Watching the propeller spin into a blur, I feel the heartbeat of the aircraft come alive, a symphony of engineering and ambition merging into the promise of flight.

The Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, developed the airplane propeller as a key component of their pioneering aircraft, leading up to their historic first powered flight on December 17, 1903. Their journey to this innovation began in the late 1890s, when they conducted extensive research and experiments on flight, including studies of bird flight and kite tests. 

By 1902, they had gained a significant understanding of aerodynamics, which they applied to the design of their propellers. Recognizing that a propeller is essentially a rotating wing, they used their homemade wind tunnel data to determine the most efficient airfoil shapes and angles of attack. This led them to design their first efficient propellers in 1903, which they hand-carved from spruce wood (Kiln-dried spruce in two pieces Silver coating). These propellers, with a design that was remarkably modern, had an efficiency of about 82% compared to the theoretical maximum, a testament to their ingenuity and understanding of aerodynamic principles. This breakthrough in propeller design was crucial for the success of their Wright Flyer during its first flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in December 1903, marking the dawn of the aviation age.

Barry Lopez, born on January 6, 1945, was an acclaimed American author, essayist, and fiction writer, renowned for his profound insights into the natural world and its interplay with human culture. His literary career, spanning over five decades, began in 1966 and was marked by an extensive exploration of distant and exotic landscapes, including the Arctic wilderness, through his writings. Lopez's work is celebrated for its deep humanitarian and environmental concerns, reflecting a unique blend of nature writing and philosophical inquiry.

In his illustrious career, Lopez traveled to over 80 countries, immersing himself in a variety of landscapes and cultures, which greatly influenced his writing. His notable works include "Of Wolves and Men" (1978) and "Arctic Dreams: Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape" (1986), the latter winning the National Book Award for Nonfiction. These works are particularly recognized for employing natural history as a metaphor to delve into broader moral and environmental issues. His contributions also extended to various esteemed publications such as Harper's Magazine, National Geographic, and The Paris Review.

Lopez's profound connection with the natural world is beautifully encapsulated in his quote about night flying: 

"An oceanic expanse of pre-dawn gray white below obscures a checkered grid of Saskatchewan, a snow plain nicked by the dark, unruly lines of woody swales. Above the clouds, the Milky Way is a dense, blazing arch. A full moon often lights the planet freshly, and patterns of human culture, artificially lit, are striking in ways not visible in daylight." 

This quote not only showcases his lyrical writing style but also his ability to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world, as seen from the unique perspective of a night flight.

The Pushpaka Vimana, often depicted in Hindu literature and the epic Ramayana, is a mythical flying chariot or aircraft, symbolizing advanced technology and divine power. It was said to be crafted by Vishwakarma, the architect of the gods, originally for Brahma, the Creator, before being passed to Kubera, the god of wealth. However, it was seized by the demon king Ravana, who used it for his own purposes, including the abduction of Sita. After Ravana's defeat, his brother Vibhishana, who succeeded him as the king of Lanka, offered the Pushpaka Vimana to Lord Rama for his journey back to Ayodhya. Accepting this offer, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, embarked on their return to Ayodhya, a journey marked by both its miraculous nature and profound symbolism.

The return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in the Pushpaka Vimana is a pivotal moment in the Ramayana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of dharma. As they flew back, the Vimana, described as a marvel of ancient technology, could adjust its size according to the number of passengers and move at the speed of thought. This journey was not just a physical return but a restoration of moral order and rightful rule to Ayodhya, a city that had long awaited its prince. The entire city of Ayodhya, led by Bharata, Rama's devoted brother, rejoiced, celebrating their return with grandeur and joy. The streets were adorned, and the air filled with the scent of flowers, as Ayodhya welcomed its king, marking the beginning of Rama's righteous reign and the ideal of Ram Rajya, signifying a just and prosperous rule.

The return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya is intimately linked with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Celebrated widely across India and the world, Diwali commemorates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. 

Full article can be found here. 

