By JEB BURNSIDE. Flying the same aircraft all the time can be boring after a while. It’s an affliction most aircraft owners share, though it’s not one to generate much sympathy from non-owners. But after months and years flying the same familiar flivver, one begins to seek out new opportunities, different aircraft and even additional ratings. So […]
Opinion
Deadliest Job Interview
Reality TV strikes again — this time with Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Job Interview. In the first episode, which aired Friday, Jan. 29, we followed Ron Vargas to South Africa. Ron’s goal is to become a bush pilot. He’s in South Africa to train with Milne “CC” Pocock, owner of Bush Air. The show isn’t just about flight training. […]
Praise for pilots
In the spirit the new year brings, I choose to dedicate this month’s column to the pilots and aviation professionals whose teamwork, communication and training helped set things right after things went very wrong. While this column normally offers its readers a chance to learn from other fliers’ mistakes, on this occasion, I’d like to […]
The general aviation market ain’t what it used to be — thank goodness
When I was a boy I spent summers with my grandparents. They lived on the most beautiful lake I’ve ever seen. The water was as clear as a pane of glass. The bottom was soft white sand. It was paradise. This idyllic location was nine miles from a small town. It was the kind of […]
The FAA’s Groundhog day
By DEAN BILLING. I’m submitting this blog on Feb. 2, 2016, Groundhog Day. I think it is the appropriate date choice for my latest GAFuels topic. It is the kind of day the FAA should get out its plan for the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), dust it off and see if there is a ray of […]
Smart and safe: Two words that go together in aviation
Decision making is a skill pilots consciously train for and study. Most people don’t. And that’s a shame because good decision making doesn’t come naturally. We have to think about our options, weigh the pros and cons of whatever we do — or don’t do. One way or another, there will be an outcome to each decision […]
Why is the right engine oil temperature higher on my Aztec?
Q: Hi Paul, I’m wondering if you’ve ever come across Aztecs with the right engine oil temperature running warmer than the left. I’ve had mine 11 years. The right side oil temperature is usually 190°, while the left is 160°. CHT is usually pretty even. Mine came with louvers on the right side cowl, and I’ve […]
New and improved
“Follow me, because I believe what you believe.” This is a paraphrased rallying cry of far too many political campaigns. It’s a common theme for the simple reason that it works. When spoken in solemn tones, or shouted with vigor, it fires up the hopeful. It gives the lone individual a sense of belonging. Yet, […]
Aviation fares better on NTSB’s Most Wanted List
The National Transportation Safety Board’s 2016 “Most Wanted List” is out. This is a top 10 list of factors the NTSB feels contribute to unsafe operations across all transportation sectors. Only one of the 10 call out aviation exclusively. Prevent Loss of Control in Flight in General Aviation Loss of Control is back on the […]