Most GA pilots are against them, as well as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association and a host of other alphabet groups. But did you know that air traffic controllers also are against user fees? The controllers’ union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), even went so far as to […]
What’s in a name?
One of the greatest obstacles in getting the word to the non-flying masses about LSA is using language that the aviation-challenged understand. For example, the term “weight shift controlled” probably means nothing to these people, and the term trike evokes a different mode of transportation altogether. “The term ‘trike’ makes people think of motorcycles,” said […]
Sport Pilot and LSA take off — slowly
The Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rule was finalized in September 2004 and by April 2005 the first aircraft were starting to be certified in the United States. Since then, the industry has certified no less than 36 new airplanes. But if you broach the topic of Sport Pilot/LSA with a group of wanna-be sport pilots, […]
Ethanol: It’s misunderstood
I just read Mr. Visser’s article about ethanol and airplanes (Ethanol and airplanes: A good mix? May 19 issue). I agree that ethanol blended gas may not be the best choice for aircraft use. However, as an ex-farmer and now an aircraft mechanic, I have a slight argument about the general use of ethanol blended […]
‘Prove it’ should be our call to Washington
Your article in GANews (Prove it! May 19 issue) was exactly what I always thought in regard to the politically correct way of disseminating information in today’s society. In college, I was required to take a class called “critical thinking” and found it very good as a tool in using caution in putting any stock […]
Thanks!
I wanted to take a minute to say thanks for the fine article you wrote for PilotShareTheRide.com (A new way to share an airplane — or at least a ride, May 19 issue). GANews has been very helpful to me this past year and I do greatly appreciate it. It has boosted my membership quite […]
The rest of the story
I am writing not as Mr. Clow’s attorney, but as a friend and admirer of Mr. Oliver Boyd Clow (“Boyd”). I would like correct an impression the article, Save a private airport: Pilots can make a difference, April 21 issue, left in the minds of some readers that Clow International Airport (IC5) was developed by […]
The one with the most toys wins
If big boy toys like airplanes, sports memorabilia and classic cars make your pulse quicken, you may want to be in Lubbock, Texas, July 15 when Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers auction off the assets of Jonathan D. “Jody” Nelson. Nelson pled guilty in April to embezzling more than $77 million from his employer. As he’s awaiting […]
A different kind of flying
What is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s name doing on a dragster? The jet-powered vehicle, which races at National Hot Rod Association events around the country, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in less than a second and reaches a top speed of 270 mph. So it’s no wonder it attracts attention wherever it goes, whether it’s […]