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Copying Birds May Save Aircraft FuelBoth Boeing and Airbus have trumpeted the efficiency of their newest aircraft, the 787 and A350 respectively. Their clever designs and lightweight composites certainly make a difference. But a group of researchers at Stanford University, led by Ilan Kroo, has suggested that airlines could take a more naturalistic approach to cutting jet-fuel use, and it would not require them to buy new aircraft. The answer, says Dr Kroo, lies with birds. Since 1914, scientists have known that birds flying in formation—a V-shape—expend less energy. The air flowing over a bird’s wings curls upwards behind the wingtips, a phenomenon known as upwash. Other birds flying in the upwash experience reduced drag, and spend less energy propelling themselves. Peter Lissaman, an aeronautics expert who was formerly at Caltech and the University of Southern California, has suggested that a formation of 25 birds might enjoy a range increase of 71%. When applied to aircraft, the principles are not substantially different. Dr Kroo and his team modeled what would happen if three passenger jets departing from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas were to assemble over Utah, assume an inverted V-formation, occasionally change places so all could have a turn in the most favourable positions, and proceed to London. They found that the aircraft consumed as much as 15% less fuel (coupled with a reduction in carbon-dioxide output). Nitrogen-oxide emissions during the cruising portions of the flight fell by around a quarter. There are, of course, knots to be worked out. One consideration is safety, or at least the perception of it. Would passengers feel comfortable travelling in companion? Dr Kroo points out that the aircraft could be separated by several nautical miles, and would not be in the intimate groupings favoured by display teams like the Red Arrows. A passenger peering out of the window might not even see the other planes. Whether the separation distances involved would satisfy airtraffic-control regulations is another matter, although a working group at the International Civil Aviation Organisation has included the possibility of formation flying in a blueprint for new operational guidelines. It remains to be seen how weather conditions affect the air flows that make formation flight more efficient. In zones of increased turbulence, the planes’ wakes will decay more quickly and the effect will diminish. Dr Kroo says this is one of the areas his team will investigate further. It might also be hard for airlines to coordinate the departure times and destinations of passenger aircraft in a way that would allow them to gain from formation flight. Cargo aircraft, in contrast, might be easier to reschedule, as might routine military flight.As it happens, America’s armed forces are on the case already. Earlier this year the country’s Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency announced plans to pay Boeing to investigate formation flight, though the programme has yet to begin. There are reports that some military aircraft flew in formation when they were low on fuel during the Second World War, but Dr Lissaman says they are unsubstantiated. “My father was an RAF pilot and my cousin the skipper of a Lancaster lost over Berlin,” he adds. So he should know.
How seriously should parents take kid’s opinions when searching for a home?In choosing a new home, Camille McClain’s kids have a single demand: a backyard.McClain’s little ones aren’t the only kids who have an opinion when it comes to housing, and in many cases youngsters’ views weigh heavily on parents’ real estate decisions, according to a 2018 Harris Poll survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults.While more families buck an older-generation proclivity to leave kids in the dark about real estate decisions, realty agents and psychologists have mixed views about the financial, personal and long-term effects kids’ opinions may have.“The idea of involving children in a big decision is a great idea because it can help them feel a sense of control and ownership in what can be an overwhelming process,” said Ryan Hooper, a clinical psychologist in Chicago.“Children may face serious difficulties in coping with significant moves, especially if it removes them from their current school or support system,” he said.Greg Jaroszewski, a real estate brokers with Gagliardo Realty Associates, said he’s not convinced that kids should be involved in selecting a home--but their opinions should be considered in regards to proximity to friends and social activities, if possible.“Younger children should feel like they’re choosing their home--without actually getting a choice in the matter,” said Adam Bailey, a real estate attorney based in New York.“Asking them questions about what they like about the backyard of a potential home will make them feel like they’re being included in the decision-making process,” Bailey said.“Many of the aspects of homebuying aren’t a consideration for children,” said Tracey Hampson, a real estate agent based in Santa Clarita, Calif. And placing too much emphasis on their opinions can ruin a fantastic home purchase.“Speaking with your children before you make a real estate decision is wise,but I wouldn’t base the purchasing decision solely on their opinions.” Hampson said.“The other issue is that many children--especially older ones--may base their real estate knowledge on HGTV shows,” said Aaron Norris of The Norris Group in Riverside, Calif.“They love Chip and Joanna Gaines just as much as the rest of us,” he said.“HGTV has seriously changed how people view real estate. It’s not shelter, it’s a lifestyle. With that mindset change come some serious money consequences. ”“Kids tend to get stuck in the features and the immediate benefits to them personally,” Norris said.“Parents need to remind their children that their needs and desires may change over time,” said Julie Gurner, a real estate analyst with FitSmallBusiness. com.“Their opinions can change tomorrow.” Gurner said.“Harsh as it may be to say, that decision should likely not be made contingent on a child’s opinions, but rather made for them with great consideration into what home can meet their needs best--and give them an opportunity to customize it a bit and make it their own.”This advice is more relevant now than ever before, even as more parents want to embrace the ideas of their children, despite the current housing crunch. remarks that significant moves may pose challenges to children.Ryan Hoopersays that it is wise to leave kids in the dark about real estate decisions.Adam Baileyadvises that home purchases should not be based only on children’s opinions.Tracey Hampsonthinks that children should be given a sense of involvement in homebuying decisions.Aaron Norris[E] notes that aspects like children’s friends and social activities should be considered upon homebuying.Julie Gurner[F] believes that homebuying decisions should be based on children’s needs rather than their opinions. [G] assumes that many children’s views on real estate are influenced by the media.