The U.S. economy, much like an aircraft, can experience different trajectories, commonly referred to in economic terms as soft landings, hard landings, or no landing at all. Imagine piloting an aircraft: a soft landing is gradual, controlled, and minimizes jolts—similar to how an economy might cool off after a period of growth without spiraling into a recession. Conversely, a hard landing is abrupt and potentially damaging, analogous to an economic downturn or recession following a boom. The term "hard landing" in economics might have been inspired by its aviation counterpart, underscoring the abruptness and potential risks associated. Finally, when we talk of no landing, it's akin to an airplane maintaining its altitude—wherein the economy remains steady without significant upturns or downturns. As the famous economist John Maynard Keynes once said, "The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent." This highlights the unpredictable nature of economic cycles, just as pilots must be prepared for changing flight conditions.

On Dec. 17, 1903, the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, achieved a groundbreaking transition akin to moving in two dimensions (2D) to three dimensions (3D). With their Kitty Hawk Flyer, they successfully conducted the first powered flight in history. While their initial flight of the day lasted a mere 12 seconds, covering a distance of just 180 feet, it was a monumental step, demonstrating that humans could indeed navigate the skies. Not long before 1903, it was considered impossible for humans to fly. 

Time is the fourth dimension (4D) to travel, more specifically flying. Unlike flying (3D) in the 1800s, it is not considered impossible to travel in time considering Einstein's general theory of relativity, which proves it is theoretically possible. Intuitively, what we observe is not nature in itself but nature exposed to our method of questioning (Werner Heisenberg), which makes us question whether we are indeed capable of traveling in 4D. More recently, it has been proposed that time moves as it does because humans are biologically, neurologically, philosophically hardwired to experience it that way. It's like a macro-scale version of Schrödinger's cat. Einstein showed that time was relative to the observer but today it has been argued that   the observer actually creates  time itself. In other words, it can go in any direction whatsoever. 

We did a flight over Concord, CA overlooking Mt Diablo, from 3600 ft  flying at 120 knots. Rising dramatically from the San Francisco Bay Area, Mount Diablo in Concord, California, offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit, stretching as far as 200 miles on clear days, making it one of the best vantage points in Northern California.

Mount Diablo is a geological wonder, with its prominent 3,849-foot peak being visible from almost every corner of the Bay Area. It's also known for its fascinating rock formations, including the Devil's Pulpit and Sentinel Rock, which attract rock climbers seeking adventure and challenge.

Legend has it that the mountain's name, "Diablo," originated from the early Spanish settlers who thought its imposing silhouette resembled the devil. However, the true adventure lies in the vast network of hiking and biking trails, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Diablo Range.

"Catch-22," the 1970 cinematic adaptation of Joseph Heller's iconic novel, takes flight into the absurdity of war and the human psyche. As one character eloquently quips, 

"Aircraft are delicate instruments, built by men who are heroes in everything except the way they live." 

This sentiment echoes in the film's portrayal of the enigmatic Catch-22 conundrum, where pilots find themselves caught in a paradoxical spiral. As another character wryly articulates, 

"Let me see if I've got this straight: in order to be grounded, I've got to be crazy and I must be crazy to keep flying. But if I ask to be grounded, that means I'm not crazy any more and I have to keep flying." 

Against the backdrop of war's chaos, the film masterfully captures the paradoxical nature of military bureaucracy, where pilots navigate not only the skies but also the perplexing web of regulations that both guide and confound them. With its darkly comedic portrayal of the Catch-22 logic, the movie soars as a poignant commentary on the surreal intricacies of conflict and camaraderie in the world above.

We soared above the expanse adjacent to Travis Airforce Base, a parcel of land now under the ownership of a consortium of Silicon Valley visionaries. Among these luminaries are Michael Moritz from Sequoia Capital, Reid Hoffman from LinkedIn, Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon from Andreessen Horowitz, and Patrick and John Collison from Stripe. Their collective ambition? The creation of an entirely new city. The unfolding chapters of this endeavor are known only to time itself. Crafting a new cityscape has long remained a utopian aspiration, yet in this instance, reality might echo fiction given the provenance of these investors and the strategic eminence of the acquired terrain.

Though this locale might appear arid, it belies the presence of abundant water sources just south of Travis Airforce Base, rendering the task of channeling groundwater to the northern expanses decidedly feasible. In the realm of connectivity, accessibility holds promise—merely an hour's journey from the heart of San Francisco. Conversely, our own flight in the Cessna 182 saw us traverse from Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) to the site in a mere 20 minutes, underscoring its proximity.

