Stocks

As a result of this focus on globally diversified large caps, Tweedy, Browne has many of its largest positions in names that are instantly recognizable around the world.

Company	Market Cap	Known For	2011 Price-to-Earnings Ratio
Philip Morris International(NYSE: PM)	$105 billion	Marlboro cigarettes	13.2
Total SA (NYSE:TOT)	$136 billion	Oil	8.8
Diageo	$48 billion	Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, and Guinness	15.2
ConocoPhillips(NYSE: COP)	$105 billion	Oil	10.7
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)	$167 billion	Band-Aid, Tylenol, Listerine, Neutrogena, many other consumer and professional health care products	12.5

Texas CDL, Class A - in One Week; Class B Exempted; the 26,001 Pounds, Test Prepration

February 2011 - CDL in a Week

I received my CDL A license in 1 week.

Friday - Went local DPS office to apply for Class A CDL.

Saturday - Studied the longest section 2, and air brake, combination

Sunday - Studied cargo, pre-trip, passenger, and tanker and refreshed Saturday's study.

Monday - went in minutes before the 4:30 testing deadline. There was only have time to take 1 exam - the longest general knowledge test.  Finished with 15 minutes to spare before the closing. But no more tests were given out.

Tuesday - went in at the lunch break. No more wait in line, Decided to take the remaining tests (Passenger, air brake, combination, and pre-trip inspection).  Completed and passed tests in 40 minutes.

Wednesday - Arranged for the first lesson. 2 hours.  Lots of explaining about tests, and being reminded about bad driving habits.  Having trouble to get that "feel" of air brake.

Thursday - Started the 2nd 1 1/2 hours driving.  Being reminded about the importance of driving habits again.  Focused on backing and parallel parking. Once the trailer started to drift, It's hard to get back to the straight line.

Friday - Arrange with driving school (using their vehicle) for driving test.  Didn't get to try out the actual test route.  Passed the driving test with a score of 91.  Backing was bad - it drifted, didn't know whether to "go straight" at a tangent, or should be trying to "get back - the straight line".  Having trouble position truck for the left turn.

## ## #

Am I good enough to drive trucks on daily basis? NO, but I know enough to get that CDL inexpensively.

Study = 20 hours (self-study)

Driving = 4 hours (after hours practice in-the-head, parallel parking)

Written tests = 1 hour

Driving test = 1/2 hour

Wait in line at DPS = 2 hours

Total Costs $1,175 (Driving school charges $1,475 - if you take the study preparation)

# # # 

I peeked the driving school study guide on the Air Brake.  Surprisingly the practice questions are nearly identical to the actual tests.   Well - $300 prep class is worth it if you are not good at taking tests.

How did I do on the written exams - 90% plus, except the pre-trip exam. (The CDL handbook and test questions are worded differently). I thought checking for "missing, loose, broken, damage, not working" stuff was the "key", I was wrong.  81% right is good enough to pass the test.

# # ##

My truck driving school instructor keep the material short to the point, the best equipment needed to get that CDL.  The costs and lesson received are well balanced.

Google "CDL Driving School

photos:  hotel/apartment at Warsaw - nearby the train station


 February 2011 -  Class B Exempts



I was making plans to bring the bus home, the obvious question is how or am I qualified to drive this thing, and where am I going park this bus?

People said, you don't need "Class B" license to drive an RV.

I recall my same question to a local RTS bus dealer 10 years ago- He said "register the bus as an RV, the class B test is easy; you've finished college right?- you will pass the test". I didn't understand what was it all about, but his comment got me all excited - thinking owning and driving a bus can be a reality in no time.



This is for real now. I searched and searched the requirement for driving a heavy over-sized RV. It lead to the 2 important criteria when licensing the driver (a) weight of the vehicle (b) air brakes. The bottom line, every state regulates licensing differently. If you qualify to operate the vehicle by your state then the federal laws should grand you to drive the vehicle in other states.

Some states let you drive any size of RV with a Class-C, regardless of weight and air brake equipped vehicle. Some state have added endorsement requirement, and others require Class B.

Since I will driving the vehicle across several states, I shall get licensed by my home state- just in case the highway patrol officers are as confused as I was when I started my research on this topic.

Since the RTS weighs in over 26,000 lb, State of Texas is requiring CDL-Class B "exempted" license if it is converted RV or else - a full Class B CDL.

