Here is another “rule” for your database (Rules for flight, June 9 issue), an oldie but a goodie: “The two most useless items in flying are the runway behind you and the altitude above you.” Par Loennquist via email
Opinion
To build a fire … to save our airspace
You may remember reading Jack London’s short story, “To Build a Fire,” in which a would-be Alaska gold rush prospector dies when he can’t build a fire to stay warm. He ignored the advice of the more experienced and set out ill prepared for the trail. It can be seen as a cautionary tale for […]
Where can airplane designers find info onengines?
Where can I obtain CAD information for Continental and Lycoming engines to use in a preliminary airplane design? In addition to the dimensions of the engines and very specific positions and angles for mounting and accessories, I’d like to have weight, C.G., etc. I’d also like to have some information on rpm ranges and vibration […]
Smart Skies for who?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The airline industry has a plan spelled out indicating what it wants for the skies over the United States. It’s called “”Smart Skies — Airspace Reform Concepts.”” While at first reading it all might sound logical, closer scrutiny reveals a desire to establish an airline dominated system. First on the list from […]
AM I MISSING SOMETHING
I must be missing something. The gentleman with the formerly flawless O-360-CIF (Ask Paul: What causes a formerly flawless engine to run rough? May 19 issue) says he swapped the #1 and #3 EGT probes and the problem moved to #3 on the JPI. To me, an A&P/IA, that means the problem is most likely […]
DIESELS ARE THE WAY FOR GA TO GO
I just had to respond after reading Paul McBride’s response to Alex Rougier’s question concerning diesels in the June 9 edition (Why is it better to put a diesel engine on a GA aircraft?) I disagree with the answer you gave him, and here’s why: First off, a diesel is inherently more efficient because of […]
ANGEL FLIGHT’S NEEDFOR HOMEBUILTS ANDTWO-SEAT TRAINERS
I wish to thank Charles Spence for his fine and informative article reporting on the Angel Flight tribute dinner in Washington, D.C. (Capital Comments: Tribute dinner shines light on GA’s humanitarian efforts, June 9 issue). He writes that missions are flown in “all types of aircraft from four-place single-engines to corporate jets.” I can attest […]
Why is my engine so hard to start?
QUESTION: I have a 1979 Cessna 152 II with a Lycoming 110 hp engine. I have a hard time starting it in all weather conditions with any combination of prime, from zero to four primes. Many times it will not start, draining the battery. How can I resolve this problem? Joe Ragon Okeechobee, Fla. ANSWER: […]
The rest of the story
I am writing not as Mr. Clow’s attorney, but as a friend and admirer of Mr. Oliver Boyd Clow (“Boyd”). I would like correct an impression the article, Save a private airport: Pilots can make a difference, April 21 issue, left in the minds of some readers that Clow International Airport (IC5) was developed by […]