It’s pretty common for the family and close friends of a pilot to consider that pilot “the only one I’d feel comfortable flying with.” It’s no different with my family and non-flying friends. (Those friends of mine who do fly know better!) My wife is my No. 1 flying groupie. We’ve been flying together for […]
Opinion
A good backup
I just read “Avoiding GPS traps” in The Southern Aviator. Good direct-to-the-point article. I am an instrument rated pilot who has flown for 14 years in an A-36 which is still analog plus R-Nav (all King equipment), so I was trained this way for instruments. I have put off upgrading my panel because the revolution […]
Our flying family
Since Keely has become a permanent part of our family, our flying habits have changed. Where our cross countries used to be literally across the country, they are now limited to forays into neighboring states. Even those are limited to special occasions. Most of our flying is now done within 50 to 100 miles of […]
Where do most accidents happen?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Insurance companies say they pay more for ground-based accident claims than for any other area of aviation. That’s why the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is undertaking a program to cut accidents on the ground in half within five years. This initiative was just one of the subjects discussed by NATA President […]
High-flying book sales
Thought you’d enjoy this: My phone rings and the conversation goes like this: “Hi, I’m calling you from my airplane, I’m at 8,000 feet. My passenger is sitting here reading the review of your book in GA News (The Cessna 150 Primer, Nov. 12 issue), and he says I really need to buy a copy […]
Continuing problem?
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 […]
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 […]