See The CDL-2 (Exemption Certification) form
It is used when operate a commercial motor vehicle that exceeds 26,000 lbs GVWR and requires a Class A or B license that is exempted by the Texas Commercial Driver License Act. RV is one of the many "exempted vehicle".

June 2009 - Class A B Driving Test


Wow, it has been 24 years since I took my first driving license exam.

I was able to renew my driver license online, and replaced lost license online too. Haven't stepped in the DMV/Department of Public Safety for the past 15 years (since the start of dot.com era), things shurely have changed.

The written tests are done on computers, but the vehicles waiting in line for driving tests are long as I've remember. May be it's summer when teenagers are eager to get their hands behind wheels during school break.

I took a long lunch break and visited DPS office. I waited for 10 minutes in the "Sign-in/Q&A line", to clarify the licensing requirement form the real McCoy. The staff went back to the office to verify the "official response" with colleagues.

Then I was handed the "driver handbook" and told to study the chapter 15 - special requirement for the written test. It's the same book I had 24 years ago, but I guess the contents must have changed/updated over time, right?


I flip to the chapter 15 and the back pages of "sample questions" - a shock finding - the single chapter had nearly 1/3 of the sample questions.

I will be visiting the DPS shortly to tackle the written test.

2.5" hard drive for notebook (12.5mm or 9.5mm); IBM BIO Beeps

February 2011 - Hard Drives USB
I found usb-sata cable for $6.00   it works if leaving the back/bottom side  (circuit board) exposed isn't a problem. (ebay, shipping out of China)

# # #

I want to have my notebook to have all the data on it, so I acquired a 2.5" notebook hard drive.

It didn't fit.  The original 160gb hard drive was only 3/4 the thickness of the 1TB Western Digital drive. Unlike the 3.5" drives, SCSI, SATA or IDE or not, they all come in the same height/thickness. Apparently, the industry standard doesn't work for the notebooks..

# # #

 thickness of 12.5 mm - the 1TB,

       there is no 9.5mm of 1TB drive on the market

notebook will only hold  9.5mm thick

       the 9.5mm is common for drives up to 500gb.  There are some 750GB drives on 9.5mm form factor.



 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^



1 long beep follows by 2 short beeps  - when powering on the beloved ThinkPad.  It was a bad video card, it failed to initialize.

When is it time to give up a notebook computer?  3 years? 4 years?

One of my old T42 lasted for 7 years, it stills going strong.

 

San Antonio - hazardous waste disposal

I visited the city run - "haz mat" recycling facility during my lunch break.  The line was short, the city staffed the place with plenty of helpers.  I forgot to bring a CPS bill, but the staff allowed me to drop off stuff without the proof because I look like a local/with local car dealer license plate holder.

I left many one-gallon paint cans.  Some of the latex paint were still good, and the center kept the good paint in a 55-gallon barrel for future use.  I was told the recycled good paint will be used in combating graffiti project.  Smart move!!

Eastern Block - The Fall

Poland
Hungary
Germany
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Bulgaria
Romania
Lithuania
Estonia
Latvia
Moldavia
Ukraine
Belarus
Russia
Slovenia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Macedonia
Croatia
Serbia and Montenegro

26.2 & 13.1 Marathon

I came across 26.2 and 13.1 white sticker and black letters on many vehicles.

26.2 or 26.2 miles equates to 42.2. It's same or close enough to the official distance for a full marathon.
13.1 is just 1/2 of that or half-marathon.

I searched the web, the top two search results were car decals and temporary tattoos.

All American 2.5L 72" width 190" Length

One of the most common type vehicles sold in America is the mid-size 4 door sedan. Over the years, the Japanese/Asian has dominated this segment of market.  American auto makers have been adjusting to this re-defined market.

The baseline engine is 2.5 liter 4 cylinder variants.
The car width ranges from 71" to 73".
The overall length ranges from 188" to 192".

Most of the vehicles nowadays have same safety features, 6-air bags, ABS, ESC, Brake Assist, and similar EPA fuel efficiency rating (within less than 10% of each others)

Each of the automakers would try to differentiate from each other by creating  different styling, driving dynamics and interior design.

For example: Toyota Camry is for quietness, but not for handling.

Arctic Blast of 2011 and 1985

2011 Feb 1-Feb 7 is one of the longest cold freezing period in the past 25 years. The last time was in 1985, from Austin to San Antonio, several inches of snows fell.  This cold spill has not produced the new record of snows but we definitely set a new feel cold record of low 20's 10's days in a 10 days period.

