“Help me,” is essentially what the email said. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but the message was simple, straight-forward, and common. How do I get the word out? Because I’m a sucker for a pro-aviation reader who reaches out for help, I answered the email, which led to another email, and ultimately a series of phone […]
Opinion
Economic impact of general aviation cited as alliance marks its fourth anniversary
The Alliance for Aviation Across America marked the fourth anniversary since its founding by holding a telephone press conference Tuesday, June 14, citing the economic impact of general aviation and how groups are working more closely together to get across the value of general aviation to communities and the nation. Twenty-nine state governors have now […]
Ask Paul: What is proper timing for my engine?
Q: I am an Italian homebuilder of a Van’s RV-3. I read on the Internet that you are an expert of Lycoming and I want to impose on your kindness. I am ready to make the timing on my Lycoming O-290 D2 but there is a little doubt about the timing degrees because the O-290 […]
Four-Stroke Part 103 Ultralight? Yes! And fun…
Sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time. Well, OK, I’m biased but I think pretty much any time at Wallaby Ranch — the iconic hang gliding facility south of Disney Orlando — is a good time. When it also happens to be “Demo Days,” Wallaby is a jumping place! Demo Days is […]
Who expected a tornado?
I’ve been going to Sun ’n Fun every year since 2002, which has caused me a lot of grief in the past. That’s because my son’s birthday is April 8, which fell right in the middle of the festivities many years. But this year, no grief from that quarter. That’s because, for the first time, […]
Sport aviation events and autogas
The GAfuels Blog is written by two private pilots: Dean Billing, Sisters, Ore., an expert on autogas and ethanol, and Kent Misegades, Cary, N.C., an aerospace engineer, aviation sales rep for U-Fuel, and president of EAA1114. With the recent spike in fuel prices, and general economic malaise, pilots are watching their costs more than ever. […]
Flying is expensive, but does it have to be?
Lately I have been seeing a lot of angst in the marketplace. Much of it aimed at the unconscionably high cost of flying, and the unattainably high cost of training to earn a pilot’s license. Let me be honest here. I have all the same economic problems the average aviation nut has. I am not […]
DOT move would allow anyone to follow flight plans
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The decision by the Department of Transportation to change the rules and let anyone in the world follow any general aviation aircraft on an instrument flight plan — departure point, route and destination — may be challenged in court by three of GA’s alphabet groups. The National Business Aviation Association, Aircraft Owners […]
Electricity in the air
Dan Johnson, president of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, is an expert on Light Sport Aircraft. On the national scene, electric automobiles are generating lots of media attention, while the government has been subsidizing and using persuasion and incentives to whip up more interest and development activity for electric-powered vehicles. So, should it be any […]