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.
Opinion
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.
It’s obvious…or is it?
Isn’t it interesting that we’re all speaking the same language and yet we are struggling to understand one another?
Does a medical marijuana card trump an aviation certificate?
Basically — and I’m paraphrasing here for the benefit of those who think they can spot a loophole — if you work in aviation you will be drug tested. That means you have to make a decision: Do you want to party like it’s 1999 or do you want to work in aviation?
Ask Paul: Why has my oil consumption increased?
When breaking in, the best I’ve ever achieved was maybe 11 or 12 hours on a quart of oil. Now I’m down to a quart every three hours. The oil gets black fast.
Is it legal for two planes to be on the same runway at the same time?
Not every facet of non-towered airports operations has been addressed by the FAA. That leaves some things in a solid gray area and open to interpretation. One of these gray areas: Can two planes legally occupy the same runway at the same time?