Let me say right up front that I thank and applaud Cessna for its decision to bring the SkyCatcher to market. But I, too, was a little saddened to hear that Cessna will be building the C-162 SkyCatcher in China (SkyCatcher’s ‘Made in China’ label upsets some pilots, Jan. 11 issue). Not that I have […]
WE CAN’T EXPECT THE FAA TO BE OUR KEEPERS
This letter is a response to your article “Is a computer required equipment to fly?” in the Jan. 11 issue, and Lieutenant Colonel Burdon L. Davidson USAF (ret.), and his inability to locate pertinent information in keeping his aircraft in compliance with the Airworthiness Directives issued by the FAA. As an A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) […]
Become a World War II ace — at least on your Wii
Roll, loop, dodge and shoot like a World War II ace with the new “WWII Aces” game for the Nintendo Wii system. Fly alone or with a friend via split-screen co-op as you join the ranks of the Royal Air Force, Soviet Air Force or Luftwaffe and pilot 12 authentic airplanes, including the Spitfire, Mosquito […]
50 years and counting…
Philip Carrell sold his first airplane 50 years ago. It was a 1947 Stinson 108. Since then he has sold more than 500 airplanes, some for as much as $8 million, to customers as far away as Australia, Brazil and the Czech Republic. Late last month Carrell celebrated his 50th anniversary as a salesman for […]
Politics put FAA’s top spot in limbo
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nowhere is it more evident that politics rules government than what is going on with the inaction on presidential nominees. Robert Sturgell was nominated last October to be FAA administrator, but the Senate hasn’t held even one confirmation hearing. His is one of at least 75 nominations held up in the Senate. […]
Engine exhaust creates unsafe condition for Colt owner
My Piper Colt has a strong odor of engine exhaust in the cockpit. The mechanic says he is sure the muffler is good, and turning off the heater does not change the amount of odor. Looking at the floor board, directly below the seats, I can see a lot of daylight. There’s an upholstery cover […]
Liability raises its ugly head once again
I recently received a number of notes from people who asked the same two questions: Could aircraft engine manufacturers build engines that operate safely on autogas and autogas containing ethanol and, if so, why don’t they? I recently received a number of notes from people who asked the same two questions: Could aircraft engine manufacturers […]
January 2006 accident reports
The aircraft’s encounter with a deer during landing
The Flying Farmer’s last show
Charlie Kulp flew his amazing aerobatic comedy routine one last time Oct. 28. The much-admired air show pilot, known far and wide as the Flying Farmer, drew a record crowd to the Flying Circus Aerodrome near Warrenton, Virginia, on a blustery day that concluded with special presentations to Kulp by representatives of the FAA and […]