Q: I have a Grumman Yankee Model AA-1 with a Lycoming O-235L 108-hp engine. What is the procedure for a “hot engine” start? When I shut down the engine, I run it lean at 1,800 rpm for about 10 seconds before I pull the mixture. Then, when the engine is cold, it starts right away. […]
Opinion
On our side
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Aviation Subcommittee has a new vice chairman who is knowledgeable about aviation and from a state with a history of recognizing the importance of general aviation airports: Rep. John Boccieri (D-Ohio). From 1994 to 1998 Boccieri was in the U.S. Air Force flying C-130 Hercules aircraft. Now a major in […]
Continental sends mixed messages on unleaded fuels
Teledyne Continental Motors has done a number of tests with unleaded gasoline that is supposed to be made to the ASTM spec for 94 UL avgas. There have been several PR releases about these tests, including a report at EAA.org Apparently the tests are a complete success and Continental is ready to certify all of […]
Is there a better name than general aviation?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but will flying by any name be as accepted and successful? At a recent House Aviation Subcommittee hearing on the progress of the NextGen air traffic management system, members of the subcommittee, as well as people testifying, continually referred to “business flying” […]
Ethanol & Aircraft – a perspective from 1935
The pros and cons of using ethanol blends in light aircraft may seem like a new issue, but this article that appeared in the June 1935 issue of “Popular Aviation” expresses many of the same concerns shared by your bloggers. While we are not categorically in opposition to ethanol’s use as an aviation fuel, its […]
Jenny’s siblings
The Curtiss Jenny, particularly the JN-4, is one of America’s most famous airplanes. Jenny was ubiquitous — everybody had a Jenny, along with bailing wire, a five-gallon gas can and the grease gun needed to keep her going. The Jenny, with all its struts, wires and fittings, was referred to as “a bunch of parts […]
A buyer’s market for airparks
To prepare for the forums I’m presenting at this year’s AOPA Aviation Summit in Tampa, Florida, (Nov. 5-7), I’ve done a lot of talking with people about the status of residential airparks. It probably isn’t much of a surprise to anyone that the sale of lots and homes on residential airparks, regardless of their size, […]
End of 100LL predicted
Predictions of the phasing out of 100LL “during the Teens” has been described in this article from David Travers Adolphus of the Hemmings Motor News (scroll down to bottom). The article suggests that the likely replacement will be 94UL, quoting sources at the EPA. The GAfuels Blog is written by three private pilots concerned about […]
Those against biz jets need to know this
A silent auction at the NBAA convention last month raised $168,000 for a program that those opposed to corporate aviation should know more about. The auction’s proceeds went to the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), a group that arranges for free transportation on business aircraft for cancer patients. CAN, in service for 27 years, has provided […]