Ah, picture this: Last year, as the fiery sun descended into the horizon, a spectacular sight unfolded before my eyes at the illustrious KOSH during the legendary Oshkosh AirVenture. USAF jets roared to life, painting the skies with their daring maneuvers, as if they were reenacting an epic battle from a far-off galaxy. It was a display that transcended reality, pushing the boundaries of what I thought possible.

But the experience didn't stop at the visual feast alone. Oh no, it was an all-encompassing adventure for the senses! The deafening roar of the engines seemed to echo across time and space, igniting a primal excitement within me. Each thunderous boom of the afterburners seemed to defy gravity itself, as if the jets were intent on tearing through the very fabric of reality.

Welcome to the serene and exhilarating world of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where the gentle embrace of aviation meets the thrill of the skies. This magnificent event brings together over 500,000 aircraft enthusiasts and a staggering fleet of 20,000 aircraft, transforming the humble KOSH airport into the bustling hub of the world. But beyond its grandeur, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh offers more than a mere aviation spectacle—it's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Lake Winnebago area. As we prepare to share our groundbreaking work on Generative AI for aviation (Details here) at this year's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, we eagerly look forward to exploring the enchanting Seaplane Base (96WI), nestled on the picturesque western shore of Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, WI. Let the accompanying video transport you to the serene sunrise of July 31, 2022, where the world awakens to the tranquil magic of 96WI at 6 am.

The Constitution only guarantees you the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself** 

On this Independence Day, let us collectively declare our personal independence, driven by an unwavering pursuit of happiness. With explosive energy and collective unity, we come together to celebrate the cherished values of freedom and free speech. This day serves as a resounding affirmation that each one of us has the inherent right to carve our own path towards joy, fulfillment, and a life lived on our own terms. It is a powerful reminder to all, that the pursuit of happiness is not just an ideal, but a fundamental and inalienable right that we fiercely defend and embrace together. May this message resonate within each of us, inspiring a shared commitment to embrace our independence and pursue a life of happiness, freedom, and self-expression.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”*

* In Congress, July 4, 1776

** Benjamin Franklin”

During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Seaplane Base (96WI) is a short bus ride from the main base (KOSH) for the seaplanes, away from the large crowds and huge planes.  It is on the west shore of Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh, WI. It is also one of the places where the runway requirements specify depth as well as length. Just like last year, we will be spending some time at 96WI. We missed the Watermelon Social at the Seaplane Base last year but plan to make it this year. Let us know if you are flying by landing or sea or land this July to EAA AirVenture and will like to meet by reaching out directly to our Founder & CEO, Aditya Mohan here.

At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Forums Plaza is where you can learn about anything about everything to do with building, flying, restoring, maintaining aircraft, and the future of aviation. As an industry leader working on the cutting edge in aviation technology and artificial intelligence, we will be presenting again this July at the  Forums Plaza at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. 

There’s more to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh than just seeing unique and cutting-edge aircrafts. We talk, connect, learn and figure out how to build them. Let us know if you are attending this July by reaching out directly to our Founder & CEO, Aditya Mohan here.

There is more to life than increasing its speed*. Seaplanes parked in the still water at the Seaplane Base (96WI) on the west shore of Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh. Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.**

Sometimes, it's important to spread your wings, find solace in stillness, and embrace relaxation, but when the moment arrives, unleash your vigor, flap your wings, and soar through the skies with boundless energy.

* Mahatma Gandhi 

** Winnie the Pooh author AA Milne

2000+ AI/ML engineers and startups gathered on  June 7th at Pier 70,  which is the largest industrial site in San Francisco during the two World Wars and has been used for shipbuilding since the Gold Rush. We were one of the Generative AI companies attending and the shear excitement, size and grandness of the the conference (Fully Connected 2023) at Pier 70 is an indication that San Francisco  has become the AI capital of the world, rising like a phoenix that can be compared the Gold Rush itself. If you are an AI/ML investor, engineer or a company, both big and small, you can’t afford to  not be here. You are missing out on the AI Gold Rush if you work remotely, away from SF Bay Area.

Amelia Earhart once said “Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?”

Four celestial angels, their wings ablaze with passion, ascend through the night sky, embracing the thrill of the unknown as they dance between heavens, their ethereal flight both a symphony of courage and a testament to their boundless exploration. In this realm of dreams with no boundaries, they become the embodiment of infinite possibilities, where imagination takes flight and the skies become a canvas for their fearless souls.

