I was quite surprised by how much the door impacted the controllability of the airplane. While the door being partially open should not in itself be an emergency, the controllability issue created the potential for a loss of separation in the high density traffic area.
Picture of the Day: A true member of the family
Carl Hicks submitted this photo and note: “Our 1957 C180A at Pierce County/Thun Field (KPLU) in Washington. She has PPONK, MTV-9 3 bladed prop, titanium gear, Sportsman STOL, flat extended baggage, Micro Aerodynamics vortex generators, Stene Quasar wig-wags, Selkirk interior throughout, Mountain Wave nets, 10-inch locking tailwheel. Lightweight, identifies as a helicopter. Criss-crossed the U.S. at least 25 times and the greatest joy are backcountry strips in the Pacific Northwest.”
Celebrating SUN ‘n FUN’s golden anniversary
The night air shows on Wednesday and Saturday nights put the party in the 50th-year celebration of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.
Safety alert issued for aluminum propellers
The new Safety Alert from the NTSB notes that aluminum propeller blades can be susceptible to fatigue cracking and fracture if a small nick, pit, or corrosion on the surface or edge is not found and repaired during preflight inspection or maintenance.
Naval Air Station Pasco control tower placed on state heritage register
The Washington State Department of Archeology & Historic Preservation has placed the Naval Air Station Pasco Control Tower & Hangar on the Washington State Heritage Register.
Tickets on sale now for Reno Air Show
A final decision on the new home for the National Championship Air Races is expected to be announced in late April 2024.
Pilot seriously injured during off-airport landing
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?