I commend GANews for publishing unsatisfactory business practices by FBOs as reported in Mark Grady’s column (Bad Business: Are some airports hurting GA?, Jan 20 issue). However, I agree with Bruce Webbon as stated in his letter (Outstanding service should be recognized, March 10 issue), when exceptional service is received it should also be recognized. […]
Opinion
ATC: A potentially explosive problem
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Not since 1981, when the air traffic controllers struck the FAA and then-President Ronald Reagan ordered them fired and replaced, has the air traffic control situation been as potentially explosive as it is now. After nine months of bitter contract negotiations, by law the mess went to the Congress, which had 60 […]
Travel Air
By PETER M. BOWERS. This is a classic Of Wings & Things from the 1980s. GAN continues to run the late Mr. Bowers’ columns for the enjoyment of his readers. The Travel Air biplane, introduced in 1925, is the most numerous example of the pre-1930 antiques still flying. Although there were well over 40 different […]
Scott Crossfield: A true gentleman
After reading several articles about the tragic death of Scott Crossfield (including yours in the May 5 issue), I feel the need to say something about the man I am proud to call my friend. Scotty and I were introduced about 12 years ago by a mutual friend and have since become good friends. We […]
Glenn Curtis’ contribution unsurpassed
I would have to say that a very critical milestone comes from a man whose name is not a household name, nor has he ever really had the popularity or notoriety that was bestowed upon the Wright brothers, yet his contribution to aviation has been unsurpassed by any other (What are the 20 most critical […]
Why is it better to put a diesel engine on a GA aircraft?
QUESTION: What is the state of art and the development of diesel engines for GA? Why is it better to put a diesel engine on a GA aircraft than a conventional one? Alex Rougier Turin, Italy ANSWER: This is a frequently asked question, always popping up at the big shows, like Arlington and Oshkosh. I […]
User fees OK: play and pay
Another day, another tax. Mr. McCollom’s idea of fixing the FAA’s operating capital deficit (A simple fix, May 5 issue) could be equated to the comedian Gallagher’s approach to slicing and dicing fruits and vegetables with the Sledge-O-Matic. In other words, we have a problem, let’s just tax everybody (some more) and see if it […]
Grounded: What’s the proper way to ground during refueling?
We ground an aircraft during the refueling process to ensure that the plane and the refueling apparatus are at the same electrical potential and to dissipate the electrical charge that is generated by the fuel transfer process.
Tribute dinner shines light on GA’s humanitarian efforts
WASHINGTON, DC — A tribute dinner was held at a hotel just two blocks from the Capitol where legislators are wrestling over FAA budgets, user fees and other issues of aviation. Dinners here are as numerous as fleas on a mangy dog. But this one showed what aviation means to the nation by honoring just […]