To say my “Don’t Cry for Santa Monica” column struck a chord would be an understatement. Sadly, I fear it struck the wrong chord. (And, for the record, I support the efforts of the National Business Aviation Association and others as they continue to fight SMO’s closure.) A sampling of comments taking me to task… “Ben’s attitude […]
Video: Caribbean Zenith flight taunts those stuck in the cold
As winter — and the weather — drags on, seeing this Zenith CH701 in — and above — the beautiful Caribbean waters is almost more than I can take. Amazing to see how much flex there is in the Full Lotus floats.
6 suggestions for finding more power
Who wouldn’t like to get a little more power from their engine? A recent Ask Paul (aka Mr. Lycoming) column was a response to a reader wanting to know how he could coax a “tad more power” from a “150-hp, narrow-deck O-320”. In addition to Paul’s thoughts, a good many readers weighed on the topic on […]
Low power ADS-B for drone integration
“1.2 million drones were sold in the United States in 2016,” notes uAvionix’s Christian Ramsey. That’s a lot of drones. And the prevailing response from the full-scale aviation world seems to still be AHHHHHHH. Or words to that effect. Here’s the thing though. Not all of those drones will be airborne at the same time. […]
FATPNW goes premium
Flights Above The Pacific Northwest (FATPNW) got its start in 2012 on Facebook as a way to share pictures, videos and stories about flying around the Pacific Northwest. Five years and 6,000 members later, FATPNW founder Brice Van Baren has introduced a premium-level FATPNW membership. For $99 per year, premium members will enjoy benefits at […]
FATPNW expands beyond the Pacific Northwest
Flights Above The Pacific Northwest (FATPNW) debuted in 2012 on Facebook as a way to share pictures, videos and stories about flying around the Pacific Northwest. Five years and 6,000 members later, FATPNW founder Brice Van Baren, with much prodding from those outside the Pacific Northwest, is expanding the group. Sort of. “I don’t believe […]
Perfect or Better?
Which should we strive for? Perfection or Better Performance? The question was the result of reading Matt Zuccaro’s recent column, “Zero Accidents: Yes, We Can.” Matt is the president of the Helicopter Association International. He’s also not afraid to say what’s on his mind. Don’t believe me? Take a look at Matt’s opening paragraph: “Call […]
Bills seek to ban sale of 100LL in Oregon
Oregon Senate Bill 115 and House Bill 2109 exist to “Prohibit selling, dispensing or using aviation fuel that contains lead or lead compounds after Jan. 1, 2022.” Both bills were introduced on Jan. 9, 2017. HB2109 was referred to the Transportation Policy committee and a public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2017. SB115 was referred to the […]
Don’t cry for Santa Monica
As I was reading coverage of the announcement that Santa Monica’s airport is to be closed on Dec. 31, 2028, I couldn’t help but shake my head. Yes, I’m sad. But reading the FAA Administrator’s comments provides a blueprint for opportunity. When commenting on the agreement, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said, “This is a fair […]