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. […]
Opinion
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: […]
Thank you Dee
It should go without saying that aviation means a little (or a lot) more in Alaska. But it’s so much fun to talk about. My wife, Deb, and I just returned from Anchorage and the 19th annual Great Alaska Aviation Gathering. Once again, the FedEx Maintenence Hangar at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport was packed to the […]
United we stand, divided we … you know the rest
The difference between a mob and a group is subtle, but it’s there Often the distinction rests on the organization of the gathering and the leadership that officiates over it. Even with the best of intentions, a peaceful, seemingly docile group of people can be stirred into near hysterics with little more than a rumor […]
The assistant principal
By JEB BURNSIDE. Most people have what it takes to become a pilot — some don’t Several people in my southern hometown’s high school were interested in learning to fly. Either the local Civil Air Patrol’s composite squadron — my chosen path for primary training — or the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) provided relatively inexpensive […]