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, […]
A gathering of bombers at Oshkosh
Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, a unique reunion of World War II bombers will gather for this year’s AirVenture, July 25 through 31. Five B-17s and several B-25s will be featured, joined by the only airworthy B-24 and B-29 in the world. Neither has been at Oshkosh within the […]
Curtis Pitts dies
If the Pitts Special was the standard by which aerobatic biplanes were judged for more than half a century, Curtis Pitts was the inspiration behind much of today’s sport aviation. Tom Poberezny, president of the Experimental Aircraft Association, has given Pitts a lot of the credit for inspiring him, his father, Paul, and the very […]
CAF PT-26 in Georgia crash
A Commemorative Air Force World War II trainer, a Fairchild PT-26 Cornell, struck a tree and crashed at Peach State Airport near Williamson, Ga., June 16. The crash killed the pilot, James Ford of Marietta, Ga., and passenger Robert Lang, also of Marietta. Ford and Lang both were CAF members. Ford was a retired Delta […]