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.
Should you use fuel that’s been stored for years? A lawyer would say no. What does our expert say?
I received a note from Gerd Wengler who flies a Turbo Skylane with a Lycoming TIO-540 engine. He and his wife plan to fly up to the Arctic this summer and were concerned about the fuel supply. I received a note from Gerd Wengler who flies a Turbo Skylane with a Lycoming TIO-540 engine. He […]
January 2005 Accident Reports
The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain, the low ceiling weather conditions, and dark night conditions.
Brakes get FAA nod
Aviation Products Systems, Inc. has received FAA-PMA approval for 31 new AVPRO “BlackSteel” Brake Discs. The new FAA approvals are for popular models like the Cessna 300 and 400 series, Piper Cheyenne, Twin Commander 500 and 600 series, Mitsubishi MU2 series, Air Tractor, Aerostar, Raytheon Beech King Air Series and 18 series, and deHavilland DH6. […]
ECi offers free service publication notifications
Engine Components, Inc. (ECi) now offers new and updated Service Publications, including Service Instructions, Bulletins and Alerts, as a free service to aircraft owners who subscribe online. The new service is an e-mail distribution known as the Service Publication eList. Individuals interested in joining the elist can sign up to receive the free email by […]