There was a time when aviation was an almost impossible dream. Millions, no, billions of people around the world were aware of the airplane, but most didn’t have the means to experience flight for themselves. That was the way of the world between 1945 and 1975. Then something miraculous happened. The Boeing 747 became ubiquitous […]
Opinion
1929’s record-setting endurance flights
The 1920s saw many records set for altitude, speed, endurance and range, but they were destined to be only fleeting. The records fell quickly due to the development of better aircraft and engines. January 1929 began the year with an achievement that many thought would never be exceeded anytime in the near future — the epic […]
How extensive an inspection does my engine need?
Q: I have 210 hours on my engine, which was overhauled in November 2009 at 3,288 hours. Five of the eight studs are now broken on cylinder #3. The motor had only a slight vibration during the last 3/10ths of an hour before discovering the broken studs. I would appreciate your input as to how extensive an inspection […]
General aviation goes clubbing
For some time now I’ve been singing the praises of the flying club. Not any particular flying club, mind you — although there are some excellent examples out there — just flying clubs in general. They work. ‘Nuff said. Don’t believe me? Read on. Here’s the skinny on flying clubs. They provide the pilot, or the student, an […]
Bucket List: Alaska
The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering isn’t the biggest aviation event. It doesn’t have an airshow. It’s just two days in the massive FedEx maintenance hangar at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. But its one of the best events you could ever hope to attend. Aviation in Alaska is different. You’ve heard that before. So […]
Aviation gets its cool back
For the past week I have been acting in a very non-Floridian fashion. While the typical Sunstate dweller seeks shade and close proximity to a pool, I have been standing beside large expanses of pavement soaking up the sun with gusto. My excuse is a good one, however. I was at SUN ‘n FUN, the […]
SUN ‘n FUN an absolute blast
The 41st annual SUN ‘n FUN fly-in is the books. It was hot, humid and an absolute blast. I’d say that even if I hadn’t gotten a ride on a B-25 — with four T-6s and four CJ-6s in tow —as part of a My MacDill Air Force Base support flight. No longer just “Spring Break for Pilots,” […]
Part 103 ultralights are hot
Part 103 ultralight activity was not the news I expected to report from SUN ’n FUN 2015, certainly not as my first report. But after an intense week shooting video interviews at SUN ’n FUN, I am impressed to report that Part 103 is much more than alive and well. For those that may have […]
Navigating a box canyon
I once flew into a box canyon on purpose. A friend of mine lived in a canyon between Pacific Palisades and Malibu on the southern California coast. He’d introduced me to a powerful men’s weekend retreat and it course corrected my life. That one retreat helped me achieve the dream of becoming a pilot, and […]