Airbus A-380 Experiences an Uncontained Engine Failure

A Qantas Airways Airbus A380 en route from Singapore to Sydney experienced an uncontained engine failure and was forced to dump fuel and make an emergency landing in Singapore. Debris was reported to have fallen from flight QF32 as it passed over the Indonesian island of Batam and witnesses heard a loud explosion as the plane flew overhead.

There were 459 passengers on board with no reported injuries, but two people on the ground in Batam were hit by falling debris from the Airbus A380's blown engine. Authorities were initially concerned that the aircraft had crashed but the Qantas Airways A380 returned safely to Singapore. Qantas Airways has grounded its fleet of A380s until the problem can be determined and repaired.

The incident occurred during the takeoff and climb phase of the flight when the engines were under their most strain. Mechanically this is the most demanding and riskiest part of any flight as the engines are at a high power setting and the aircraft is climbing at low altitude. Qantas has six operational Airbus A380's with 20 more on order and there are 37 A380's in service with other airlines around the world.

The Aircraft has the capability of carrying up to 800 passengers depending on the aircraft configuration. The cause of the engine failure is under investigation and Rolls Royce who made and designed the engines is working with Airbus and the air carriers to determine and rectify any mechanical or design flaws which may be responsible for the failure.

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A Different View of Singapore

Many view Singapore as city filled with ultra-modern gadgets, the latest entertainment and many technological advances. Therefore, it is no wonder that the world's tallest Ferris wheel - the Singapore Flyer - is a tourist favorite. For a passenger that reaches the highest point of the wheel, not only are the bright lights of Singapore visible from a height equal to 45 stories, the Indonesian islands Bintan and Batam can also be seen across the sea. The Singapore flyer provides a wonderfully breathtaking view of the contrast between the metropolis on one side and the ocean on the other.

The Singapore Flyer is located at the furthest point of Marina Bay and offers one of the finest views to be seen of the city anywhere. A visit here promises more than simply a unique observation deck, as the terminal building also has a variety of fine dining restaurants that offer amazing views across the bay.

The construction and opening of the Singapore Flyer itself is an eye-opener in to the customs that are practiced in this part of the world. The design of the wheel borrows heavily from traditional Chinese architecture and was designed in consultation with many Feng Shui masters, who even changed the original direction of the wheel. On the opening day of the Singapore Flyer, thousands clamored for tickets that were sold to a total value of 8,888 Singapore dollars, which is considered to be an auspicious number in Chinese astrology.

The best time to ride the Singapore Flyer is at night. Despite not being able to identify specific landmarks during this time, the colorful myriad of lights across the city makes for an unforgettable experience.

Not only can one enjoy a bird's eye view from this giant observatory wheel, but also delight in the unique experience of flying a Boeing 737 aircraft. The Flight Experience, is yet another addition to the exciting Singapore Flyer where visitors can take a ride in a real flight simulator and enjoy the experience of landing and taking off a commercial plane.

On level 2 is the exciting fish spa, where the exotic fish Garra Rufa imported from Turkey will give you a pedicure to remember. Dining and shopping are other activities that one could partake in at the Flyer. A one-stop entertainment option, ensure that a trip to this fantastic attraction is on the agenda.

The flyer is located close to many a Singapore hotel and even the highly centralized Raffles Hotel, Singapore, considered the most prominent luxury hotel in Singapore with a long and cherished history.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Do You Know What Wakeboarding Is?

Water sports are breath taking. They take us to the extreme point of excitements. I love all water sports that include skiing, rafting and wakeboarding etc. They give great enjoyments but they are dangerous too.

Most of us are interested in taking an adventure trip. It gives the opportunity to enjoy the trip to the fullest. It provides satisfaction of discovering new things or just for great fun. So I am going to talk about a water sport in this article. I would like to share few interesting information about wakeboarding with you.

What is wakeboarding?

Wakeboarding is a surface water sport. It is an activity of taking ride on the water surface using the wakeboard or skateboard. This technique is the combination of the techniques involved in water skiing, snowboarding and surfing.

