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 […]
Opinion
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, […]
The Super Committee and GA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite a united front by aviation groups and strong support from many in Congress, general aviation’s struggle over fuel taxes and a proposed $100 per flight user fee for business flights is reaching a higher pitch as the federal government intensifies its attempts to reduce the federal deficit. The Joint Committee on […]
Turbulent times
“Occupy Wall Street” protests have made news, raised questions, and recently generated violence. They recall MY generation’s turbulent college years when politics and values took a sharp turn. During the era of “sex, drugs and Rock ‘n Roll,” I wondered how many were lost to the disciplined world of aviation. In my time, Eisenhower-era military […]
Touring Jekyll Island in an AirCam
My good friend and Air-Cam developer, Phil Lockwood, likes to hold fly-outs for his customers. More than 160 kits have been delivered and built; each fly-out has attracted several of these owners. Phil and his Lockwood Aircraft associate George Weber have invited me several times but I’ve had to miss earlier gatherings for owners of […]