GAN has been one of the easiest to read. I enjoy the stories and letters to the editor, etc., until a few months ago. For some unknown reason, articles are being continued in other parts of the paper. I read part of an article and by the time I wade through the paper to find […]
Opinion
An easier approach
A stand of fir trees that partially blocked the final approach path to the city-owned airport at Blaine, Wash., was removed in October after more than two decades of struggle with descendants of the original landowner. It’s not just a victory for airport users, but helps ensure the airport’s future as well. The airport, designated […]
Dream no small dreams
“Dream no small dreams, for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Regular readers of this column recognize that I am not one to offer such lofty ideas and proposals, but when I saw this the other day I knew it fit general aviation perfectly. I read this […]
SA-1: An oldie but a goodie
By PETER M. BOWERS. In the last issue, we looked at the SA-1 (Ship’s Aeroplane) developed by the U.S. Naval Aircraft Factory at the end of World War I. Although an oldie with many features that were outdated even for 1919, it deserves more attention, as it has many features that are applicable to today’s […]
The No. 1 question of oil experts: How often should oil be changed?
You are probably thinking that someone who worked for an oil company would recommend more frequent oil changes so that more oil is sold. However, the choice is really quite simple: You can spend more on oil or you can spend more at the engine shop. Oil is a lot cheaper than engine parts.
More to the story than meets the eye
The first time I saw Sam Lyons’ print “”Shellightning,”” it got my attention. It is vividly colorful and it depicts one of the famous Lockheed planes, specifically one made notable by Jimmy Doolittle. Little did I know then the fascinating story of this plane, which was to unfold as I investigated its history. The plane, […]
What engines should I avoid?
QUESTION: I have a 1969 Skyhawk with a Lycoming O-320-E2D engine. I think it is an excellent engine. I would like to update to a 1975-1980 Skyhawk. I heard Lycoming had trouble with engines in 1977-78. Is that true? What engines should I stay away from? What year did the company come out with the […]
Sport Pilot: A disaster waiting to happen
I fear that I may be one of the few pilots in the country who does not warmly welcome the announcement of the new Sport Pilot ruling by the FAA. My concern is not with aircraft that fall in the lighter-than-air, weight-shift, gyroplanes and powered parachutes categories. Rather, my fear resides with the proposed Sport […]
What’s up doc?
How important is your choice of Aviation Medical Examiner? Very important, it seems. I recently received two e-mails from a newspaper requesting information about a doctor who had lost his medical license, but continued to do FAA medicals. Apparently, the doctor lost his privileges at a couple of hospitals due to a head injury he […]