In this political season, like every political season, we see divisions forming. In many cases those cracks in the American facade happen between people who would be better served by a united force. Each candidate has their followers. Every point of view has an advocate. Parties square off for battle, often over problems that will […]
Opinion
Stoking the fire within
Deep within the hearts and souls of those who fly is a desire to repeat the experience. Whether our last flight was three days ago, three years ago, or three decades ago, the flame still burns. We want to fly. We occasionally dream of flying. And we plan to one day, someday, fly again. That’s […]
What about SARA?
“The department continues to be bullish on new technology,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a Feb. 24, 2016 release about the FAA’s efforts to expand the safe integration of unmanned aircraft. “We recognize the significant industry interest in expanding commercial access to the National Airspace System. The short deadline reinforces our commitment to […]
There’s a spouse in my head
I once told a friend that my first passenger on earning my private pilot license would be my brother-in-law and not my spouse, because flying my spouse would put too much pressure on me. At least I knew that much about myself. So it was with that in mind that I queried NASA’s Aviation Safety […]
Entertainment, education all around
What do the 1929 Powder Puff Derby, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, the adventures of an airplane fanatic, the de Havilland Mosquito, and drones all have in common? All of these topics — and many more — have recently crossed my desk over the last few weeks. You see, general aviation is vast. Simply put, if it flies […]
What oil is best for your aircraft?
I am talking about certified aircraft engines like Lycoming, Continental, Pratt & Whitney, CW, etc. In these engines, you should NEVER use automotive or heavy duty truck oils.
Small shows with big impact
Twelve years ago when Light-Sport Aircraft burst on the aviation scene, pilots were hungry to learn more about these machines. Not only could they be flown without a medical, they were packed with new technologies. Glass cockpits and carbon fiber fuselages are now common, but LSA were among the first to adopt them. Most of […]
When I grow up, I want to be a….
Last week I attended a Focus on Education Breakfast held in the student center at Polk State College’s main campus in Winter Haven, Florida. On hand were members of the school board, administrators from the county’s school system, teachers, principals, politicians, community activists, and a smattering of students. The whole crew was gathered for a dual […]
Learn to fly where Lindbergh learned
In 1928 the advertising slogan “Learn to Fly Where Lindbergh Learned” started appearing in ads for the Lincoln Airplane and Flying School. After invoking Lindbergh’s name, the ad stated that students would get the same thorough training that enabled Lindbergh to win fame and fortune. Indeed, in 1923 Charles Lindbergh did start his flight training […]