“I wouldn’t be surprised if that other Meigs Field was named after some kin.” — Houston pilot Doug Meigs, who is developing a new airpark in Texas called Meigs Field Airport. “Aviation is a great motivational hook to teach kids all kinds of things.” — Lyn Freeman, founder, Build A Plane, which gives donated planes […]
Waht’s your motivation?
What’s your motivation when it comes to flying? Do you fly because it’s something you enjoy? Do you fly because you are building your hours to get a better paying job? If you have a career in aviation, the answer to both of those questions is probably yes. When you lose that motivation it is […]
Fair is fair
I am writing to express my concern over overt actions of Washington State’s Spokane International Airport Board and staff in negotiations with Spokane Airways regarding lease terms. In describing these actions, vendetta is perhaps too strong a word, but that is what comes to mind after perceiving (for better than a year) that the airport […]
LEAVE OPINION OUT OF ACCIDENT REPORTS
In the Dec. 15, 2006, issue in the Accident Reports the headline reads “Contaminated fuel contributes to crash that kills two.” After reading the full narrative of the probable cause I found no reference in the report to suggest that “fuel contamination” was the cause for the tragedy. Your report also stated “there was speculation […]
Dwindling numbers
Ten years ago, the number of U.S. pilots totaled 639,184. By the end of last year, the figure had dropped to 609,737, according to figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Though those numbers are declining, a higher percentage of pilots is seeking commercial flying careers. The number of Airline Transport Pilot licenses grew from […]
It doesn’t have to work
Toward the end of the 19th century the United States Patent Office was inundated with designs for so-called flying machines. The Patent Office accepted the designs, and issued patents without questioning whether the designs worked. Most of the designs were never built and those that did make it off the drawing board very rarely got […]
The incredible expanding airplane manuals
Do you still have your 1980s-era Walkman? It looks pretty big compared to an iPod, doesn’t it? While personal stereo technology has gotten smaller over the years, owners manuals for aircraft have grown — some have even tripled in size. For example, a 1971 owners manual for a Cessna 172 Skyhawk measures less than a […]
Senators push TSA to ramp up GA security: ‘More robust plan’may be on the way
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Some members of Congress want general aviation to undergo the same security checks as airline passengers — and the head of the Transportation Security Administration told senators that TSA is “”looking at steps”” to improve its general aviation tactics, and added that “”a more robust plan”” is on the way. At a […]
EGT: What’s normal
If you notice a sudden change compared to what you’ve experienced, then a chat with your maintenance technician might be in order.