Belgian aircraft engine maker ULPower recently announced a new line of FADEC-controlled, autogas-burning six-cylinder engines ranging in output from 140-200 hp. According to Robert Helms, general manager of ULPower North America, “The thrust to weight ratio is appealing to the designers of many aircraft. Whether you are focused on short takeoff, high economy, or high […]
Opinion
Trust but verify
I wonder if the insurance industry will accept a “driver’s license” medical should the AOPA/EAA petition for exemption of a 3rd class medical succeed. After all, just because the FAA says I don’t need a medical to operate a Cessna 172, an underwriter doesn’t have to insure me without one. It’s their money — but […]
The loser in us all
The saying goes, “You can’t win if you don’t play.” That’s true for the most part. But of course the corollary to that expression is, “If you play you will lose — at least sometimes.” That’s the reality of the situation. Get used to it. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean to dissuade you […]
Their unique sound marked a generation…
So says the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. I don’t know much about helicopters — most general aviation pilots don’t. But these guys are grabbing attention and filling seats at airshows. And I had hardly heard of them before. What sound? It’s the distinctive “whop-whop-whop” of a two-bladed Huey of Vietnam War fame. Under the moniker […]
Flight training adventure: Just add water
Some pilots become jaded with time. Need to perk-up your aviation life? Pre-Sun ’n Fun, I returned to Central Florida’s lake country and a training operation that will freshen anyone’s outlook on flying. Located on Lake Dora above Florida’s Turnpike 35 miles northwest of Orlando, it’s Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures in “America’s Seaplane […]
Disaster recovery — Preparation is key to success
By DAVE HOOK. Now that we’re past the first day of spring it’s time to start planning for two important seasons ahead: Hurricane and wildfire. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricane season begins May 15 for the Eastern Pacific and June 1 for the Atlantic. Both end on Nov. 30. For […]
Say again?
I get no joy out of admitting this, and I certainly mean no disrespect by discussing it publicly, but almost every week I get at least one email that makes no sense to me at all. I feel bad about that, because the person who sent the message almost certainly had something specific in mind. […]
Visiting family
It’s no exaggeration — Atlanta traffic is bad. Even though we live 60 miles north of the city, my family lives three hours south. There’s no way around it. If I want to visit them, I must travel through a sprawling congested mess. The interstate straight through the city is often snarled and the loop […]
Gearing up for Sun ’n Fun
Sun ’n Fun 2012 is about to begin. Billed as the “Spring Break for Pilots,” the central Florida airshow is revving up in numerous ways, thanks partly to the show’s new leader, John “Lites” Leenhouts (and yes, everyone really does call him “Lites,” his Navy pilot nickname). His team is refreshed and ready for a new […]