Jamie Beckett is a CFI and A&P mechanic who stepped into the political arena in an effort to promote and protect GA at his local airport. It was my great pleasure to meet one of the gubernatorial candidates running in Florida, a few weeks ago. His name is Rick Scott. He’s been in the news […]
Opinion
Returned to service
Deb McFarland is the proud owner of Lester, a 1948 Luscombe 8E, and part of the “Front Porch Gang” at Pickens County Airport in Georgia. A member of the medical profession holding proper authorization and certification recently determined that some Best Management Practices for Aging Women should be applied to my person, since I am, […]
An unforgettable gift
LETTER TO THE EDITOR While sitting in the FBO lobby in DeRidder, La., I came upon Deb McFarland’s article about her flight on the 4th of July (Short Final: An unforgettable gift). Sure enjoyed it. I grew up around Helen, Ga., and spent many hours running around those hills and floating the Chattahoochee. I got […]
What a trip it’s been
LETTER TO THE EDITOR In reading your article, “A trip back in time,” my mind went back to 1960 when I traded for a 1939 Taylorcraft. I had only been up in a small airplane a couple of times. The T-craft was a little airport bum and little did I know of the maintenance problems […]
Building a winning team
Jamie Beckett is a CFI and A&P mechanic who stepped into the political arena in an effort to promote and protect GA at his local airport. Powerful allies can pop up out of the blue, if you’re open to recognizing the opportunity. Since my basic rules of advocacy lean in the direction of the more […]
As sales slow, LSA companies use pause to refine their products
Dan Johnson, president of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, is an expert on Light Sport Aircraft. The sluggish economy has slowed the pace of new model introductions. Holding steady at 109 approved Light-Sport Aircraft — every one of which arrived in the last five and a half years — more designs are still to come. […]
Is it possible to convert my engine?
Paul McBride, an expert on engines, retired after almost 40 years with Lycoming. Q: I have a Lycoming O-360-A1F6D that was originally installed in a Cessna Cardinal. This engine has since been used in an Van’s RV-6 and I will be installing it into a Van’s RV-8. It does not have a magneto with it […]
Electric ultralights and battery science
Dan Johnson, president of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, is an expert on Light Sport Aircraft. I am not alone in thinking Part 103 ultralight aircraft are the ideal platform for initial development of electric powered aircraft. Sure, someday you’ll be able to fly your 2-4 seater for 300-400 miles or more, recharge in the […]
Another 3-month extension for FAA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both houses of Congress passed bills Sept. 23 giving the FAA another temporary extension. A joint bill is expected to be passed easily this week. This will be the 15th temporary funding measure the agency has had since 2007. The three-month extension will give the political body time to again try to […]