Regarding the Meigs settlement between the FAA and the Daley regime, the media has reported that Chicago taxpayers will be required to pay the FAA $1,033,000, but the cost to the taxpayers is much more. Not counting the loss in business to Chicago that the airport brought it, there are the legal expenses, estimated to […]
Opinion
Who was PIC?
Reference the article, “Can your airplane save your life?” in the Sept. 8 issue, in which the NTSB (initially) points to wake turbulence as a probable cause, it is disheartening to read that the pilot blames the accident on ATC, because “the tower cleared him to take off one minute and 28 seconds behind a […]
What STCs are available for my engine?
Can you give me an idea of what STCs are available to convert an O-320-E3D from 150 to 160 hp? David Austin Ponder, Texas David, I suggest you go to the following website to do your research: Airweb.FAA.gov/STC. Once there you’ll be offered several options to locate the information you’re looking for. When looking for […]
Test pilots held to a higher standard?
I read with great interest about how Mr. Jim Stewart asserts that his life was saved by the design of the Sport Jet (Can your airplane save your life? Sept. 8). Then I got to the “So what happened?” section and was appalled that Mr. Stewart blamed the crash on Air Traffic Control. The article […]
We understand why, tell us how
I agree we need to do something to stop user fees and to get rid of the ADIZ (To build a fire, to save our airspace, July 21 issue). The problem is how do you get anyone to listen? I belong to AOPA and know they are doing what they can. I have talked to […]
Last minute maneuers: User fees, VLJs and more on Congress’s agenda before its latest recess
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Before taking a recess to campaign for reelection, Congress took time to move on several issues important to general aviation. The Senate confirmed Mary Peters as Secretary of Transportation. In past transportation positions she has declared a need for new financing methods, i.e., user fees. Peters replaces the well-respected Norman Mineta, who […]
Boeing slates historic building for demolition
The Boeing Airplane Co. is planning to tear down a significant piece of aviation history. The Plant 2 building on East Marginal Way South in Seattle is slated for demolition soon. This is the factory that employed 30,000 Seattle people at the peak of World War II, turning out B-17 Flying Fortresses at the rate of several […]
Precedent (NJ airport under attack)
In regards to the letter in the Aug. 18th issue about the New Jersey airport that is under attack (N.J. airport under attack), I wish to add the following: Unfortunately Mr. Walker’s statement that if the NIMBYS are legally successful in any way, it will set a precedent that will affect not only the airports […]
What’s the best way to really test a mag?
I often hear from U.S. mechanics that in their opinion the only way to really test a mag is to do it while flying. They say that’s because you can really get the highest rpm, say 2,550, and then do a left/right check as I normally would do at 1,700 on the ground. I’m not […]