WASHINGTON, D.C. — It has been tried before, but here we go again: an attempt to get Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reopened to general aviation. This time a bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. House directing the Department of Transportation to allow general aviation access within six months. Except for a number […]
Opinion
Unabashed admiration needs to be tempered
Your unabashed admiration for the NRA needs to be tempered by the realization of two things about that organization: Its massive political contributions have corrupted many venal legislators in state legislatures and the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Such legislators are afraid to vote against any positions taken by NRA because they know the […]
Silver giants? Only seven Zeppelins were actually silver
By PETER M. BOWERS. Lyrical writers who comment lovingly on the glories of the era of the big rigid airships – Zeppelins, to give the name of the German originator to all of them – frequently call them “Silver Giants” or something similar. Whatever the noun, the adjective “silver” always seems to get in there. […]
GA dismisses NRA at its own peril
I have followed with interest the articles concerning the lobbying tactics of the NRA and the objections of a number of the readers (Letters to the Editor, Feb. 25). I believe the point of highlighting the NRA was to demonstrate how a grass roots organization, faced with political opposition and government controls, has developed into […]
Bridging generations in Dallas
I can now honestly say, “I was on the grassy knoll.” I visited Dealey Plaza in Dallas when I was in the Lone Star State attending the 16th annual Women in Aviation International Conference. I was not born when President Kennedy was assassinated, but I have seen the film of the motorcade and the black […]
A story worth telling
Just wanted to say thanks to Tom Norton for the nice book review you ran on “Things My Flight Instructor Never Told Me” (Need to know info, Feb. 25 issue). I see you ran my good friend Jim Gardner’s seaplane story as well (Buying an amphibian? How about some tips from someone who’s been there, […]
The real reality
As per the letter to the editor, “Filmmakers need to get it right,” (March 11 issue), I’m one aviation buff (I presume this goes for many others too) who also has been disappointed by the special effects that have been produced lately. I haven’t seen “The Aviator,” or the other two films he mentioned yet, […]
Overhauled engine means relearning how it operates
QUESTION: First, let me say thanks for your excellent column. It’s always one of the first things I flip to when GANews arrives. In my 1947 PA-12 (I’m new to the plane, purchased after complete restoration), I have an O290-D2B with about 18 hours on a new limits field overhaul, including new exhaust valves, seats, […]
Could we be regulated out of all airspace?
Several recent letters were critical of the National Rifle Association (To create a powerhouse GA, model the NRA, Jan. 28 issue). Well rest assured, if it wasn’t for the NRA, the Second Amendment Foundation, The Gun Owners of America, and The Citizen’s Committee to Keep & Bear Arms, their rights to own a gun of […]