The ground below hosted a thousand shades of green, and the previous day’s rain had washed away Atlanta’s yellow peril from the sky, leaving the air fresh and clear. The day was a welcome gift and I chose to ignore the responsibilities and obligations that clawed away at my time. Climb out was smooth and […]
Opinion
No empirical evidence
I’m writing about your statement “A preheater left on simply becomes a giant condensation generator resulting in internal engine corrosion” (What led to camshaft damage? Ask Paul, April 22 issue). There is no empirical evidence I’m aware of supporting the above statement regarding the relationship between preheaters and corrosion, but based on logic I think […]
When does your medical run out?
It’s a question that even AMEs have a hard time deciding: Exactly when does a medical run out? Here’s the scenario: You’re a 43-year-old private pilot who needs to renew your Third Class medical. You received your last medical June 15, 2003, and it expires at midnight on June 30, 2005. You go see your […]
Are commercial flight schools uninsurable?
General aviation has seen an interesting and uncommon change recently. A new certificate is now available. The new Sport Pilot certification has been much awaited, touted, and striven for by many dedicated individuals and organizations whose goal was to help broaden the appeal of GA. Sport Pilot offers a new group of people the ability […]
Worries about a warranty?
From time to time I receive letters regarding various questions about warranties. If you’re like most people, it’s very seldom we really read and understand a warranty on a product. Having been responsible for the warranty on Lycoming engines at one point during my career there, I can tell you that gives one a whole […]
Debate continues on Capital Hill over user fees
WASHINGTON, D.C. — How to fund the FAA was the subject of still another hearing in the House of Representatives and the notion of user charges raised its ugly head higher, lifted by testimony from James May, president and CEO of the airlines’ Air Transport Association (ATA) and comments from several government witnesses. In his […]
The Lighning’s mystery and the artist’s passion
There’s something about a P-38. A poker face turns into a smile when you start talking about the Lightning. If you have never touched one or seen one swoosh by with those turbocharged Allison engines singing their beautiful tune, then you’ve missed a great joy in life. And those who have been fortunate enough to […]
Curiosity and invention
“Results! Why, man, I have gotten lots of results. I know several thousand things that won’t work.” That was Thomas Edison talking. Edison probably was the most prolific and successful inventor of our, or any, time and his statement emphasizes the importance of curiosity. In Edison’s case, that often meant research just for the sake […]
Pilots unite
Congratulations to GANews on your articles in the April 8th issue on the increasing dangers to airports due to encroachment. It is a nationwide issue and pilots must pay attention and get involved now, or find themselves without an airport to use. While the nationwide aviation organizations do an excellent job, they cannot do it […]