Some pilots have 1,000 hours of experience. Some pilots have one hour of experience repeated 1,000 times. I’ve heard this claim throughout my career in general aviation. But is it true?
Maintenance For Thee, Not So Much For Me
Over time, as our weight creeps upward, our resting heart rate climbs, our vital numbers head in the wrong direction little by little, we are playing a dangerous game of chance. For many, our airplanes will outlast us. And there’s little wonder as to why that is. We lavish more care on the aircraft than we do ourselves.
For The Love Of A Cupholder
We used to just fly the airplane. Now, we want air-conditioning, glass panels, noise-cancelling headsets, and cupholders. All good things. All highly attractive to buyers. But they don’t make the airplane fly any better or the pilots any smarter.
The Negotiation Game
Owning an airplane is a dream for many pilots, but the asking price is often just a suggestion. Through honest negotiation, buyers and sellers can find a mutual win-win, turning the aspiration of flight into an affordable reality.
Anyone Can Talk To Anyone — And Probably Should
“Nobody can tell a PIC what to do at a non-towered airport,” is the common refrain from those who treasure their anti-authority stance. Many people believe this, too. Even though it is clearly untrue.
Flying a Piece of American History
Former corporate pilot Mark Peebles rediscovered the romance of aviation in a 1946 Fairchild 24W. With its radial engine, roll-down windows, and stately presence, this fabric-covered classic offers a nostalgic experience that turns heads wherever it flies.
The H Stands For Happiness
At 77, Frank Gallagher is the embodiment of a lifelong Marine. His polished 1956 Cessna 172 is more than a stunning taildragger; it’s a flying tribute to service, survival, and a deep-rooted friendship that spans over seven decades in aviation.
High Water and High Performance: The Comanche’s Resilience
In 1972, Hurricane Agnes didn’t just flood Lock Haven — it ended the production of the iconic Piper Comanche. Decades later, pilot Pat Brown proves that while nature can stop a factory, it can’t dampen the spirit of an aviator dedicated to keeping this classic, high-performance machine in the sky.
Modifications Galore
In aviation the modification fever hit hard. There are few airframes or powerplants that haven’t been tweaked in some way to fit an owner’s preference. From the largest to the smallest we’ve made changes to suit our interests. It would take a whole book to provide even a glimpse of the full spectrum of alterations we’ve made over the years. A series of books. And we’re not done yet.