--- --- ----

1 - 66 - 22

2 - 29 - 19

3 - 28 - 21

4 - 44 - 21

Digital Camera Image Size; rules of modern photography

July 2012 - The basic rules of modern photography..

1. Composition - remember the 1/3, 1/3 and 1/3 rule

2. Lighting - understand the early morning and lat evening lighting do wonders to photos

3. Practice with camera - understand as many switches/functions

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/13-lessons-to-teach-your-child-about-digital-photography



February 2011 - Digital Camera Image Size

The sensor size found in digital cameras generally determines the qualify of photo images when special technology/hardware tweaking is not used.


The 35mm film size is often used as baseline for judging camera imaging system.  Somewhere, one research says, a 35mm film contains approximately 20-30 million pixels. When a compact digital camera utilize an image sensor size relatively small comparing to a 35mm film, but it is rated for more pixels count/image sensor size found in 35mm film. Um... 

The FX, DX and 35mm film have image/sensor size of 
35mm = 24x36 mm  20 million pixels steady/good pixel, or 12 million average or 4 million hand held.
FX = 24x36 mm
DX = 15.8 x 23.6mm (or 44% of 35mm FX)  


Two factors shall be considered.
1 .The JPEG image can be highly compressed (other than RAW format), therefore the contrast ratio is greatly reduced, or the paper used print the image is also a limited contrast ratio - therefore the reduction of contrast ratio found in digital camera is not a big deal, unless it is overly compressed image has lower contrast ratio than the paper/screen can reproduce.
2. The pixel counts are not 1-1, often the images are interpolated.  Any engineers use computation methods knows you can make more data point by averaging the surrounding data points. Therefore one should question whether the pixels are raw- pixel per pixel  or interpolated pixels.


Shooting in low light condition expose this deficiency well.

# # #

P7000 - 1/1.7-in. type CCD; total pixels: approx. 10.39 million 28-200mm f/2.8
P100 - 1/2.3-in. CMOS; total pixels: approx. 10.6 million  (26mm - 678mm)
L110 - 1/2.3-in. CCD; total pixels: approx. 12.39 million (28-420mm)

Leaking - High water bill

The water usage went 10 folds in the past month, from an average of 3,000 gallon to 30,000 gallon. I didn't know someone came to re-check the meter soon after the scheduled reading because the unusual escalation of usage.

I called 15 days later, to request another reading.  The finding was I am on target to hit that 30,000 gallon usage again. There is no sign of leaky toilets, sprinkler system were used at all.

The shocking findings
1. 27,000 gallon takes up a space of 24 ft x 24 ft by 6 ft
2. It takes on average rate of 2/3 gallon per minute to fill up the space in a month.
3. The ground can soak up 900 gallons a day of water, without showing sign above ground.

Sushi 78201

ETC? EV? Too Much Work..

If a workload schedule is loosely based on one's intuition, then is it bad? I often question the accuracy of those numbers when the scope of work covers hundreds of dependent tasks to be performed by multiple departments, and schedule (or do list with dates) doesn't include a plan man hours requirement (plan value) and no more monitors its progress (earned value).

A workload schedule, estimated man-hours/over time, shall be the result of resolving constraints like available head counts, reasonable work hours, tools/space etc.

Que? Personality Compatibility

Is there a difference between ability to contribute to society and willingness to serve society?  "Meaningful" contribution is a tall order.

Flip flops are nice to have around water/pool/beach? FF is cheap to make, fulfill the basic needs of many 3rd world countries.

Diet Coke - The first word came to mind - addiction. An inexpensive stuff to get high without worry about calories, assuming there is no side-effect.

Art is a personal interpretation of life experience. Art history facilitate our understanding of the past?

Longhorn football - I was dumbfounded when Memorial Stadium was updated without keeping any of the original facade.

Supply and demand? Youth and maturity? Aspect of life...

There are more shades or gray than I can imagine. Be open minded

Having a dinner with your spouse without saying a word to each others at age 80. Importance of holding hands.

Stage -Gate Model

From Wikipedia

"A stage-gate model is a technique in which a (product, process, system) development process is divided into stages separated by gates. At each gate, the continuation of the development process is decided by (typically) a manager or a steering committee. The decision is based on the information available at the time, including e.g. business case, risk analysis, availability of necessary resources (money, people with correct competencies) etc.

