“Nobody can tell a PIC what to do at a non-towered airport,” is the common refrain from those who treasure their anti-authority stance. Many people believe this, too. Even though it is clearly untrue.
Opinion
Human Factors: Know Thy Airplane
What can we learn from an accident that happened while taking kids up for their first flights by a pilot who didn’t have full knowledge of the airplane’s systems and a mechanic who missed a clogged fuel line?
Modifications Galore
In aviation the modification fever hit hard. There are few airframes or powerplants that haven’t been tweaked in some way to fit an owner’s preference. From the largest to the smallest we’ve made changes to suit our interests. It would take a whole book to provide even a glimpse of the full spectrum of alterations we’ve made over the years. A series of books. And we’re not done yet.
Can I Boost My Engine’s Horsepower?
General Aviation News engine expert Paul McBride tackles a reader’s question about converting a Lycoming O-540-B from 235 horsepower to 250 horsepower.
The Monocoupe’s Overshadowed Sibling
The Monoprep was designed by Donald Luscombe as a side-by-side trainer, offering student pilots a forgiving ride.
Notes From SUN ‘n FUN 2026
Highlights from SUN ’n FUN 2026, featuring new aviation technology, MOSAIC updates, and people.
It’s Not About The Shoes, Even When It’s About The Shoes
It’s the little things — the things we assume are no big deal — that can get you.
Questions from the Cockpit: Pirates of the Sky
Adam, an airline pilot based out of Texas, writes: “I recently watched the Japanese cartoon Porco Rosso with my little nephew. Afterward he asked me if there were really seaplane pirates back in the day. I told him that I thought they were probably fictional, but that years ago one of my teachers was ‘William Fly, the Airplane Guy’ and he would know for sure – so I’m asking you!”
A Deal That’s Bananas
Can a flight school realistically turn a zero-time individual with no aeronautical background into a professional pilot in less than six months?