There are some among us who feel aviation is in decline. I disagree, of course. You might even say I famously disagree, since I am prone to regular outbursts of unrestrained optimism in a public forum. It would be fair to go so far as to say I possess an almost evangelical zeal for aviation […]
Opinion
Apparently we do need this tower
The “Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013” (H.R. 1765) was introduced on Friday, April 26, by Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa). It was signed by President Obama on Wednesday, May 1. You see, Congress and the President can get things done…when they want to. The full title of the bill is “To provide the Secretary of Transportation with […]
What are the best options for overhaul?
What I’m saying is, the total time on the engine would continue in the logbook and some of the major components that may have needed or required replacement will go uninspected, leaving lots of questions as to the reliability of continued operation.
Hey, you know what I just heard?
If you hang around the airport long enough you’ll hear all sorts of interesting news. For example, just last week a local stopped into my office to ask about the new seaplane base being built on Lake Hartridge. The lake sits across 21st Street NW, which borders the airport on the eastern side. This individual […]
An open letter to the FAA administrator: How can we help?
A third-class medical exemption for pilots operating four-seat, 180-hp (or less) aircraft in daytime, VFR conditions probably is not a high priority item for FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. Can you really blame him? But it is to me, and no doubt a great many current, and potential, recreational pilots. So…Michael — can I call you […]
Challenges ahead for NextGen
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA is entering its midterm implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and, while advances have been made, there remain many issues and challenges. That is pointed out in a new report put together by the Government Accountability Office at the request of leaders of the House Committee on […]
30,000 drones by 2020
There can be little doubt that UAVs are coming to U.S. airspace in significant numbers. The best we pilots can do is stay informed and engaged in the process.
Ethanol repeal efforts make progress
Further evidence that consumers demand an ethanol-free alternative has been provided in recent weeks by actions at both state and federal levels. As reported by this blog on Feb. 20, Florida State Representative Matt Gaetz has led an effort to repeal his state’s mandates on the use of ethanol blends in vehicles. While off-highway use, […]
Where’s Sky King when you need him?
It occurs to me that aviation has been a player in the entertainment industry for some time. And I’m not just talking about stunt pilots plowing Jenny’s into barns for the spectacular visual it creates when a moving vehicle slams into a structure that’s not meant to move. I’m talking about television, baby. The great […]