Tom Cruise’s bold portrayal of pilot Barry Seal in the 2017 film “American Made” took a tragic turn during filming. The production involved three pilots—Carlos Berl, Jimmy Lee Garland, and Andrew Purwin—flying a twin-engine Aerostar 600 in Colombia. Unfortunately, the September 2015 crash resulted in the loss of two lives and severe injuries to Garland. Subsequent lawsuits filed by the families alleged negligence and raised questions about safety measures in the filmmaking process.
Carlos Berl, although experienced, was unfamiliar with the Aerostar and had voiced safety concerns before the flight. Jimmy Lee Garland, a pilot-mechanic, also served as Tom Cruise’s double in the film. Andrew Purwin, known for his inclination towards risky stunts, had a controversial aviation record. The crash, ultimately attributed to bad weather, occurred under intense pressure to depart immediately.
The aftermath of the tragedy led to legal battles, with claims of pressured flying, compromised planes, and dishonest qualifications. The lawsuits, highlighting the film’s impact on safety, vetting, and regulatory processes in movie production, were concluded in 2019 with an undisclosed settlement.
It’s noteworthy that similar aerial risks were present during the filming of “Top Gun” in 1985. “American Made,” despite its continued popularity on streaming platforms, stands as a poignant reminder of the inherent hazards involved in cinematic feats and the critical importance of prioritizing safety measures in film production.
The Hidden Helpers of Communication: Insulators
Have you ever looked at a telephone pole and noticed those glass or porcelain pieces on top? They might look like just decorations, but they actually have an important job in communication. These helpful items are called insulators, and they help keep our electrical wires safe and our phone calls clear.
Safeguarding the Flow of Electricity
Insulators have a key job: they stop electrical wires from touching the pole or the ground. Imagine trying to make a long-distance call, and your voice suddenly cuts out after a little while. That wouldn’t be fun, right? Insulators make sure all the electricity stays in the wires so our important phone calls can keep going without any problems.
The Variety of Insulators
These simple objects come in many different styles and colors. While a lot of the older insulators were made from glass or porcelain, some were made from wood and glass, and even animal parts! You’d be surprised at some of the unusual materials used. The size of the insulator is important too. Smaller ones are used for telephone and telegraph wires, while larger ones are made for high-voltage electrical wires. It’s like having a special section for insulators based on how much voltage they can handle!
Keeping Voltage in Check
When it comes to power lines, the voltage affects how big the insulator needs to be. Electricity can be a bit tricky and might try to jump across a distance. That’s where the design of insulators helps out. Insulators with wide “umbrella” shapes and large lower parts act like careful bouncers at a nightclub, keeping the wires away from the pole and stopping any accidents from happening.
A Surprising Hobby
Believe it or not, collecting insulators is a popular hobby! This started becoming popular in the 1960s when utility companies began burying their wires, leaving a lot of old insulators behind. As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. People who collect insulators come from all different backgrounds. Some like these glass pieces for how they look and use them to decorate windowsills and gardens, adding a bit of shine to their space. Others look for specific types of insulators. Prices can vary a lot; you might find one for less than a dollar or even get one for free at flea markets!
A Historical Touch
Most insulators that collectors have are between 70 and 145 years old, and some types haven’t been made since the early 1900s. Anything that’s old and no longer being produced often becomes collectible, and insulators are no different. They hold a piece of history and connect us to a time when communication was just starting to grow.
Appreciating the Role of Insulators
The next time you see one of those interesting glass or porcelain insulators on a telephone pole, take a moment to appreciate how important they’ve been in the history of communication. They might seem like old items, but they’ve made a lasting impact on how we connect with each other, whether through a phone call or a quick text message. Who knows? You might even feel inspired to start your own collection and join the many people who find beauty and history in these simple artifacts!
Leave a Reply