The stage-gate model may also be known as stage-limited commitment or creeping commitment."

# # #

software is available ..

Top Cable Networks

Shocking news to me.  This is the top four cable channels for 2010.  FOX NEWS is ranked number 5 on the list- I didn't know people can spent so much time watching news as "info-tainment".  I park my TV on FOX NEWS for the back ground noise.

Here is another shocker - BET was a big deal in the 80's when there was very little media outlet catering to Blacks (or African American). Then, 20-25 years later, the popularity of BET is down.  Could it be (a) Black culture is highly integrated into our culture, and there is no real demand for unique Black programming (b) main stream media have many well developed programmings to woo Black audiences away from BET.  I think its both!

USA 3,151 
DISNEY 2,572
ESPN 2,344 
TNT 2,250 
FOX NEWS 2,047
TBS 1,792
NICK AT NIGHT 1,722
HISTORY 1,637
A&E 1,461
ABC FAMILY 1,423
CARTOON 1,362
FX 1,268
DISCOVERY 
HGTV 1,229
SYFY 1,199
LIFETIME 1,153
FOOD 1,147
TRUTV 1,127
TLC 1,105
AMC 1,091
MTV 985
COMEDY CENTRAL 975
SPIKE 917 
BRAVO 872
HALLMARK 848
TVLAND 827
BET 788
MSNBC 772
E! 679

FAA Certification Basis - for icing condition

Software Lewice

Advisory Circular
AC No: 25.1419-1  8/18/99
ANM-112
Title: Certification of transport category airplanes for light in icing conditions


AC 20-73
FS-140
Date 21 April 71
Subject: Aircraft Ice Protection

FAR 14 Part 25 Appendix C

TTAF - Useful Life Remaining

Thinking about buying an used aircraft??

Total Time Air Frame
Cycle count - take-off/landing (airframe pressurization cycle counts)

A large transport aircraft like 777 may have more hours than a smaller jet like 737, but it may have fewer cycle count because of longer mission profile.  Fatigue is a function of frequency and magnitude of stress changes. A frequently pressurized cabin, repeated heated and cooled jet engines are some parameters to use before spending more time on the detail records.

Airlines are quick to discard older airplanes when TAF/Cycle count reaches economic apex, the useful life, maintenance cost and not so efficient fuel burn engines do not justify economic benefit of buying newer aircraft.

On the other hand, for low utilization application, buying an used aircraft may be a good choice when capital investment relative to its utilization operating cost is low.

An airline may schedule a jet over 10 hours flying time a day, that could easily account for 2,500 hours a year. Many private jet don't see that kind of utilization schedule, therefore a commercial jet on its final lag of "final D" check before heading to bone yard is a good suitable candidate for conversion.

Airframe manufacture designs aircraft with a life-cycle limit in mind before it has to be completely checked out. Maintenance Planning Data manual (MPD) is a good place to start.

737-BBJ 1998, TTAF=3500 hours  (300 hours /year)

Want to Own a Plane? Pilatus PC-12

http://www.globalplanesearch.com/

This aircraft, Pilatus PC-12, is on top of my list for go anywhere bush-pilot aircraft.
It has the range (2000nm), speed (280kts), big cargo door and extremely useful payload.
This Swiss made aircraft has sold 1000+ units already since entering service in 1994. PC-12 costs more than its competitors, but many recognize its value beyond the asking price.

How about the Cessna 208 Caravan (first service 1984 - 2000+ units sold)?
Beechcraft Super King Air?

Cessna 208 Caravan   = 2.2 million baseline cost
Pilatus PC-12 = US$4.0 Million PC-12NG Executive


 # ## #
PC-12 vs Metro 23


Specifications (PC-12)
RCMP PC-12, Winnipeg c. 2007
Weather radar on the wing of Pilatus PC-12 NG

General characteristics

    Crew: one or two pilots
    Capacity: 9 passengers standard, 6-8 executive (19 passenger)
    Payload: 1,500 kg (3,502 lb)
    Length: 14.40 m (47 ft 3 in) (59 ft 4 in)
    Wingspan: 16.23 m (53 ft 3 in) (57 ft 0 in)
    Height: 4.26 m (14 ft 0 in) (16 ft 8 in)
    Wing area: 25.81 m² (277.8 ft²) (310 ft^2)
    Empty weight: 2,761 kg (5,867 lb) (8,737 lb)
    Loaded weight: 4,700 kg (10,450 lb)
    Max. takeoff weight: 4,740 kg (10,450 lb) (14,500 lb/16,000 lb)
    Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P turboprop, 895 kW (1,200 shp) (2x TPE-331, 1,100 shp each)
    Maximum landing: 4,700 kg (10,450 lb)
    Maximum payload full fuel: 539 kg (1,189 lb)
    Tail wingspan: 5.20 m (17 ft 1 in)
    Propeller: Hartzell HC - E4A - 3D/E10477K – 4 blade aluminum
    Propeller diameter: 2.67 m (8 ft 9 in)
    Propeller RPM: 1,700 rpm

