News flash: I have just finished eating a $16 bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. That’s nothing. Last night I feasted on a $25 hamburger. Neither meal was unique, memorable, or impressive in any way other than the price. I feel an analogy coming on. With the price of a single engine Cessna creeping up into […]
Opinion
Third-class medical reform caught in government maze
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It started two-and-a-half years ago and there is still no clear end in sight. It’s another example of apparent government slow — or no — action. In March 2012, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) petitioned the FAA to reduce the requirements for a third-class medical […]
$67.80 per hour for a C-172? Huh?
How’d you like to rent a Cessna 182 for $110 per hour? Or a Cessna 172 for $67.80 per hour or a Cessna 150 for $51.76 per your? Oh, and those rates include fuel. Did that grab your attention? Ohio reader Thomas Root recently sent me a flyer from Galion, Ohio’s Galion Air that promotes its aircraft rental. […]
Questions abound on FAA’s news about alternative fuels
By DEAN BILLING. Was it only me, or did anyone else find the press release by the FAA announcing that it has selected four fuels for further testing to replace 100LL this fall to be a bit peculiar? In case you you missed it, the official press release from the FAA is here. Articles also appeared […]
I just saw my future — I hope
The young lady in the photo is my oldest daughter, Savannah. An hour before I snapped this picture, she thought we were driving five hours to Spokane for a little father-daughter bonding at last month’s AOPA Fly-In. Nope. Friend, General Aviation News columnist and Cirrus Sales Director Ivy McIver happily stuffed myself and Cirrus’ Director of […]
Leaders, followers, and picking your mission
Like it or not, most of us are followers. That’s not a bad thing. It’s not a good thing. It’s just a thing. A description of the way things are. A stand-alone fact. Most of us follow someone else, a political office holder, an employer, a manager, a spouse. Among us there are leaders, but […]
Ask Paul: What spark plug is best for my airplane?
Q: Can the Champion 37BY plug (either REM or RHM) be used on a Lycoming O-360 A1A engine? My concern is that the piston may hit the plug tip. Is this a valid concern? DAVID M. GITELMAN, via email A: David, thanks for your question. I’m certain others have had the same question regarding the […]
The next decade of LSA innovation
At AirVenture Oshkosh this year, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) mounted a very visible celebration of Light-Sport or Sport Pilot-eligible aircraft. The exhibit drew dense traffic throughout the week by offering a large cross section of the aircraft types and configurations available since the FAA loosened its control over the process of approving new aircraft […]
Exit ramps, profit, and Yourtown USA
It is well known in most circles that airlines travel on highways in the sky. Admittedly, most folks don’t know those highways are called airways, but the name is logical, whether the general public knows it or not. However, few have made the obvious connection between the highway in the sky concept, and the airport […]