inside, spreading throughout the entire fuselage except for openings. Frames, skin, and stringers are connected with shear ties and straps.

2. Wings

The wings of a passenger plane consist of the main wing, horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, and movable surfaces. Auxiliary surfaces, also known as control surfaces, elevators, and rudders, which are referred to as main control surfaces, often use a sandwich structure with outer panels and honeycomb material. The industry is transitioning from all-metal designs to composite materials. Elevators are connected by torque tubes.

3. Fuel Tanks

Passenger planes typically have fuel tanks within the main wings. In large passenger planes, these tanks constitute the central part of the wings and are structured as box-shaped components. Fuel-resistant sealant is applied to the connection surfaces, and rain-resistant seal material is applied to the side facing the aircraft surface.

4. Landing Gear

The landing gear of passenger planes is retractable and is also known as the landing gear or undercarriage. Generally, it consists of shock-absorbing legs, landing gear assemblies with retracting and steering mechanisms, brakes, wheels, and tires.

5. Windows

Windows on the passenger side of the plane are composed of three layers from the inside: polycarbonate sheet, non-stretch acrylic sheet, and stretch acrylic sheet.

6. Doors

Passenger plane interiors are airtight to prevent air leakage, maintaining cabin pressure.

What Is a Helicopter?

A Helicopter is a type of aircraft that can ascend and fly vertically using rotating blades.

According to the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, a helicopter is defined as a “rotary-wing aircraft that obtains significant lift from one or more rotors.” The term “helicopter” originates from the Greek words “helix,” meaning spiral, and “pteron,” meaning wing.

Uses of Helicopter

Helicopters are employed in various fields due to their high mobility and vertical movement capabilities.

1. Search and Rescue Operations

During disasters, helicopters are used for search and rescue operations, enabling the rescue of victims in the aftermath of earthquakes or floods. They are also utilized for rescue operations in mountainous and forested areas, allowing for efficient rescues.

2. Emergency Medical Transport

Helicopters used for emergency medical transport are commonly known as “doctor helicopters.”

3. Media Coverage

Helicopters used by news agencies for coverage purposes are referred to as “news helicopters.”

4. Firefighting

In firefighting activities, helicopters known as firefighting helicopters can drop water onto the fire site.

5. Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Transport Operations

Helicopters are used by police and defense forces for surveillance, reconnaissance, and transport operations.

6. Filming

Large helicopters are employed for aerial photography and cinematography, commonly seen on movie and TV drama sets.

7. Forest Conservation

In agriculture and forestry, helicopters are used for tasks such as pesticide spraying and forest conservation.

Principle of Helicopter

Helicopters generate lift by rotating their blades, directing airflow to create lift. Adjusting the pitch (angle) of the main rotor blades allows for lift adjustment, facilitating ascent and descent.

Additionally, tilting the main rotor forward or backward enables forward and backward movement, while tilting it left or right allows for the helicopter to turn. Changing the rotation speed controls flight speed and altitude. Helicopters also have a small rotor called the tail rotor, which rotates in the opposite direction to offset the torque generated by the main rotor.

Structure of Helicopter

A helicopter consists of components such as the main rotor (main rotor), tail rotor, engine, cockpit, and fuselage.

1. Rotor Blades

The main rotor, located at the top of the aircraft, generates lift for the helicopter. The tail rotor, rotating in the opposite direction, is mounted behind the cockpit.

2. Engine

Located at the bottom of the aircraft, the engine powers the main and tail rotors. Turboshaft engines are commonly used in helicopters for their high power output.

3. Cockpit

Situated at the center of the helicopter, the cockpit is where the pilot controls the aircraft. It includes control sticks, pedals, and various instruments.

4. Fuselage

The part that supports the main rotor and tail rotor and provides space for carrying passengers or cargo. Fuselage shapes vary by model but are generally cylindrical or box-shaped.

Types of Helicopter

There are various classification methods for helicopters, but here, we’ll explain three types based on the number of main rotors: single-rotor, Twin Rotor, and Multirotor.

