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 […]
ATC: Are we headed for a meltdown?
WASHINGTON. —The FAA has spent more than $43 billion on the air traffic control (ATC) system over the past 25 years and plans to spend an additional $9.6 billion through fiscal year 2009 — and the system “”is not much different from that used in the 1960s,”” Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) said recently when opening […]
Why is my engine so hard to start?
QUESTION: I have a 1979 Cessna 152 II with a Lycoming 110 hp engine. I have a hard time starting it in all weather conditions with any combination of prime, from zero to four primes. Many times it will not start, draining the battery. How can I resolve this problem? Joe Ragon Okeechobee, Fla. ANSWER: […]