Performance

    Cruise speed: 500 km/h (312.5 mph/270 KTAS/280 KTAS @ 20000 ft (PC-12NG)) (318mph)
    Stall speed: 120 km/h (74.8 mph/ 65 KCAS/66 KCAS (PC-12NG))
    Service ceiling: 9,150 m (30,000 ft)
    Rate of climb: 512 m/min at sea level (1,680 ft/min)
    Wing loading: 174.3 kg/m² (35.7 lb/ft²)
    Power/mass: 3.7 kg/shp (8.2 lb/shp)
    Range 0 passenger: 4,149 km (2,593 mi) (2,239 nm)
    Range 9 passenger: 2,804 km (1,753 mi) (1,513 nm) (1,150nm)
    Takeoff distance over 15 m (50 ft) obstacle: 701 m (2,300 ft)
    Takeoff distance ground roll: 450 m (1,475 ft)
    Landing distance over 15 m (50 ft) obstacle: 558 m (1,830 ft)
    Landing distance ground roll: 228 m (945 ft)

Value of Airplanes - Who can afford V-VIP aircraft?

Who can afford a V-VIP aircraft?

A BBJ/A320 converted private jet runs about $100 to $120 millions (new, new).  What's the typical/mean owner profile? or are these airplanes registered as company asset to take advantage of deduction?


The Google boys privately shared a used 767-200ER (Used Qantas aircraft ~ 10 millions, and 15 millions of conversion = $25 millions).  A new G5 and an interior will set  in the upward of $80 millions.

Will someone spend 10% of their asset for a private jet? or Will it be more economical to lease instead?

# # # # #






Here a quick valuation of  green airplanes

262.4 B777-200LR
  85.8 B737-900ER
164.3 B767-300ER
==============
512.5 (three Boeings)

250.8M A340-500
250.8M A340-500
  87.0M A340-200 (1989 price)
  81.4M A320
===================
619.0M (four Airbus)

A340-200/equiv 2010 est = 141M

1,200M for 7 fying jets

737-6/7/8/9 = 57,68,81,86M
767-2/3/3f/4 = 144,164,168,181
787-8/9=185,218
777-2E/2L/3/F=232,262,284,269
747-8/8F = 318, 319


 # # # #
http://www.l-lint.com/articles/a-primer-for-the-new-flight-department-the-abcs-of/

Top American Fighter Jets (IMO)

Effectiveness/Cost ratio
F22 - (5th generation fighter)
Super F18 - (4.5 Gen)
F35 - (5th Gen)
F15 -
F16/F18
F14

Antihistamine - Allergy Medications

There are many over counter antihistamine medications,


First-generation antihistamines

Benadryl - diphenhydramine (),  - It works on the dogs too (1 lb = 1 mg, apply dosage per 8 hours)

brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromphen, Dimetane, Nasahist),
chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton),
clemastine (Allerhist, Tavist),

Second-generation antihistamine
Claritin -Loratadine ().  - Kirkland /Walmart Equate brands
Zyrtec -cetirizine (),


Zyrtec-D® (cetirizine HCl 5 mg/pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) Tablets

desloratadine (Clarinex), and 

fexofenadine (Allegra). 

Mark Twain- Saying or Celtic Proverbs?

Dance like nobody's watching;

Love like you've never been hurt. 

Sing like nobody's listening; 

Live like it's heaven on earth." 

and I says - absolutely 

Diesel Price Jumps

European cars live on diesel because it gets a lot more miles. Diesel powered vehicles cost more than gasoline variety, but at $5-6 or 7-9 bucks a gallon, the added initial vehicle costs can easily offset by the gain in fuel economy.

It doesn't work for me yet.  Diesel price just hits $3.40 and regular 87 gasoline stands at $2.89.

Here are few items on my check list.

