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Tochi Aviation, Festac Town (2025)

08/07/2025

Derubberlization: The Process That Saves Lives on the Runway

Do you know that when an aircraft lands, its tires don’t roll smoothly on the runway at first? Instead, they hit the ground with so much force and speed that they briefly slide before gaining full grip. This sliding creates a lot of heat and causes the rubber on the tires to melt slightly. That melted rubber sticks to the runway surface, leaving behind dark marks.

As more aircraft land every day, the rubber keeps building up on the runway. Over time, the rough texture of the runway surface gets covered with smooth rubber. When this happens, the runway starts losing its grip. This is very dangerous because aircraft rely on the friction between their tires and the runway to slow down and stop after landing. If there is not enough grip, the aircraft might skid, especially during rain or wet conditions.

This is why airports all over the world do something called derubberlization. It is the process of cleaning the rubber deposits off the runway to make it safe again.

The cleaning is done using a special machine called a runway rubber removal truck. This machine has powerful high-pressure water jets that spray water onto the runway to break up the rubber. It also has large vacuum hoses that suck up the loosened rubber and water. Sometimes, chemicals are added to help dissolve the rubber more effectively. After the process, the runway surface is back to its original rough texture, which helps aircraft tires grip the ground properly.

Derubberlization is not a one-time job. Airports schedule it regularly depending on how busy their runways are. Very busy airports might do it every few months, while others might do it once or twice a year.

Without derubberlization, runways would quickly become unsafe for landing aircraft. It is one of the unseen but very important activities that keep air travel safe for everyone. Next time you see those dark rubber streaks on a runway or see a special truck cleaning them off, you will know why it is so important.

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08/07/2025

💔 Tragedy at Milan Airport as Man Loses His Life
A very sad incident happened today at Milan Bergamo Airport. A man was killed after being pulled into the engine of a Volotea Airbus A319 aircraft that was about to depart for Asturias in Spain.

The aircraft was ready for takeoff with all passengers on board when the man suddenly ran towards it on the tarmac. Unfortunately, he got too close to the running engine and died instantly.

Airport operations were immediately suspended as emergency teams arrived at the scene. Several flights were delayed and others diverted while the situation was being handled.

Authorities are still investigating how the man was able to access such a restricted area of the airport.

This is truly a heartbreaking moment for everyone involved. May his soul rest in peace.

06/07/2025

STRENGTH OF A WOMAN

✨✈️ HISTORY IN THE SKIES! ✈️✨

Captain Irene Koki has done it again! 🙌
She had the honor of commanding the inaugural Kenya Airways flight to London Gatwick last night, alongside the amazing Captain Cathleen Kangethe.

These two phenomenal women continue to inspire us all that “Girls Fly” is more than a hashtag – it’s a movement! 🌍💪🏾

🌟 This is not just aviation. This is history.

02/07/2025

Do You Know That Cabin Crew Don't Eat Just Anything?

Have you ever wondered about the eating habits of the cabin crew on your flight? Contrary to popular belief, flight attendants don't just eat anything they find. Their food choices are often deliberate and carefully considered for several important reasons.

Maintaining Optimal Health and Energy

Cabin crew members work long hours in a physically demanding environment, often crossing multiple time zones. To stay alert and energetic, they need to maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients. High-protein foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are common choices that help sustain their energy levels and keep them feeling their best throughout the flight.

Avoiding Digestive Issues

Flying at high altitudes can sometimes cause digestive discomfort. To avoid this, many cabin crew members steer clear of foods that are known to cause bloating or gas, such as carbonated drinks, beans, and certain vegetables. Instead, they opt for easily digestible foods that won't cause discomfort while they're on duty.

Adhering to Hygiene Standards

Cabin crew members are trained to adhere to strict hygiene standards, which includes being mindful of food safety. They avoid foods that are prone to spoilage or contamination, ensuring they don’t risk foodborne illnesses that could incapacitate them during a flight. Pre-packaged and sealed foods are often preferred for their safety and convenience.

Managing Time Efficiently

The busy schedules of flight attendants mean that they often have limited time to eat. They choose foods that are quick and easy to consume between their various duties. Snacks like nuts, granola bars, and yogurt are popular for their portability and nutritional value.

Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for cabin crew members due to the dehydrating effects of cabin air. They prioritize drinking water regularly and often avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate them.

Conclusion

Next time you're on a flight, take a moment to appreciate the thought and care that goes into the eating habits of the cabin crew. Their mindful choices help them maintain the high level of service and safety that passengers rely on. So, while passengers might enjoy the in-flight meals and snacks, the crew is often making more strategic decisions to keep themselves healthy and ready to assist whenever needed.

Joy Ogbebo

28/06/2025

Celebrating my 2nd year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

28/06/2025

STRENGTH OF A WOMAN

Hadiza Oboh – The Pilot Who Broke the Sky and Paid the Price

When we talk about Nigerian heroes, we often forget the quiet legends—the ones who didn’t just make history, but made it possible for others to dream. One of such icons was Hadiza Lantana Oboh, Nigeria’s first and only female pilot with Nigeria Airways in her time.

