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 […]
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developed by the U.S. Naval Aircraft Factory at the end of World War I. Although an oldie with many features that were outdated even for 1919, it deserves more attention, as it has many features that are applicable to today’s […]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 […]
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 […]