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 […]
Opinion
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When should I achieve highest RPM?
I own a 1962 Piper Colt with a O-235-C1B engine. My operator manual says that I should have 115 hp at 2800 RPM. At what point would I achieve highest RPM? On takeoff? Level flight at full throttle? I never see that high of RPM even in level flight at full throttle. On takeoff, I […]
Survivor: AirVenture
Well, I survived one more Oshkosh experience! As I have for just about every year since 1970, I journeyed to Oshkosh for the annual EAA aviation extravaganza the last week of July. As usual, there was a huge crowd of planes, campers and people on hand. I don’t have any sort of count, but let […]
CONFUSED? I DOUBT IT
I feel compelled to respond to the letter titled “Stephen Hawking Confused?” in the June 22 issue submitted by James F. Jackson from Carlisle, Ind. I got a good hearty chuckle from Mr. Jackson’s letter as he attempted to explain to us all how the “Zero-G” 727 simulates zero gravity. I had to think for a […]
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 […]
LSA RULE IS DISCRIMINATORY
While I am sympathetic to Cessna 140 owners wishing to fly their planes as Light Sport Aircraft, I ask a larger question — why can’t I fly my 172 as an LSA? That is to say, me and one passenger, day VFR? I am 6 foot, 3 inches and weigh rather more than the “average” […]