My wife and I were cleaning out some boxes stuffed with old photos when we came across some pictures of the late John Thun. The pictures really set my mind whirling as I thought about this bigger-than-life character from the Tacoma, Wash., area, where we have made our home since 1970. When I mention John, […]
Overcrowded skies, too few controllers? The same story has been told countless times over the years
I wonder how many times in the years since I earned my pilot certificate in 1969 I’ve read an article — in a non-aviation newspaper — about the crisis that will occur in the coming crowded skies and the absence of an adequate number of air traffic controllers to handle all of those aircraft. It […]
Curious about airparks? Our expert tackles the frequently asked questions
For three decades I’ve been tracking residential airparks all over the United States and, to some extent, around the globe. We’ve developed a website, LivingWithYourPlane.com, which contains an extensive database on airparks as well as a host of other information. (A caveat: Most airparks are operated by residents who are volunteers in their homeowner associations. […]
On the mend: Changes in medicals a step in the right direction
Do you believe me when I write that among the top publications I receive, the Federal Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin is not one of those that regularly receive high priority? Believe me, I don’t read this 12-page quarterly bulletin on an even irregular basis. However, the other day I saw a copy at the office […]
Aerotropolis: The airport – and community – of the future
I just finished reading a magazine article that left me both surprised and thrilled. Published in Fast Company magazine, this article explains how cities around the world – especially in China, India, Thailand, Hong Kong and South Korea – are not only building massive new airports, but they are surrounding the airports with commercial and […]
Under construction: Airparks as a way to save airports?
I moved to the Tacoma, Wash., area in 1970 and almost since that first day I can remember threats being sounded about Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW). The airport is located in the county across a bridge from the City of Tacoma, very close to the small community of Gig Harbor. Because the airport is owned […]
What are the 20 most critical milestones in aviation?
Several years ago we asked a number of individuals prominent in the aviation world to give us their thoughts on the most important events in the history of aviation. I ran across those lists recently and it got me to thinking that a great deal has happened in the world of flight in the last […]
You can get your medical back — just ask Jules Bresnick
In 1997 I suffered an angina attack and subsequently underwent a four-way heart bypass operation. My recovery was normal and I regained my third-class medical certificate in less than a year. Over the years I’ve written about my medical problem several times because I wanted others facing a similar situation to recognize that their flying […]
The future of GA belongs to the dreamers
In Thomas Friedman’s book, “The World is Flat,” he explains that there is a segment of the world’s population that seems to be continually striving to bring everyone else down to its very low level. Fortunately, he explains, the vast majority of people look around and see how great other people are living and notice […]