In my last column, I described two of the most important factors in getting to full TBO with your aircraft engine: Getting the oil temperature up to around 180°F and using your plane frequently. I recently read an article on oil change intervals in another publication. The author went on and on about what a mistake […]
GA raises concerns over proposal to privatize ATC
A proposal to privatize the FAA’s Air Traffic Control services is being met with strong opposition by general aviation advocacy groups. The proposal, part of the Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4441) was approved Feb. 11 by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a vote of 32 to 26. Besides reauthorizing the […]
Video: Head-to-head comparison of inflight cameras
Our friends at The HD Pilot recently uploaded this video, explaining: “Up until now, all of our HD Pilot videos have been made with a GoPro camera. But recently, we were given the opportunity to evaluate a Drift Ghost-S HD camera and compare it with the top of the line GoPro 4 Black.”
Free app automates pilot squawks
Eagle Cap Software has introduced The Squawk App, which tracks pilot squawks and current aircraft time on iOS devices. The free app will soon be available for Android devices as well.“I’m a typical pilot — I admit I’ve jotted down squawks and recorded my aircraft time on random slips of paper, which I inevitably misplaced just when I […]
KDWH completes two-year improvement program
HOUSTON, Texas — David Wayne Hooks Airport (DWH), Northwest Houston’s principal business and general aviation airport, has completed a two year capital improvement program valued at more than $1 million. Improvements include resurfacing of the primary 7,009-foot runway, which has a weight capacity of 85,000 pounds, and grading and repaving several taxiways. Other enhancements include enlarging […]
New features for TBM 900 unveiled
The 2016 version of Daher’s TBM 900, unveiled at this week’s Singapore Airshow, incorporates improvements to enhance flight envelope protection, improve warning identification and facilitate flight planning. These enhancements were introduced with Garmin’s new software release for the G1000 V15 avionics suite — which is the TBM 900’s all-glass cockpit configuration, company officials noted. Enhancements include: […]
Stripped spark plug hole starts fatal chain of events
The Sonex had just departed the airport in Wellington, Fla. One witness reported that during the initial climb the engine “sputtered,” and another reported that it “backfired.” The pilot made a steep turn back toward the airport, but the airplane stalled and spiraled to the ground. The pilot died in the crash. The plane was […]
Picture of the day: What’s with all the fences?
David Nuss sent in this photo, taken at Youngstown Warren Regional Airport last May. “I got the feeling that my Taylorcraft BC-12D1 was asking ‘what is all of this fencing for?’ when sitting on the ramp,” he commented.
Tip: Fly it or sell it
Herb Harney of Jenison, Michigan submits this pilot tip: “The best method of keeping your airplane and engine in top shape…fly it! At least weekly, raise the oil temperature to 185° or max that you can. Your engines will love you for it. If you don’t fly it, then sell it.”