Prior to 1927, many well-informed people — as well as the general public — continued to think of aviation as a stunt to be marveled at or an amusement, but not something of concrete accomplishment. These attitudes changed during 1927 with many epic flights that proved the capability of modern aircraft and powerplants — flights that saw […]
Opinion
An impressive return on investment
Something interesting is happening in General Aviation. It’s largely being driven at the grass root level, and frankly these developments fascinate and encourage me. The industry has noted a loss of participation in past decades, with fewer active pilots taking to the skies. We’ve bemoaned this reality for years. While some point a finger at […]
NOTAM like the present
Pilots and air traffic controllers think that they’re so different from each other, but they’re not. They’re really two branches of the same aviation family. And judging from the research I did for this month’s column, they all agree that they hate the NOTAM system in its present state. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) are the […]
Salem airspace do-over: Care to comment?
The FAA posted a notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) regarding Salem, Oregon’s McNary Field (KSLE) Class D and E airspace to the Federal Register on May 1, 2015. On Aug. 20, the proposed rule became final. No one noticed. This happens all too often. I’d hazard a guess that most of the time, it […]
Eggs, basket, uh-oh
We all know the classic adage “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” It’s simple advice. Perhaps too simple, because people still ignore it, no matter how obvious the repercussions of running afoul of it might be. The latest and greatest example I’ve encountered happened just the other day here in central Florida. And […]
Expect the unexpected
Like so many general aviation pilots, I found myself some years ago with very limited options for renting aircraft. Whenever I found a company that was willing to rent to the public, I found the price was high, the service was poor, the aircraft were less than inviting, and I never felt particularly valued as […]
Electric aircraft … Going mainstream?
Can electric aircraft truly become part of the national or worldwide fleet? You might discount the possibility, but then consider Airbus. When I was a youngster, I remember a TV commercial with a song jingle that went, “Electricity does more for you each day.” (Despite the decades that have passed, the tune still plays in […]
No step
By JEB BURNSIDE. One of aviation’s endearing characteristics involves the abundant myths surrounding aircraft operation: Do this, that or some other thing and your airplane will carry more, fly faster on less fuel and land on a dime. Such myths are great hangar-flying fodder, but most of them fall down when confronted with the real […]
Dick Merrill, Atlantic double-crosser
Merrill’s flying career began in 1920 when he purchased a war-surplus Curtiss Jenny for $600.