Education is a hot button issue in any election year. Yet it never gets any better, no matter what we’re promised. It’s my impression the electorate merely wants to hear someone make a promise, even if it’s an empty one. They’re looking for a cheerleader. Somebody to toss out platitudes and catch-phrases that give the […]
Opinion
Will others follow?
Bravo CubCrafters. Bravo. On June 2, XCub officially joined the CubCrafters line-up. It’s a 180-horsepower machine with lots of bells and whistles, including heated seats (coming soon) and a $297,500 base price. Go ahead haters… pile on. They can take it. But from my perspective, the best feature of the XCub announcement is… it’s certified and available for immediate delivery. […]
Video: Hooking the next generation on flying
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my work revolves around the ability to take others aloft in a bright yellow and black Reimagined Cessna 152. The airplane is pretty much a stock C-152, not much different than those you’ve probably logged time in. What separates the airplane I fly from the one you flew […]
Let’s hear it for the team
The act of aviating is often a solitary endeavor. Or at least it appears to be. In truth, there are many hands that go into making a safe flight happen. Certainly the pilot plays a pivotal role, but there are mechanics, and line-service personnel, parts manufacturers, administrators, and so many others who play a role. […]
Back to the drawing board in Salem
If you doubt one person can make a difference, doubt no more. Salem, Oregon pilot Chuck West watched as Salem’s NcNary Field (KSLE) airspace was re-drawn, and re-drawn again. There was a problem. Portions of the instrument approaches were no longer protected and that violated FAA Order 8260.26F. Chuck found that a pilot flying inbound from […]
Tips to ground an aircraft while refueling
I am not sure this is necessary and am looking for examples of static electricity accidents with plastic containers. I have not found any problems, but will continue to look. If any of our readers know of any problems, please let me know.
LSA registrations remain consistent
My associate in Europe, Jan Fridrich of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) Europe, has been the source for a database search for many years as I seek to report light-sport aircraft (LSA) market share statistics in the USA. He scours the FAA registration information and laboriously assembles the numbers. As he and I work […]
Top 5 Reasons to Get Airborne
I’ve never really understood why it’s true, but people seem to like lists for some reason. They’re forever buying magazines and clicking on hot links that will take them to The Top 3 Retirement Destinations in America, or The Top 5 Cars For 2016, or The Top 10 Reasons You Should Shop at Ralph’s. It’s […]
Is this converted engine reliable?
Q: We recently bored a Lycoming 290-D2 engine to accept 320 cylinders (low compression) with 8.5:1 pistons. The engine has all new bearings and valves, and everything has been magnafluxed, balanced, etc. We retained a very good 290 D2 crankshaft. From experience, would you say it could make a reliable engine? Gilles St Pierre, AVIATION BSL (Canada) A: […]