1. Single Rotor Aircraft

Most helicopters are single-rotor aircraft, featuring one rotor. A tail rotor is necessary to counteract torque, but this design simplifies structure, reduces components, and decreases weight.

2. Twin Rotor Aircraft

Featuring two rotors that rotate in opposite directions, canceling out each other’s torque effects. This design eliminates the need for a tail rotor, offering advantages in terms of safety but comes with increased weight. Twin-rotor configurations include coaxial counter-rotating, tandem, side-by-side, and intermeshing rotors, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

3. Multirotor Aircraft

Featuring three or more rotors, commonly known as drones or multicopters. Multirotor aircraft are primarily designed for vertical takeoff and landing, providing high maneuverability suitable for tasks such as wide-area surveillance.

What Is a Business Jet?

A Business Jet is an aircraft utilized for flights tailored to the convenience of passengers or owners, differing from pre-determined route passenger transport by commercial aircraft such as Boeing or Airbus.

Termed as Private Jets, Corporate Jets, or Executive Jets depending on usage, Business Jets typically accommodate several to a dozen passengers, playing an essential role as a means of travel, particularly in today’s global society, with a focus on Europe and North America.

Uses of Business Jet

Business Jets find predominant use among corporate executives, business leaders, and the affluent. They are also frequently utilized by government officials, royal families, and celebrities including actors, top-tier athletes, and journalists, and serve purposes like emergency medical transport and business trips for specialized technicians.

Principle of Business Jet

Equipped with turbofan engines, Business Jets compress air drawn from the front with a compressor, burn jet fuel in the combustion chamber, and generate propulsive force by expelling the exhaust through the rear nozzle. The main wing generates lift through the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces during flight.

Furthermore, flight control systems, including flaps, ailerons, spoilers, and rudders mounted on the aircraft, control ascent, descent, and attitude during flight.

Structure of Business Jet

Typically, Business Jets feature a semi-monocoque structure with the main wing and tail wing, 1 to 3 turbofan engines, and various antennas for avionics, all housed in the fuselage. Common materials for Business Jets include aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steel, and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, similar to general passenger aircraft.

Types of Business Jet

Business Jets are generally classified based on seating capacity, weight, and range into Very Light Jet, Light Jet, Medium Jet, and Heavy Jet categories. However, there is no universally defined standard, and industry organizations and manufacturers often use their proprietary classifications.

Characteristics of Business Jet

Business Jets offer several advantages:

1. Flexibility and Time Efficiency

Utilizing scheduled airline routes involves significant time in check-ins, baggage checks, moving to boarding gates, and waiting for boarding. For Business Jet users, flight schedules are tailored to passengers’ convenience, allowing direct boarding and quick travel to the destination. This results in a substantial reduction of ground time, facilitating faster arrival at the destination.

2. Privacy and Security Assurance

Airports and commercial planes host numerous passengers, staff, and visitors, presenting challenges in ensuring privacy and security. Business Jet users benefit from boarding and disembarking in dedicated areas at airports. Additionally, the aircraft’s interior is exclusive to the user and associates during the flight, ensuring enhanced privacy and security.

3. Comfortable Environment

Business Jets generally offer spacious and comfortable seating, with amenities such as TV monitors, audio systems, and communication devices more extensive than those on regular passenger planes. Some aircraft include meeting spaces, sofas, showers, and beds, enabling users to conduct meetings or rest comfortably and effectively utilize their time during the flight.

Due to these advantages, the Business Jet industry has experienced continuous growth since the 1970s, shipping numerous aircraft worldwide each year, despite occasional economic fluctuations.

What Is a Parachute?

A parachute is a device with an umbrella-like shape designed to control the descent speed by harnessing the force of air resistance.

Commonly used to drop people or supplies from aircraft during flight, it ensures a safe landing by utilizing air resistance. The term “parachute” is a coined word, combining the Italian “parare” meaning to protect, and the French “chute” meaning to fall. It is also referred to as a “falling umbrella.”

