“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 […]
Opinion
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 […]
A puzzling question
Your crossword for Feb. 11 seems to have needed a name to make two others work out. Your answer for the clue to 12 Across, “Sky King’s airplane” was “bluebird,” which let the answers to 13 Down and 9 Down work out as “Lindbergh” and “Bell.” Unfortunately Sky King’s airplane was named “Songbird.” At least […]
Surely you jest
Regarding “Can’t find a hangar? You’re not alone” in the March 25th issue, you state that monthly hangar rents range to a high (emphasis mine) of $565 (in the Southwest). Surely you jest. Monthly hangar rent at KSMO (Santa Monica Municipal Airport) in the Los Angeles Basin ranges up to $1.50 per square foot. This […]
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 […]
Is it normal to lean the mixture for ground ops, takeoff?
QUESTION: I’m operating a C-172 with a Lycoming O-360 engine at an approximately sea level airport. Is it normal to have to lean the mixture for ground operations and takeoffs? I have to or the engine runs a bit rough. Perhaps the mixture settings on the carb are not adjusted correctly, although some say it […]
Just say no
WASHINGTON, D.C.— A push to privatize the air traffic control system and/or put it on a fee basis is heating up, but two recent hearings in the House of Representatives indicate that members of the aviation subcommittee will have nothing to do with it. The subcommittee is looking into the modernization of ATC and its […]
‘Tailwind vs. Cougar’
By PETER M. BOWERS. Throughout the homebuilt movement many designs have a strong resemblance to others. The all-time toppers in this area are the Wittman “Tailwind” and the Nesmith “Cougar.” The “Tailwind” came on the scene first, back at the very beginning of the present homebuilt era. Steve Wittman of Oshkosh, Wis., was a schoolteacher […]