You can see more of the awesome Bugatti here and here. See the EuroFighter here.

Oh and if you can’t afford the Veyron, but you do have a printer and 50ish sheets of paper you can build a 2.5′ model of one out of paper! Download the template FREE here.

Can you imagine the calls to airliners through FL410? “left turn 210 degrees to keep you clear of the space shuttle” Ha!

You can read more about the project http://microblade.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/2001-brick-odyssey.html.

He turned out to be really cool, and also a former U2 pilot in the air force.  I wonder if he’s in any of these shots?

I never really thought about it but it must really suck to land a jet-powered glider in a crosswind with mono-gear.

I think the video proves that!

FMI on the U2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_U-2 

I wish MY airplane pilots had such nice toys For what it’s worth, I’m totally for arming all the airplane pilots and flight attendants. Let’s arm the ground crew too. A little less TSA and a little more HEAT! Who’s with me?

Click below to listen…

Packin’ Heat – Classic Airline Pilot Cabin Announcement

Mike’s product is ingeniously simple and solves two problems – holding your iPad (or iPad2) in the cockpit, and protecting it outside the cockpit. Cause if you have an iPad you HAVE to take it flying.  I think there is a law against leaving it at home.  Seriously.  He’s designed a tough as nails, simple kneeboard that holds your iPad.

AvPad: Best Kneeboard Yet

Mike’s product is ingeniously simple and solves two problems – holding your iPad (or iPad2) in the cockpit, and protecting it outside the cockpit. Cause if you have an iPad you HAVE to take it flying.  I think there is a law against leaving it at home.  Seriously.  He’s designed a tough as nails, simple kneeboard that holds your iPad.

Mike from AvPad gave me his newest model at Oshkosh 2011 to review for the site.  I was pretty stoked because I was looking at cover for my iPad2 anyway, and having one that was useful in the cockpit is even better.  I don’t go flying every day, but I do use my AvPad every day.  After having it for a while you will wonder how you lived with out it.  Cliche, I know.

The AvPad is made from Cordura (R) Nylon (http://www.cordura.com), and opens like a book. That’s the same stuff that the military makes most of their rough and tough stuff from.  The AvPad is ridiculously durable. I’ve beat up the AvPad every day since Oshkosh 2011 and it still looks brand-new!

The front has a pocket with a pen or stylus holder on the side. The back of the AvPad has an elastic strap with Velcro(R) (www.velcro.com) to secure it to your leg.  The inside has straps to hold charts, papers or a notepad and your iPad or iPad2.  When your not flying you can still access all the iPad buttons including the headset jack and the charging port even when the AvPad is closed and velcro’ed shut.

Strapping the iPad to your leg works really well. You’re iPad is ready when you need it and it ain’t going no where. I’ve found that it works well other ways too, like when I’m flying the Cirrus, I just fold the AvPad over (horizontally) and place it on my lap.  I’ve found that if I stuff my keys or a cell phone between the covers of the AvPad, it put the iPad at just the right viewing angle.

Unlike most cases, you can easily remove the iPad. When I’m flying in my buddies Cessna 172, I bring along my Aviation Yoke Clip RAM Mount.  Since the iPad easily slips out of the AvPad, it takes me two seconds to get it out and clip it into the RAM mount.  An Otter box or other cases would take me 10 minutes!

Out of the cockpit, one of the best features is the ability to make the iPad free standing on a flat surface.  At my desk I can set it up and listen to music, or keep up with Facebook and Twitter while I’m working on my computer.  When I’m traveling, I’ll set it up to Skype with my wife and kids.

One of the drawbacks of the button placement on the iPad is that the power button and the volume buttons are in the upper right corner of the iPad. On the model that I have, the corner strap on the AvPad makes the little difficult to reach these buttons. But I found an easy work around was to not use the strap in the upper right corner. You don’t need all the straps to hold the iPad, so I usually use three straps (the upper left corner in the bottom two straps) and the iPad will stay secure for everyday use. Of course use this method at your own risk, don’t ask me to replace your iPad if it falls out!

Since then the strap design has changed a little. Mike told me “We did make modifications to the four corner straps since the problem we had in Oshkosh so 1) all four corners are now same/correct size and 2) we resolved the issue with the power button, making it easier to access. It does cover the slide lock slightly, above the power button, but it has not been an issue in our day-to-day use. We spoke with some users and easier access to the power button was more important than the slide lock.”. It’s great to see a company listening to it’s customers!

The AvPad (http://www.theavpad.com) is simple, durable and one of the must have aviation gadgets! You can get one from their website, be sure to tell Mike you saw it on AirplanePorn!  Also be sure to check them out at Sun And Fun 2012 in Lakeland, FL,  in Hangar C Booth 63.

Web: http://www.theavpad.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheAvPad

Click For Full Size

You see Mark and I used to be roommates in college.  When the avgas was free (at least to us) and when we didn’t care that we actually had to pay back those student loans.  Mark went on to have a distinguished career as a Marine Helicopter Pilot, and I went on to well – write an aviation blog.

