I would like to take this opportunity to respond to a column written by Joel Elman in the November issue titled “The eye of the camera.” After reading this article several times, I tried to figure out how something like this could have been deemed worthy of being published. This article was not informative, factual, […]
Opinion
What’s under the tree?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Information leaks in this town are means of communications. The only times politicians click their tongues in shame are when the leakers get caught. Therefore, it should not surprise anyone that information was leaked to me about what certain individuals will be receiving for Christmas. True to my journalistic profession, I will […]
What is the shelf life of avgas?
The short answer is that, under most conditions, the shelf life of avgas is about one year. If you are a commercial operator, this is the end of the discussion.
A powerful decision
By PETER M. BOWERS. This is a classic Of Wings & Things from the 1980s. GAN will continue to run the late Mr. Bowers’ column for the enjoyment of his readers. One of the major decisions for any airplane designer is powerplant. Sometimes the choice is made for the designer when the customer who ordered […]
A ramp rat visits the House of Mouse
Why is it that some people love amusement park rides that produce a physical force that mimics flying but are afraid to fly in a small airplane? One of my closest friends is a roller coaster fanatic, but he refuses to ride in a small airplane. And it’s not just because I am the PIC. […]
Our freedom to fly is at risk
I have implored pilots to engage with us at the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission in keeping aircraft and airports secure. A recent TV report has shown that we are still not receiving the needed cooperation by all concerned. I have warned that the media representation can only be two dimensional. This most recent television report only […]
What about the ADIZ?
You missed a big opportunity to make a better case for “bureaucratic overreaction” (Truth or consequences: Where zeal can compromise safety, November issue) when you failed to mention or discuss the one issue that concerns all pilots in the “Southern” area: FAA’s and the Secret Service’s attempt to make permanent the Washington ADIZ. There was […]
Red Flags
I’ve experienced and learned a few things since I earned my PPL, especially during the time I’ve owned my Luscombe. One of the most important is that I know that I will continue to learn as long as I continue to fly. The winds are ever changing and each landing is new and unique. Complacency […]
Cameras provide valuable data
I would like to suggest another camera coverage that could provide significant and unmatched aircraft flight data (The eye of the camera, November issue). Digital cameras, with wide angle lenses, could be mounted on the exterior of commercial aircraft. Possible locations are the vertical stabilizer and the fore end of the underside fuselage. With the […]