The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel quantity, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a subsequent total loss of engine power, and an off-airport landing.
Picture of the Day: Reflective Cessna
Matthew Baker submitted this photo and note: “After a very rainy day in Bartow, Florida, I caught this amazing reflection with standing water against the sunset.”
Avoiding self-induced emergencies
While we might like to believe we’re on top of things and fully competent, the truth is well over half of all general aviation accidents are caused by pilot-related issues. Nearly 70%. Which invites the question: Are we really aware of the risks we face?
Aromatics may be cause of valve seat recession after using unleaded fuel
Testing by Lycoming Engines has “demonstrated that, under certain conditions, use of UL94 may impact valve seat recession.”
New video updates what’s going on with Van’s Aircraft
In a video posted to YouTube April 12, 2024, Clyde Hamstreet, whose firm, Hamstreet & Associates, works with companies in distress, gave an update on the reorganization of Van’s Aircraft during it bankruptcy.
King Schools releases new private pilot course
“This new course ensures that student pilots show up prepared for each flight lesson…and showing up prepared means less time required in the airplane to master each maneuver, saving time and money,” said King Schools CEO and Co-Owner Barry Knuttila.
Near miss blamed on faulty transponder
I was in a left turn, looking off my left wing, when I noticed a shadow above me. I immediately rolled out of my turn, seeing the jet in front of me. I was shaken up, because I had no visual of the traffic, until after their passage.
Picture of the Day: Take me back to the 1950s
David Baldwin submitted this photo and note: “I turned the corner at Birchwood Airport (PABV) in Alaska, and was struck with this sight. It immediately felt like it was taking me back to the 1950s, with the still-working Ford fuel truck and aircraft.”
Questions from the Cockpit: Fake weight
Becky, a student pilot in Florida, writes: I’m fully caffeinated and working my way through Chapter 10 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge to get my head around this weight and balance stuff. I just encountered “standard weights.” The good book says that standard weights are “established weights” and “should be used if actual weights are not available.” Then the first thing on the list is gasoline at 6 pounds per gallon. Huh? How can the weight of gas be a mystery? It weighs what it weighs…right?