I recently had a 43-year-old diabetic pilot in my office for a Third Class Medical. My examination of the airman was unremarkable. His urinalysis was negative for sugar. He was slightly obese. Reports were provided stating he had no hypoglycemic reactions and no ophthalmological, neurological or nephrology problems. His A1C blood test, a measure of […]
Shark attack: Marking airplanes with a shark mouth used by both sides during both World Wars
By PETER M. BOWERS. Since the start of World War I, one of the most popular “extra” markings on military aircraft (aside from the standardized nationality and unit markings) has been the application of a mouth (sometimes a whole face) with very prominent painted-on teeth. This was supposed to represent a face or mouth for […]
Viva Italia! Vulcanair set to take off in the U.S.
You may have seen it when it arrived on these shores back in the early 1970s. Then again, maybe not, other than as a picture in a trade journal. After all, to date there are only 70 examples registered in America. Strange, because it has beautiful lines, respectable performance, twin engine reliability, is certified for […]
Two die when plane crashes in dense fog
These July 2003 Accident Reports are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, they are intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Cessna 172. Location: Paris, Ark. Injuries: 2 Fatal. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: A witness who lived on a farm next to the […]
Embry-Riddle expands its TeachSpace Program
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and NASA are expanding the popular TeachSpace Workshops for teachers. High school teachers selected for the program are given the tools and techniques to make math and science more appealing by using space flight and exploration materials in the classroom. The five-year TeachSpace initiative was launched in 2004 with workshops at Embry-Riddle’s […]
New Titan engine parts available from ECi
Engine Components Inc. has added new parts to its Titan product line. The parts include FAA-PMA replacement parts for Lycoming and Continental engines. ECi has received a PMA to manufacture a connecting rod, which can be used as a direct replacement for the Lycoming 320 series engines. ECi also has started producing an oil transfer […]
Control Vision upgrades Anywhere Map
Want to check the price of fuel from 5,000 feet? You can with Control Vision’s System 1.7 for its Anywhere Map. Version 1.7 features airport facilities, radio frequencies, enhanced weather, and even fuel prices, all accessible while airborne. Finger-actuated buttons deliver the information. The unit also provides information to help with situational awareness such as […]
Jeppesen’s new lightning maps help you avoid thunderstorms
Jeppesen recently began adding lightning maps to its full lineup of weather products. The U.S. Precision Lightning Network provides the lightning data. The technology allows the detection of lightning within clouds as well as cloud-to-ground lightning. Jeppesen offers USPLN lightning data as separate maps that are updated every 10-15 minutes, as well as lightning data […]
Bird be gone
Birds and airplanes do not mix. Pest birds create many problems, including dangerous, unsightly and unhealthy conditions, as well as money spent for repairs and cleaning. You can dissuade the birds from hanging around your airport with Spikes Needle Strips from Bird-X. The strips are designed to keep birds from their usual roosting places, such […]