Initially made of silk, early parachutes faced accidents due to increased weight in humid conditions or failure to deploy. With the shift to materials like nylon, a synthetic fiber, such accidents have significantly reduced.

Uses of Parachute

Parachutes find applications in various areas:

1. Skydiving

Skydiving is a sport involving jumping out of airplanes and deploying a parachute in mid-air. Without a parachute, rapid descent poses a danger, but the parachute allows a gradual descent to the ground.

2. Emergency Ejection

Parachutes are integral components of emergency ejection systems used in aircraft. When deployed, the parachute ensures a safe descent for the crew.

3. Military Operations

In military operations, parachutes are employed for rapid descent to the designated destination.

4. Airdropping Cargo

For military and emergency supply transport, parachutes are used to deliver cargo to the ground. The parachute slows down the descent, facilitating safe retrieval on the ground.

5. Spacecraft Reentry

Parachutes are utilized during the return of spacecraft to Earth.

Principle of Parachute

A parachute functions by utilizing air resistance to slow down the descent speed of an object. As the parachute opens up, air resistance is generated. The greater this resistance, the slower the descent speed becomes. The size and shape of the parachute influence the magnitude of resistance and stability, requiring careful consideration.

Fundamentally, parachutes can be maneuvered left or right based on wind direction. With proper control, ascents and descents are also possible. However, parachute control demands significant expertise and specialized knowledge. Adequate training is crucial to ensure safety during parachute use.

Types of Parachutes

Several types of parachutes are tailored for specific uses and characteristics:

1. Round Parachute

Round parachutes have a circular shape with fabric radiating from the center. Due to their simple structure and high stability, they are used for emergency ejections and cargo airdrops. However, they lack maneuverability.

2. Square Parachute

Square parachutes are square-shaped and inflate as air enters, providing high glide performance and excellent maneuverability. They are commonly used in skydiving and paragliding.

Other Information on Parachute

History of Parachute

The history of parachutes dates back to medieval times, with an early record from 852 AD when Andalusian man Armen Firman jumped off a tower in Cordoba, Spain, using a reinforced cloak and landed safely with minor injuries.

The invention of the parachute is often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches around 1485, though similar designs appear in Italian literature before this. In 1783, Frenchman Louis-Sébastien Lenormand reinvented the parachute, coining the term. Jean-Pierre Blanchard achieved the first successful parachute jump from a hot air balloon in 1793.

Modern parachutes made of silk were developed in the late 18th to early 19th centuries. The first airplane parachute jump occurred in 1912, followed by the first patent for a modern parachute in 1913. Mandatory parachute use for military pilots began after a 1922 survival incident from a plane crash in the United States.

What Is a Paraglider?

A paraglider refers to the complete set of equipment used for flying in the sky sport of paragliding.

With a wing (canopy) that floats on the wind, pilots can take off from the ground using their legs and soar through the air. In recent years, its charm has gained popularity, enjoyed as a hobby, and practiced as a competitive sport.

It is also classified as one of the categories of hang gliders by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).

Uses of Paraglider

Paragliders are primarily used for the following purposes:

1. Recreation and Tourism

Paragliders, capable of leisurely flying through the air, are enjoyed by many. With practice, pilots can improve their skills, mastering takeoff and landing maneuvers. Flying while enjoying the scenery makes it a recommended activity for those who want to appreciate nature.

Paragliding experiences in tourist destinations are also popular. Especially in areas with mountains or close to the sea, one can enjoy the beautiful scenery from the sky. Tandem flights with instructors are available, ensuring a safe experience for beginners.

2. Competition

Paragliding competitions are held domestically and internationally, featuring races based on distance and altitude, with advanced-level competitions available. Relay races with teams participating are also organized, providing an opportunity for friends to enjoy the sport together.

3. Photography and Videography

Paragliders offer the ability to capture images from the air, allowing for the enjoyment of beautiful landscapes and thrilling angles. While drone aerial photography is popular, using a paraglider enables a more natural movement and perspective.