In the tapestry of night, the aircraft glides, conjuring dreams and inventing new horizons amidst the vibrant fireworks' ride. If you can dream it, you can make it happen.   

Imagination is the beginning of creation *

First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare. **

George Bernard Shaw * 

Walt Disney**

During the week of May 30th 2023, we attended SF TechWeek organized by a16z.  Good news is that it was great to see both investors and startups alike out and attending close to 100+ events 

happening during the week/end. The bad news was that most events were sold out well in advance.  

Some of the top highlights from the event included Cocktails Party and panel on AGI & Industrial 4.0 organized by TSVC & Acorn Pacific Ventures, AI Mad Tea Party organized by the DVC Fund, M12, Microsoft, & Modernist, Responsible Innovation Founders & Funders Dinner by LTSE, VCs & Cocktails With Kauffman Fellows and Brave Capital. We also attended the Building Safe AI panel with Google & US Congress  representatives, where our Founder & CEO Aditya Mohan had a good conversation with Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, serving California’s 16th district and part of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus. 

We at Robometrics Machines believe in working hard but playing even harder. We were invited to the Shipwreck Mansion After Party with Codi, Luma & Hipclip, where we got together with old friends and made new ones.  We definitely played hard at the party until late at night. Yes, we are hiring. Check us out here: https://www.robometricsagi.com/careers

As a Founder or an investor, you should not be surprised that one weekend you are dancing and flying paper planes while a weekend before you were flying real ones. Flying is a lifestyle. The Age of the Aquarius started in 2023. Let’s make full use of this change, commotion and challenges as investors or builders in this new earth. 2023 is the year to defy the defaults and age old assumptions. The basis of mathematics is a set of axioms and postulates that are picked by an observer and are taken for granted. There is no unique choice. Changing the underlying axioms or postulates, in other words assumptions, for a discipline such as mathematics, results in a different understanding and result. This is also the basis of the First Principle Thinking.

Last year at Oshkosh 2022, we saw the Marine’s V-22 Osprey in action. It is a multi-engine vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor aircraft designed for combat and Special Operations missions.  It transports troops, equipment, and supplies from assault ships and land bases.These V-22 Osprey are not only a military aircrafts, but also a presidential transport. It is used by the White House staff as part of the HMX-1 squadron based in Quantico, Virginia. You will usually see 3 of these escorting Marine One. These  tilt-rotor aircraft fly also the Secret Service agents that follow “Marine One”

The eVOLT (electric vertical take-off and landing) is a variant of VOLTs with similar fundamentals with the former being electric. Even though VOLT aircrafts such as Marine’s V-22 Osprey have been around for some time, for commercial use with the public, the FAA needs to certify, provide standards for the pilots of such VOLT, and integrate them into the air space. 

Our team at Robometrics® Machines is working on possible use of our Robometrics® AGI within the eVOLT aircrafts, now that these are indeed a reality with the first commercial flight happening in late 2024/ early 2025 based on the FAA.

May 5, 2023. Looks like we are going to have the LA Olympics with flying taxis (eVTOL)! Based on FAA, late 2024, early 2025 for the first commercial flying taxi flight. 2025 for generally available commercial timeframe for flying taxi. The price point sounds like it will be similar to what we would have paid for Uber/Lyft. The safety requirements for an eVTOL will be similar to a Cessna or a Boeing 787. Final blue print is coming out this summer. 

The FAA has released an updated blueprint for Advanced Air Mobility operations to accommodate future air taxis. The blueprint outlines a phased approach where air taxis will initially use existing routes and infrastructure and gradually move towards more complex corridors between major airports and vertiports in city centers.

"Old airplanes are like old friends - you may not be able to see them every day, but you're comforted knowing they're still around." Look what we found - the two Bent-Wing Bird (with two jets). 

This “Bent-Wing Bird”, Vought F4U-4 Corsair BuNo 97143 N713JT JT-416 is a famous aircraft that was flown by Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, the leader of the Black Sheep Squadron during World War II. Boyington is credited with shooting down 28 enemy planes while flying various aircraft, including the Corsair. 

