I was going to write an essay this week but there have been so many interesting posts and photographs and games, I wasted the entire day on the Web instead of creating something new. So instead, I’ve collated my very favourites as a Flying Around the Web round-up to encourage you to waste your time as well.

Here are the links, with a warning: If you have any intention of being productive, stop reading right now!

This Airbus 380 and contrail was filmed from cockpit of a Boeing 747 above the South China Sea. Hong Kong ATC notified the planes that the KLM Boeing would be flying within 1,000 feet of the Airbus and the KLM crew took the chance to make this film:

Thank you to @tinyblob who sent me this great panoramic photography of 14 cockpits:

360 Cities – Panoramic Photography Blog » I Believe I Can Fly (14 Airplane Cockpits)

If you click through to the article, you’ll find that each image links through to an interactive version where you can look around to your hearts content.

This photograph shows a Cessna 172 which flew into a Canadian home following an engine failure after take off. It’s hard to believe that the pilot hobbled away with only a broken ankle and no one else was injured. I’ve found versions all over the place but I’m pretty sure the original is by Glenn Steplock and so I’ve used the version with his attribution from Airliners.net although the email address registered with it isn’t valid so I couldn’t verify this.

[Edit: Glenn has now contacted me to confirm that he did take the photograph. I’m hopeful that he might share some more of them with us in future.]

Transportation Safety Board of Canada – AVIATION REPORTS – 2001 – A01O0157

The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules local flight from the Toronto / Buttonville Municipal Airport, Ontario. When the aircraft reached about 400 to 500 feet above ground level during the initial climb after take-off from Runway 33, the aircraft engine (Lycoming O-320-H2AD) stopped. The pilot began a forced approach and attempted unsuccessfully to restart the engine. The aircraft struck a treetop and the back of a house and came to rest on the back deck of the house. The aircraft and the house were substantially damaged. The occupants of the house were not injured; however, the pilot received serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The accident occurred at 1952 eastern daylight time during daylight.

It’s worth reading the full report to try to piece together how the pilot ended up in the side of a house on a clear day in June.

Do you have what it takes to be an Approach Controller? Vincent, the famous Plastic Pilot, has developed a fun iPhone game where you have a chance to prove yourself.

The application mimics real air traffic control systems and gives you control of speed, height and heading as you try to coordinate ever increasing traffic. You can try the “Lite” version before you buy and coordinate traffic at London Heathrow or New York JFK or buy the full version which includes ten airports to keep you challenged.

Find out more: APP Control – Air Traffic Control Game – Play air traffic controller

I posted this in the links earlier this week but honestly, I could watch it over and over again and not get bored.

This cockpit video of a twilight landing at LAX shows the SADDE Six Approach coming in over Santa Monica. The 30-minute flight is condensed to 3-minutes, making for a thrilling view of the city and the airport.

And finally: did you know that the The de Havilland Moth Educational Trust funds pilots for 10 hours conversion flying on a Tiger Moth and engineers with a bursaries for learning the restoration, maintenance and repair of vintage aircraft. This is a great opportunity for pilots and engineers in England. There is no cost involved but you must submit your application before the 28th of February.

You can get the PDF forms online: application for the 2011 Fiona McKay Flying Bursary and application for the 2011 Engineering Bursary.

What have you got to lose?