In a letter in the May 20 issue, Jason Blair writes about his problems in obtaining insurance to teach sport pilots in a Champ. I have had exactly the same experience he has with insurance. Although I have never had an accident, and I have given over 4,700 hours of dual instruction (nearly half of […]
More tolerance for human foibles needed
In the June 3, 2005, issue, both Dave Sclair (Lost pilots hurt us all, Page 14) and Charles Spence (How did two Cessna 150 pilots cause worldwide hysteria?, Page 11) apparently don’t know that a Cessna 150 is a single pilot aircraft. Although a “student pilot” was also aboard the aircraft that violated the ADIZ […]
A different view
Dave Sclair’s editorial concerning the Cessna 150 violation of the DC ADIZ (Lost pilots hurt us all, June 3 issue) implies that the pilot is a real criminal and should be punished to the maximum. AOPA claims that this thinking has been the popular response they have received also. Well, I have a different view. I […]
TSA’s plan to reopen Reagan National blasted
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is trying to match the wants of general aviation, politicians and businesses with its responsibility to maintain a high level of security for the nation’s capital, but is getting heat from all sides. Prompted by TSA’s plan to open Washington’s Reagan National Airport to general aviation, the […]
Seeking information on an O-320 powered Cessna 150
QUESTION: I’m thinking of purchasing a C150 with an 0-320 engine, serial number 4800-027. It may be a D2J. Do you have any knowledge of the history of this engine and its serviceability? Or, could you direct me to another source of information? Arthur Dodd Jacksonville, Fla. ANSWER: From the engine serial number you provided, […]
Should I buy a Canadian engine on eBay for my 152?
QUESTION: I have a chance to buy an engine on eBay that is a good deal for me. I have a Cessna 152 with a Lycoming O-235-L2C and am looking for a replacement. Problem is, the eBay engine was overhauled in Canada for installation in a Canadian experiment aircraft. It’s zero time since a major […]
Make your engine last longer with additives! Increase your mileage 50%!
I’ve received a number of comments concerning the use of additives in the fuel or oil of aircraft. They range from “”I’ve seen #2 diesel fuel gel at cold temperatures even with an additive”” to “”I’ve added such and such an additive to my oil and now I get over 50% better mileage and my […]
Legend Mama Bird Johnson honored
“To Mama Bird, With Love” was the title of a tribute to Evelyn Bryan Johnson when more than 400 people got together in May to honor the 95-year-old aviatrix. Johnson became “Mama Bird” early in her career as a flight instructor. Her students — now more than 9,000 and counting — called her that because […]
Ten fat years a’coming?
Forecast International issued an optimistic prediction about general aviation, particularly its business jet segment, last month. The Newtown, Conn., market analysis firm believes that 10,900 business jets, worth some $141 billion, will be built — and sold — in the decade between now and 2014. Specifically named in its report are Cessna, Bombardier and Eclipse, […]