The commercial pilot of the Pacific Aerospace 750XL reported he was preparing to release skydivers when he noticed that the engine torque indication was in the red arc. The gauge was indicating a torque of 70 pounds per square inch (psi) when it should have been indicating about 25 psi. The maximum allowed torque indication […]
Picture of the day: From one generation to the next
Ted Cowan of Opelika, Alabama sent us this photo, explaining: “Taking my 8-year-old granddaughter Dakotah on a flight. She loves my little Kolb SlingShot.”
Russia-based Stinson 108-1 project back on track after finding needed engine part
In October, Ask Paul columnist Paul McBride, who retired after 40 years with Lycoming, received this letter from Mike Stolyarch in far-off Russia: “In order to be completely confident in my engine, I decided to do a major overhaul of the O-435A on my 1947 Stinson 108-1. I have already found all the necessary spare parts, […]
Video: The Most Embarrassing Way to Crash an Airplane
In a new video on YouTube, Nick Cyganski of Friendly Skies Film goes into detail into what he calls the most embarrassing way to crash an airplane: Running out of fuel. While most pilots say it will never happen to them, just a glance at the NTSB Accident Reports shows that it happens many times every month. Check […]
Erik Lindbergh launches new company to build flying taxis
DAYTONA, FLORIDA — Erik Lindbergh, grandson of famed aviators Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, has launched VerdeGo Aero, a new aerospace company with a mission to provide the upcoming multi-billion-dollar urban transportation market with a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that can fly piloted or autonomously. See the company’s video below: https://youtu.be/cm8K8WokWNw The […]
GA advocacy groups oppose capping veterans flight training benefits
Eight general aviation organizations have expressed their concerns about H.R. 4149, which would improve delivery of flight training benefits for veterans, but cap payments for that flight training. The GA group letter was signed by top officials at the Experimental Aircraft Association, Air Medical Operators Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, […]
EAA chief receives multiple honors from FAA, NAA and Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — Jack J. Pelton, CEO and chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association, received multiple honors in November 2017 from the National Aeronautic Association, FAA, and the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame. Pelton was named one of six 2017 recipients of NAA’s Wesley McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award. The award […]
PMA awarded for Cessna Exterior Door Handles
FAIRBANKS, Alaska– Airframe Innovations has been awarded FAA/PMA approval for Cessna Exterior Door Handles. The idea for a better exterior door handle came to Airframe Innovations owner Karl Braun while standing on floats loading three guests into his Cessna 185. The OEM handles, made of electro-plated potmetal, were very weak and failed in his hand. As a […]
Spatial disorientation fatal for Piper pilot
The instrument-rated private pilot was operating the Piper PA-32-R on an instrument flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). As the plane neared the destination airport, the controller cleared the pilot for the instrument landing system (ILS) approach, instructed him to descend to 3,400′ mean sea level (msl), and provided him with a heading […]