I am a Certificated Flight Instructor. I’m proud of that fact. The CFI ticket is a highly sought after indication of capability that opens the door for many of us to our first professional gig as a pilot. It takes considerable study and focus to earn a CFI ticket, or the instrument instructor (CFII), or […]
Opinion
Two in the bush
By JEB BURNSIDE. Flying in remote Alaska is just about the most memorable fun one can have in an airplane. If you’re like me, you’ve often read about bush flying. We all have different definitions of exactly what that is, but most of us can agree it involves VFR flying in basic airplanes to and […]
The value of maintaining a worldwide perspective
Are U.S. sales or registrations of Light-Sport Aircraft near where they were expected to be by now? The short answer is, no, but more finesse is needed to obtain a complete answer. While the numbers entering the U.S. fleet are well below forecasts from 2004, a couple obvious reasons help explain the shortfall. The Sport […]
And a pilot shall lead them
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 […]
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.