The National Air Traffic Controls Association has endorsed President Obama and Vice President Biden for second terms. In announcing the endorsement, NATCA officials said aviation contributes more than 5% of the nation’s gross domestic product and this administration “has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of our air space […]
Opinion
LSA Global
Since the beginning of LSA time, way back in 2005 (when the first LSA was approved), LSA have arrived on American shores from overseas factories. American producers also sold airplanes to Yankees, but none went overseas as governments of other nations had not yet accepted ASTM certification standards. In the last year, a lot has […]
A year worthy of thanks
This week marks the beginning of the traditional national tendency to reflect on the year gone by. It all starts at Thanksgiving, when we identify specific moments, events, objects, and relationships we appreciate most. Then we transition into Christmastime when we tend to recognize how good we’ve got it, no matter how many material things […]
Cessna jumps in LSA market report
By several measures and based on multiple conversations, 2011 is shaping up to be a better year than 2010. Of course, that’s not saying much as all of aviation was slow last year and in 2009. When you’re near the bottom of the well, everything starts looking up. With those thoughts in mind, we present […]
Perspectives
It has been a beautiful fall; one of the best for color in recent memory. We haven’t been able to appreciate it from the air as often as we would like, but those days devoted to finding the best corn mazes or that perfect red have been spectacular and truly appreciated. It seems that all […]
50 years of safe flying
Ohio’s Tom Root was awarded the Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award in September. He applied for the award “based on a lifetime of single pilot/photographer with over 5,000 hours doing aerial photography.” The plaque presented to Tom was in “appreciation for your dedicated service, technical expertise, professionalism, and many outstanding contributions that further the cause […]
Desperadoes on the loose
It’s been more than a year since one of the most attention getting moments in the history of aviation and law enforcement took place. John and Martha King famously ended up in handcuffs and were stuffed into the back of police cars for the devious criminal exploit of landing a privately owned airplane at a […]
Rockefeller angry over FAA bill delays
Unless Congress passes an FAA reauthorization bill soon it will be some time before a long-term bill is passed by any Congress. That warning was given by Sen. John (Jay) Rockefeller IV speaking to the Washington Aero Club. Saying he is both angry and frustrated by the long delays in getting a full reauthorization bill […]
Ask Paul: What’s the proper procedure to cycle a prop?
Q: I’m curious about the procedure for cycling a constant speed propeller on run up. Three times seems to be a tradition, but I can’t find anything that supports this as a good habit. I’ve read that this was necessary with the big old props swung by a radial engine, but how about our newer, […]