A Dream That Took Flight

Born in 1959, Hadiza Oboh wasn't raised to believe that the sky was the limit—she believed it was just the beginning. At a time when being a pilot was mostly reserved for men, Hadiza trained, worked hard, and earned her seat in the cockpit. In 1984, she joined the prestigious Nigeria Airways as a Flight Officer on the Boeing 737-200.

For any woman to step into that position during that era was groundbreaking. But Hadiza did more than just step in—she soared. She was smart, highly skilled, and determined. She didn’t just open the door for other women—she flew it wide open.

She became a symbol of what was possible, proving to thousands of young Nigerian girls that they, too, could fly planes, wear the captain’s hat, and command the skies. Her story was one of hope, strength, and change.

😔 A Tragic Descent

But on February 8, 1998, that bright story took a horrifying turn. Hadiza was found missing from her Ikoyi home in Lagos. For days, her family and friends were confused and scared. Then, the unthinkable happened.

Her body was discovered stuffed inside the septic tank of her own compound—hidden by the very people she had trusted. Her security guard (Abdullahi), gardener (Peter Eche), and other domestic staff had brutally murdered her during what appeared to be a robbery. After killing her, they cleaned up the scene and tried to erase her existence by dumping her body in the tank, locking up the house, and fleeing with some of her belongings.

It was a crime that shocked the nation.

Some suspects were later caught, but others vanished. To this day, many believe justice was never fully served. The aviation industry mourned. Her colleagues, students, and admirers were left devastated.

💔 A Legacy That Still Flies

Hadiza Oboh wasn’t just Nigeria’s first female airline pilot. She was a symbol of defiance, determination, and dreams fulfilled. Even in death, her story continues to inspire.

She showed that being a woman in a male-dominated industry wasn’t a weakness—it was a superpower. She reminded us that with passion and resilience, no dream is too far-fetched. But she also taught us, through her painful end, that evil often hides in plain sight, and trust can be tragically misplaced.

🌹 We Remember

Hadiza Oboh may no longer be with us, but her legacy still flies high. Every female pilot who wears a uniform today in Nigeria stands on the wings she built. She showed us that dreams are valid, and that the sky is big enough for everyone—man or woman.

Let’s continue to remember her name, her courage, and her contribution to Nigerian aviation. 💔✈️

Today, many female pilots, dispatchers, and aviation professionals walk through the doors that Hadiza opened. Her name may not be in every textbook, but in every Nigerian woman who dares to dream big, she lives on.

We remember Hadiza not just for how she died, but for how she lived—bold, brilliant, and unapologetically fearless.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her story continue to fuel the dreams of future aviators.

23/06/2025

Airspace Closed: UAE and Qatar Suspend Flights Amid Rising Tension

In a developing situation across the Middle East, both United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar have closed their airspace to commercial flights. The move comes in response to growing security concerns in the region, with potential threats prompting immediate action from both countries.

🇶🇦 Qatar Shuts Down Airspace

Qatar was the first to take action, closing its airspace amid rising tension linked to possible missile strikes around key U.S. installations, particularly the Al-Udeid Air Base. Inbound flights were diverted mid-air, and outbound traffic was suspended until further notice.

🇦🇪 UAE Follows With Closure

Shortly after, UAE airspace also went offline. Live air traffic control (ATC) audio and flight path data confirm that multiple flights have been:

Diverted away from UAE,
Put on hold, or
Circling in holding patterns around regional airports.
This disruption affects major carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and others operating across the Gulf region.

✈️ What This Means for Travelers and Aviation Personnel

Expect delays and cancellations on flights heading to or from Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

Longer flight paths will be used as aircraft reroute to avoid the affected airspace.

Airlines are actively adjusting schedules; passengers should stay updated via their airline's channels.

Dispatchers and operators should monitor real-time NOTAMs and coordinate alternative routes where necessary.

🛡️ Safety First

While the closures are temporary, they reflect the seriousness of the current security climate. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and updates will follow as new information becomes available.

To all aviators, passengers, and professionals across the industry — stay alert, stay informed, and prioritize safety.

21/06/2025

How Planes Fly: The 4 Forces That Control Every Flight (

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered how something as heavy as an airplane stays up there? It looks like magic, but it’s actually science — and at the heart of it are four main forces: Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag.

Every time an aircraft takes off, flies through the air, or comes in to land, these four forces are constantly at play, either working together or against each other. Let’s break them down one by one using simple words anyone can understand.

1. Lift – The Upward Force

Lift is what helps the aircraft rise off the ground. It works against gravity. When the engines push the plane forward fast enough, air flows over the wings in a special way that creates pressure differences. The air pressure under the wing becomes higher than the air pressure on top, and this causes the plane to be lifted upwards.

