WASHINGTON, D.C. — This could be the beginning of something big: The FAA has followed recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board and announced a program to check the weight of pilots in order to produce safer flight. The announced reason is that overweight people have a tendency to be more liable to suffer sleep […]
Opinion
When pigs fly…
After a boffo debut last year, SUN ‘n FUN reconvened its “When Pigs Fly South BBQ Challenge” Nov. 15-16 in Lakeland, Florida. Expectations were high. But crummy weather muted the event, which drew 51 competitors this year. BBQ pros hailed from as far as Columbus, Ohio, Kansas City and Las Vegas. During set-up one worker […]
BMI could trigger additional scrutiny with proposed policy
The FAA is targeting pilots (and controllers) with a “proposed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) policy.” Pilots and controllers with a Body Mass Index (calculate yours here) with 40 and higher, will be the initial target. Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton wrote in recent medical bulletin those pilots “will have to be evaluated by a physician who […]
Everything changes
It doesn’t take long to realize that everything around us changes through the years. By the time we’re in high school we notice that friends have moved away even as new friends magically arrive in town. The familiar old drug store becomes a realtor’s office, then might be torn down to make way for a […]
Why can’t we be more like China?
“China gets ready for takeoff,” [subscription required] is the cover story of the Nov. 18, 2013, of Fortune magazine. The article centers on Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China‘s efforts to bring the C919 to market. For perspective, the C919 is remarkably similar to the Airbus A320. So we’re not talking GA here. But in the […]
Drone ‘road map’ unveiled
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has released its 72-page “road map” for determining how to permit unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) — more commonly known as drones — to share the skies with other aircraft by 2015, but early indications show many problems to overcome before the air has a mixture of vehicles. The plan will […]
Poor little rich Americans
As we slide into the holiday season with the aroma of fresh baked pies and warm, happy families surrounding us, it’s worth reflecting on the world around us and the lives we live. The United States and each of the 50 states that make up this grand assemblage of territories we choose to call home […]
Around the world solo in a Bluebird
Born Mildred Mary Petre in November 1895, the Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce made her name during the 1920s and ’30s as a record breaker on land, sea and in the air. She first came to notice by way of several motoring records. In 1929 she turned her attention to the water and gained records for […]
More than an aeronautical landmark
Flying VFR in New York City’s Hudson River Corridor, you’re now required to report abeam “Alpine Tower,” a longtime FAA visual reporting point. I was recently reminded of the radio pioneer behind that tower. Don’t know Edwin H. Armstrong? Know why there is no Channel 1 on your TV set? Know why you can listen […]