Meg Godlewski’s piece on the Symphony 160 was an interesting read (Symphony 160: The next generation trainer, July 7 issue) and I noted with interest that the company is one that has at last recognized that many of us Americans are now a little (little?) broader in the beam. An almost mandatory requirement for two […]
One rogue pilot could kill VFR flight
I think VFR flight is worth saving and will fight to protect it (To build a fire…to save our airspace, July 21 issue). I am a member of several alphabet organizations that are leading the fight. As much as I want to protect it, however, we must realize that it will take only one rogue […]
Positive news for a change
Chetek Municipal-Southworth Airport (Y23) in Wisconsin had its first annual fly-in Aug. 6. What my partner Tim Knutson and I wanted to accomplish was to show the residents of the Chetek area how general aviation, flying and airports benefit a community. We also wanted to promote the airport and flying and have some fun, along […]
What’s in a name?
Some airplanes borrow their names from legendary heroes in Greek mythology, such as Hercules or Titan. The Xenos, a kit manufactured by Sonex Aircraft, is not one of them, although the name makes you wonder. Xenos is the male version of Xena who, at least on television and in the realm of sci-fi and fantasy […]
Pre Fun!
After finally deciding on where to build the Fury, the folks at LoPresti Speed Mods have a lot to celebrate — and they can in this prototype, which says it all. The Fury, designed by the late Roy LoPresti, whose motto was “Life is short. Fly fast,” is a high-performance airplane that can carry two […]
The FAA scorecard: How’s it going?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — During the dog days of August Congress is away and it’s a good time to take a look at some of the subjects not usually considered for news reports — for instance, the FAA’s scorecard. The FAA rates itself in a “”how are we doing” report matched to the goals it sets. […]
Why are some Lycoming engines built without oil filters?
My friend and I were discussing why many Lycoming engines were built without oil filters, just oil screens. He guessed it was because in the beginning they just didn’t have oil filter technology, and once certified, the engine design is hard to change, so they just stayed that way for a long time. My conjecture […]
Do you need a pre-oiler?
Reader Edward Zeigler has some questions about pre-oilers. “”We see statements like “”70% of engine wear happens on start up.? So will a $3,000 pre-oiler pay for itself, and is it worth carrying around the extra weight of the system? Are there any scientific test results comparing engines with and without pre-oilers? And do the […]
Flight over friend’s riverside home ends tragically
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent and collision with the water.