Tornadoes Over Tennessee, an Airborne Perspective

We had some bad weather last week. The storm system that hit Tennessee last Friday spawned several Tornadoes and destroyed portions of many mid-state cities. With eight dead in the upscale Woodhaven subdivision, the city of Gallatin was hardest hit.

Since I had already planned on flying the following Sunday, a friend and I chose to survey the damage. Fortunately, the destruction in Gallatin was not as bad as the media had reported it.

I have seen tornado damage from the air before, and it was a humbling experience. This time, however, I was quite relieved for the people of Gallatin. From the air, it was evident that the tornado had only grazed them, trailing through some empty fields before carving a small path through the upscale Woodhaven subdivision. Its path suggested a collision-course for a nearby power-plant, but the twister evidently dissipated. According to a report in the Tennesseean, the Gallatin tornado was an F3 on the Fujita scale.

For the pilots reading this, exercise extreme caution if you choose to examine any disaster damage. During the ten minutes I spent circling the area, there were four airplanes in the vicintity doing the same. As a pilot, your first obligation is to fly the airplane, and that includes collision avoidance. Also, be sure to check for TFR's prior to departure, as traffic may interfere with relief efforts in your area.

South Korean Air Force Seeks Cyber-Athletes

South Korea's Air Force is searching for professional gamers to aide in the development of war-simulation games, said officials.

According to a report by Stars and Stripes, five pro-gamers have already been selected, and they will work in the air force headquarters after completing a military training course.

The goal is to expand military capability by harnessing skilled human resources, and to meet the demand of online gamers who have asked for alternate forms of military service to maintain their skill.

Selected gamers will act as game testers for flight and war-game simulations. They can also compete in e-sports tournaments, but will not be allowed to receive prize money during their terms.

"Generally, professional gamers are very skilled in dealing with computer-related things. We're sure their capabilities will produce a substantial synergy effect for the military's online programs," said public affairs officer First Lieutenant Park Seung-yup.

Andrew Seong, a spokesman for the Korea e-Sports Association said, "We're very appreciative of that decision. It's a great opportunity for pro-gamers to contribute their special abilities to the country."

Many South Korean gamers give up competitive play due to the country's compulsory military service law, which requires all able-bodied men over 20 to serve in the military for two years.

Links:
Stars and Stripes
The Korea Times