So, Lift fights against the plane’s Weight.

If Lift is more than Weight, the aircraft climbs into the sky.

2. Weight – The Downward Force

Weight is simply the force caused by gravity. It pulls everything down, including airplanes. The bigger or heavier the aircraft, the more weight it has. For a plane to fly, the lift generated must overcome the weight trying to pull it back down.

If Weight becomes more than Lift, the aircraft starts to descend or fall.

3. Thrust – The Forward Force

Thrust is what moves the aircraft forward. It’s generated by the engines — whether they are jet engines or propellers. The more thrust you have, the faster the plane goes. Without thrust, a plane would just sit still or fall because it wouldn’t have enough speed to generate lift.

If Thrust is greater than Drag, the aircraft speeds up or accelerates.

4. Drag – The Backward Force

Drag is the resistance the airplane feels as it moves through the air. Think of it like the wind pushing against you when you’re running. The faster you go, the more drag you feel. Pilots always try to manage drag so the plane can fly efficiently.

If Drag is more than Thrust, the aircraft slows down.
Understanding the Balance
An aircraft needs to balance these four forces properly to maintain a stable and safe flight. Here's a quick summary:

Lift > Weight → Plane climbs
Weight > Lift → Plane descends
Thrust > Drag → Plane speeds up
Drag > Thrust → Plane slows down
During takeoff, pilots apply full thrust to overcome drag and gain enough speed to generate lift. During cruise, the goal is to balance lift and weight, as well as thrust and drag, to keep the plane flying smoothly at the same altitude and speed. During landing, thrust is reduced so drag can help slow the plane down, and lift becomes less than weight so the aircraft can descend.

Why This Matters
Understanding these four forces is the foundation of everything in aviation. Whether you’re a future pilot, a flight dispatcher, an engineer, or just someone who loves planes, you need to understand how these forces interact. It's not about being a genius — it's about appreciating the basics.

The beauty of aviation lies in the fact that every single takeoff and landing is a careful balance of these forces. It’s like a silent conversation between the airplane and the sky, and once you understand it, you’ll never look at flying the same way again.

Save this post, share it, and keep learning. The sky is waiting for you.

19/06/2025

"Meet Captain Dominique Leonard-Curry: One of Only Nine Black Female Captains at American Airlines"

In a world where the skies should belong to everyone, representation still has a long way to go. That’s why it’s a big deal—a really big deal—when someone like Captain Dominique Leonard-Curry steps into the cockpit.

She’s officially the 9th Black female Captain at American Airlines, a company with over 15,000 pilots on its roster. That number alone should make you pause. Out of thousands—only nine look like her.

And she’s not just flying planes. She’s flying the flag for visibility, change, and possibility.

So, who is Captain Curry?

She’s a proud daughter of Jeffersonville, Indiana, who first fell in love with aviation at church when she met a pilot from UPS. That moment sparked something powerful.

By age 14, she was attending aviation camps. At 16, she was flying planes. And somehow, she balanced it all with sports, music, and school leadership.

She didn’t stop there.

She earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Aviation Science from the prestigious Purdue University. Before flying commercial jets, she served as a flight instructor and college lecturer, helping guide future pilots—many of whom had never seen a Black woman in that space.

In May 2022, she joined American Airlines. Today, she commands an Airbus out of Washington D.C. (DCA).

But that’s just one part of her story.

Captain Curry is also a wife, a mother of three daughters (ages 14, 9, and 7), and an active mentor to young aviators. She helps run the Sisters of the Skies social media committee, and she works with AA’s recruitment team to bring more diversity into the flight deck.

She’s a real-life superhero—managing home, career, faith, and community without missing a beat.

She travels, writes, cheers on her girls in gymnastics and sports, and keeps lifting others while she climbs.

Why this matters

Because Black women make up less than 1%—some say less than 0.1%—of the pilot population. Captain Curry’s journey is not just about her. It’s about every young Black girl who now knows this dream is possible because someone made it visible.

She’s not just flying planes. She’s changing flight paths.

And that deserves to be celebrated.

✈️💫

13/06/2025

BREAKING UPDATE – Air India Crash

Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Flight: AI171 (Ahmedabad – London)
Location: Meghninagar, Ahmedabad

An Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad and claimed the lives of all crew members.

Pilot 👨‍✈️
• Captain Sumeet Sabharwal – veteran Boeing 787 commander with approximately 8,200 flight hours

• First Officer Clive Kundar - had logged around 1,100 flight hours

Flight Attendant 🧑🏻‍✈️
• Roshni Rajendra Songhare, a flight attendant and travel influencer
• Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam, a young cabin crew member from Manipur

Other confirmed cabin crew members who lost their lives are:
- Saineeta Chakravarti
- Deepak Pathak
- Maithili Patil
- Irfan Shaikh
- Lamnunthem Singson
- Shradha Dhavan
- Aparna Mahadik
- Manisha Thapa

May their souls rest in peace

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