Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Gotham 7.5K: A Rare High Altitude Night Flight Above NYC

storehouse.co

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

41–50 of 113 posts

Re: Gotham 7.5K: A Rare High Altitude Night Flight Above NYC

#43

Post by smackfu »

sokoloff wrote: post #33

One of my favorite things to do with new passengers is take them up and down the Hudson River corridor, an airspace that "tunnels through" the more tightly controlled airspaces of Newark and Laguardia. From the Verrazanno Bridge up the Manhattan side of the river at 1000 feet and exiting over the Tappan Zee (or vice versa, southbound on the Jersey side, or a round trip) is unforgettable for passengers. These images a…

In a small plane or a helicopter?

Re: Gotham 7.5K: A Rare High Altitude Night Flight Above NYC

#45

Post by davidwihl »

larrys wrote: post #40
sokoloff wrote: post #33

One of my favorite things to do with new passengers is take them up and down the Hudson River corridor, an airspace that "tunnels through" the more tightly controlled airspaces of Newark and Laguardia. From the Verrazanno Bridge up the Manhattan side of the river at 1000 feet and exiting over the Tappan Zee (or vice versa, southbound on the Jersey side, or a round trip) is unforgettable for passengers. These images a…

How difficult is it to get clearance to fly a helicopter or airplane over Manhattan as they did? It seems like an unnecessary risk given the population density. For that matter wouldn't it be possible for a terrorist to get approval by creating a ruse of a legitimate (but non essential) reason?

It isn't particularly difficult for a small aircraft, provided airline traffic isn't too busy. NYC ATC is usually pretty accommodating. There are helicopters constantly buzzing the city. Note that the terror threat is very small since the payload of these light aircraft is significantly less than driving a truck full of explosives at street level. Think typically less than 1,000 lbs vs 20,000 lbs.

Re: Gotham 7.5K: A Rare High Altitude Night Flight Above NYC

#47

Post by ksherlock »

pc wrote: post #20
th0ma5 wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Regulations require it, also air likes to cling to to the surface, plus you had a chance to acclimate and/or are experienced with such a thing.

The regulations actually don't require it. Under FAA rules for general aviation ("Part 91"), you need oxygen between 12,500 and 14,000 feet if you remain there for more than 30 minutes, and it's only once you climb above 14,000 feet that the pilot unequivocally has to have it. You need to get to 15,000 feet before the passengers have to have oxygen provided. (More: http://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochure…

Additionally, a cold winter night means dense air which means more oxygen. As far as his lungs/brain are concerned, it's not 7,500 feet, it's more like 6,000 feet.

Re: Gotham 7.5K: A Rare High Altitude Night Flight Above NYC

#49

Post by matthewmcg »

jkot wrote: post #11

Hm, how high can drone/baloon legally fly?

There is no general altitude limit in the U.S., but you must not present a risk of collision with manned aircraft. Certain areas have additional restrictions (e.g. near airports, large sporting events or in the vicinity of Washington, DC).

The "400 ft" limit for model aircraft is purely advisory and is not part of any binding FAA rule.

Additional discussion here: http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov/2012/03/08/your-ques...

Post reply on HN