The FAA’s Inclusive Language Summit combined two of our columnist’s favorite things: Aviation and Language. William E Dubois gives us his take on the agency’s initiative to change crucial words in aviation, such as airman and repairman to more gender-neutral terms because language matters.
Opinion
In consideration of right seaters
There is nothing natural about piloting an aircraft. In fact, our belief that the act of flying is normal and enjoyable flies in the face of an opinion held by the vast majority of the wider population. I’m not talking about the fear of flying. That’s real, but increasingly rare. The intimidation factor, though, that can be found in abundance.
Ask Paul: Finding the correct oil cooler inlet on my airplane’s engine
“I do not understand the the oil routing to allow the thermostatic valve, located in the filter adapter, to control the oil flow to or from the oil cooler, from ports not located on or near the thermostatic by pass valve.”
It doesn’t have to be difficult
Fixing the aviation industry isn’t an easy task. But it needn’t be difficult either.
Tips for storing an idle engine
What is the best way to store an engine — whether it’s just for the winter or a much longer time as you finish your restoration project or homebuilt airplane? Here are several tips, covering both Continental and Lycoming engines.
The art of negotiation
The act of negotiating is good. Yet, few of us will engage in an obvious negotiation for fear that we might be turned down, or worse, that negotiation is somehow an indication of greed or of being egocentric. Neither of those fears is valid.
Questions from the Cockpit: A colorful question
The cost of a quality airplane paint job borders on the astronomical. But, in fairness to the paint shops, that’s because the work involved in doing it right borders on the astronomical. In an effort to save money, can you paint your own airplane? Here’s what the FAA regulations say.
Participation prizes of a different kind
Virtually all of us will want something from the government at some point in our lives. A building variance, a zoning change, a pothole filled, maybe even a commitment to keep a local airport open. When it’s time to take your concern to an elected official, who do you think they will listen to more carefully? Those who only complain, or those who participate in the process and offer solutions?
On seven wings and a prayer
The ultimate path was illuminated by the failures, as well as the successes. That’s the year [1916] a patent was filed for the Johns Multiplane, a seven-winged whopper ultimately powered by three Liberty engines.