To cover 100,000 miles with diesel @ 25/49 mpg (Consumer Reports) - Jetta Diesel 6-MT
vs
Same miles a gasoline powered Corolla 5 speed manual transmission  @ 23/39 mpg

Diesel City = $13,600 fuel costs
Gas Power = $12,565
-------- It costs more to operate Jetta than gasoline Corolla and Jetta Diesel typically costs $5000 more than heavily discounted Corolla

Diesel Highway = $6,939 fuel costs
Gas Power = $7,410
----- Even though there is fuel saving of 480 over 100,000 miles, but it still isn't worth that $5000 premium.

Buying Dimond Rings

Loose diamond stones



Blue Nile

Costco.com - yes! this discount store received great review for inexpensive rings and wines

USAA.com - I don't know why - but USAA offer diamond stones as part of its membership service

A Lump Found on Dog Skin

A good source of information -- click here or here
Tried to poke the lump to remove pus (Abscess, or Pimple) - nothing happened.  It was as solid tissue filled with blood vessels. It was not a fatty lump  (Lipoma) on the skin at all.  I was hoping that it was Mast cell tumor, it was a result of cells used by the body to defend against outside element and had gone through malignant change.


From the research, the firm solid cutaneous swelling - seems to meet the definition of  Neoplasia Nodule -Histiocytoma. The growth started like a pimple bump to 1/2 cm in diameter over 5-6 weeks period.

Memory Test - Out of State License Plates

3

3/15/2012,

It has been over 1 1/2 years, there are fewer out of state license plates on the morning commute.

Does Texas still create jobs?

# # # #
Texas creates jobs!

11/30/2010 AM
Utah - Lexus ES250 Black
Florida - Honda Accord White 2G
California - Honda Civic 4Dr Siliver (2g)
North Carolina - Honda Odyssey Silver 2g
Kansas - Mini Cooper Gray

11/30/2010 PM (left office 30 minutes earlier than usual)
??? - Cadillac CTS
Mexico - Ford F-150 (1G)
Utah -Saturn L200
Maine - BMW 5-series (4G)
Ohio - Mini Cooper S
Organ - Toyota Tundra (1G)

Texas Creates Jobs part III

PM -

1. BMW 1 series - California

2. Toyota Camry - Mexico

3. Cadillac DHS - Florida

4. Toyota Camry (old) -???

5. Nissan Altima - ????

6. (non-us model) - Mexico

Texas Creates Jobs - Part II

AM –I was late to work – missed the peak of morning commute by 20 minutes

1. Honda Civic – California
2. Honda Element – California

PM –I was right on the commute prime time

1. Toyota Avalon – Washington
2. Mazda B series pickup – Utah
3. Mitsubishi Eclipse – Virginia
4. Land Rover LR2 – Mexico
5. Ford Expedition – Mexico
6. Volvo C70 – North Carolina
7. Chrysler PT Cruiser – Indian
8. Ford Crown Victoria – Florida
9. Ford F-150 – Georgia
10. Hyundai Sonata – Arizona
11. Ford F-150 –Louisiana
12. Pontiac Grand AM -North Dakota (Military)
13. Pontiac Grand AM – Kansas
14. Chevrolet Impala - ??? (driving too fast)
15. Suzuki Esteem - ???? (driving too slow, past by)
16. BMW 330 – European style plate -???

Texas Creates Jobs

November 16, 2010

During a morning commute between US281/North Loop 1604 and downtown Alamo Dome (15 miles drive, in the same direction – across 4 lane of highway), I encountered 5 out of state license plate vehicles. One of the drivers (vehicles) was military personnel. 

1. Chevrolet C1500 Crew Cab – Pennsylvania  
2. Cadillac Seville/DHS? – New York
3. Toyota Tacoma – Utah
4. Pontiac Grand Am – Michigan
5. Toyota Land Cruiser – Maryland

Left office 1/2 hours later than usual, during the commute between downtown and 281/Loop 1604, in the same direction, I encounter 7 out of state license plate vehicles.

1.  Honda Pilot - California
2.  Volkswagen Jetta - New Mexico
3.  BMW 330 - Canadian
4.  Toyota Prius - Colorado
5.  Mazda Mazda 6  - Oklahoma
6.  Chevrolet Trail Blazer - Ohio
7.  Saturn Outlook - Florida



Texas creates jobs, but they are not for the locals??  – Uh? Governor Perry!!