Many individuals also share their airborne experiences by uploading photos and videos to social media and video-sharing platforms.

Structure of Paraglider

A paraglider is mainly composed of the following parts:

1. Canopy

The canopy is the wing part of the paraglider, constructed from lightweight and durable nylon fabric. The fabric undergoes coating treatment to reduce air permeability. Inside, there is a structure of small cells, and as air flows through, the wing inflates, generating lift.

2. Harness

The harness is the part where the pilot sits and is worn on the body. It includes straps on the shoulders and legs, ensuring the pilot can fly safely. Additionally, harnesses commonly have a reserve parachute for emergencies.

3. Lines

Lines connect the canopy to the harness and play a role in altering the shape of the canopy. Multiple lines allow pilots to control gliding speed and turn, providing control over the paraglider.

Principle of Paraglider

The principle behind paraglider flight is the result of the relationship between the shape of the wing (canopy) and the flow of air. Air enters through the air intake at the front edge of the canopy, and within the enclosed wing, pressure builds up, causing the canopy to spread into the shape of a wing.

Due to the expanded canopy, a difference in speed occurs between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, generating lift perpendicular to the wing. This lift allows the paraglider to ascend.

The canopy has a rounded leading edge, making it prone to differences in airspeed between the upper and lower surfaces, enhancing the generation of lift. Additionally, riding thermal updrafts enables maintaining altitude or climbing even higher.

Other Information on Paraglider

History of Paraglider

The precursor to the paraglider is the paraplane, a flexible wing designed by Domina Jalbert in 1964. In April 1966, mountaineer Yuichiro Miura descended Mount Fuji using a square parachute as a brake, catching the attention of sports enthusiasts and leading to the consideration of its application in sports.

The practical use of paragliding as a sport began around 1978 when a French skydiver descended from a mountain slope using a square parachute.

What Is a Paramotor?

A Paramotor refers to an apparatus that combines a paraglider with an engine unit consisting of an engine and a propeller. By wearing the engine unit on the harness part of the paraglider, it gains propulsive force, enabling free flight in the air. Paramotors are also known by alternative names such as “Motor Paraglider” or “Powered Paraglider.”

In a typical paraglider without an engine, one must climb to the top of a mountain or hill and launch by sliding down a slope. However, thanks to the engine unit, Paramotors can easily take off from relatively open flat areas or riverbanks, and they have the distinct feature of being able to ascend freely. This not only saves time climbing hills or mountains but also allows for experiences in various locations such as snowy plains or coastlines.

Uses of Paramotor

Paramotors are utilized for flying more easily and freely than conventional paragliders without engines, thanks to the engine unit.

There are two ways to ride a Paramotor: tandem and solo. In tandem flights, known as Tandem Flight, a guide pilot accompanies the passenger. For beginners or those with limited experience, starting with tandem flights is the basic approach, offering an easy way to enjoy Paramotoring without requiring advanced skills. When flying solo, a license is required. To obtain the license, individuals need to attend a Paramotor school to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. This flexibility in flying options, coupled with the ability to glide using only the wind by shutting off the engine in mid-air, provides various ways to enjoy the experience.

What Is a Vacuum Truck?

A Vacuum Truck is a cargo vehicle equipped with a tank and suction apparatus.

Considered a special-purpose vehicle, it is officially referred to as a suction vehicle. Additionally, the term “Vacuum Truck” is a Japanese-English hybrid, and it is also known as a sanitation vehicle, sewage collection vehicle, excrement collection vehicle, or suction truck.

Typically, a Vacuum Truck is used in areas without established sewage systems for tasks such as collecting excrement or cleaning septic tanks. It is employed to collect waste from toilets like portable toilets or trains, as well as sludge stored in septic tanks. During collection operations, intermediary tanks are set up within the region, and the final processing of collected waste, such as excrement, takes place at sanitation facilities.

