Reader Jeffrey A. Hughes asks our engines expert: What is the advantage to doing a high compression conversion to a Lycoming O-320 (from 150 hp to 160 hp)? I suppose the obvious answer is 10 more horsepower, but my natural inclination, given the name “high compression,” would be improved fuel economy. Are there other advantages?
Free education program blasts off
EAA’s free AeroEducate program, designed to introduce youth to the many career paths in aviation, is poised for growth in 2023.
FAA gives nod to Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The FAA requires pilots wait 48 hours after getting the single-dose vaccine before flying to account for potential side effects.
King Airs get even cooler
An electrically driven air conditioning system will soon be a standard feature on all new Beechcraft King Air 360s.
Airplanes vs. helicopters
The improvement I am hoping this report will bring is more vigilance on behalf of the tower controllers at KFCM, as well as all the flight instructors and students. Even in a tower-controlled environment, operational errors are present with the saturation of flight training that occurs at this airport.
Picture of the Day: Surf’s up!
Jeremy Lezin submitted this photo and note: “A morning landing on a secluded beach with a Carbon Cub. What could be better?”
Questions from the Cockpit: Right vs. Left
Galen, one of our pilot readers, writes: Hello, I have always wondered why the left magneto is to the right on the keyswitch, and the right magneto is to the left.
Registration for Air Race Classic 2023 opens Jan. 3
The planned route includes stops in Mankato, Minnesota, Ottumwa, Iowa, Kearney, Nebraska, Herington, Kansas, Ponca City, Oklahoma, Sulphur Springs, Texas, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Pell City, Alabama, Cross City, Florida, and end in Miami, Florida.
Aviation insurance company acquires Wings Agency
Wings Agency, which has two locations in New Jersey, has been acquired by Schrager Hampson Aviation Insurance Group.