We were comparing cool aviation stuff that we had run into on the net. The iPad was blazing with all sorts of wings and things.

Then I asked him if the Marines drank Jeremiah Weed (http://www.jeremiahweed.com), which is a favorite of Air Force Fighter Pilots.

“Only Air Force Pukes Drink that crap” he replied.

Then he asked me if I had heard of Dos Gringos (http://www.dosgringosrocks.com).

“Dos Whoa?”

Then he explained. Two fighter pilots who sing and have a since of humor.  There pretty good at singing and pretty damned funny to boot.

Not only do they drop real bombs, they like to drop F-Bombs too.  So if you’re going to listen, wait till the kiddos goto bed.

Their songs have aviation written all over them (here is just a sample, check them all out at http://www.dosgringosrocks.com/music.html):

• I DROPPED THE BOMB
• JEREMIAH WEED
• THE PREDATOR EULOGY
• I’M A PILOT
• JDAM BLUES
• THE WINGMEN
• GOING IN FOR GUNS
• I WISH I HAD A GUN JUST LIKE THE A-10
• I WANT TO TAKEOFF FROM A CARRIER

BTW how many folks in the AirplanePorn nation fly or want to fly R/C? Hit me up in the comments.

In case you don’t know what to get yourself or your favorite aviator significant other, we have a few holiday gift suggestions right here.

2012 AACGNY “Plane Janes” Calendar

Remember those guys that dropped trow in the name of raising money for their antique airplane club? Well, they did it again. This time Stew and the guys somehow managed to convince mama Annemarie that the club would sell more calendars if they got some chicks (err I mean ladies) to pose instead of them.  I mean everyone has to start on a budget right?

Somehow Stew got her to go along with the whole chicks idea, and the 2012 AACGNY calendar is called “Plane Janes”! What’s even better is that Annemarie was able to sneak some EXCLUSIVE AirplanePorn shots!

So don’t be a cheap scape.  Get your wallet out and buy a calendar or three here:

http://www.aacgny.org/store.asp

2012 Ghosts Calendar

Need something a little more safe for work? You know, to keep those HR people off your back? Try a 2012 Ghosts Calendar.  It features some beautiful airplanes and awesome photography. You can pick one up  at skygeek:

http://www.skygeek.com/ghosts-a-time-remembered-world-war-two-aviation-wall-calendar.html

Ruby’s Aviation Calendar 2012

Speaking of calendars, here is another “safe for work” calendar featuring great aviation photography put together by a great aviator.  Marilyn Dash flies a Pitts year round and races at Reno.  This calendar has lots of Reno Racers and even upside down shots.  This calendar will brighten up any aviators life (especially if they dwell in a slate grey cubicle at work)!

http://www.cafepress.com/aviation_calendar.472958151#

Rusty Jugs

Maybe you need a gift that’s a little more unique? My pal Wayne from Taildraggers, Inc. has a few in his Cafe Press store “Rusty Jugs”. You can get most of his designs as t-shirts, mugs and hats. His “Tricycles are for Babies” design is a classic. I wore the  “I’m A Pilot, Frightening Isn’t It” t-shirt at Oshkosh and got stopped by lots of people wanting to know where I got my cool t-shirt.

Wayne is a super cool dude and I’m sure 100% of the proceeds get stuffed back into avaition somehow!

http://www.cafepress.com/rustyjugs

Warbird Pinup Wines

Perhaps your gift recipient has a finer taste. Lets say they’ll want something that tastes good AND looks good. Well look no further than Warbird Pinup Wines! I interviewed these folks at Oshkosh and they have some unique aviation themed wine.

Each variety offers a military hero and features artwork of a pin up model. I got to meet several of the models at Oshkosh and they were all thrilled to be able to honor our heros.

You can even hire them to come to your next event or party with their wine AND the models.  Just don’t forget to invite your old pal from AirplanePorn ok?

http://www.warbirdpinupwines.com

AirplanePorn T-Shirt

If you still can’t decide, just buy them an AirplanePorn t-shirt! There is no better way to say “I’m a Airplane Porn Star!” then to show it off with a t-shirt. Besides your sales support this site so I can bring you this awesome airplane blog.

http://www.cafepress.com/airplaneporn

In the mean time, here is a video highlighting the need for hog control. These guys use a helicopter and a damned cool sighting system to get the advantage on the hogs.  Now before you start emailing me and getting on your whole PETA soapbox remember two things.  One, shooting hogs from helos is legal in Texas and two, they are not that cute. Especially if your a farmer, or a small kid playing in a field.

And don’t forget – there are other aviation bloggers who advocate the intake of certain pig products

Take that you dirty pigs! Oink, Oink!!! What now piggies!!! OHHH YEAA!!

Watch it in full screen mode for the full HD effect.  Enjoy 22 minutes of peaceful flying through Texas complete with Johnny Cash tunes!

HELI-HOG’N from Gary Wagner on Vimeo.