On the 8th ‘Unarcheology Radio’ mix of field recordings of birds from Venezuela, together with recordings from airplanes from all over the sky.
Among these birds, all of which recorded in Venezuela by the ornithologist Jean-Claude Roché in the early 70’s, the common Potoo take its name from its haunting call, a mournful series of whistled notes that go down in scale. They are nocturnal
and their plumage is cryptic, helping them blend into the branches on which they spend their days.
Their eyes have unusual slits in the lids, which allow Potoos to sense movement even when their eyes are closed.
Why do we drink so much tomato juice in airplanes?
According to a group of Cornell-based researchers, tomato juice tastes better up in the air. One theory: the noise level on an airplane influences our perceptions of taste.
On the ground, aircraft engines, takeoff preparations, and braking are sources of noise on aircraft.
When airborne, the aircraft engines and high speed turbulence over the fuselage are the largest sources of noise on aircraft. Announcements and mechanical noises from food and beverage service are other sources of noise.
A study of noise on Airbus A321 reported levels of 60-65 decibels (dBA) before takeoff; 80-85 dBA during flight; and 75-80 dBA during landing. The outside of aircraft engines (around 140 dB at takeoff) and conditions on other aircraft may have
higher or lower noise levels. Sound insulation also varies among aircrafts. The Airbus A321 study suggests that noise levels are higher in the rear of the cabin, near and behind the engines and propellers, and near windows.
This mix is part of a wider research on airplane culture.
In 2020 Unarcheolgoy inaugurated a cardboard flight simulator in which the pilots are
also the musicians.
On the first week of June 2022 there will be a festival of different pilots at the
Unarcheology Sound Gym at Sodas2123.
To receive updates please visit www.unarcheology.com.
Picture: Fabio Maffei