There’s a lot of excitement at the local unit of the Commemorative Air Force. After almost two years of hard work, its C-53 Skytrooper is about ready to fly and start touring airshows. “”A C-53! What’s that?”” some of you may ask. At the beginning of World War II, commercial DC-1s, DC-2s and DC-3s were […]
Build your own airplane — from a Coke can
One of the classic crafts you will see at an air show or fly-in is a model airplane built from a beverage can. You may think to yourself, “I wonder if I could do that?” Those of you who would like to try it can get plans and even a detailed instructional video, for a […]
Summertime… and lawmakers are busy before they head home
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This time of year, as Congress looks to the next fiscal year and hurries to get off to its summer “”district work”” period (aka vacation), a variety of events occur. Some move swiftly along the path to enactment, others might get changed along the way, some never make it. Here are just […]
What is the maximum oil temp for this engine?
QUESTION: I have a 1968 Mooney-F with an IO-360-A1A. The oil cooler was relocated to the J model position with an STC and the cowl openings have been changed to the J-model size. I have sustained oil temperatures of 206°-210° when leaned to 100° rich of peak and will reach 215°-220° if leaned to 75° […]
Are there synthetic oils available for aircraft engines?
Today’s question comes from Verd Erickson, who asked “”Are there any synthetic oils available for aircraft engines?”” His letter was actually sent to Paul McBride, GAN’s engines expert, but ended up with me. Today’s question comes from Verd Erickson, who asked “”Are there any synthetic oils available for aircraft engines?”” His letter was actually sent […]
The Navy’s Curtiss Hawks
By PETER M. BOWERS. The first Curtiss Hawks for the U.S. Navy were nine F6C-1s, direct equivalents of the Army P-1s, and were delivered late in 1925. The designation meant a fighter model (F), the sixth ordered from Curtiss. The –1 identified the initial configuration. These were used mostly by the U.S. Marines from shore […]
German Precision: Remos G-3 is a top LSA entry
When the FAA awarded the first two Special Light Sport Aircraft Airworthiness Certificates at Sun ‘n Fun 2005, many — who had been waiting years — found cause for celebration. The award of the first two certificates to Evektor’s SportStar and Flight Design’s CT signaled the beginning of a very interesting race. One design competing […]
New Viasala Ceilometer CL31 for cloud height detection debuts
The Vaisala Ceilometer CL31 is a compact and lightweight instrument for the measurement of cloud base height and vertical visibility. It is able to detect up to three cloud layers simultaneously. The CL31 employs pulse diode laser (LIDAR) technology. Measurement range is from zero to 25,000 feet. The CL31 uses second-generation enhanced single lens technology, […]
Ranger Jet Center expands at ISM
Ranger Jet Center, at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) in Florida, is adding state-of-the-art corporate hangar facilities and an executive terminal. Ranger Jet Center is working to meet the increasing demand for aircraft storage in Central Florida with the addition of seven facilities comprising 166,000 square feet of hangar and office space. The hangars, which feature […]