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Weekend


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December 13, 2002

Strange But True!

  • A weekly column of incidental information, off-the-wall observations and other random facts about the world.
    • By BILL SONES and RICH SONES, Ph.D.
    Special to the Journal

    Q. What are a few tricks of the classic skywriter's trade and of the more modern "skytyper"? What letters are hardest for these aeroscribes to make?

    A. Meticulous flight-plan details and knowing when to turn the smoke on/off are key, says NewScientist.com. Straight lines are compass-driven, smooth curves come from skillful banking, equi-sized letters show good timing. It's not real white smoke a-hanging heavenly but non-polluting oils vaporized in the heat of the plane's exhaust system.


     
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