When I started to write this post on unleaded avgas, I sat down to read about the upcoming evaluation program for four candidate fuels. The more I read the more questions it raised. For instance, why does Swift Fuels have two candidates? But the biggest question concerned the percentage of the piston aviation fleet that the new […]
Using physics to fuel safely
A few weeks ago I received an email with a cartoon of a mature lady sitting back with a glass of wine. The caption read, “Another perfect day, and I never had to use algebra once.” I smiled a little, but then got to thinking about how much we use math and science in our […]
Getting GA’s story out to the public
I am a creature of habit. I have been watching the national and local evening news on TV most every evening for more than 50 years. The local news informs me about the weather and other things, and the national news keeps me informed on some of the things that are going on in the […]
The story behind Aeroshell’s iconic cow poster
As many of you read this, you may be on your way to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, slated for July 28-Aug. 3. I hope to be there this year and may see some of you. I always enjoy Oshkosh, but one of my best memories is of the 1993 Aeroshell Speed Dash and the world-renowned […]
Grease is the word
Whenever I give talks I usually put in a few slides about grease. In discussions on this topic, questions mainly fall into three areas. The first is why is it so critical to use only the grease that is approved for a certain application. A lot of people think grease is grease, so they should […]
Is there a benefit to using fuel additives?
I have recently received several inquiries concerning the use of aviation fuel and lubricant additives. To start a discussion on additives, I’ve looked into any and all approved additives. In the ASTM D-910 spec for 100/130 low-lead avgas, there are only two fuel additives approved for aircraft owner addition to the fuel: Isopropyl Alcohol and […]
Confusion surrounds Motor octane rating
Earlier this year I gave several state IA renewal seminars. I always enjoy these because I get to greet many old friends and find out what is going on in the industry. I also get a lot of excellent information from people who are actually doing the work, along with some great questions. One of the […]
Dealing with the gray areas
A few weeks ago, I got an email from a gentleman who was overhauling an antique propeller. He needed to know what lubricant to use in the prop. The company that manufactured the prop was no longer in business, so all he had was an obsolete spec. I told him I would see what I […]
What we can learn from funny looking birds
Over the holidays, we took our family on a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. It was one of the greatest trips that I have had. On one of the islands, we were waiting to be ferried back to the ship, and I observed a bird flying a few hundred feet above the water and then […]