Another day, another tax. Mr. McCollom’s idea of fixing the FAA’s operating capital deficit (A simple fix, May 5 issue) could be equated to the comedian Gallagher’s approach to slicing and dicing fruits and vegetables with the Sledge-O-Matic. In other words, we have a problem, let’s just tax everybody (some more) and see if it […]
Glenn Curtis’ contribution unsurpassed
I would have to say that a very critical milestone comes from a man whose name is not a household name, nor has he ever really had the popularity or notoriety that was bestowed upon the Wright brothers, yet his contribution to aviation has been unsurpassed by any other (What are the 20 most critical […]
Scott Crossfield: A true gentleman
After reading several articles about the tragic death of Scott Crossfield (including yours in the May 5 issue), I feel the need to say something about the man I am proud to call my friend. Scotty and I were introduced about 12 years ago by a mutual friend and have since become good friends. We […]
Rules for flight
Some common wisdom that’s good to revisit now and then: 1. Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory. 2. If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger […]
Tribute dinner shines light on GA’s humanitarian efforts
WASHINGTON, DC — A tribute dinner was held at a hotel just two blocks from the Capitol where legislators are wrestling over FAA budgets, user fees and other issues of aviation. Dinners here are as numerous as fleas on a mangy dog. But this one showed what aviation means to the nation by honoring just […]
Why is it better to put a diesel engine on a GA aircraft?
QUESTION: What is the state of art and the development of diesel engines for GA? Why is it better to put a diesel engine on a GA aircraft than a conventional one? Alex Rougier Turin, Italy ANSWER: This is a frequently asked question, always popping up at the big shows, like Arlington and Oshkosh. I […]
Grounded: What’s the proper way to ground during refueling?
We ground an aircraft during the refueling process to ensure that the plane and the refueling apparatus are at the same electrical potential and to dissipate the electrical charge that is generated by the fuel transfer process.
Inexperienced pilot’s flight over mountains ends tragically
The pilot’s inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering.
New Cessna 172 Buyer’s Guide available
The Cessna Pilots Association has added the Cessna 172 to its popular series of model-specific Buyer’s Guides, joining the already existing Cessna 182 and Cessna 210 Buyer’s Guides. These guides are for individuals considering buying an aircraft in the months ahead. The “Cessna 172 Buyer’s Guide” will help you decide if this is the right […]