I just read Paul McBride’s response to John Folinsbee in the April 22, 2005, issue (What led to camshaft damage?) I know this is a huge subject with no easy answers. May I give some information about engines and preheaters that we have observed and which might help your readers understand? Contrary to what you […]
Opinion
Diabetic? You can still fly — if you’re willing to jump through some hoops
I recently had a 43-year-old diabetic pilot in my office for a Third Class Medical. My examination of the airman was unremarkable. His urinalysis was negative for sugar. He was slightly obese. Reports were provided stating he had no hypoglycemic reactions and no ophthalmological, neurological or nephrology problems. His A1C blood test, a measure of […]
Shark attack: Marking airplanes with a shark mouth used by both sides during both World Wars
By PETER M. BOWERS. Since the start of World War I, one of the most popular “extra” markings on military aircraft (aside from the standardized nationality and unit markings) has been the application of a mouth (sometimes a whole face) with very prominent painted-on teeth. This was supposed to represent a face or mouth for […]
The few, the proud, the persistent…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Homeland Security Department has issued an Interim Flight Rule that will again permit general aviation aircraft to operate into and out of Reagan National Airport. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, GA aircraft have not been permitted at DCA, which is located just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington. […]
Yeah me!
It’s hard to believe another year has rolled around since Pickens County’s first Airport Appreciation Day. We were more prepared this year, having laid a lot of the groundwork last year. We knew our target audience. While we invite everyone to fly in, the public of Jasper, Pickens County and the surrounding areas are those […]
No rudders? How about two?
In your article on the Virginia Aviation Museum (June 3 issue), the caption on page 47 states “the rudderless Ercoupe.” Actually, the Ercoupe has two rudders. They are connected to the yoke and operate in coordination with the ailerons. In fact, ERCO called this system “coordinated controls.” The later ‘Coupes built by Forney and Alon did […]
My airplane
I was reading the latest GAN in bed last night and flipped to page 59 because of the A-26 picture on the Table of Contents page. I always loved the A-26, but that wasn’t what tickled me on page 59 (North to Alaska, June 3 issue). “My airplane!” We had protective custody of Do-27 (partially […]
Not enough fuel
I read with interest your response to the question “What causes engines to develop less than rated power?” (June 17 issue). May I add one more component? I once had a 180 hp Lycoming in a Piper Cherokee. No matter what I did, this engine refused to burn more than 10 gph. I always flew […]
Memories of a grand lady
There’s a lot of excitement at the local unit of the Commemorative Air Force. After almost two years of hard work, its C-53 Skytrooper is about ready to fly and start touring airshows. “”A C-53! What’s that?”” some of you may ask. At the beginning of World War II, commercial DC-1s, DC-2s and DC-3s were […]