One of the reasons pilots go to EAA AirVenture each year is to see the latest innovations. This month, Sonex Aircraft, LLC and AeroConversions Products will debut a new research and development initiative to explore viable alternative energies for powering sport aircraft. Details about the E-Flight Initiative will be unveiled during the week-long show, along […]
Clean up with IFR — the soap, that is
Aviation companies will try all sorts of things to get people to visit their booths at trade shows. One of the more popular methods is the give-away. Pens, stickers and candy are popular. One of the more unusual giveaways comes from Mountain High Oxygen based in Redmond, Ore. One of the edicts of the company […]
the buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“Local airfields are hubs of economic activity and bring millions of dollars annually to rural communities and allow small businesses, and the jobs they create, to stay in those areas. We believe that Congress should work to find ways to support and strengthen the small business economy of rural America through aviation, not unfairly tax […]
Why do we call an ace and ace?: It was all a mistake in translation
Have you ever wondered why the more successful fighter pilots are called aces? It’s an odd story, which begins with a popular Frenchman of pre-World War I vintage. Roland Garros was a Parisian bon vivant who became entranced by flying in 1909, after seeing Alberto Santos-Dumont skimming madly among the city’s chimney pots aboard a […]
FLABOB ON LOOKOUT FOR ROTATING BEACON
I was glad to see your story in the June 22 issue about the salvation of the historic Avenger Field rotating beacon by the good people at Lee Bottom Field (WASP airport beacon saved from dumpster). If anyone knows of another no-longer-needed rotating beacon, Flabob Airport in Riverside, Calif., is looking for one. We have an […]
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME?
First let me say how thoroughly I enjoy your magazine. With a 71-year affiliation with a general aviation company, among many other endeavors, my personal underlying efforts have been to foster among the general public a better understanding of general aviation and how it differs from “aerial mass transit,” i.e., scheduled airlines. There are some 12,000 plus airports in the nation, […]
140 OWNERS NEED HELP FIGHTING FAA
Please consider this problem: Someone losing a medical who has flown his 140 for more than 30 years and is an excellent pilot. As an organization we were hoping for an approval as a Light Sport Aircraft and had already received that when the FAA reneged. The EAA and the AOPA have not helped us […]
THE PBY CATALINA GETS HIS VOTE
My vote for the greatest aircraft ever is for one not nominated: The versatile Consolidated PBY “Catalina” flying boat. The tool, the servant, the magic carpet, the seven league boat. A graceful form expressing its function. In service from the tropics to the arctic, on land and sea. Performing key roles in war and peace […]
Oil consumption not normail for a new engine
Just picked up the June 8 issue and saw your answer to Mr. Blanchette in the Ask Paul column (What is normal oil consumption?). While you are technically correct that a quart in four hours is not out of limits, it’s not normal for a new engine. In our case, we had new ECi brand […]