A motorboat with wakeboard tower, a cable, foam lifejackets and a wakeboard are used in this sport. Wakeboarding is organized by the international waterski and wakeboard Federation (IWWF). Since 2005, wakeboarding is a non Olympic Games supported by IOC.

Wakeboarding was introduced in late 1980s. It has designed after the arrival of skiboarding. Paul Fraser and his brother Murray developed this concept and design. They sponsored this to a Professional snowboarder. Paul named this sport as "Wakeboarding".

Wakeboards are produced with the core of foam or honeycomb mixed with resin and coated with fiberglass. Metal screws are inserted to attach bindings and fins. The configuration and positioning differs according to the rider's preference. It can be done by adjusting the screws.

For safety and best enjoyment, this sport is normally conducted in lakes. These days, intercoastal waterways are also becoming popular water surface to do wakeboarding.

What do you do while wakeboarding?

Wakeboarding is riding behind the motor boats on the skateboard or wakeboard. A cable will be connected from the tower of the boat and the handle will be given to the wake boarder. The speed of the ride will be 18 to 24 miles per hour. Also it depends on the water conditions, rider's weight and the rider's comfortable speed.

This is the excitement process of wakeboarding. Adventure travelers never like to be quite in their rides. You can see them changing their hands, diving, dancing etc. Sometimes they would touch the dangerous edge and came up. I would like to share some good tips and tricks on wakeboarding.

1. The trick of pumping can be done to increase your speed. It should match with the speed of the boat where you have connected. It makes you push down and let up with your front foot on the wakeboard.

2. Once you wake up on the board, accelerate slowly towards the boat till you feel comfortable.

3. As a beginner you can do 1 wake, gunny hop, crouch down and touch water, side slide and surf the wake. These are the tricks performed by the beginners. Intermediate rider would twist and advanced rider would use many tricks to enjoy the ride to the fullest. Expert's tricks will be awesome to watch.

4. There are professional courses available for wakeboarding.

5. Follow the basic rules such as wearing a life jacket, standing posture etc.

6. Stay slow and increase your speed gradually. It will help you to be balanced on the board. So the drags will be easy and efficient.

7. Use inboard boat for safe wakeboarding.

Why do people like Wake boarding?

Though it's an individual performance, we have the hope of holding a boat. The risks are really less in wake boarding compared to other water sports. We can be safe, at the same time we can enjoy the exciting moments on the ride.

Small boys and girls can also enjoy riding on the kneeboard. It is safe compared to all the other water games. Most of the rides will be conducted on lakes.

I am sure that you are inspired to learn this exciting water sport. I would recommend you to get trained in Indonesia. You can enjoy your wakeboarding at Bali and Batam in Indonesia.

Why would people go with Indonesian wake boarding?

South East Asian Islands has feasible atmosphere for any kind of water sports. Many water games have been introduced in those Islands. Among all the south east islands, Indonesia is the largest archipelago, with more than 18,000 islands spanning three time zones.

South East Asia is suitable for all kind of water and beach games.

Wake Boarding (or Knee Boarding) has a go at that double flip, or just learn to stand up! Whilst most beaches are more suitable for surfing, you can enjoy wakeboarding at Bali, and surrounds. Bali and Batam are the wonderful destination provides wonderful wakeboarding experience.

Experienced professionals would train you with quality tricks which help you to experience the greatest adventure. There are many training schools in Indonesia. The fee is economical. You can enjoy 30 minutes of wakeboarding by paying USD50 at Bali. There will be no charge for the instruction time. The west side of the Tanjung Benoa peninsula is perfect destination. The water (very windy days aside) is usually like glass and is great for wakeboarding. Most of the wakeboarding toppers are from Indonesia.

It is easy to travel to Indonesia from anywhere in the world. The visa process is simple and you can get here shortly. Enjoy your wakeboarding in Indonesia!

Tracy Barb has written many travel guide. GuideGecko is an online travel bookstore provides most completed Singapore travel guide.

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