My friend and I were discussing why many Lycoming engines were built without oil filters, just oil screens. He guessed it was because in the beginning they just didn’t have oil filter technology, and once certified, the engine design is hard to change, so they just stayed that way for a long time. My conjecture […]
Opinion
The FAA scorecard: How’s it going?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — During the dog days of August Congress is away and it’s a good time to take a look at some of the subjects not usually considered for news reports — for instance, the FAA’s scorecard. The FAA rates itself in a “”how are we doing” report matched to the goals it sets. […]
Positive news for a change
Chetek Municipal-Southworth Airport (Y23) in Wisconsin had its first annual fly-in Aug. 6. What my partner Tim Knutson and I wanted to accomplish was to show the residents of the Chetek area how general aviation, flying and airports benefit a community. We also wanted to promote the airport and flying and have some fun, along […]
One rogue pilot could kill VFR flight
I think VFR flight is worth saving and will fight to protect it (To build a fire…to save our airspace, July 21 issue). I am a member of several alphabet organizations that are leading the fight. As much as I want to protect it, however, we must realize that it will take only one rogue […]
How does a lady-or a Scottsman in a kilt-enter a Symphony160?
Meg Godlewski’s piece on the Symphony 160 was an interesting read (Symphony 160: The next generation trainer, July 7 issue) and I noted with interest that the company is one that has at last recognized that many of us Americans are now a little (little?) broader in the beam. An almost mandatory requirement for two […]
How safe are we, really?
One of our most avidly read features is Accident Reports. To put these together for every issue, reporter Meg Godlewski combs the National Transportation Safety Board’s database, choosing a wide variety of accidents to spotlight. We don’t do this to highlight bad news. In fact, we look at these reports as cautionary tales, presenting them […]
Aerotropolis: The airport – and community – of the future
I just finished reading a magazine article that left me both surprised and thrilled. Published in Fast Company magazine, this article explains how cities around the world – especially in China, India, Thailand, Hong Kong and South Korea – are not only building massive new airports, but they are surrounding the airports with commercial and […]
Assembling a fuel-injected engine: What about sealants and fuel line routing?
I have nearly finished assembling a Lycoming O-360 that will be fuel injected. I am trying to find information regarding what kind, if any, sealant I should use and how to apply that sealant should one be used. I am assuming that careful application would be required in this area, specifically the fuel flow divider. […]
The Ultimate Flight Lesson
Let me congratulate the whole editorial team of GAN on your very interesting magazine, some recent copies of which I have enjoyed reading while on (flying) holiday in Florida. In the July 21 issue, I read with great interest the article “The ultimate flight lesson: Crossing the North Atlantic” and I found the idea truly […]