In 2015 I presented a paper breaking down the theory of a potential method which determines an aircraft drag polar without requiring any engine thrust information. The paper contained lengthily theoretical analysis and esoteric performance concepts and did not attract any particular attention. Today I received a message from Israel Defense Forces that they are applying the method.
Sometimes it takes a while for your work to get recognized.
A reference to me is found in Astronaut.ru which is a Russian website with history on astronauts and astronaut candidates/finalists.
I remember looking up this website about 10 years ago, finding some distinguished colleagues of mine. Now I find myself there. Feels like a honorable recognition to my journey. Thanks to the website team. (English translated captures below)
Панагиотис А. Витсас
Great experience to fly Delta India Mike from TLS to ATH. The longest single sector I ‘ve done in the a/c (~1100nm). Interesting upgrade on avionics (standard 4), though the effect on our operations is expected to be small.
At TLS I had the chance to meet my flight test buddy Nunzio who showed me around Airbus.
Glad to have been invited to join the Flight Operations Department. A number of projects are currently underway. One which has been completed is the development of a Fuel Analysis tool which works on a database created by Daily Fuel Reports. The tool generates various statistics and trends on fuel for multiple a/c types and different flights useful for operational purposes.
Two of my July memorable flights:
Back to Canada after more than 2 years of absence. Got to take care of some general business, plus got to fly in a Cessna 340 for an FTE check ride plus my dear Piper Cub out of WOFC – definitely one of the things I miss most from my ‘previous life’…
One go-around and two diversions in the same day.
Actually night IFR with TSRA, gusting winds, and icing conditions…
Six days in Vienna Austria for the completion of the difference course between 42/72-600 and 42/72-500. Going back from glass cockpit to EFIS and gauges is a huge lesson. Already completed a short line training and started flying the 42-500.
New Year, New Goals, New Challenges. Pretty much the same Dreams…
Reviewing Aviation papers for one more year. I have the feeling that AI has affected paper/abstract submission among other things. Wondering whether AI will be doing all this work in the near future…