ATA Code - Aircraft Maintenance Chapters 100

Chapter 00 Introduction / Aircraft General

Chapter 05
05-10-00 Time Limits / Maintenance Checks - Aircraft General
05-20-00
05-40-00 Time Limits / Maintenance Checks - Components

Chapter 06
06-00-00 Dimensions and Areas - General

Chapter 07
07-00-00 Lifting and Shoring - General

Chapter 08
08-00-00 Leveling and Weighing - General

Chapter09
09-00-00 Towing and Taxiing - General

Chapter 10
10-00-00 Parking, Mooring, Storage and Return to Service - General

Chapter 11
11-00-00 Placards and Marking - General

Chapter 12
12-00-00 Servicing - General

Chapter 18
18-00-00 Vibration and Noise Analysis (only Helicopter)

Chapter 20
20-00-00 Standard Practices - Airframe - General

Chapter 21
21-00-00 AIR CONDITIONING
21-10-00 Compression
21-20-00 Distribution
21-30-00 Pressurization control
21-40-00 Heating
21-50-00 Cooling
21-60-00 Temperature control
21-70-00 Moisturization/air contamination

Chapter 22
22-00-00 AUTOFLIGHT
22-10-00 Autopilot
22-20-00 Speed-attitude correction
22-30-00 Autothrottle
22-40-00 System monitor
22-50-00 Aerodynamic load alleviating

Chapter 23
23-00-00 COMMUNICATIONS
23-10-00 Speech communication
23-20-00 Data transmission,auto. calling
23-30-00 Passenger address and ent.
23-40-00 Interphone
23-50-00 Audio integrating
23-60-00 Static discharging
23-70-00 Audio & video monitoring
23-80-00 Integrated automatic tuning

Chapter 24
24-00-00 ELECTRICAL POWER
24-10-00 Generator drive
24-20-00 AC generation
24-30-00 DC generation
24-40-00 External power
24-50-00 AC electrical load dist.
24-60-00 DC electrical load dist.

Chapter 25
25-00-00 EQUIPMENT & FURNISHINGS
25-10-00 Flight compartment
25-20-00 Passenger compartment
25-30-00 Buffet/galley
25-40-00 Lavatories
25-50-00 Cargo compartments
25-60-00 Emergency
25-70-00 Accessory compartments
25-80-00 Insulation

Chapter 26
26-00-00 FIRE PROTECTION
26-10-00 Detection
26-20-00 Extinguishing
26-30-00 Explosion suppression

Chapter 27
27-00-00 FLIGHT CONTROLS
27-10-00 Aileron & tab
27-20-00 Rudder & tab
27-30-00 Elevator & tab
27-40-00 Horizontal stabilizer
27-50-00 Flaps
27-60-00 Spoiler, drag devices, fairings
27-70-00 Gust lock & damper
27-80-00 Lift augmenting

Chapter 28
28-00-00 FUEL
28-10-00 Storage
28-20-00 Distribution
28-30-00 Dump
28-40-00 Indicating

Chapter 29
29-00-00 HYDRAULIC POWER
29-10-00 Main
29-20-00 Auxiliary
29-30-00 Indicating

Chapter 30
30-00-00 ICE & RAIN PROTECTION
30-10-00 Airfoil
30-20-00 Air intakes
30-30-00 Pitot and static
30-40-00 Windows, windshields & doors
30-50-00 Antennas & radomes
30-60-00 Propellers & rotors
30-70-00 Water lines
30-80-00 Detection

Chapter 31
31-00-00 INDICATING & RECORDING SYS.
31-10-00 Instrument & control panels
31-20-00 Independent instruments
31-30-00 Recorders
31-40-00 Central computers
31-50-00 Central warning systems
31-60-00 Central display systems
31-70-00 Automatic data reporting systems

Chapter 32
32-00-00 LANDING GEAR
32-10-00 Main gear & doors
32-20-00 Nose gear & doors
32-21-01 ACTUATOR, CENTERING
32-30-00 Extension & retraction
32-40-00 Wheels & brakes
32-50-00 Steering
32-60-00 Position and warning
32-70-00 Supplementary gear

Chapter 33
33-00-00 LIGHTS
33-10-00 General compartment
33-20-00 Passenger compartments
33-30-00 Cargo and service compartments
33-40-00 Exterior
33-50-00 Emergency lighting

