Solar Powered Plane Traverses the Pacific Ocean Highlighting the Importance of Renewable Energy (Video)

The Solar Impulse, a plane powered by nothing other than the sun has succeeded in crossing the Pacific Ocean. This amazing accomplishment highlights the capabilities and the importance of renewable energy. This record setting voyage was flown by pilot Andre Borschberg. The 118-hours it took to make the journey breaks a record for the longest nonstop solo flight ever.

Solar Plane in the Process of Setting a Record by Circumnavigating the Globe

A solar powered plane is making its way around the world. The lightweight plane is called Solar Impulse 2, it has a wingspan wider than a 747. The carbon fiber and polymer impregnated paper plane incorporates high performance energy management software, advanced lithium-ion batteries powered by 17,000 high efficiency solar cells.

The two rotating pilots hope to fly the plane into the record books. The flight began in Abu Dhabi on March 9 and is expected to conclude its global voyage in July of this year. The first leg of the journey took the plane to Muscat, Oman and then on to India on March 10.

Video: GE Creating Jobs with Fuel Efficient Airplanes

GE has launched a new ad campaign that shows American innovation at work and the company’s commitment to providing Americans jobs by building quieter and more fuel-efficient airplanes.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

EPA Proposes Standards for the Airline Industry

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards for engines used in large commercial aircraft. In addition to being a global warming causing greenhouse gas (GHG), NOx emissions are known to cause and aggravate lung diseases and increase susceptibility to respiratory infection.

The proposed standards came shortly after the courts upheld the EPA's responsibility to regulate carbon emissions from aviation. As reported in Courthouse News, early in July, a US District Court judge denied a motion to dismiss claims that the EPA had failed to investigate aircraft engine emissions. He said that the agency had ignored “a required component of the regulatory process.”