Given the option of taking the pessimistic view or the optimistic view, I’ll more often than not take the brighter alternative. I prefer to believe that one person who is willing to put in significant effort can make a difference. There are plenty of examples of this phenomenon in our history, and I will refrain […]
Opinion
Is there still ‘Room at the Top?’
Drew Steketee was president of BE A PILOT, senior vp-communications for AOPA and executive director of the Partnership for Improved Air Travel. He also headed PR and media relations for Beech, GAMA and the Airport Operators Council International. We’re packing up our home of 21 years to leave Washington, D.C., for the last time. In […]
Death — and billions of dollars — at risk with LightSquared plans
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A report from the FAA, leaked to the press, about the dangers of LightSquared’s plans to build a wireless communication system might be the reason the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association wonder why LightSquared is silent on the issue. The report indicates LightSquared’s plans could result […]
3% today…30% in years? 100% in decades?
After a prolonged absence, mogas is returning to airports, thanks to steady efforts by a consortium lead by Dean Billing and Kent Misegades, our very own GAFuels bloggers. The numbers appear small today, even if they function to help you find cheaper and cleaner mogas as an alternative to 100LL. About 3% of airports presently […]
21…and counting?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the latest temporary funding of the FAA, reauthorization has reached adulthood — that is, temporary approvals are now at 21. The FAA hasn’t had a full authorization vote since 2003. On 21 occasions, the Senate and House have not been able to agree. They have until Sept. 16 to finally agree […]
Ugly ducklings
Aviator opinion is widespread about CH 701 and CH 750 being ugly ducklings. Fortunately, plenty of pilots don’t care about looks so long as an airplane flies well (750 does!) and for some the, ahem… distinctive look of 750 is a thing of pride. Think Hummer or the old Volkswagen Thing. Indeed, Zenith Aircraft Company […]
When safety draws a crowd
I am fortunate to be based on an airport where there are many truly talented, well credentialed people who really want to make a positive difference. One of those people is Janeen Kochan, a force of nature who also happens to be a designated pilot examiner, an A&P with Inspection Authorization, and a heck of […]
Autogas experts explain why pump gas is mogas
With the release of its Service Instruction 1070Q on July 16, 2010, Lycoming quietly approved autogas as a fuel for some of its engines — or did they? As news of the company’s about-face after years of advising against the fuel became public, company officials have attempted to explain their confusing stance against a backdrop […]
Allegro keeps on training…3,500 hours logged
LSA America now produces the Allegro in Littleton, N.C., and despite Czech-based Fantasy Air’s ceasing manufacturing several years ago, Allegro did well enough in the first couple years to still retain the #14 rank on our LSA sales leaders. Exciting as this now-Made-in-the-USA story may be, this article has a different focus. I want to […]