The FAA has issued an Information for Operators (InFo) that advises pilots who use noise-canceling headsets of the potential for missing audible alarms and other sounds. While the InFo is intended for commercial operations, the warning is just as important for GA pilots. It notes that noise-canceling headsets use a combination of padding and electronic […]
The Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“An average of two accidents a week is not a record to be proud of, nor one easily explainable to an insurance company or the FAA.” — the 2006 Nall Report on the number of accidents caused by fuel mismanagement. “This law is unnecessary, discriminatory, anti-business and ineffective — and it violates the U.S. Constitution.” […]
“Paul Rever’s hose”: Charlie Lawrance and his engine that changed aviation
It is probable that you’ve never heard of Charles Lanier Lawrance, and that’s a shame. You know a lot about Wilbur and Orville Wright, of course, and you’re beginning to know about Charles Taylor, who was their mechanic and engine builder, and thus the world’s first A&P. You know somewhat less about Glenn Curtiss than […]
WHERE’S THE ADDED VALUE?
This is the first column feedback for any publication I have ever sent but I just had to. I believe Clint Adkins hit the nail on the head (Where are the expert answers? Ask Paul, Dec. 1, 2006). From the first copy of GANews I ever received I wondered what law school did this guy […]
Thanks for the review
Many thanks for the review of my book in the Dec. 15 issue (Anne Morrow Lindbergh: First Lady of the Air). I found it informative and insightful, and appreciate your comments. An avid reader of the above and other aviation magazines, I enjoy your articles and look forward to your future bylines. I hope to […]
Ethanol warning
In your Dec. 1 issue Thomas Norton had a brief article, “FAA warns ‘mogas’ users about ethanol.” I was glad to see an article informing readers about the growing usage of ethanol in auto fuel and how it will violate the STC allowing its use. However, Mr. Norton was in error when he stated that […]
Bill Lear and surplus WWII aircraft-what’s the connection?
Finding the real story behind a specific work of art often can be as satisfying as a good mystery thriller, especially when seemingly unrelated events leads one to the image being depicted. I don’t remember exactly how it happened, but there I was talking on the phone to William P. Lear Jr. During the conversation […]
The ‘other’ flying brothers
The Wright brothers acknowledged the contributions of Otto Lilienthal (right) and his glider experiments in helping them achieve the first powered flight. Rarely do history books recognize that much of Lilienthal’s work was done with the aid of his brother, Gustav. In the 1860s the Lilienthal brothers endured jibes from their contemporaries as they experimented […]
What’s the big deal?
Some of the witnesses to the Wright brothers’ first successful powered flight didn’t understand why the brothers were so excited by the event, noting they had traveled much farther than 120 feet in gliders. It took a bit of time to explain that the Dec. 17, 1903, flight was the first time an aircraft had […]