Is it true that if an airplane is completely destroyed, except for the data plate, that you can completely rebuild it, and it’s the “same” airplane?
Opinion
The Tommy Scout: From war to sport flying
The Thomas-Morse S-4, known as the Tommy, was a plane at the intersection between aircraft development during World War I and Roaring Twenties sport flying.
Taking a different path to awesomeness
He lived his dream to fly with his own hands on the controls. The fact that I was along for the ride and available to keep him safe if needed was no big deal. He flew. His lifelong goal had been realized.
With aircraft engines, there’s no such thing as a free lunch
I suspect the cause of all of this would be that when the higher compression ratio pistons were installed, the carburetor was never compensated to provide a higher fuel ratio to support the higher horsepower being taken out of the engine.
Not your granddad’s hot spot
In my granddad’s day, an airport hot spot was a bar or a diner close to the field where pilots, mechanics, line service personnel, and aviation enthusiasts could gather for a cold one at the end of the day. Today, that designation refers to a point on the airport grounds where it is possible, if not likely, that confusion may result in an airplane, truck, car, or other motorized vehicle straying onto a chunk of pavement other than the one the pilot or driver intended — potentially with tragic results.
Forecasting turbulence in the search for a smoother ride
Combining the automated reporting from the more than 1,000 aircraft, PIREPs, and radar information, the hourly GTG forecast — which is updated at 15-minute intervals — produces a “nowcast.”
A little humility goes a long way
I have developed a habit over the years that I believe in with profound intensity. When challenged on a topic, or when it’s pointed out to me that I am in the wrong, I ask myself quietly, within the confines of my head, “Could I be mistaken?” A dose of humility comes with that inner conversation every time.
Do one thing and do it well
“10,000 people who care deeply and do not want to stand by and watch these places go away.”
Nothing is free
Don’t misunderstand my curmudgeonliness.