However, what makes this particular plane fascinating is that it was later restored to its original condition and was flown by Boyington himself in 1977, more than 30 years after he last flew the Corsair in combat. This makes it one of the few aircraft that was flown by a famous World War II ace in both combat and in its restored condition.

"A person on a bicycle was more energy efficient than a condor in flight and many times more energy efficient than a person in an automobile."

Technology makes us more human, not less. Technology amplifies our consciousness if used in the right direction. Law of accelerated returns existed even before humans invented wheels since before humans invented wheels they invented a way to communicate - that’s information. Law of accelerated returns applies to anything information. So as long as we continue to use information in the right direction, technology will continue to amplify our abilities and make us more human.

Photo: Bicycle article in Scientific American by S. S. Wilson, printed in the March 1973 edition of the magazine.

Getting to Oshkosh's Wittman Regional Airport for Oshkosh Airventure week is an adventure of its own and equally exciting. Last year, we touched down in a Piper Cheyenne. There is a simple way to get there via a shuttle bus after flying commercial to a smaller airport nearby although you can't fly commercial directly into Wittman Regional Airport for the AirVenture week. This is what makes it more exciting. You will either fly your aircraft or coordinate with other fellow pilots to team up and land at Oshkosh. The landing in itself is an experience of its own as you go over the corn fields and land next to the row of "Ketaks" in this Lost City of Atlantis. We will be at Oshkosh AirVenture this year as well. Get in touch with us if you are also planning to attend Oshkosh Airventure 2023. We certainly are. Let the adventure begin with planning for it. 

We found another C-17 that was different from the one we met parked. This one was ready to fly at the flight line. It is a Boeing C-17A Globemaster III with serial 50056/ F055 / P52 belonging to USAF. These may be so much fun to fly, almost like driving one of those mining trucks. Reminds us of Hughes H-4 Hercules from November 2. 1947. The flight lasted just 26 seconds. "Spruce Goose"

"Eternity is in love with the productions of time.” - William Blake

Eternity is fundamental where time stands still which your mind conceptualizes as time. You lose sense of time and space when you are really focused, in love with something you are doing, or someone. It feels like a couple of seconds when it has been hours. To Howard Robard Hughes Jr., those 26 seconds when the Spruce Goose were like eternity, as we can imagine today. Character, passion, perseverance, persistence and love. "The Super Mario Effect" (the 8-bit Italian plumber). 

As the sun set behind the horizon, three aircrafts took to the skies, their silhouettes illuminated by the orange and pink hues of the evening sky. Among them was a vintage biplane, its curved wings and open cockpit a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. Flanking the biplane were two sleek and modern jets, their powerful engines roaring as they effortlessly kept pace with the older aircraft. As they flew in formation, the three planes seemed to dance in the sky, moving with grace and precision. It was a beautiful sight, one that captured the hearts of all who watched from below, as they marveled at the harmony of old and new, past and present, coming together in perfect synchrony.

We spotted a 1942 Douglas DC-3 (C-47-DL) with call sign N734H at Oshkosh last year. A 32 seater with two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp engines. It is a true vintage gem, having been in service for over 80 years. N734H has had quite the adventurous life, having been used for everything from military transport during World War II to hauling cargo in remote regions of Alaska. Interestingly enough, when we asked ChatGPT about an interesting facts about N734H, it mentioned that  N734H is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a mischievous flight attendant who still occasionally pops up to help out with in-flight service - or play pranks on unsuspecting passengers! We were not able to find any article about Ghost in N734H when we checked on Google Search. 

Deciding whether to build or buy an aircraft depends on various factors, such as your budget, skill level, time availability, and personal preferences. Homebuilding an aircraft can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for those who enjoy hands-on work, have the necessary skills, and can devote the time and effort required. Building your own plane also allows you to customiz it to your exact specifications, which is not always possible when buying a pre-built aircraft. Additionally, homebuilt aircraft can be more cost-effective in some cases.

However, building an aircraft from scratch is not for everyone, and it requires significant time, expertise, and resources. For those who do not have the necessary skills or time, buying a pre-built aircraft can be a better option. Purchasing an aircraft offers convenience and speed, as well as a wider range of choices in terms of models, features, and accessories. It also provides peace of mind, as the aircraft has already undergone rigorous testing and certification.