On a bright, Saturday morning not too long ago, my wife Kathy and I drove to our hangar at the Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland. Since we were pressed for time, we decided just to make several takeoffs and landings in our Mooney Ovation 2000. During my pre-flight, I noticed that I had about two […]
Opinion
QUIT WHINING ABOUT ETHANOL
There’s the problem with ethanol-based fuel! It may consume more energy in its production that it itself will produce. It may cost more than petroleum-based fuels it replaces. Taxpayers may have to continue subsidizing it until the public comes to its senses. However, until that happens politicians and newspaper editors, particularly here in the Corn […]
The “Greenies” are coming and we’d better watch out
I don’t want to seem like an alarmist, but the new environmental religion has become a threat to aviation, and the threat is very real. Ten protesters at London’s Biggin Hill were arrested last month while blocking access to private aircraft, which make up most of the traffic at that historic airfield. They were protesting […]
NO AMOUNT OF MONEY
Being a retired flight instructor, I really enjoyed the article “Why can’t you find a CFI?” in the July 20 issue. The comments of all the people who contributed to that article brought back a lot of memories and this is one of them: We rolled to a stop and I got out of the […]
THE LIGHTER SIDE
I just picked up the July 20 edition and read the Scuttlebutt column, “Fear, full frontal nudity. . .and real estate.” Excellent humor! Loved the part about “I want my mommy” when given clearance for a “full approach!” I’m a retired Army aviator now working for Era Helicopters in Lake Charles, La. It’s refreshing to see […]
Do you have the Right Stuff? If not, can it be learned?
Everyone knows at least one pilot who has “the right stuff.” “These are the people we trust, whom we look up to — and not just for their stick and rudder skills,” says Bill Rhodes, owner of Aerworthy Consulting, who is kicking off a first-of-its-kind study of what makes a pilot a superior pilot. Dubbed […]
FAA administrator moves on: Successor will jumpinto the user fee debate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Marion Blakey’s term as FAA administrator expires Sept. 13. She will become president of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the lobbying trade group of companies involved primarily with military and commercial aerospace. At one time, nine companies that produced general aviation aircraft and engines were a part of AIA. They were called […]
What’s causing popping noises at low RPM?
I have a high-wing homebuilt aircraft into which I have installed an IO-360-A1B 200-hp Lycoming salvaged from a Lake Amphiban, with 660 TT. My problem is that it makes loud popping noises at low RPM, such as when landing or taxiing. I have a cross-over type exhaust, and have had a mechanic check both the […]
ANOTHER VOTE FOR GREATESTAIRCRAFT EVER
In Alaska, I would have to vote for the workhorse deHavilland Beaver: Hauling passengers, search dogs, fuel, equipment, ice, supplies, and supporting missions like search and rescue, medevac, recreation, flight-seeing, mining, logging, hunting, commercial fishing, and more. The Beaver has been the main plane in Alaska for half a century. The slightly more modern Cessna […]