What lessons can we learn from a pilot who hits a train while taking off from a grass airstrip?
Opinion
When the Mustang served up a dive bomber
Unthinkable for a pure fighter, the dive bomber versions of the Mustang incorporated a sturdy set of dive brakes that extended above and below the wings when rotated into the slipstream by stout hydraulic actuators.
Fly more, spend less, learn how
After more than a decade of working with individuals and groups to help establish and manage flying clubs, I’ve bumped into more than my share of airport managers who are less than accommodating when approached with the idea of housing a flying club.
Ask Paul: What can I do about my engine’s rough idle?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: We have a Lycoming IO-360 A1A fuel-injected four-cylinder engine on a 1966 Mooney M20E that has a slightly rough idle. The engine only has about 400 hours on it.
What’s up with unpaved field certification?
If you land on an unpaved runway in an airplane without an approval for operating on that runway type, and something goes wrong, I’d expect your insurer to scrutinize that event closely.
When ego trumps the FAA
It is the truly rare bird who sets out to cause mayhem. The vast majority of poor habits and shockingly bad decision-making come from plain old myopia. The offenders simply don’t think past the limits of their own cockpit. Consideration for others is just not part of their reality.
Not the mission
Electric aircraft can’t match the range and speed of piston-powered planes like the Beech Baron for long flights, but they might excel in specific missions, such as short-haul routes with time for charging. While batteries lag behind 100LL in energy density, history shows early skepticism of disruptive technology — like automobiles — can evolve into widespread acceptance as use cases expand.
Follow the facts on the transition to unleaded avgas
An EPA study did not in any way, shape, or form prove that leaded avgas is any kind of a health hazard. In fact, it did just the opposite.
But I had the right of way…I think
There is a hard-core belief among the general population that if we have the right of way we can proceed with whatever it is we’re doing. Everyone else will make way for us.