Uses of Vacuum Truck

The primary uses of a Vacuum Truck include the collection of human waste and cleaning septic tanks. The rear of the vehicle is marked with labels like “Cargo: Excrement,” emphasizing its function. The tank portion is susceptible to corrosion due to the nature of the materials it handles, resulting in a shorter lifespan compared to conventional trucks.

With the advancement of public sewage systems, the usage of Vacuum Trucks has decreased in urban areas. However, there is still a consistent demand for these trucks in construction sites, disaster evacuation areas, event locations, and facilities with temporary toilets.

The operation of a Vacuum Truck involves creating a negative pressure within the tank, similar to a vacuum cleaner, generating a pressure difference between the tank and the atmosphere. Initially named “vacuum cars” due to this mechanism, it has since evolved into the current name, a Japanese-English term.

Principles of Vacuum Truck

The piping of the vacuum pump is connected to the upper part of the tank, intending to suction only the air inside the tank. The suction hose, which collects the load, is attached to the lower part of the tank. When the vacuum pump sucks the air inside the tank, the pressure inside the tank drops. Opening the valve on the suction hose causes liquids to be drawn from the hose’s end. Since the hose’s pressure decreases during use, a structure resistant to collapsing under external pressure is necessary.

As the liquid does not pass through the pump, valves, or hoses, it does not damage the pump during the process. By reversing the pump or switching the piping, air can be introduced into the tank, facilitating the discharge of the load. Sludge suction trucks, loaded with industrial wastewater or sludge water, feature a large opening at the rear of the tank, allowing the load to be discharged without using hoses.

For Vacuum Trucks used for human waste, deodorizers are equipped to address odor issues. Foul odors expelled from the tank are passed through deodorizing devices, reducing the lingering odor through deodorizing liquids or combustion effects, making them less noticeable even during the suction process.

Structure of Vacuum Truck

A typical Vacuum Truck comprises a vacuum pump, primary manhole, suction-discharge switching lever, and deodorizing-disinfecting unit.

1. Vacuum Pump

The vacuum pump depressurizes the tank inside the Vacuum Truck, creating a vacuum and earning its name.

2. Primary Manhole

The main manhole is located on the top of the tank. The parts used for attaching the manhole are positioned higher than the tank, preventing backflow. The main manhole makes internal cleaning and maintenance of the tank straightforward.

3. Suction-Discharge Switching Lever

After collection, the Vacuum Truck disposes of human waste at a processing facility. The suction-discharge lever is located at the rear of the tank. When switched to discharge, the vacuum pump reverses, increasing the tank’s internal pressure, and expelling the human waste.

4. Deodorizing-Disinfecting Unit

Vacuum Trucks often require deodorizers or disinfecting units. Without proper measures, the operation of a Vacuum Truck can release unpleasant odors into the surroundings. Various deodorizing and disinfecting mechanisms are employed. Combustion-type units burn off odors through the device, releasing deodorized air outside the tank. Other methods include mixing deodorant agents or deodorizing liquids into human waste. These agents typically consist of components like sodium hypochlorite or tap water. Some use a special solution mixed with lubricating oil to transform odors into a sweet fragrance.

What Is a Hang Glider?

A Hang Glider is an unpowered aircraft designed for competitive or recreational flying, relying solely on the lift generated by its wing.

It consists of a large triangular wing, a glider section with a control bar, and a harness connecting the pilot to the glider. Hang gliders take off by launching from hills or mountains with varying elevations, utilizing wind currents for gliding.

The term “hang glider” originates from the pilot being suspended beneath the wing while gliding through the air, combining the elements of being “hung” in the air and gliding like an aircraft.

Uses of Hang Glider

Hang gliders are often used for recreation or in competitive sports. In recreational settings, especially in picturesque mountainous or coastal areas, individuals can enjoy flying while appreciating the natural scenery.

Hang glider competitions include cross-country events and pylon racing. Cross-country competitions involve determining how far pilots can fly from the starting point, competing based on the distance covered. Impressive long-distance flights of over 700 km and durations extending up to 9 hours have set world records.

