I have always been fascinated with aviation. The feeling of launching into the air for sustained flight, while never having been designed to do so (the birds one-upped us there), is something you never forget.
Growing up I was a huge flight simulator nerd, was lucky to take a few short flights with friends who had access to airplanes, and even considered aviation as a possible career path. But life had other plans, and it wasn't until June 2021 that I finally decided to get in an airplane as a pilot, and not a passenger. And since the moment the wheels left the runway on my first logged flight, sitting in the left seat, I have never looked back.
Flying airplanes is a thrill like no other and a lifelong journey, as a good pilot never stops learning.
Okay, but what's the name all about? Well, it derives from the combination of two aviation related thoughts.
The first is from my primary flight training, when I was learning to land the airplane. My CFI remarked one day that while every great landing starts with a great approach, landing an airplane is also a participation sport. Every approach requires little inputs and corrections to the airplane, and those inputs can become more numerous as the approach becomes progressively more complicated by gusty winds, short or narrow fields, obstacles, etc. The busy pilot may take on the look of an Angry Octopus; working the yoke, rudder pedals, and turning on switches, or otherwise making the airplane do what you want it to do; all while scanning for other traffic.
The second is based on the Angle Of Attack (AOA). In aviation an airplane's wings create lift by meeting the relative wind (or the oncoming air) at an angle, and this angle is called the AOA. Each wing has an AOA which is "Critical" and exceeding this angle results in an aerodynamic stall (loss of lift) on that wing. Unintentionally stalling the wing(s) can have serious consequences for the safety of the flight, especially in the traffic pattern when you are low and slow. It is important to always be mindful of the AOA, and the name Angry Octopus Aviation is meant to remind pilots to maintain this awareness at all times.
AOA aims to share the joy and passion of aviation with all. We want to promote safety, awareness, and serve as a resource for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. Be sure to check out the blog, gear reviews, the media collection, etc. We also have a small storefront offering aviation themed apparel and accessories. We wish you blue skies and tailwinds, no matter where you go.
So welcome to Angry Octopus Aviation. Thanks for flying with us!
Jeff
Octopus In Chief (OIC)
Jeff@angryoctopusaviation.com
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