Martin Scorsese appears to have been bitten by the aviation bug. Following “The Aviator,” last year’s biopic on Howard Hughes which garnered 11 Academy Awards, Scorsese is planning to make a documentary about Airbus. The filmmaker will co-direct a feature documentary about the European company, which recently unveiled the huge A380 aircraft. His directing partner […]
What’s a billion here or there?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — If you live the average life span, from the moment you are born until your death your heart will beat a little more than 2 billion times. Many years ago when I worked for a newspaper, I drew a caricature of one of the columnists. He liked it and used it to […]
What causes engines to develop less-than-rated power?
QUESTION: I just read your article on the history of the 0-320-H2AD engine (What engines should I avoid, Dec. 24, 2004, issue). I have had three Skyhawks with the later engine (two 1977s and one 1979) and have had no problems with TBO — all went well past 2,000 hours. My question is about power. […]
What’s the best way to prevent rust during storage?
Judging by the number of questions I receive in the mail and at air shows, the No. 1 lubricant related question is: “”What is the best thing to do to prevent rust and corrosion during prolonged storage or during very low usage times?”” Judging by the number of questions I receive in the mail and […]
Curtiss Hawk
By PETER M. BOWERS. The Curtiss Hawk line of fighters for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and export was one of the best-known single-seat biplanes in the years between the two world wars and is still a favorite with model builders. The many configuration changes that the Hawk displayed over its very long — for […]
Rush to get airborne leaves five dead
These June 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: Beech Bonanza. Location: Los Angeles. Injuries: 5 Fatal, 7 Serious. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The pilot had approximately 1,100 hours of experience, […]
Aloft Technologies introduces new lightweight headset
Aloft Technologies has introduced a technologically advanced, lightweight aviation headset, weighing only 1.5 ounces. The Clarity Aloft Headset provides patented self-molding ear tips to achieve superior sound clarity and comfort, while providing 35-45 decibels of passive noise reduction, according to Aloft Technologies officials. “A distinct feature of the Clarity Aloft pilot headset is the patented […]
Protectors make charts easier to use
Quick Release Chart Protectors not only protect approach plates from damage, they also make them easier to use. Engineered specifically for the cockpit, the Chart Protectors are a plastic sleeve with specially designed reinforced slits so a pilot can simply remove or replace the approach plate without having to open the binder rings. The Quick […]
Lincoln Electric catalog available now
Lincoln Electric has created an easier way to select a welding machine with its 2005 Product Catalog. Recommended options are specified on the same page so that a customer can easily identify the accessories to consider for a particular power source. At the back of the guide, an “Optional Features” section contains photographs and descriptions […]