Chapter 34
34-00-00 NAVAGATION
34-10-00 Flight environment data
34-20-00 Attitude & direction
34-30-00 Landing & taxiing aids
34-40-00 Independent position determining
34-50-00 Dependent position determining
34-60-00 Flight management computing
34-70-00 X-PONDER, MODE S

Chapter 35
35-00-00 OXYGEN
35-10-00 Crew
35-20-00 Passenger
35-30-00 Portable

Chapter 38
38-00-00 WATER/WASTE
38-10-00 Potable
38-20-00 Wash
38-30-00 Waste disposal
38-40-00 Air supply

Chapter 45
45-00-00 Central Maintenance System / Onboard Maintenance System

Chapter 46
46-00-00 Information Systems

Chapter 47
47-00-00 Inert Gas System

Chapter 51
51-00-00 STRUCTURE, GENERAL

Chapter 52
52-00-00 Doors
52-10-00 Passenger/crew
52-20-00 Emergency exit
52-30-00 Cargo
52-40-00 Service
52-50-00 Fixed interior
52-60-00 Entrance stairs
52-70-00 Door warning
52-80-00 Landing gear

Chapter 53
53-00-00 FUSELAGE

Chapter 54
54-00-00 NACELLES/PYLONS
54-10-00 Nacelle section
54-50-00 Pylon section

Chapter 55
55-00-00 HORIZ. & VERT. STABILIZERS
55-10-00 Horizontal stabilizer or canard
55-20-00 Elevator
55-30-00 Vertical stabilizer
55-40-00 Rudder

Chapter 56
56-00-00 WINDOWS
56-10-00 Flight compartment
56-20-00 Passenger compartment
56-30-00 Door
56-40-00 Inspection & observation

Chapter 57
57-00-00 WINGS
57-10-00 Center wing
57-20-00 Outer wing
57-30-00 Wing tip
57-40-00 Leading edge and leading edge
57-50-00 Trailing edge and trailing edge
57-60-00 Ailerons and elevons
57-70-00 Spoilers

Chapter 61
61-00-00 PROPELLERS
61-10-00 Propeller assembly
61-20-00 Controlling
61-25-01 GOVERNOR, PROPELLER
61-30-00 Braking
61-40-00 Indicating
61-50-00 Propulsor duct

Chapter 71
71-00-00 POWER PLANT
71-10-00 Cowling
71-20-00 Mounts
71-30-00 Fireseals
71-40-00 Attach fittings
71-50-00 Electrical harness
71-60-00 Air intakes
71-70-00 Engine drains

Chapter 72
72-00-00 ENGINE - TURBINE

Chapter 73
73-00-00 ENGINE FUEL AND CONTROL
73-10-00 Distribution
73-15-00 Divider Flow
73-20-00 Controlling
73-25-00 Unit Fuel Control
73-30-00 Indicating

Chapter 74
74-00-00 IGNITION
74-10-00 Electrical power supply
74-15-01 Box, Ignition exciter
74-20-00 Distribution

Chapter 75
75-00-00 AIR
75-10-00 Engine anti-icing
75-20-00 Cooling
75-30-00 Compressor control
75-35-01 Valve HP & LP Bleed
75-40-00 Indicating

Chapter 76
76-00-00 ENGINE CONTROLS
76-10-00 Power control
76-20-00 Emergency shutdown

Chapter 77
77-00-00 ENGINE INDICATING
77-10-00 Power
77-20-00 Temperature
77-30-00 Analyzers
77-40-00 Integrated engine instrument sys.

Chapter 78
78-00-00 EXHAUST
78-10-00 Collector/nozzle
78-20-00 Noise suppressor
78-30-00 Thrust reverser
78-40-00 Supplementary air

Chapter 79
79-00-00 OIL
79-10-00 Storage
79-20-00 Distribution
79-30-00 Indicating

Chapter 80
80-00-00 STARTING
80-10-00 Cranking

Chapter 81
81-00-00 Turbines (only Reciprocating Engines)

Chapter 82
82-00-00 Water Injections

Chapter 83
83-00-00 Accessory Gear Boxes (Engine Driven)

Chapter 84
84-00-00 Propulsion Augmentation

Chapter 91
91-00-00 Charts

Chapter 104
104-10-00 Technical Training Servicing
104-20-00 Technical Training Familization
104-30-00 Technical Training Maintenance

Chapter 105
105-00-00 Flight Simulator Systems

Chapter 116
116-00-00 Flight Simulator Cuing Systems