Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Sky Dancing

According to the FAA (FAR §91.303), aerobatic flight is defined as "an intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in an aircraft's attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration, not necessary for normal flight." A more general, but equally accurate description, might be "sky dancing."

Watching the Barn Swallows at the McInnis Ponds is a real trip. For a minute they swarm in a tight group, only to disperse and fly every which way. Then back again, all together, in a pack. I have seen computer models of swarming, but they don't explain the communication part of the activity.

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