Pylon racing competitions, on the other hand, involve setting up a flight course with predetermined points. Participants fly the same course, competing to achieve the fastest flight time from the starting point to the finish line.

Principles of Hang Gliding

Hang gliders achieve flight through the balance of lift, generated by the forces of gravity and wind, pushing the glider upward. With a triangular wing, air flowing over the wing creates lift.

By running into the wind, hang gliders gain lift from the force of the wind, allowing them to become airborne. Once airborne, pilots use their body weight to control the glider. Using a control bar, pilots tilt the hang glider, changing the direction, and can navigate by riding rising air currents.

Unlike conventional aircraft, hang gliders lack a landing gear system. Pilots rely solely on their bodies for takeoff and landing. Consequently, hang gliders are relatively lightweight, typically ranging from 20 to 45 kilograms.

Structure of Hang Glider

The structure of a hang glider comprises two main components:

1. Glider

The glider is divided into the wing and the control bar. The wing consists of a framework made from aluminum alloy or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, covered with a fabric made of polyester synthetic fibers. The wing’s strength is maintained by battens—narrow pipes or wires.

The control bar is typically made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and is attached to the center part of the wing, extending downward.

2. Harness

The harness is the component connecting the pilot to the glider. It secures the pilot near the center of gravity of the hang glider. Harnesses can cover only part of the body or the entire body and are connected to the glider using carabiners or similar devices. Additionally, a reserve parachute is often stored in the harness for emergencies.

Other Information on Hang Glider

1. Qualifications for Hang Gliding

To engage in hang gliding, individuals must first register with the Japan Hang & Paragliding Federation (JHF). For safe flying, the JHF has established a skill certification system, and in certain flight areas, carrying the skill certification and registration is mandatory.

To obtain a skill certification, individuals must enroll in a hang glider school, complete the curriculum outlined by the JHF, register as a flyer, and pass the skills examination.

2. Costs for Hang Gliding

Engaging in hang gliding incurs various costs, including license acquisition fees, equipment expenses, activity costs, and maintenance and management fees. Training fees for obtaining a license range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen.

Equipment costs, which are the highest, include the glider, harness, helmet, parachute, radio equipment, and other necessary items, totaling around 700,000 yen for budget-friendly options.

Activity costs cover expenses for flights, which depend on the distance to flight locations and accommodation expenses. These costs amount to approximately 30,000 yen but can be reduced to less than 10,000 yen if camping or staying in a tent.

Maintenance and management costs, incurred even when not flying, include fees for storing the aircraft, area registration, and flyer registration, totaling around 50,000 yen annually.

Considering all expenses, engaging in hang gliding requires a substantial financial commitment.

What Is a Dock Leveler?

A Dock Leveler is a device used in logistics centers, factories, and similar environments to facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo. During the process of loading and unloading cargo, there is often a height difference between the platform, which is the floor at the entrance/exit of the building, and the bed of trucks, containers, or other transport vehicles. The Dock Leveler is utilized to eliminate this height difference.

By using Dock Levelers to eliminate the height difference, it becomes easier to load and unload goods using forklifts or carts. This not only prevents damage to goods but also enhances efficiency in cargo-handling operations, leading to increased productivity.

In the context of railways and platforms, Dock Levelers may be referred to as “dock boards,” and the terminology can vary depending on the specific usage location.

Uses of Dock Leveler

Dock Levelers are employed to eliminate the height difference that occurs when loading and unloading goods from trucks and similar vehicles to factories or buildings.

There are primarily three types of Dock Levelers. Firstly, there is the hydraulic type, which operates using hydraulic pressure. It is characterized by a long lifespan but requires careful maintenance. Secondly, the mechanical type, which, when initially installed, eliminates the height difference. It is cost-effective compared to others but tends to degrade over time. Lastly, there is the air-powered type, which utilizes compressed air. It is suitable for handling heavy loads and requires less maintenance, though the initial installation cost may be higher.