Al Waterloo - The Ramp is Alive With the Sound of Beta

Constantly I am harassed by my co-workers about going into beta but who cares. If you don't know what beta is that's okay. You just need to know what it sounds like. Its probably one of the coolest aviation sounds out there. Beta a.k.a. ground fine, has its very practical uses for operating aircraft. It kind of gives you that same feeling of wearing Carhart on the first snow fall of the year. Its a great feeling. By simply pulling back on your power levers you can almost wake up the entire neighborhood by creating an awesome sound. You can also almost stop on a dime by going into beta, but who cares about that? Wait....I kinda do. When the engines and propellers go into beta, the propellers slap the air in such a funny way that it creates the best sound ever. Its so distinct, so loud and its what I get harassed for doing by my co-workers. I just look at them and smile. To optimize the sound of beta you should be rolling. The faster you roll, the louder and more awesome the sound gets. To get the minimal amount for a quality sound, do your self a favor and taxi at the brisk walk or jogging pace. Put your hand on the power levers and lift those puppies up over the gate and shove them down into beta and enjoy!! - AL