I spent the first portion of my career as a complete independent. I was completely solo. I didn’t belong to any organization, association, or group that required membership. That decision felt right. It wasn’t.
Opinion
You’ve made it to your destination. Now what?
Assuming your destination is not the airport or within walking distance, you are going to need a ride.
Sights, sounds, and connections that last
The machinery of the air fascinates me. It always has. What I didn’t expect — what I didn’t realize at all until I got into aviation on a full-time basis — is that the people who live in this world are even more compelling than the machinery they fly and maintain.
Ask Paul: Is it over torqued or under torqued?
From my experience when an engine thru bolt fails, it’s typically caused by one of two things: Under torque or over torque.
Find your airpark
Shady Acres brings back wonderful memories.
The panic about unleaded fuels
A lot has been written about who is developing 100 unleaded avgas fuels, but we should look at who is NOT working on a candidate fuel.
Keeping the record straight
My paper logbooks hold an emotional connection to a lifetime of effort. Notes in the margins tell the tale of wonderful flights and at least a couple terrifying incidents. They carry the signatures of pilots I’ve flown with and respect. Some are gone now. Some remain friends.
Ask Paul: Troubleshooting engine problems requires specific information
Anytime you are asking a question regarding a Lycoming engine, it’s much easier for me to respond if I have a specific engine model and serial number. Any maintenance history on the engine is also helpful, especially when troubleshooting a condition that has recently changed in the operation of the engine. I will never fault anyone for providing too much information.
Human Factors: A competitive environment
What can we learn from a fatal crash at a STOL competition?