The private pilot was flying a night visual pattern to a non-towered airport in Lancaster, Texas. Due to another airplane on final approach, he extended the downwind leg to create spacing. While on the extended final in a rural area with low lighting, he descended the airplane well below a proper glidepath to the runway […]
Goose on the loose
Ace photographer Rob Stapleton sent us these two photos of N703, a Grumman Goose owned and operated by John Pletcher of the Goose Hangar at Lake Hood Seaplane Base (PALH) in Anchorage, Alaska.
Tips to break-in your new engine
In my last column, Breaking in a new engine in the Aug. 24 issue, I discussed the mechanics of breaking in an engine. In this column I will discuss some of the steps every pilot should take during break-in. The first decision is what oil to use for break-in. Here, again, you need to refer to […]
Pilots flock to KLEE for continuing education
Pilots flocked to Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) in Florida Oct. 21, 2017, to attend the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 Fly-In. They came by plane and by car to hear a presentation by Rock Rockcastle, an instructor representing the FAA’s Safety Team. He talked about the Wings Pilot Proficiency Program and why Air Traffic Controllers […]
Improvements at KLXT spur regional growth
Recent projects at Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport (LXT) in Missouri took nearly 20 years to complete, but with a new runway extension and acquisition of a hangar complex, the airport is now positioned to attract more business. Lee’s Summit, 16 miles southeast of Kansas City, is one of the fastest growing communities in the state […]
Video: Celebrating the Stearman
Smitty Smith of FunPlacesToFly.com recently posted a video that features a collection of Stearmans from over the years of attending airshow and fly-ins. “The Boeing Stearman was used as a military trainer aircraft,” he notes. “At least 10,626 were built in the US during the 1930s and 1940s.” https://youtu.be/CFFozx2l81I
Hurricane relief takes flight at VNY
VAN NUYS, California —Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Pegasus Elite Aviation, Van Nuys Airport Association and Operation Gratitude recently concluded a relief drive for victims of hurricane-affected areas in Florida. The collection drive, which ran from Sept. 26 to Oct. 9, 2017, received items desperately needed by the communities in hard-hit areas. More than 8,000 items […]
MGL Avionics launches Vega line of instruments
MGL Avionics has introduced the Vega Series of 2-1/4″ singles for experimental and Light-Sport Aircraft. The Vega range consists of 12 color display aviation instruments, including AHRS units, Altimeters with VSIs, Airspeed Indicators, Temperature Monitors, Fuel Computers, RPM Indicators and Manifold Pressure Indicators. Each instrument has multiple display and customization options, according to company officials. Using […]
Beach landing bad for Piper pilot
According to the pilot, he intended to perform a touch and go “to roll the tires” on a beach in Old Harbor, Alaska. He reported that he touched down, added power, and became airborne. Shortly after becoming airborne the Piper PA-18-150 rotated 90° to the right, and the left wing hit the ground. The airplane […]